Germany Extends Temporary Border Controls for Six Months
Germany will extend its temporary border controls within the EU for an additional six months, as announced by the interior ministry on February 17, 2026. The measures, which include increased police presence at borders, were first implemented in September 2024 and have been extended twice, now set to remain in place until at least mid-September 2026. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that these controls are part of a broader reorganization of migration policy, responding to pressures from the far-right Alternative for Germany party and ongoing challenges related to uncontrolled migration.
ESABCC warns EU unprepared for four-degree temperature rise
The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) has warned that the EU is unprepared for a potential four-degree increase in global temperatures, urging member states to urgently coordinate efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including floods and severe storms. The report highlights that economic damages from climate-related events now average €45 billion annually, a figure five times higher than in the 1980s, and calls for a robust adaptation framework to protect lives and infrastructure. Recent storms in Spain and Portugal have underscored these vulnerabilities, causing billions in damage and prompting mass evacuations.
France passes 2026 budget amid Socialist support
France's Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu secured the passage of the 2026 budget after months of negotiations, with support from the Socialist Party in exchange for left-wing measures. The budget aims to reduce the public deficit from 5.4% of GDP last year to 5% this year, but falls short of the previous government's target of 4.6%, potentially jeopardizing France's EU commitment to a 3% deficit by 2029. Key provisions include a 20% corporate tax increase for companies with revenues above €1.5 billion and a 41% hike for those exceeding €3 billion, alongside adjustments to tax brackets for inflation and the suspension of pension reform.
EU proposes 70% local content rule for EVs
The European Commission has proposed draft legislation requiring that at least 70% of components in electric vehicles (EVs), excluding batteries, be manufactured within the EU to qualify for state support and subsidies. This initiative aims to bolster local production and reduce reliance on external suppliers, particularly from Asia, as part of a broader strategy to enhance the EU's competitiveness in the EV market and support its green transition goals.
EU Considers Special Envoy Amid Russia Relations Debate
Debate is intensifying in Brussels over the potential appointment of an EU special envoy to improve diplomatic relations with Russia, amid concerns about Europe's absence from recent Russia-Ukraine peace talks. The latest negotiations in Abu Dhabi were facilitated by the United States without direct EU involvement, highlighting internal divisions within the bloc that may complicate a unified approach.
