A hot week in Strasbourg: VDL vs the motion of censure
In this week’s newsletter, we look at the censure vote against the EU Commission, Trump’s possible 50% EU tariffs set to be introduced 9 July, and the return of border checks in Poland. Enjoy! VDL vs the motion of censure Usually, the last plenary session of the European Parliament before the summer break is supposed to […]
NATO Summit: Spanish spending drama and the future of the relations with the U.S.
As NATO leaders gathered in The Hague, the spotlight of the summit landed on Spain, where Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez played a high-stakes game of optics and obligation. On paper, he celebrated what he claimed was a diplomatic win. NATO has endorsed a new benchmark: 5% of national budgets should go toward defence and security-related […]
Merz Meets Trump: Smiles, Strategy & Subtext in the Oval Office
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s recently appointed Chancellor, pulled off what many in Europe might call a diplomatic tightrope walk during his high-stakes visit to the White House this week. With U.S. tariffs looming and the Ukraine war grinding on, Merz arrived in Washington with a to-do list and a delicate balancing act: charm Trump, avoid a […]
🇵🇱 Poland’s Presidential Election: A Nation Divided, A Government Constrained
In a razor-thin runoff, conservative nationalist Karol Nawrocki has been elected President of Poland with 50.89% of the vote, narrowly defeating liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who secured 49.11%. This outcome delivers a significant blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist, pro-European government. Nawrocki, backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, will wield presidential […]
From SAFE to NATO: Rethinking Defence, Spending and Security
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, defence spending and NATO’s role in global security are front and centre on the agenda. The EU has recently adopted a new joint defence procurement instrument, while NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly has been discussing the upcoming NATO Summit in June, set on strengthening the alliance’s resilience and readiness. SAFE for […]
Elections in Poland and Romania: The future of EU security and defence
As the EU discusses closer cooperation on security and defence, national elections can challenge the discussions happening in Brussels. Over the weekend, the presidential elections in Poland and Romania indicated that pro-EU candidates are still favourites, despite popular concerns about migration, the cost of living and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Poland’s Civic Coalition and […]
Vatican Welcomes Pope Leo XIV: A New Era for the Catholic Church
B&K Agency congratulates Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new leader of the Catholic Church. In this newsletter, we explore his stance on key matters and the potential role he could play in addressing today’s most pressing global and societal challenges. The Vatican Has Spoken Out Pope Leo XIV’s election—the first for an […]
The Road to Chancellorship: Friedrich Merz wins the second parliamentary vote
Friedrich Merz secured his win as Germany’s new chancellor in the second parliamentary vote. However, this was not an easy win. Today, we are looking at the events of the day and what they mean for Germany’s geopolitical leadership. Friedrich Merz wins the second parliamentary vote During the second parliamentary vote in the Bundestag, Germany’s […]
The Vatican’s Way of Shaping Global Diplomacy
In today’s newsletter, we touch upon the weekend’s events at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and their potential impact on the future of global diplomacy. A Reason to Seek Diplomatic Solutions On Saturday, the saddest day for millions of Christians around the world, the Vatican achieved a remarkable feat where Europe and its leaders […]
The First Omnibus Proposals: Simpler sustainable reporting, increased competitiveness
In this week’s newsletter, we touch upon the European Commission’s Omnibus proposals, which aim to simplify certain sustainability requirements for businesses to promote innovation and competitiveness in the EU. Enjoy! Omnibus I and II Proposals In February 2025, the European Commission presented the first two Omnibus proposals, the first deliverables in a package of so-called […]