Governments, elections, EU geopolitics
The US president has expressed interest in hosting a future FIFA World Cup without its North American neighbours, while reports emerge of a potential US-China co-hosting proposal.
The European Commission President has turned down an invitation to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, leaving the EU without high-level institutional representation at one of the world’s most watched sporting events.
Andy Burnham is reportedly positioning himself for a sustained national campaign ahead of Britain’s next general election, expected no later than 2029, as internal Labour debates over policy direction intensify.
The Health Secretary is among a clutch of senior Labour figures reportedly being considered for the Ministry of Defence brief, should Andy Burnham succeed in a future leadership contest.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have pledged to accelerate progress on EU priorities, framing their urgency as an economic imperative even as France’s political future remains uncertain.
A senior MEP and chair of the European Parliament’s China delegation argues that Brussels holds significant trade leverage over Beijing and that China’s economic model is more fragile than it appears.
Fresh exchanges between Washington and Tehran have pushed the Gulf standoff to a critical juncture, forcing European capitals to reassess their role as mediators in an increasingly volatile confrontation.
Jared Kushner outlined a new US vision for Gaza aid distribution to EU ministers in Brussels, proposing a break from UN-led mechanisms in a closed-door meeting that signals Washington’s intent to reshape post-conflict reconstruction frameworks.
The French and German leaders have pledged joint action on defence, industry and technology, but questions persist over whether their commitments will outlast the next French presidential contest.
The European Parliament’s 719 lawmakers are departing for their summer recess, but political negotiations are already under way ahead of a significant midterm leadership reshuffle scheduled for when the institution reconvenes on 31 August.