Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. THE EU’S € 2 TRILLION QUESTION: WILL PUBLIC PROCUREMENT GO SUSTAINABLE? MEPs are setting the stage for a shake-up of the EU's public procurement rules, but fault lines are already emerging. While there's broad consensus on the need to cut red tape and make it easier for SMEs to bid, the real battle is over how much weight social and environmental objectives should carry. During an exchange of views in the Internal Market Committee on a forthcoming report, right-wing MEPs pushed for simplification, warning that excessive bureaucracy was stifling cross-border competition and innovation. EPP shadow Christian Doleschal called for higher thresholds and a streamlined system to encourage start-ups. Meanwhile, the Greens and S&D insist that procurement should be a lever for…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. TRUMP’S VOICE ECHOES IN DAVOS AS VDL TRIES TO SAVE TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONSHIP At this year's World Economic Forum in Davos, Ursula von der Leyen wasn't afraid to throw down the gauntlet. The Commission President urged Europe and the U.S. to stand together against the looming threats of rising Chinese influence and geopolitical instability. Von der Leyen's message? It's time for the EU and the US to stop being the global good guys in an age of power grabs and backdoor deals. With China's growing presence in high-tech sectors like 5G and AI, Europe risks being sidelined in the next great tech race. Von der Leyen warned that China's growing influence could challenge the shared transatlantic democratic values. Meanwhile, Belgium PM Alexander…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. NEW ECR LEADER PROMISES 'CREATIVE CONTINUATION' OF MELONI’S WORK Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has officially taken over the leadership of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) following the resignation of Giorgia Meloni. Elected in Brussels on Tuesday, Morawiecki's leadership promises to continue the hardline rhetoric of his predecessor, positioning the ECR as an increasingly controversial force in European politics. Under Meloni, the ECR thrived by attracting both far-right groups and moderate conservatives, creating an alliance of unlikely partners. Now, with Morawiecki at the helm, the party's vision seems set to continue to embrace its radical conservative agenda and strengthen ties with far-right movements across Europe. Morawiecki praised Meloni's leadership in his acceptance speech, describing his approach as a ‘creative…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. NEW YEAR, NEW LEADERSHIP: POLAND TAKES THE HELM OF THE EU FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2025 As the year 2025 begins, Poland takes over the Presidency of the European Union for the second time history. To mark the occasion, a grand gala was held at Warsaw's National Theatre, where Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for a united Europe, emphasising that the continent's future is inextricably linked to its strength and sovereignty. Poland’s Presidency comes at a critical time, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, escalating tensions at the Polish-Belarusian border, and Europe’s broader security concerns. With a focus on defence and European stability, Poland plans to increase EU efforts to support Ukraine and address the growing security threats. Tusk framed…