Mobility
Brussels Zaventem Airport closed after drone spotted in airspace
The sighting diverted incoming fights to Liège and halted all departing flights.
EU Parliament lawmakers vote to sue Commission over withdrawn patent bill
Putin wants Russia to muscle in on rare earths race
What if Trump’s tariffs are illegal? It’s everybody’s problem.
Czech populist Babiš sets sights on EU green rules
US accused of threatening EU diplomats during bid to kill green shipping rules
China’s pause on rare earth export controls extends to EU
Lithuania suspends air traffic over capital due to balloons
It marks the sixth time this month that Vilnius has had to halt air traffic over what senior EU officials described as a “hybrid threat.”
Eurostar wars: Virgin on track for cross-Channel trains
Eurostar’s 30-year monopoly could be coming to an end.
Nexperia theft claims spark ‘deep concern’ from British MPs
Senior lawmakers told POLITICO that the accusations represented a danger to British industry and demand closer attention.
The EU wants to escape China’s grip on critical minerals. Can it afford to?
Ursula von der Leyen has announced an action plan to secure supplies, but without serious money it risks becoming a relabeling exercise.
Italian court rejects Sicily bridge project
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni slams the ruling as “an act of overreach.”
Robotaxis will hit European streets in near future, Uber CEO says
Switzerland, Germany and others are open to self-driving car technology, Dara Khosrowshahi claims.
Slovakia adopts speed limit for pedestrians
Power walking will soon be illegal in Slovakia as law changes to prevent sidewalk accidents.
Italy’s Matteo Salvini has a bridge to sell you
Once a northern separatist, the League leader is betting his legacy on uniting Italy.
Ombudsman probes Commission over red-tape-cutting chats with industry
The watchdog is examining a complaint that the executive has been “evasive” about its meetings with lobbyists.
EU eyes final signing of Mercosur deal before Christmas
Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen would jet into Brazil to ink the long-awaited accord on Dec. 20 — as long as EU capitals give the green light.
Balloon-smuggling warrants new Belarus sanctions, Lithuania urges EU
Repeated incursions, some relating to “hybrid war,” should be met with trade restrictions, tariffs and air defense investments, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys tells POLITICO.
Poland arrests 2 Ukrainians for spying on military
Polish authorities have linked previous espionage and sabotage incidents directly to Russia or its close ally Belarus.
Europe lost its drive for humane animal transport. Denmark hasn’t.
Europe’s animal welfare overhaul is on life support. Denmark’s farm minister thinks he can still revive it — one compromise at a time.
China and EU to talk raw materials next week
Rare earths and magnets are on the agenda.
Leaders vent worries but refrain from blowing up the EU’s green agenda
In the words of one diplomat: “Classic balance, everyone equally unhappy.”
Russian aircraft cross into Lithuanian airspace as Brussels debates defense
A Russian fighter and a refueler crossed the EU’s external border Thursday night as the bloc’s leaders discussed their defense plans.
Netherlands-China chip war terrifies European car industry
Automakers worry they’re in for a repeat of pandemic-era chip shortages after Dutch seizure of Nexperia.
China tightens its rare earth choke hold on Europe
Despite the EU’s efforts to diversify its supply of critical minerals, Beijing’s skillfully crafted dominance gives it immense geopolitical leverage.
Slovakia lifts veto on latest Russia sanctions
The decision comes on the eve of a crucial meeting of European leaders that will seek to stress the EU’s support for Ukraine.
Helium balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes shut down Lithuania’s main airport
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė points the finger at Belarus over airspace incident.
The EU’s new peace offering to Trump: A bonfire of its business rules.
Ursula von der Leyen is selling simplification like a Kinder Egg — sweet on the outside for European business, with a surprise inside for the U.S. president.
Trump’s anti-climate crusade crashes EU’s COP30 preparations
A Greek veto prevents the EU from reendorsing a global carbon price on shipping in its position for next month’s climate summit.
Chinese minister to visit Brussels amid raw materials crunch
China and the EU will “intensify contacts at all levels,” says trade chief Maroš Šefčovič.