The hottest EU Politics Substack posts right now

The EU weakened its industrial competitiveness by replacing cheap Russian pipeline gas with much more expensive LNG, and some of that LNG still came from Russia.
Brussels plans a phased ban on Russian pipeline gas and LNG by 2027, but that policy risks sharp price and supply shocks during the transition.
The war that shut down Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG exports has tightened global gas supplies and will hit the EU hardest, raising the danger of a repeat 2021-style energy crisis and deeper deindustrialization.

The EU is trying to copy the American idea of a nation of immigrants, but it lacks the key ingredients that made that work in the US — things like open land, an assimilationist culture, strong economic freedom, and a small welfare state.
Many of Europe’s recent immigrants come from regions with long-standing cultural and historical conflicts with Europe, which fuels deep social tensions and makes integration harder; some leaders are now looking to Indian immigration as a possible fix.
Indian migrants often show low crime and high economic and educational outcomes, likely due to selection and class background, but relying on this pattern is risky because Europe doesn’t have the same conditions that helped the US absorb large immigrant flows and diversity hasn’t erased underlying conflicts.

Ursula von der Leyen showed strong leadership in a recent speech, criticizing Hungary's leader directly. This marks a shift from her earlier deferential style.
The EU needs a bold leader who can challenge national leaders and push for collective progress. Having a president who can be a 'bully' might help the EU gain strength on the global stage.
There's uncertainty if this new assertiveness is permanent or just a one-time event. It's still unclear if von der Leyen will continue to act independently now that she's secured her position.

The U.S. imposed visa bans on several European figures involved in enforcing online hate-speech rules and the EU’s Digital Services Act, framing the moves as retaliation against digital censorship.
European leaders angrily condemned the bans and hinted at retaliatory steps, but these measures are largely symbolic and risk creating a cycle of mutual victimhood that sustains the dispute rather than resolving it.
To really pressure these organisations would require tougher economic steps like cutting funding or freezing assets, but removing a few NGOs wouldn’t end broader online censorship because the legal and political system enabling it runs much deeper.

A long-term, research-driven fight against the far right shows that effective organizing centers on listening to and following the lead of people directly affected.
Poland successfully blocked an authoritarian shift, but the right-wing populist party that pushed it remains active and could try to return to power.
The new government made institutional gains like freeing public media and unlocking EU funds, but investigations stalled, accountability was limited, and promised social reforms failed, leaving many supporters disillusioned.

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EU farmers are protesting against environmental targets and regulations they find burdensome.
European Commission is making short-term concessions to farmers but may struggle to meet long-term emission reduction goals.
Protests by farmers show that high-visibility tactics can be effective in influencing policy decisions.

Market sentiments can change unexpectedly, so be cautious when adjusting strategies.
Political situations in the USA, UK, Russia-Ukraine, and France are complex and evolving.
Germany's political landscape and NATO's future are influenced by various internal and external factors.

The US is changing its approach to global health by focusing on direct government-to-government aid rather than working through organizations like the WHO, which could impact health initiatives worldwide.
Europe is facing economic challenges that make it hard for the EU to lead in global health efforts, even as they push for more leadership in light of US policy changes.
There's a sense of resignation among European leaders as they realize the US is stepping back from global health commitments, leaving them to figure out how to cope with the situation.