🚂NEW Westminster Insider episode ... 🚉 CAN LABOUR MAKE THE TRAINS RUN ON TIME? 🚆 I went to Japan to ride the Shinkansen and spoke to experts about how UK privatization went wrong ... and whether renationalizing will make much difference. 🎙️ politico.eu/podcast/westmi…

Elon Musk’s top lobbyist is leaving X. trib.al/8r2ZN8C

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has slammed France’s "misguided" charges against him. trib.al/7emWdEa

OPINION: From a hospital in Gaza: "Please let me die." trib.al/pfb76CH

📸 “Putin’s visiting, so these talks will be intense.” “Did you just say ‘in tents’?” Can you do better? Submit your caption here: trib.al/t90PItz

France's newly appointed PM Michel Barnier will need the tacit support of the National Rally — the far-right party of Marine Le Pen — to ensure his government isn’t immediately toppled. 🔗 trib.al/uKKRQte

In today's EU Transition Playbook: 🎒 The Parliament’s rentrée buzz. 🗓️ When which commissioner nominees will get what portfolio. 🙍 The S&D group’s grievances. Dig in 👇 trib.al/z5dC2jm

The UK government is further delaying the introduction of Brexit checks on EU imports — amid concerns they could hit food prices. trib.al/xkM0rcn

Speculation about Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest swirled around allegations that France wanted to censor a platform known for its commitment to privacy. But, according to a legal document we saw, the investigation originated for another reason. 🔗 trib.al/l34cFK2

Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed for more timely military aid as he met allies in Germany, stressing that the “number of air defense systems not yet delivered is significant.” trib.al/NbD6KGc

Michael McGrath, Ireland's pick for European commissioner, demonstrates an unwillingness to play the political game. Could his reluctance to make tie-ups at the right time or wade into factional politics cost him in Brussels? 🔗 trib.al/hqbl0xP

Tech is changing fast. Stay ahead in French tech policy with Pro Tech France, a brand-new POLITICO policy area. Pros get 24/7 access to critical tech policy updates in Paris and beyond. Get a free trial of this coverage upon its launch in October : trib.al/1lXekvD

Hungary’s Viktor Orbán has said “it’s necessary” for Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin to meet to end the Ukraine war. trib.al/oxTWfZ7

The UK's new Defense Secretary John Healey has an ambition to be seen as “Mr. Ukraine,” according to aides. His message is all the more urgent as Ukraine faces the prospect of another harsh winter under bombardment by Russia. 🔗 trib.al/sFyo0Fc

🚨 BREAKING: Slovenia’s male EU commissioner nominee has dropped out amid Ursula von der Leyen’s gender equality push. Here's the full story: trib.al/At7B16T

In Germany's east, a post-election debate over US missiles and military aid for Ukraine is hampering coalition building. The Kremlin is very pleased. 🔗 trib.al/k4qWHgt

Summer's over and Brussels is back in action! On EU Confidential, Chief EU Correspondent Barbara Moens and Policy Editor Joanna Roberts join Sarah Wheaton to unpack Ursula von der Leyen’s chaotic rentrée and the mad dash to name the new commissioners. 🎧 Listen: trib.al/PXLC6Pd

In June, Ukraine blocked Russian energy giant Lukoil from sending products through the country to the EU. That's spelling trouble for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán — who had been profiting from a special Russian discount. 🔗 trib.al/zgmx9wr

In tonight’s London Playbook: 💬 The government ends the week with a migration summit. 📺 Keir Starmer will appear on Laura Kuenssberg’s Sunday show. 👩‍⚕️ Scoop: Brits are up for paying more tax if it funds higher wages for nurses. Dig in 👇 trib.al/30TY1pl

Let's be real, British train services aren't the best. As the new Labour government introduces legislation to nationalize the railways, we're asking: How do we get the trains to run on time? 🎧 On Westminster Insider, Emilio Casalicchio tries to find out: trib.al/gGEBZyJ