EUROPE: Managing the pandemic – what we are watching
This updated weekly piece provides snapshots of how selected European governments are dealing with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. United Kingdom – The seven-day averag… Become a member to read the rest of this article […]
GERMANY: What to watch on and beyond election night
Ahead of the 26 September Bundestag elections, the overall polling picture remains unchanged. At around 25%, the Social Democrats (SPD) of Finance Minister Olaf Scholz continue to lead ahead of Armin Laschet’s Christian alliance (CDU/CSU) – even if the latter seems to have climbe… Become a member to read the rest of this article
EU: Aukus – yet another driver for “strategic autonomy”?
The EU’s Australia trade deal might well turn out to be the first victim of the ongoing submarine crisis, even if Australian and French government officials suggest that talks are still ongoing for now. However, skeptical reactions from non-French members of the European Parliame… Become a member to read the rest of this article
RUSSIA: Implications of United Russia’s expected victory
The State Duma election resulted in a widely anticipated victory of the ruling United Russia (UR) party, which is on track to retain a constitutional two- thirds majority in the 450-seat lower chamber of parliament. However, the vote cannot be considered as free and fair, while U… Become a member to read the rest […]
EUROPE: Managing the pandemic – what we are watching
This updated weekly piece provides snapshots of how selected European governments are dealing with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. Graph of the week Italy – Earlier this… Become a member to read the rest of […]
EUROPE: CEE PULSE
Two popular caretaker ministers could attract a significant share of protest votes in Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections scheduled for 14 November. In Croatia, a small right-wing party will attempt to initiate a referendum on the country’s potential entry into the eurozone at the… Become a member to read the rest of this article
UK: Electoral politics driving supply chain disruptions
The UK has once more extended the grace periods for border checks in the Irish Sea – this time, however, accepted by the EU. While this will mean more time for both sides to find solutions, hopes for a renegotiation of the Northern Ireland protocol remain unrealistic. As discusse… Become a member to read […]
ROMANIA: Political outlook hinges on PNL leader elections
The upcoming leader election in the ruling National Liberal Party (PNL) on 25 September is both the cause and a key to the resolution of the ongoing government crisis. If Prime Minister Florin Citu wins the leadership contest, a PNL-led minority government would become the most l… Become a member to read the rest […]
GERMANY: Two risks to a Scholz chancellorship
Yesterday’s (12 September) main debate of the three chancellor candidates was watched by more than 10mn people and produced few surprises. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz from the Social Democrats (SPD) won the debate in the eyes of 41% the viewers surveyed afterwards, followed by C… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
UK: Government wins on social care in parliament but loses in opinion polls
PM Boris Johnson this week managed to get parliamentary approval for a package to tackle Covid healthcare backlogs and improve social care funding. GBP 12bn annually in extra taxation will be raised via a 1.25 percentage point increase in national insurance contributions (… Become a member to read the rest of this article