Reports indicate a potential coalition agreement between Germany's conservative and socialist parties, with a press conference expected to announce the deal. However, the agreement still needs approval from SPD members.
Simultaneously, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party topped a federal voting intention poll for the first time, reaching 25% support, surpassing the CDU/CSU. This unexpected rise puts pressure on efforts to marginalize the AfD.
Concerns over escalating trade wars between the US and China are highlighted, with China imposing significant tariffs on US goods. The impact extends to Europe, as pharmaceutical companies warn of a potential exodus to the US due to threatened tariffs. This is prompting the EU to consider retaliatory tariffs.
Spain and Italy also express concerns about the negative effects of trade tariffs on their economies and working classes. The UK plans to seek improved trade with the EU in response to global trade disruptions.
Estonia passed a constitutional amendment banning non-EU citizens from local elections, affecting mainly its Russian minority population. Romania denies receiving official information about potential US troop withdrawals from the region.