Von der Leyen’s fragile alliance put to the test over US trade deal
The Commission chief’s State of the Union defence of the pact she negotiated with Donald
The Parliament
Von der Leyen to outline EU priorities after US trade deal backlash
STRASBOURG, Sept 10 (Reuters) – The European Union’s chief executive, Ursula von der Leyen, sets
A castle or merely a vassal
he US President Donald Trump’s weaponisation of tariffs forced most countries, barring China or Brazil,
Europeans try to stay on the board after Ukraine summit
Brussels (Belgium) (AFP) – For European leaders, the absence of a Ukraine deal at the summit
Von der Leyen’s Breaking Point
Sep 12, 2025Alberto Alemanno European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s ability to respond to
Citizens’ Initiative aims to block changes ‘weakening air-passenger rights’
Campaigners with the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) Save Your Right, Save Your Flight! have flagged up plans
Campaigners seek to ground ‘passenger-hostile’ EU proposal
Campaigners have launched a citizens’ initiative to stop an EU draft law they say would
With fewer than 10% answered: Are European Citizens’ Initiatives missing the mark?
Despite being designed to give citizens a voice in EU policymaking, the European Citizens’ Initiatives
Europe’s Economic Surrender
Jul 30, 2025Alberto Alemanno The European Union’s tariff deal with US President Donald Trump highlights
Von der Leyen’s Moment of Truth
Jul 8, 2025Alberto Alemanno This week’s European Parliament vote on whether to dismiss Commission President
Musk, Power, and the EU
At a time when calls for the EU to respond to Musk’s provocations multiply, critical
Europe should be standing up to Trump and Putin – instead it is mirroring them
THE GUARDIAN – Alberto Alemanno advocates for more EU integration and autonomy instead of mirroring far right policies.
How the EU always gets away with it
POLITICO – Alberto Alemanno comments on the Pfizergate and the accountability of EU institutions and leaders.
Text Messages, Transparency, and the Rule of Law
VERFASSUNGSBLOG – Alberto Alemanno discusses the General Court’s findings in the Pfizergate case.
Von der Leyen’s texts with Pfizer boss can be shared, says EU’s highest court
THE GUARDIAN – Alberto Alemanno comments on the recent General Court ruling in the Pfizergate case.
The Trump Boomerang Effect
PROJECT SYNDICATE – Alberto Alemanno argues that Donald Trump’s policies constitute an opportunity for reinforcing the EU’s strategic autonomy.
Project Syndicate names World’s Forward Thinkers
Alberto Alemanno named among Project Syndicate’s 2025 World’s Forward Thinkers.
The EU’s Enduring Ethical Deficit in the Aftermath of Huawei
VERFASSUNGSBLOG – Alberto Alemanno discusses the need for improved ethical standards in the wake of a new public integrity scandal shaking the EU Parliament.
Europe’s Awakening in Trumpland
SOCIAL EUROPE – Alberto Alemanno and Edouard Gaudot argue that Trump’s return has reignited a dormant sense of European purpose.
Does the EU Have What it Takes to Counter American Plutocratic Power?
VERFASSUNGSBLOG – Jacquelyn D. Veraldi and Alberto Alemanno discuss the power challenges the EU faces with the new US administration.
The Dark Side of EU Deregulation
PROJECT SYNDICATE – Alberto Alemanno discusses the risks of deregulation in the EU.
Musk, Power, and the EU
VERFASSUNGSBLOG – Alberto Alemanno and Jacquelyn D. Veraldi launch a symposium exploring how the EU can respond to power challenges posed by the new US administration.
For the first time in its history, we could be looking at a genuinely rightwing European Union
THE GUARDIAN – Alberto Alemanno discusses the EU political landscape after the 2024 European elections.
Europe’s Shifting Alliances: Can the EU Stand Up to Trump?
SOCIAL EUROPE – Alberto Alemanno discusses the EU’s stance on the reelection of Donald Trump.
«DEBEMOS ALIMENTAR UNA NUEVA RUTINA DEMOCRÁTICA MÁS ALLÁ DEL VOTO»
ETHIC – Alberto Alemanno discusses the need to think democracy further than elections.
L’agenda politique de la Commission européenne semble plus aligné sur les demandes de l’extrême droite que sur celles promises aux pro-européens
LE MONDE – Alberto Alemanno discusses how far-right parties influence the political agenda of the new European Commission.
Why forming the next EU Commission might be harder than expected
EURACTIV – Alberto Alemanno discusses the formation of the next European Commission after the 2024 European elections.
Ursula von der Leyen has lost Europe’s trust. She doesn’t deserve a second term
THE GUARDIAN – Alberto Alemanno argues that MEPs should not reelect Ursula von der Leyen for a second mandate as President of the European Commission.
Why and How the Hungarian Presidency Must Be Stopped
VERFASSUNGSBLOG – Alberto Alemanno discusses the consequences of the ongoing Hungarian presidency of the Council of the EU.
The most confusing elections of all time?
THE EUROPEANS – Alberto Alemanno discusses the upcoming EU elections.
Unpacking the EU election results: ‘Europe is an afterthought’
THE PARLIAMENT – Alberto Alemanno discusses the EU election results in an interview.
Ursula von der Leyen in pole position as she tries to build majority to keep job
THE GUARDIAN – Alberto Alemanno comments on the designation of the next Commission president after the EU elections.
EU elections: earthquake in France and a rightward policy lurch? Our panel responds
THE GUARDIAN – Alberto Alemanno analyses the results of the EU elections and their consequences.
« Une bonne performance électorale de l’extrême droite pourrait contrarier l’essence même du projet européen »
LE MONDE – Alberto Alemanno analyses the impact of reinforced far-right parties at the EU Parliament after the EU elections.
Quote of the Day: Cracks Emerge in Hard Right Across Europe
THE NEW YORK TIMES – Quote of the Day about nationalist parties.
Alberto Alemanno : “Le discours alarmiste de Macron sur l’état de l’Europe est contre-productif”
L’EXPRESS – Alberto Alemanno discusses the upcoming elections to the European Parliament in an interview.
Europe’s Non-European Elections
PROJECT SYNDICATE – Alberto Alemanno questions the European nature of the upcoming elections for the European Parliament.
Unboxing the EU Body for Ethical Standards
VERFASSUNGSBLOG – Alberto Alemanno argues that the creation of the EU Body for Ethical Standards is a potential step forward in improving the EU ethics system.
«Il est temps pour l’UE de se doter d’un représentant institutionnel dévolu à l’avenir »
LE MONDE – Alberto Alemanno et Elizabeth Dirth défendent dans cette tribune la nécessité d’institutionnaliser la représentation des générations futures dans l’UE.
EU enlargement, reform and the missing citizens
SOCIAL EUROPE – Alberto Alemanno discusses the role of citizens in foreseen EU reforms.
The visionary legacy of Jacques Delors
POLITICO – Alberto Alemanno remembers Jacques Delors’ legacy for Europe.
Future generations must be given a seat at the EU table
EURONEWS – Alberto Alemanno and Elizabeth Dirth discuss the need for future generations to be represented in the EU.
Statement
Since the barbarous attacks by Hamas terrorists on October 7 against Israel, I have closely
The EU’s ‘set menu’ membership model is failing. It’s time for an ‘à la carte’ approach
THE GUARDIAN – Alberto Alemanno discusses the need to reform the EU in the light of its foreseen enlargement.
Ursula von der Leyen—the accidental president
SOCIAL EUROPE – Alberto Alemanno analyzes Ursula von der Leyen’s 2023 State of the Union address.
Preparing for a post-Soros Europe
POLITICO – Alberto Alemanno explains the consequences that the Open Society Foundations’ retreat from Europe will have for civil society organizations.
The good lobby
BUY THE BOOK:
« Il faut empêcher la Hongrie de prendre la présidence du Conseil de l’Union européenne »
LE MONDE – Alberto Alemanno plaide pour la suspension de la présidence hongroise du Conseil de l’UE.
¿Puede Hungría ostentar la presidencia rotatoria del Consejo de la Unión?
EL PAÍS – Alberto Alemanno aboga por la suspensión de la próxima presidencia húngara del Consejo de la UE.
Suspending Hungary’s EU presidency isn’t a sanction — it’s a precaution
POLITICO – Alberto Alemanno argues for the suspension of Hungary’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU.
Alberto Alemanno, promotor de The Good Lobby: “Hoy día las empresas están bajo un control público sin precedentes”
EL MUNDO – Alberto Alemanno explica la importancia de la democratización del lobbying para contrarrestar los grupos de presión empresariales.
Democratizar el ‘lobbying’ para salvar nuestra democracia
EL CONFIDENCIAL – Alberto Alemanno explica la importancia de democratizar el lobbying en plena crisis de la democracia representativa
Alemanno: “El lobby se monopolizó con el interés particular de empresas y grupos”
LA INFORMACIÓN – Alberto Alemanno explica la misión de The Good Lobby y la importancia del lobbying ciudadano, tras la llegada de la ONG a España.
Participación ciudadana: ¿De verdad podemos cambiar las cosas?
ETHIC – Alberto Alemanno comments on citizen participation and access to lobbying, as The Good Lobby opens in Spain.
Los populares europeos aceleran su acercamiento a la ultraderecha en pleno ciclo electoral
EL PAÍS – Alberto Alemanno comments on the European Popular Party’s rapprochement with the far-right in the middle of the election cycle.
Plan for EU ethics body falls short of parliament’s demands, critics warn
FINANCIAL TIMES – Alberto Alemanno comments on a proposed ethics body for EU institutions in the aftermath of the Qatargate.
Criminal complaint adds to Ursula von der Leyen’s Pfizer text woes
POLITICO – Alberto Alemanno comments on the criminal complaint against European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
Opinion | L’éthique transparente et l’esprit du lobbying
LES ECHOS – Alberto Alemanno and Hugo Weber advocate for more transparent ethics in lobbying.
‘Qatargate will go down in history as the largest and most damaging political scandal’
Alberto Alemanno is interviewed by Genie Godula (France 24) about the Qatargate scandal.
Brussels Playbook: Qatar scandal hits Commission — Finland’s next PM? — VdL in Washington
POLITICO – Alberto Alemanno comments on how the Qatargate scandal hits the European Commission.
Qatargate: A Missed Opportunity to Reform the Union
VERFASSUNGSBLOG – Alberto Alemanno discusses the need to establish an EU ethics body in the aftermath of the Qatargate scandal.
Why Europe must embrace participatory policymaking
EURACTIV – New models for citizen involvement in government are critical for the survival of democratic institutions in Europe, write Alberto Alemanno and Laura Batalla.
After Qatargate scandal, EU integrity rules need ‘teeth’: Expert Alberto Alemanno
FRANCE 24 – Alberto Alemanno discusses the implications of the Qatargate scandal that has rocked the European Parliament over the last few weeks.
Alberto Alemanno, juriste : “le Parlement européen a toujours résisté aux règles”
FRANCE 24 – Alberto Alemanno discusses the implications of the Qatargate scandal that has rocked the European Parliament over the last few weeks.
‘Invulnerable’ MEPs set to test EU’s bid to raise ethical standards
FINANCIAL TIMES – Alberto Alemanno comments the EU’s ethical standards in the aftermath of the Qatargate scandal.
European Parliament corruption probe is a gift to the bloc’s critics
THE WASHINGTON POST – Four people have been charged on suspicion of money laundering, corruption and taking part in a criminal organization on behalf of Qatar.
Ethics after Qatargate
EU SCREAM – Alberto Alemanno explains how the European Parliament is reeling from corruption allegations involving the Gulf state of Qatar.
¿Cómo se puede evitar otro ‘Qatargate’ en la Unión Europea?
EL PAÍS – Alberto Alemanno propone cuatro reformas para evitar otro escándalo como el que afecta a la Eurocámara.
Tout un monde – La vulnérabilité du Parlement européen à la corruption
RTS – Alberto Alemanno s’exprime sur l’affaire de corruption qui secoue le Parlement européen.
Calls for EU lobbying rules to be reformed grow as corruption scandal rocks Brussels
EURONEWS – Calls to reform lobbying rules for European Union institutions are growing as Brussels reels from a corruption scandal involving the European Parliament.
The Qatar Corruption Scandal Is Rocking the European Parliament
TIME – A high-profile corruption case alleges Qatar bribed European lawmakers to sway policy.
Qatargate : « L’insouciance éthique du Parlement européen a encouragé une culture de l’impunité »
LE MONDE – Le scandale de la « corruption » par le Qatar a exposé une vérité gênante : l’argent achète l’influence dans l’UE.
4 people are charged with corruption in a bribery inquiry linked to Qatar
NPR – A high-ranking European Union lawmaker is one of several people snared in a corruption probe by Belgian officials for allegedly taking bribes from a Gulf state.
The Qatar scandal shows how the EU has a corruption problem
POLITICO – The Qatar “corruption” scandal has unveiled the inconvenient truth that money does buy influence in the EU.
Calls for EU reform after five arrested in Qatar corruption inquiry
THE GUARDIAN – The arrest of a European Parliament vice-president and four others linked to a corruption investigation implicating World Cup hosts Qatar sparked calls for “root and branch reform” in the EU institution.
Watchdogs wanted an EU ethics cop. They might get a scolding
POLITICO – Without enforcement or investigation powers, a new ethics body ‘misses the point,’ experts say.
Brussels to propose rise in cigarette taxes and first EU-wide vaping levy
FINANCIAL TIMES – Bloc’s push to cut smoking rates would increase minimum excise duty from €1.80 to €3.60 per pack of 20.
Catar: do Mundial da Vergonha ao Mundial da Mudança?
TRIBUNA – Miguel Poiares Maduro assina com Jamil Chade e Alberto Alemanno, um texto onde advogam a necessidade de profundas reformas na organização de eventos desportivos.
Once again, FIFA has sold its own rules and values for money
POLITICO – Throughout the many scandals that have plagued this event — from corruption to human rights violations — the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has staunchly stood by its 2010 decision to organize the World Cup in Qatar.
Fight over migrant rescue ship sours Italy’s relations with France
FINANCIAL TIMES – Spat reinforces concern about Giorgia Meloni’s readiness to work constructively with EU.
Meloni trouxe muitos sorrisos, mas poucas respostas concretas de Bruxelas
PUBLICO – A nova primeira-ministra de Itália encontra com os líderes das instituições da União Europeia
Italy PM Giorgia Meloni hails ‘frank, positive’ exchange with EU leaders in first Brussels trip
EURONEWS – Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed a “very frank, very positive” exchange with European Union leaders in Brussels.
«La doctrine Borrell», une conversation avec le Haut représentant
Groupe d’études géopolitiques – Alberto Alemanno et Adam Mouyal conversent avec Josep Borrell au sujet de son discours devant les ambassadeurs de l’Union et la première promotion de l’Académie diplomatique européenne.
France and Germany’s relationship questioned as Scholz goes alone on policy
CNBC – Fresh tensions between France and Germany are challenging their relationship at a time when their unity is critical for broader European policy in tackling the energy crisis.
Olaf Scholz à l’Elysée : un dialogue amical et constructif, malgré les divergences
EURONEWS – le chancelier allemand Olaf Scholz rencontre le président français à l’Elysée
EU Influence: Broken science debate — Unlocking docs — Revolving full circle
POLITICO – Citizens’ access to documents is “the most concrete manifestation of the principle of openness and its corollary, transparency of the EU”
Migrants in Italy face uncertainty after far-right prime minister’s win
ABC NEWS – Meloni’s election last month will move the country to the far right for the first time since Benito Mussolini’s fall during World War II.
Experts criticise Council’s shady delay of EU Parliament’s Treaty reform request
EURACTIV – Legal experts suggest the Council of the European Union is violating EU law by not initiating the procedure for a Treaty reform.
Here’s what a Meloni government in Italy could mean for the EU
EURONEWS – The far-right victory in Italy’s elections is likely to translate into Rome joining Poland and Hungary by adopting a eurosceptic stance on European Union affairs.
EU Parliament slapped with complaint over ‘backroom deal’ to appoint secretary-general
EURONEWS – An official complaint has been launched against the European Parliament over a controversial deal to appoint its new secretary general, the institution’s top civil servant.