EU ENLARGEMENT

To Enlarge or Not to Enlarge: Brussels will publish its report card on the progress of EU-aspirant countries, including Ukraine, on Wednesday.

Managing Expectations: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been visiting the hopeful countries to avoid surprises in the progress report. After Moldova, von der Leyen travelled to the Western Balkans and made a surprise visit to Kyiv over the weekend.

Dispatch from Kyiv: This was von der Leyen’s sixth visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country. She expressed confidence that Brussels will recommend opening talks with Ukraine for EU accession negotiations.

WESTERN AID FOR UKRAINE

Zelenskyy Aide Slams West Over ‘War Fatigue’: Zelenskyy’s top aide, Andrii Yermak, pushed back against the notion that many in the West are growing tired of the war in Ukraine.

Wake-up Call: Yermak argued that giving in to war fatigue would result in less freedom and security, with consequences lasting for decades.

Ukraine Finance Minister Calls for Help: Ukraine is facing a $29 billion budget hole without further support from its allies. The preservation of macroeconomic stability is crucial to avoid an economic crisis that could have spillover effects in the EU.

MONEY FOR HUNGARY

MEPs to Pressure EU Not to Get Soft on Hungary: The European Parliament’s budget committee will debate EU funds for Hungary. Majority of MEPs are likely to urge the EU not to give in to Hungary’s demands due to continuing corruption and rule-of-law concerns.

Preparing a Limited Release: Some funds for Hungary may be released by the EU, but not all of them. There is a proposed compromise to release funds for Hungarian universities and research.

PARLIAMENT CONFLICT OF INTEREST

MEPs Face Conflict of Interest Accusation Over Disappearing Study: The European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) published and then withdrew a report on incentives for the pharmaceutical industry. Transparency campaigners accuse the panel of conflicts of interest.

ROAD TO 2024 ELECTION — GERMAN PARTY LISTS

Naming Names: German parties have nominated several new candidates for the 2024 EU election.

IN OTHER NEWS

Report — Chinese Carmaker BYD to Build Factory in Hungary: Chinese electric carmaker BYD plans to build its first European factory in Hungary, with subsidies from the government playing a role in the decision.

TikTok Chief in Brussels: TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is visiting Brussels to meet with various EU officials, including Commission vice president Věra Jourová, Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, and data protection and antitrust chief Didier Reynders.

Brussels’ Boomer Problem: The average age of full-time Commission officials has increased, and the Commission is revamping its hiring system to attract more young people.

AGENDA

– EU Ambassadors Conference

– Various meetings and speeches by EU officials

BRUSSELS CORNER

Belgium’s Diplomatic Days: Belgian ambassadors and officials are returning to Brussels for the 2023 diplomatic days.

Antisemitism Spikes: Antisemitism in Belgium has increased since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

Leonard Tunnel Renovation: Renovation works will take place on Brussels’ outer ring road around the Leonard Tunnel.

German-Speaking Festivities: Belgium’s German-speaking community has launched its annual carnival celebrations.

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