EU.XL Can the EU make cross-border train travel as simple as a flight? The European Commission has presented its plan to allow passengers to book multi-operator rail journeys with a single ticket, a single contract, and unified passenger rights. How can the EU simplify rail travel? Watch the video. 27/05/2026
The Cube Fact-check: 'Claqueurs' not paid to back Merkel at European Parliament Some MEPs and online users claimed that guests who attended and applauded former German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a ceremony at the European Parliament were staged attendees. They weren’t. 22/05/2026
Europe News EU's largest party threatens to sanction MEP for appearing with far right The European People’s Party is considering sanctions against its MEP Branko Grims after he took part in an event alongside far-right lawmakers. “It is the most normal thing,” he told Euronews, pointing to growing alignment on migration issues among right-wing political forces. 21/05/2026
EU.XL The EU simplified its toughest AI law: what changed and why it matters EU lawmakers have agreed to simplify the bloc’s landmark AI Act. Supporters call it a pragmatic fix to cut red tape, while critics see a concession to Big Tech. What is changing and what could it mean for businesses and citizens? 21/05/2026
The Ring More money for the military in Europe - to do what? Is higher defense spending in Europe a strategic investment or a random act to please Donald Trump? That's this week's topic of The Ring featuring MEPs Marc Botenga and Lukas Mandl as opponents. 20/05/2026
Europe Today Newsletter: Breakthrough on EU-US trade deal Also in this newsletter: UK Minister of State for Trade, Chris Bryant, tells Europe Today the UK and EU are inching closer to a deal on steel, and we break down why the EU's envoy for talks with Russia could be the job from hell. 20/05/2026
EU.XL The EU simplifies the AI Act and bans ‘nudifier’ apps The EU is simplifying its landmark AI Act until 2027 while fast-tracking a ban on ‘nudifier’ apps after fake explicit images of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni circulated online. Watch the video! 20/05/2026
Europe News EU Order of Merit celebrates the same old memories and few fresh faces The European Order of Merit conferral ceremony came off as a celebration of the past with little hope for the future. Merkel was among those awarded. 19/05/2026
Europe Today 'A perfect storm,' foresees MEP if EU-US trade deal not completed European People Party MEP Željana Zovko warned that US “ideological fights” and EU “complex process procedures” could inhibit an EU-US deal from being reached at tonight’s high stakes talks in Strasbourg. Zovko also admitted she is “not so confident this morning”. 19/05/2026
Europe Today Newsletter: Europe braces for a more hostile economic order Also in this newsletter: NATO military chiefs meet in Brussels amid concerns over weapons shortages. 19/05/2026
EU.XL How the EU plans to ban non-consensual ‘nudifier apps’ The European Parliament and Council outlaw “nudifier apps”. Starting 2 December, the ban targets companies developing AI systems for sexual deepfakes and users creating false intimate content of real people without consent. 19/05/2026
Europe News EU honours Merkel as her legacy remains deeply divisive The former German chancellor receives the new European Order of Merit this week. Yet, her policies are facing fresh scrutiny amid global instability and a changing world order. 18/05/2026
Europe News High noon for EU-US trade deal in Strasbourg EU governments and the European Parliament are set to discuss the implementation of the EU-US trade deal again, amid threats of higher tariffs from Trump. As the clock is ticking, this could be the last chance to finalize it before the 4 July deadline. 18/05/2026
Europe Today Newsletter: Brexit thrust to centre of UK's Labour leadership showdown Also in this newsletter: Spanish conservatives win Andalusia regional elections but will likely rely on far-right to govern, in a vote seen as litmus test of Spain's wider politics. 18/05/2026
EU.XL Could the EU’s next budget shrink civil society and NGOs? The European Commission says its next long-term budget will strengthen democratic values. Civil society groups warn it could instead quietly weaken NGOs by removing protected funding and shifting control to national governments. 15/05/2026
EU.XL Why the EU needs to rethink its budget to match its priorities Experts warn that the EU’s next long-term budget needs “fundamental rethinking” and offers little real new spending power as Europe faces growing demands on defence, climate, and Ukraine. 14/05/2026