The hottest European Union Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Diane Francis β€’ 839 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 24
  1. Viktor OrbΓ‘n is now leading the EU for six months, but he's got a close relationship with Russia, making him an outsider in European politics.
  2. OrbΓ‘n suggested a ceasefire in Ukraine, but his request doesn't align with EU policies and seems irrational given the past invasions.
  3. He's faced criticism for undermining EU values and institutions, raising concerns about the potential impacts on Europe during his presidency.
Gulf Stream Blues β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 10 Oct 24
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Irina Slav on energy β€’ 1729 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
  1. The European Union needs to act fast on climate policy to avoid a right-wing shift in upcoming elections.
  2. People in Europe are starting to question the promises and impacts of the energy transition.
  3. The current EU leadership's approach to the energy transition is facing growing resistance, especially due to its impact on cost of living and quality of life.
Striking 13 β€’ 1577 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 23
  1. The European Union navigated complex political challenges with a mix of negotiation and compromise, showcasing the effectiveness of careful diplomacy over populism.
  2. The European Union's core principle of uniting economies to prevent war is facing challenges from rising populism, border control issues, and shifts in global trade dynamics.
  3. The recent events surrounding Ukraine's EU membership aspirations highlight the importance of the European Union's approach to politics, emphasizing peace, compromise, and true freedom.
Chartbook β€’ 2174 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jan 24
  1. The Eurozone faced its first profound crisis triggered by Europe's banks, not public debt, during the North Atlantic credit boom.
  2. The financial crisis revealed institutional deficits in the Eurozone, showing the deep connection between state and business interests.
  3. Despite efforts at recovery, European banks still struggle to match the profitability and success of their American counterparts, raising concerns about the future of banking in the Eurozone.
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Foreign Exchanges β€’ 569 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
  1. On February 7, 1992, the Maastricht Treaty was signed by 12 European Community member states, deepening European integration and contributing to the formation of the European Union.
  2. In Israel-Palestine, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas's ceasefire proposal and expressed the intention to continue military actions until achieving 'absolute victory'.
  3. On February 7, 1497, Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola conducted the notorious 'Bonfire of the Vanities' in Florence, burning thousands of luxury items, including books.
THE FREEDOM BLOG β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
  1. President von der Leyen emphasizes the need for businesses and governments to collaborate in addressing the risks of misinformation and disinformation.
  2. The fight against misinformation should consider that it comes from various sources and political biases, not just easily identified malicious actors.
  3. Caution should be exercised in handing over internet regulation to a political elite, as it may lead to power grabs disguised as cooperation.
Inside-Out, political commentary from Philip Stephens β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 13 Apr 23
  1. Emmanuel Macron's foreign policy grandstanding reflects a British approach.
  2. France and Britain have historically tried to 'punch above their weight' in global affairs.
  3. Macron's stance on Europe's strategic autonomy and relations with the US and China has caused controversy.
Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 28 Sep 23
  1. Europe's animal welfare reforms are at risk of being abandoned by the EU.
  2. Influential farm lobby groups and free traders are major factors in the potential abandonment.
  3. Advocates are mobilizing to push the European Commission to uphold its commitments and continue pursuing animal welfare reforms.
Unmasking Russia β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. Tikkurila and AkzoNobel did not reduce their business in Russia, despite public statements
  2. Tikkurila continues to operate in Russia, importing foreign components and participating in local events
  3. AkzoNobel still sells paints in Russia and faces sanctions risks for receiving sanctioned components
Inside-Out, political commentary from Philip Stephens β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 12 Mar 23
  1. The anti-European agenda is a major driving force behind Britain's proposed immigration law.
  2. The immigration legislation in Britain serves to appeal to certain voters and create divisions for electoral gain.
  3. There are significant implications for Britain's relationship with the European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Fisted by Foucault β€’ 333 implied HN points β€’ 24 Feb 24
  1. Israel's existence sparks heated debates and conflicts globally, especially regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  2. USA faces a dilemma in prioritizing support for Ukraine against Russia or focusing on countering China in East Asia.
  3. European farmers are protesting against EU policies that may affect their livelihoods, revealing a disconnect between elites and the people.
Diane Francis β€’ 1019 implied HN points β€’ 12 Sep 22
  1. Ukraine is gaining ground against Russia, but it's important not to rush to conclusions about a quick victory. Support from the U.S. and Europe has helped Ukraine push back Russian forces.
  2. The European Union is more united than ever, strongly supporting Ukraine and working to cut off dependence on Russian energy. They're also planning a major reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.
  3. Putin's focus is shifting towards Asia, but that's not helping Russia's situation. Many countries and even Russian communities in other nations are not supporting his actions in Ukraine.
Fight to Repair β€’ 138 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
  1. EU has agreed on new repair laws requiring manufacturers to repair common household products and provide repair information to consumers.
  2. The new repair laws also allow consumers to borrow a device while theirs is being fixed and offer refurbished units as alternatives.
  3. Advocates are pushing for more expansive legislation beyond the new repair rules to increase repair accessibility and spare parts availability.
Geopolitical Economy Report β€’ 338 implied HN points β€’ 26 Nov 22
  1. Germany is preparing for a potential war with Russia by boosting its military budget and planning to become the world's third-biggest military spender.
  2. The re-militarization of Germany involves bipartisan support, with both the current government and opposition contributing to a €100 billion 'special defense fund.'
  3. Germany has increased its military presence in NATO, deploying troops in Lithuania and participating in military exercises, aligning with the escalating tensions in the proxy war with Russia.
eugyppius: a plague chronicle β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
  1. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calls for nationwide protests to defend democracy against the consequences of his own policies
  2. Approval ratings for the German government have fallen to all-time lows due to misrule and failure
  3. Anti-government protests erupted across Germany in response to dissatisfaction with the current leadership
Surfing the Future β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
  1. EU Systems Transformation Hub launched to find systemic solutions for systemic crises in Europe.
  2. The Hub involves five organizations like Metabolic, EIT Climate-KIC, and the Club of Rome, with an open invite for more to join.
  3. The Hub focuses on mapping EU progress on Sustainable Development Goals, crafting progressive narratives for policymakers, and consulting with stakeholders.
Diane Francis β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jun 22
  1. Europe is facing serious problems with energy, food, and cost of living due to the war in Ukraine. Countries like France, Germany, and Italy are realizing they must work together to support Ukraine and their citizens.
  2. Rising prices and energy shortages are causing anger among voters across Europe. These issues are becoming important topics in upcoming elections and are making it harder for leaders to govern.
  3. To solve their problems, European countries need to find alternative energy sources and help Ukraine more. It's crucial for them to increase military support to fight back against Russian aggression.
Good Computer β€’ 37 HN points β€’ 18 Mar 24
  1. The EU AI Act aims to protect individuals' rights and ensure safe AI use, setting a risk-based framework for regulation.
  2. The act defines AI broadly to be future-proof, with specific categories for varying levels of risk: Unacceptable, High, Low, and Minimal Risk.
  3. Generative AI like ChatGPT is carefully regulated in the act, aligning with the existing General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to safeguard privacy and data.
Phillips’s Newsletter β€’ 96 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
  1. European states need to prepare for potential security challenges without relying on the US.
  2. The European Union should take on more responsibility for European security, including integrating Ukraine and UK, and removing non-democratic states.
  3. Immediate steps are needed to support Ukraine in the war, requiring quick and decisive action from European states.
eugyppius: a plague chronicle β€’ 74 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
  1. International Health Regulations were first adopted in 1969 and have been amended due to events like the SARS outbreak in 2005.
  2. Member states have proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic.
  3. Notable sources behind the proposed amendments include developing countries seeking aid, the US, EU, and Indonesia advocating for specific measures like vaccine passports.
Europe in Space β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 23
  1. Europe adopted a secure communications initiative called IRIS2 with overwhelming support.
  2. The project aims to develop a secure European communications constellation with 170 low Earth orbit satellites and a budget of €2.4 billion.
  3. The initiative faces challenges like tight timelines for satellite development and launch capacity constraints, especially with the Ariane 6 rocket.
Japan Economy Watch β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 10 Mar 22
  1. Ukraine's desire to join the European Union led to Putin's aggression and military actions.
  2. EU membership offers economic benefits like trade and foreign direct investment, leading to growth and modernization.
  3. The shift towards the EU in trade and foreign investment is helping Ukraine move away from Russian influence and progress towards a more prosperous and independent future.
Surfing the Future β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
  1. Farmers protesting against certain aspects of the EU Green Deal are not comparable to historical peasant revolts.
  2. Many of these protesting farmers benefit from significant subsidies and are entrenched in unsustainable agricultural practices.
  3. Farmers resisting change in agriculture are delaying the necessary shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly system.
Euro Desk Paris β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 23
  1. The European Union faces challenges in maintaining peace and unity amidst conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
  2. Leaders in Europe may need to address the issue of refugees and develop a strategy for peace during the holiday season.
  3. Criticisms towards the Euro and EU leadership suggest a need for open debate and potential changes to current structures.
Unpopular Front β€’ 60 implied HN points β€’ 14 May 23
  1. The author reflects on the process of restoring German citizenship and the emotional journey it took them on.
  2. Learning about a relative who was killed in Auschwitz led to a deeper connection with family history and an appreciation for the importance of antifascist politics.
  3. Becoming a citizen of the European Union symbolizes a rejection of Nazi laws, a reconnection with European roots, and a commitment to the cosmopolitan project of the EU.
Semiecosystem β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 29 Jun 24
  1. European Union boosts semiconductor industry with new chip pilot lines led by CEA-Leti and Imec to drive R&D and explore advanced technologies.
  2. European Chips Act aims to strengthen EU's semiconductor ecosystem with a $47 billion program and increase Europe's share of semiconductors from 8% in 2021 to 20% by 2030.
  3. Initiatives like these are crucial due to the global importance of semiconductors in various products, the geopolitical vulnerabilities in current chip production regions, and past disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ill-Defined Space β€’ 28 implied HN points β€’ 04 May 23
  1. The European Union may use private space companies like SpaceX to launch new generation of Galileo satellites due to delays with Ariane 6.
  2. Delays in Ariane 6 and limited alternatives highlight the need for Europe to diversify its launch options to avoid dependency on a single rocket provider.
  3. Failure to deploy Galileo satellites on time could result in significant revenue loss for Europe, emphasizing the importance of timely and reliable launch systems.
Japan Economy Watch β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 16 Mar 22
  1. Ukraine is seeking to distance itself from Russia for economic reasons, particularly to align with the European Union for prosperity.
  2. The difference between countries that join the EU and those that don't is a key factor influencing Ukraine's desire to break away from Russia.
  3. To understand Ukraine's situation and its desire to join the EU, one can explore content such as the Toyo Keizai publication conveying the reasons behind the country's decisions.