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POLITICO Confidential
By KATE DAY
Dear readers,
Have you lifted your jaw off the floor yet? Monday’s revelation by Atlantic Editor in Chief Jeffrey Goldberg, who was accidentally added to a group chat in which U.S. national-security leaders shared details of upcoming military strikes in Yemen, was, to use an excellent Briticism, a marmalade dropper.
Aside from the astonishing details — there for us all to see in the messages — the exchange revealed just how little key members of the Trump administration think of Europe. The aftermath, which has gripped Washington like no other story this year, exposes plenty about decision-making in the White House, as brilliantly reported by DC colleagues Rachael Bade and Dasha Burns.
Of course there’s more to news than Trump, if you can tear your eyes away. There’s an excellent selection to tempt you below — brace for power struggles, bitching, alleged corruption and stockpiling.
Wishing you all a restful weekend. I will enjoy the glorious blossom which has miraculously spread along our street — while waiting patiently for one of you to accidentally add me to a group chat.
Best wishes,
Kate Day
**A message from eBay: At eBay, we create economic opportunity for all, championing the needs of small businesses, fostering innovation and empowering our consumers. With the EU’s support, we aim to enable a future of e-commerce where businesses of all sizes can thrive, advancing a fairer, more competitive circular economy.**
EDITOR’S CHOICE
The House of Le Pen: France’s political immortals
Founder of France’s largest far-right party, Jean-Marie Le Pen, is dead and his daughter Marine Le Pen on Monday faces the possibility of a verdict in an embezzlement trial that could shatter her dreams of the French presidency. But the Le Pens has never been a clan ready to accept collapse. Read the story.
Kaja Kallas is ‘acting like a prime minister,’ critics of EU’s top diplomat say
This story holds up a microscope to the sourpusses dealing with the new top EU diplomat, who actually wants to say something (and do something!) about Russia. The old vanguard is not thrilled, to say the least. Read the story.
Belgian prosecutors probe whether Huawei paid for letter signed by 8 MEPs
We revealed key judicial documents that brought together crucial details of what’s at the heart of the Belgian investigation into alleged corruption benefiting China’s tech crown jewel Huawei in Brussels. Read the story.
How ‘France First’ doomed a nuclear CEO
Our energy team put together a top notch inside-the-room reportage on the demise of Luc Rémont after his surprise ouster for frustrating Emmanuel Macron’s dreams of leveraging France’s nuclear fleet for its strategic autonomy push. Amazingly rapid joint effort that served both our Pro and free audience really well, in both French and English. Read the story.
Threat of war and disease means Europeans need 3 days’ supplies, Commission to warn
We scooped a European Commission strategy on preparedness plus an interview with Vice President Roxana Mînzatu, revealing advice to us all about how to brace for the next crisis. Read the story.
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UK considers pulling the plug on £180M Brexit trade system
Another big border scoop, revealing that U.K. ministers are considering pulling the plug on a £180 million Brexit trade system. The government had promised the scheme would deliver the “world’s most effective border,” but after years of delays and setbacks it could now be abandoned altogether. Read the story.
Southern Europe rebuffs von der Leyen’s debt-based defense plan
Resistance, led by France, Italy and Spain, marks a significant setback to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s drive to boost Europe’s military autonomy. Read the story.
YOUR WEEKEND PLAYLIST
EU Confidential: Erdoğan, not Trump, is Europe’s new best friend on security
Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul’s mayor and the main political rival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been arrested. So what is Europe doing about it? Staying pretty quiet, it seems. Mass protests are breaking out across Turkey but Brussels is keeping its counsel.
In this episode Sarah Wheaton speaks with Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution and a former journalist in Turkey, about what’s really driving Erdoğan’s shift toward authoritarianism. Listen to the episode.
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Westminster Insider: War and Peace in Europe
With Ukraine and Russia in the throes of attempting to negotiate a ceasefire, Westminster Insider Host Sascha O’Sullivan talks to some of the leading figures on the frontline of the war in Russia.
She speaks to Finnish Minister for Nordic Co-Operation Anders Adlercreutz, who told her Finland has never stopped buying tanks and building bomb shelters, for fear of a Russian invasion, and builds resilience at every level through initiatives like media literacy to protect from ‘hybrid threats’ such as misinformation. Listen to the episode.
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Power Play: Germany’s next leader could be a ‘loose cannon.’ Is that good news for Europe?
Germany entered a new political era this week as the Bundestag met for the first time since last month’s pivotal general election. Does the country’s leader-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, have what it takes to reassure a fractious nation worrying about its fading status as an economic giant and lead Germany toward smoother transatlantic relations? Some question whether he has the political skillset to provide firm leadership. Listen to the episode.
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DECLASSIFIED
Read this week’s Declassified column.
CAPTION COMPETITION
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“You better pray that I don’t quit NATO, Ursula.”
Can you do better? Email us at [email protected] or get in touch on X @POLITICOEurope.
Last week we gave you this photo:
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Thanks for all the entries. Here’s the best from our postbag — there’s no prize except for the gift of laughter, which I think we can all agree is far more valuable than cash or booze.
“And I was so certain we would get Greenland …”
by Gregor Pozniak
**A message from eBay: eBay has always been about creating economic opportunity for all. We emphasize our commitment to a fair and open digital marketplace, where small businesses are the backbone of Europe’s economy. Through cross-border trade, innovation, and collaboration, we ensure these small businesses thrive in an evolving landscape.From initiatives like our Authenticity Guarantee programme to our Certilogo Product Passport technology, we’re making e-commerce more trusted and more transparent. We also empower the circular economy, aligning with Europe’s goals for a more sustainable market.By fostering dialogue between businesses and regulators, we help shape policies that promote market access while reducing barriers for entrepreneurs. At eBay, we believe in an innovative, responsible, and inclusive digital future - one where every business, big or small can succeed.**
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