Trade
![The MEPs who actually matter](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17/meps-2024_feat01.png)
The MEPs who actually matter
Here are 11 EU lawmakers to keep your eye on in the new term.
![Slovakia proposes ‘technical solution’ to unblock Russian oil supplies](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/27/GettyImages-1399162835.jpg)
Slovakia proposes ‘technical solution’ to unblock Russian oil supplies
![A £2M Brexit border post has performed just two checks](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=360,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/26/KASTOR_IMO-_9390094_cargo_ship_Poole_harbour_wharf_May_2019-scaled.jpg)
A £2M Brexit border post has performed just two checks
![The EU says it wants food security. It really wants exports.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/25/GettyImages-2162144791-scaled.jpg)
The EU says it wants food security. It really wants exports.
![Germany wants a Brexit mega deal](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/25/starmer-scholz-scaled.jpg)
Germany wants a Brexit mega deal
![Macron meets Musk, world’s top executives amid political turmoil and Olympics](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/25/GettyImages-1255019186-1.jpg)
Macron meets Musk, world’s top executives amid political turmoil and Olympics
![‘Blood minerals’: EU accused of fueling conflict with Rwanda deal](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/25/GettyImages-2154760865-scaled.jpg)
‘Blood minerals’: EU accused of fueling conflict with Rwanda deal
Who will be the next European commissioners?
What we know so far about Ursula von der Leyen’s next top team.
Cyprus eyes chance to run EU Mediterranean policy
Ursula von der Leyen plans a new EU commissioner for the Mediterranean Sea region.
Rampant sanctions busting is overwhelming EU front-line states, Latvia says
“There’s a serious problem” with enforcement of wartime bans, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže tells POLITICO.
EU ‘ready’ to negotiate as Hungary-Ukraine oil row boils over
The European Commission also said it doesn’t see any ‘immediate’ oil supply risks after Ukraine partially banned Russian oil exports to Europe.
Hungary demands EU action against Ukraine as Russian oil spat escalates
Budapest argues it’s facing an energy crunch after Kyiv imposed a partial ban on Moscow’s oil transiting the country.
Hungary facing fuel crisis as Ukraine turns up heat on Russian oil supplies
Sky-high prices and electricity shortages could hit Hungarians within “weeks” after Kyiv imposed a partial ban on Russian oil passing through its territory.
Berlin inks lithium deal with Belgrade despite environmental concerns
The agreement would benefit carmakers like Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, but is deeply unpopular in the country.
‘Drill, baby, drill’: America’s fossil fuel boom risks bust in Europe
Both Trump and Biden are pushing lucrative U.S. fossil fuel deals — a risky bet given the EU’s plans to wean itself off the energy source.
Polish company under investigation for supplying parts used in Iranian killer drones
The company sold tractor parts that investigators say may have been repurposed for drones.
Von der Leyen is in! Let the fighting over the next European Commission begin.
EU leaders will fight back against “too powerful” von der Leyen as she assembles her team.
ECB leaves rates unchanged, keeps door open to September cut
Lagarde shrugs off sticky inflation but takes a gloomier view of the economy.
UK ‘nowhere near’ renegotiating trade deal with EU, says David Lammy
The British foreign secretary’s comments come as leaders descend on Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire for a meeting of the European Political Community.
It’s Christmas in July (for Commissioners)! Von der Leyen hands out policy gifts ahead of key vote.
Ursula von der Leyen presents herself as a beacon of stability to secure another five years at the head of the EU’s executive.
Keir Starmer’s Brexit reboot
Thursday’s European leaders’ summit in Oxfordshire is a well-timed opportunity for the new UK prime minister to reset relations.
Germany isolated as EU countries tilt toward duties on Chinese EVs
Ten countries voted in favor, four against and 11 abstained in non-binding vote, diplomats say.
How Alexander Lukashenko’s tyranny ends
As the Belarusian dictator marks three decades in power, his enabling of Russia’s war in Ukraine and reliance on Kremlin money make him vulnerable, say regime insiders.
Germany’s Scholz set for rare meeting with Serbia’s isolated Vučić to finalize lithium deal
European Commission to also attend signature in Belgrade on Friday
French government resigns, ushering in indefinite transition period
The Attal administration will now serve as a caretaker government until a new prime minister is appointed.
EU opens new front with China over car chips
Officials are concerned subsidized Chinese firms are going after the bloc’s champions.
The never-ending job of depriving Putin of the means to kill Ukrainians
Vietnam and Malaysia are the next destinations on EU envoy David O’Sullivan’s mission to stop Russia from beating EU sanctions.
Fake parts for Russia’s stolen airliners
Western sanctions are blocking Russia’s access to key spare parts, so it’s making its own.
Ukraine seizes cargo ship, alleging grain shipments via Crimea
The vessel under flag of Cameroon is suspected of visiting Sevastopol in November 2023 and May of this year.
Germany goes soft on China, dragging out Huawei ban until 2029
Berlin’s Western partners will be pleased it is cutting ties with the Chinese 5G equipment maker, even if the terms of the deal suggest a capitulation.
Post-Brexit security pact with EU ‘will complement’ NATO, Starmer says
The new U.K. PM is seeking to recalibrate Britain’s relationship with Europe.