Emmanuel Macron describes offshoring asylum seekers as 'a betrayal of our values'. There is an implicit rebuke to the UK's Rwanda plan, but also to EU member states that like such ideas.
theguardian.com/world/2024/apr…

Majorities in all four Visegrad countries are worried about media freedom. Concerns down significantly in Poland following the election of Donald Tusk, but have grown in Slovakia and Hungary. Research for the Committee for Editorial Independence

“The west has to realise the era of peace in Europe is over.” Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba contrasts Russia's performance in building up its industrial military base with what the west has done.
theguardian.com/world/2024/apr…

NEW: I asked Viktor Orbán about his international isolation and the troubled US-Hungary relationship.

Weighing in: Orbán Viktor Klara Dobrev Tompos Márton Ambassador David Pressman Peter Kreko Miklós Szánthó + more
theguardian.com/world/2024/apr…

AfD politician to run in European elections despite aide’s alleged spying for China theguardian.com/world/2024/apr…

Here I am, back at work after maternity leave. Looking forward to all your ideas and tips ☕️ ✏️ 🗳

Journalists and diplomats in Brussels gathered today to show solidarity with Evan Gershkovich.

Great to join our colleagues from the WSJ, Reuters, FT, NYT, Politico and many others.
#FreeEvan

Thank you to the dozens of journalists, diplomats, EU officials and others who joined us for #IRunForEvan in Brussels this morning. This is one of 12+ runs worldwide to mark the outrageous anniversary of Evan Gershkovich's detention. (Photo by Olivier Hoslet) #FreeEvan

WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich has been jailed in Russia for one year, simply for doing his job.
Glad we joined Brussels journalists, led by Kim Mackrael, plus diplomats and officials to run - walk for Evan this morning #istandwithEvan #JournalismIsNotACrime

Jacques Delors, former European Commission president, dies aged 98 theguardian.com/world/2023/dec…

Welcome Lili Bayer to the Guardian Brussels team! Delighted you are joining us.

The Guardian's Europe edition is now live.

With new reporters covering pan-European themes and columnists. Check it out!

theguardian.com/europe?INTCMP=…

Some personal news - I am now on maternity leave and the brilliant Lisa O'Carroll is covering for me in Brussels.

Au revoir, Tot ziens, Hasta la vista! Auf Wiedersehen.

‘I will do the same again’: an interview with Justyna Wydrzyńska, who was sentenced by a Polish court to community service for trying to help a woman desperate to end a pregnancy.
theguardian.com/world/2023/may…

Teachers and students protest against a new law curbing teachers' rights next to the Parliament in Budapest.

I love the Cinquantenaire and there is lots to like in the 2030 renovation plan - especially covering up the road. But I was surprised that none of the ministers at the launch event
mentioned its colonial heritage.

theguardian.com/world/2023/may…

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'Absences and things not spoken of.' What was missing from the big plan to renovate the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, a much-loved green space next to the EU quarter.
theguardian.com/world/2023/may…

Those Brexit benefits in full:

🛃Freeports exist in the EU (whether that’s a good thing is another Q).
🩸 David Cameron negotiated flex on EU rules on sanitary products VAT when UK was in EU.
🍻 True, Brexit means more flexibility on alcohol VAT, but seems like small beer.

/Jean Monnet Chair at Birkbeck event this Friday:

Panel discussion on #Qatargate and the #EU (incl. a #screening of the first episode of the TV series, Parlement). #kaili European Parliament

Feat. Jennifer Rankin Caroline de Gruyter Emilio De Capitani

Booking is free but required: tinyurl.com/4353nc2y

More fence-mending when Rishi Sunak met Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday. They agreed to develop 'new working arrangement between UK agencies and Frontex', inc to tackle Channel crossings, but that's a long way short of a returns agreement.