US-Greece strategic cooperation deepening
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is preparing to expand its investment footprint in Greece, signaling a deepening of bilateral cooperation in energy, infrastructure and maritime sectors. The American state development bank, which finances private projects with economic, developmental and geostrategic goals, has become a key instrument for Washington in balancing Russian and Chinese influence in regions of strategic importance – a list that now prominently includes Greece.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1285901/us-greece-strategic-cooperation-deepening
Mitsotakis meets new US ambassador, highlights energy and investment ties
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met on Wednesday with Kimberly Guilfoyle, the new US ambassador to Greece, at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, highlighting the historically strong bilateral ties and potential for further cooperation.
Zelenskyy to visit Athens in November for talks with Greek PM
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Athens in November to meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Foreign Ministry said.
Partnership of Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) attracts global attention
The Partnership of Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) that will take place on Thursday and Friday in Athens, with the participation of 4 ministers of the Trump administration, representatives of 25 European countries and high-ranking executives of multinational and Greek energy companies, is attracting international interest.
ATHEX: CCHBC keeps index in the black
The bourse equivalent of a “photo finish” was required on Wednesday to determine whether buyers had edged out sellers at Athinon Avenue, and they did by one of the smallest of margins. After a mixed session with plenty of volatility that saw the benchmark swing from red to black and back into the red, the end result was largely determined by Coca-Cola HBC, which went against the decline of banks stocks and kept the main index in the black upon closing.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1285886/athex-cchbc-keeps-index-in-the-black
KATHIMERINI: USA state fund is investing in Greece
TA NEA: Exclusive interview with EU Agriculture Commissioner Hansen: “The action plan is not linked to subsidy payments”
EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: I love NY
RIZOSPASTIS: Everybody join the struggle against the policy commercializing healthcare
KONTRA NEWS: The government trembles before society’s rage
DIMOKRATIA: The PM’s office started a vendetta with the ruling party’s MPs
NAFTEMPORIKI: Fast track implementation of the new labor law
DRIVING THE DAY: THE MULTIPLE-MAJORITY PARLIAMENT
COMING TO TERMS WITH POLITICAL REALITY: After the 2024 EU election, many in Brussels insisted the political center had held. That wishful thinking is all but gone in the European Parliament’s hallways.
No longer taboo: The existence of two working majorities — one centrist (EPP, S&D, Renew) and one right-wing (EPP plus conservatives and far-right groups) — is now openly acknowledged. Few MEPs pretend otherwise, and even leadership figures publicly accept this reality.
How it works: Over the past year, the EPP has learned to make the most of the Parliament’s new arithmetic — pushing files through either by quietly securing support from the far right (while denying any formal coordination) or by using that potential alliance as leverage to make centrists fold.
The smoking gun: That takes us to the latest development with the omnibus — a package put forward by the Commission to slash environmental red tape for businesses. The center right put forward its own amendments, which haven’t been negotiated with any other groups but are crafted to appeal to parts of the right, the far right and even bits of Renew — thus sidelining Socialists and Greens. Full details on that here.
Socialists swallowing it: The S&D, once quick to rage at EPP flirtation with the far right, has quietly adapted. Instead of fighting every move, it now picks its moments — flexing when it really counts, as in the case of the EU’s long-term budget, where they teamed up with the center and center left to challenge the Commission’s proposal.
Metsola’s role: Some have started linking this shift to another major one: Parliament President Roberta Metsola opening the door to alternative majorities (including on the right) at last month’s EU summit to pass the simplification agenda. Her supporters say she’s just representing the institution — and any majority that it forms. Critics say she’s getting ready for a third term supported by far-right groups.
The Metsola-Costa ticket: There’s speculation that connects these two dots. Socialists are ready to back Metsola for another term as Parliament president — even if she edges closer to the far right — to keep their man António Costa at the helm of the European Council.
Breaking it down: The S&D has more to lose by not supporting Metsola for a third term and insisting on one of its own for the job (per the deal struck with the EPP). That’s because while the group remains the second-largest in the European Parliament, the Socialists are vastly depleted in the European Council, with only Spain’s Pedro Sánchez and Malta’s Robert Abela at the table. Keeping the Council presidency means grasping on for influence in the powerful institution.
Checks out: One Socialist MEP said the theory “makes sense.” Another parliamentary source put it more bluntly: The S&D risks being weakened further if it insists on the EPP sticking to the power-sharing deal, “and clearly, Metsola got the message.”
2029, anyone? An EPP insider said Metsola’s recent decision not to run for her party leadership in Malta was “a European, rather than national choice.” The implication is her future is in Brussels, where she could seek to be the EPP’s pick to succeed Ursula von der Leyen at the helm of the Commission in 2029.
Weber’s word is gospel: But apart from speculation, for now, power still flows through the largest party. Take the ongoing budget fight. Only after group leader Manfred Weber signaled the EPP’s readiness to challenge the Commission’s proposal did the S&D and Renew start flexing. As one Parliament official (after a few glasses of wine) put it: “Everything the EPP farts becomes Parliament’s position.”
What’s next: Most files will still pass with a centrist majority. But on migration, green policy and social issues, the gravitational pull is shifting rightward. The real test comes Nov. 12, when the EPP will decide whether to cross the rubicon and pass a major file with far-right votes.
BACK TO THE EU BUDGET FIGHT: The European Commission didn’t bring any concrete concessions to appease the Parliament’s concerns on the MFF during a meeting with its top brass on Wednesday. Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin told POLITICO the executive took MEPs’ criticism into account and is considering “legal changes” to appease them — but he wouldn’t say whether the Commission was ready to amend the proposal. Max Griera has more.
COP30 TALKFEST
CLIMATE CRUNCH: The COP30 U.N. climate summit officially kicks off on Monday, but world leaders are gathering over the next two days in Belém, on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, for a packed agenda of (lots of) speeches, bilats and sprawling “thematic sessions.” Follow along with all our coverage here.
Who’s going: Expect the usual European suspects — French President Emmanuel Macron (who’ll stay in town for a total of six hours, POLITICO’s been told), German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa.
Who’s not: Donald Trump — but his shadow looms large. Read this piece from our Stateside colleague Sara Schonhardt on how, 10 years on from the Paris Agreement, the U.S. switched sides.
Set your clocks 4 hours back: The action starts at 10 a.m. local time (2 p.m. in Brussels). The EU duo — Costa and von der Leyen — will address the leaders’ plenary together, sharing their slot in institutional solidarity, so at least attendees don’t hear the same message twice. Their bilats are still being finalized — and are subject to last-minute changes, their teams warned.
Forever Fund, I wanna be Forever Fund: Costa will also attend the Tropical Forest Forever Fund launch today, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The initiative aims to channel new cash into conserving tropical forests — vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. (Von der Leyen met Lula last night.)
But don’t get too excited. Both the EU and the U.K. say they back the idea of the fund, but neither Brussels nor Westminster wants to stump up cash.
Divide and conquer: The EU duo will split duties. Costa speaks this evening at the Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans thematic session, while von der Leyen takes over Friday for sessions on the energy transition and industry decarbonization.
VDL PREVIEW: “At COP30 this week, we will underline our strong commitment to the Paris Agreement,” the Commission chief said in a written statement Wednesday. “The global clean transition is ongoing and irreversible.” (The EU’s priorities for the summit are here.) It was a bold line, given the Commission nearly arrived in Belém empty-handed …
Climate drama: EU governments struck a messy, 11th-hour deal on the bloc’s 2035 and 2040 climate targets early Wednesday after nearly 24 hours of talks. National officials told Playbook negotiations hit their peak around 1 a.m. when Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra personally huddled with a blocking minority of 10 countries led by Italy. Two hours later, a compromise was reached and sent to ministers, who approved it at 9 a.m.
But at what price: The deal largely accommodated the minority’s demands — weakening existing laws and slowing national emissions-cutting efforts. Still, the outcome was met with relief in Brussels, where officials had feared an embarrassing collapse on the eve of COP30.
Was it worth it? “We have deliberately built a broad coalition. Of course, we could’ve tried to stop at the bare minimum” of a majority, a visibly exhausted Hoekstra told POLITICO’s Zia Weise after the talks. (Hoekstra heads to Belém on Monday to start negotiations on the global deal.)
Big picture: The compromise cements a broader shift empowering countries skeptical of the EU’s Green Deal ambitions. Read the full story by Zia, Louise Guillot and Karl Mathiesen.
PASSPORT POLITICS
RUSSIAN VISA SCOOP: Brussels is about to make life harder for Russian travelers as it is set to tighten visa rules for Russian citizens — effectively killing off multi-entry Schengen permits in most cases — three European officials told my colleague Seb Starcevic. The measure is part of a package intended to choke off the flow of Russians entering the bloc. Formal adoption and implementation are expected in the coming days.
Not a full ban: It’s another step in the bloc’s efforts to punish Moscow for its war in Ukraine. However, visa policy remains a national competence, so while the Commission can crank up the bureaucracy, it can’t slam the door entirely.
One trip only: Under the new rules, most Russians will only be granted single-entry visas, with some exceptions for humanitarian reasons or for individuals who also hold EU citizenship.
Turning the screws: Brussels had already made it harder — and pricier — for Russians to get Schengen visas after suspending the EU’s visa facilitation agreement with Moscow in late 2022. Some member countries, notably the Baltics, have gone even further by barring or severely restricting Russian arrivals altogether.
AGENDA ITEMS OFF THE RADAR
SPOTLIGHT ON: EU institutions now dutifully post their agendas online — but some meetings fly under the official radar. There are two we’re watching today …
IN BRUSSELS: First up, the so-called special chefs meeting — EU jargon for a gathering of senior Cabinet members from each commissioner’s team, the Legal Service and the Commission’s secretariat-general. It’s the final pit stop after inter-service consultations (when all the DGs have finished work on a draft law) and before the Monday Hebdo with the heads of Cabinet — the last hurdle before the College.
What the chefs are cooking today: The Democracy Package and the Culture Compass for Europe, both set for publication next Wednesday. The Democracy Package is the one to watch — it includes a long-awaited proposal for a “Democracy Shield.”
Long time coming: Flagged by von der Leyen at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit in May 2024, the initiative is meant to protect the EU from foreign interference and disinformation. But its debut has been repeatedly delayed, for reasons that have more to do with internal turf wars than drafting issues, three EU and parliamentary sources said.
The sticking point: The plan for a European Centre for Democratic Resilience — which was originally meant to sit under von der Leyen’s direct control, later shifted to DG COMM (still seen as close to her Cabinet) — ran into pushback from DG Connect, which didn’t fancy the encroachment on its territory.
All settled? One EU official downplayed it as the usual DG COMM–DG Connect drama (“and it won’t be the last”). Another said the proposed setup has been defused — with the center no longer expected to fall under either DG COMM or von der Leyen’s direct oversight in a draft the chefs are expecting today. “But never say never,” they added.
IN BERLIN: Meanwhile, over in Berlin, the German EPP delegation (the CSU and the CDU) is gathering at — of all places — the China Club at the Adlon Palais.
(Justified) snub: Friedrich Merz was originally meant to attend, but opted for Belém instead. His absence is being read as a missed chance for Brussels-based German MEPs to reconnect with national politics — and with industry heavyweights.
Why it matters: With delegation co-leader Daniel Caspary preparing to leave Parliament for a job back home, and fellow co-leader Angelika Niebler under investigation for alleged misuse of EU funds, the meeting could well mark the opening salvo in the race to lead one of Parliament’s most influential national groups.
CRISIS À LA BELGE
BUDGET STALEMATE — BUT ALSO A GOVERNMENT COLLAPSE? Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s deadline for his government to cement a budget deal that cuts €10 billion in spending expires today. De Wever vowed to pay a visit to the king if the deal wasn’t done.
De Wever is expected to see the king at midday. His pledge to do so in absence of a deal has been widely interpreted as a threat to resign, toppling his government a mere nine months into its term.
But that’s not his only option. The prime minister’s visit could be a tool to heap pressure on negotiators, or a catch-up to figure out what’s next. Even if he does offer his resignation, it’s not a given the king would accept it.
ICYMI: The stalemate follows tense negotiations to cut Belgian spending, as coalition partners balked at proposals to increase value-added tax or skip an automatic wage indexation. By Wednesday evening, last-ditch meetings with deputies from the different parties had failed to produce a deal, and further talks were put off until today.
Bad week: The domestic budget tensions come on top of the pressure Belgium faces at the EU level over the plans to use sanctioned Russian funds — most of which are held by the Brussels-based financial firm Euroclear — to support Ukraine.
But first: Before the prime minister visits the king, he’s got a national security council to deal with. Key ministers are meeting police, military and intelligence services to discuss the drone incursions over Belgian military bases and its main airport, which security services believe have been orchestrated by Russia. The Russian embassy denied Moscow’s involvement, telling broadcaster VRT it has neither “motives, nor interest in such activities.”
FROZEN ASSETS — DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH: Could a political shake-up change Belgium’s stance on using frozen Russian assets? Not likely, several Belgian government officials told Playbook. “Basically impossible,” one said.
Meanwhile, a new player enters: The Commission appointed Alberto de Gregorio Merino as the new director-general of its Legal Service — the powerful department that advises the Commission and defends it in court.
Big shoes to fill: De Gregorio Merino succeeds Daniel Calleja Crespo, a widely respected figure in Berlaymont circles. “Everyone loved him,” one Commission official sighed — adding that de Gregorio Merino inherits a hefty to-do list.
Top of that list: Crafting a watertight legal framework to fend off Russian claims on Euroclear’s holdings — a task that will only grow in importance if the frozen assets become Brussels’ main vehicle to fund Ukraine’s financial needs.
IN OTHER NEWS
MORE TARIFFS ON IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA: Seven EU countries — Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden — suggested the Commission should propose tariffs on Russian products which generated export revenues of €5.4 billion in 2024. Koen Verhelst has the scoop for Pro readers.
TRUMP’S TARIFFS ARE IN TROUBLE: The U.S. Supreme Court gave Donald Trump’s lawyer a pretty tough time at the highly anticipated hearing on the legality of his administration’s sweeping tariffs on Wednesday.
Blocking the Tax Man: Lead judge John Roberts questioned why Trump believed he had the authority to impose tariffs, because it’s always been the U.S. Congress that raises taxes. Read the dispatch from our D.C. colleagues. Ursula von der Leyen’s dogma that “tariffs are taxes” seemed to resonate in the courtroom as the major flaw in Trump’s rationale.
Advice from the Tax Lady: The EU’s former competition chief Margrethe Vestager has two tips on how to deal with Trump: occasionally fight back; don’t take the bait. My colleague Gregorio Sorgi has more.
MACRON TAKES (UN)FRIENDLY FIRE: There was a time when Alain Minc would sing the praises of French President Emmanuel Macron. Eight years later and Minc, Macron’s former mentor, told my colleague Clea Caulcutt he’s the “worst” president since France’s Fifth Republic was founded in 1958.