Owen Morgan
@owenmorganeu.bsky.social
Journalist based in Brussels. EU politics and policy, Brexit (still), other bits
Ow(e)n views
Ow(e)n views
Commission goss confirmed by our @anupriyadatta.bsky.social
EU’s top tech official to remain in post until September 2026
EU’s top tech official to remain in post until September 2026
Roberto Viola will stay on atop the EU Commission's DG CNECT, despite hitting retirement age this year.
dlvr.it
July 10, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Commission goss confirmed by our @anupriyadatta.bsky.social
Macron and Starmer launch 'permanent' HQ in Paris for the coalition of 31 countries looking to provide post-ceasefire security guarantees for Ukraine
A step towards formalising a body that today met via videocall
But how 'permanent' is an HQ that will 'rotate to London after the first 12 months'?
A step towards formalising a body that today met via videocall
But how 'permanent' is an HQ that will 'rotate to London after the first 12 months'?
New Coalition of the Willing headquarters as leaders step up support for Ukraine's immediate flight
The Coalition of the Willing will have a new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future coordination cell in Kyiv, as command structures for the future reassurance force are fin...
www.gov.uk
July 10, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Macron and Starmer launch 'permanent' HQ in Paris for the coalition of 31 countries looking to provide post-ceasefire security guarantees for Ukraine
A step towards formalising a body that today met via videocall
But how 'permanent' is an HQ that will 'rotate to London after the first 12 months'?
A step towards formalising a body that today met via videocall
But how 'permanent' is an HQ that will 'rotate to London after the first 12 months'?
Reposted by Owen Morgan
CENSURE: As expected, vote on censure of von der Leyen Commission fails:
For: 175
Against: 360
Abstain: 18
Interesting to see where those 18 came from...
For: 175
Against: 360
Abstain: 18
Interesting to see where those 18 came from...
July 10, 2025 at 10:05 AM
CENSURE: As expected, vote on censure of von der Leyen Commission fails:
For: 175
Against: 360
Abstain: 18
Interesting to see where those 18 came from...
For: 175
Against: 360
Abstain: 18
Interesting to see where those 18 came from...
VdL’s censure has been (rightly) dismissed as political theatre. So let’s talk about how the show looked and sounded.
It was exciting. My most head-in-the-sand mates texted me about it. People noticed this happened.
So, what can pro-EU MEPs learn from their dalliance with drama?
For @euractiv.com
It was exciting. My most head-in-the-sand mates texted me about it. People noticed this happened.
So, what can pro-EU MEPs learn from their dalliance with drama?
For @euractiv.com
The Brief – How the far right just spiced up European politics
The Brief – How the far right just spiced up European politics
The lively debate on von der Leyen’s doomed censure lit up a Parliament languishing on the EU’s sidelines. Pro-EU MEPs should now reclaim the political theatre.
dlvr.it
July 9, 2025 at 4:15 PM
VdL’s censure has been (rightly) dismissed as political theatre. So let’s talk about how the show looked and sounded.
It was exciting. My most head-in-the-sand mates texted me about it. People noticed this happened.
So, what can pro-EU MEPs learn from their dalliance with drama?
For @euractiv.com
It was exciting. My most head-in-the-sand mates texted me about it. People noticed this happened.
So, what can pro-EU MEPs learn from their dalliance with drama?
For @euractiv.com
Reposted by Owen Morgan
Schengen at 40: Border checks become the new normal
Schengen at 40: Border checks become the new normal
Four decades on, the Schengen area no longer feels quite so free.
dlvr.it
July 9, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Schengen at 40: Border checks become the new normal
Sneak peak at the much-anticipated European Competitiveness Fund via @wulffwold.bsky.social and @nicolettaionta.bsky.social
It’s here! Von der Leyen’s new industrial superfund will merge activities from up to 14 existing budget lines into one cash pot to free up private capital.
www.euractiv.com/section/econ...
www.euractiv.com/section/econ...
Von der Leyen moves to merge green, defence, space funds in new EU budget law - Euractiv
The consolidated cash pot aims to plug some of Europe's investment gap by deploying public funds to free up private capital.
www.euractiv.com
July 8, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Sneak peak at the much-anticipated European Competitiveness Fund via @wulffwold.bsky.social and @nicolettaionta.bsky.social
Reposted by Owen Morgan
EXCLUSIVE: EU prosecutors open probe into far-right group linked to Le Pen
EXCLUSIVE: EU prosecutors open probe into far-right group linked to Le Pen
Media reports allege €4.3 million in EU funds was misused by the far-right Identity and Democracy group from 2019-2024.
dlvr.it
July 8, 2025 at 10:29 AM
EXCLUSIVE: EU prosecutors open probe into far-right group linked to Le Pen
“Ursula von der Leyen is being hauled to the podium today to answer to a far-right MEP whose boss can't get over having lost the Romanian election.
You could get 72 MEPs to agree on just about anything”
Clarity ahead of the absurdity set to unfold in Stras in an hour - via @eddywax.bsky.social
You could get 72 MEPs to agree on just about anything”
Clarity ahead of the absurdity set to unfold in Stras in an hour - via @eddywax.bsky.social
July 7, 2025 at 2:08 PM
“Ursula von der Leyen is being hauled to the podium today to answer to a far-right MEP whose boss can't get over having lost the Romanian election.
You could get 72 MEPs to agree on just about anything”
Clarity ahead of the absurdity set to unfold in Stras in an hour - via @eddywax.bsky.social
You could get 72 MEPs to agree on just about anything”
Clarity ahead of the absurdity set to unfold in Stras in an hour - via @eddywax.bsky.social
Reposted by Owen Morgan
Sorry Brussels Playbook but the US and China are not "Europe's two biggest trade partners" if that means the EU, not even close. Bit closer to home you'll find an EU trade relationship €200bn larger than that with China.
July 4, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Sorry Brussels Playbook but the US and China are not "Europe's two biggest trade partners" if that means the EU, not even close. Bit closer to home you'll find an EU trade relationship €200bn larger than that with China.
Given their dominance around the Council table, the EPP's pre-summit meetings – where they align and strategise – are arguably as consequential as the main summit.
But there's a familiar figure exerting himself there – and not everybody's thrilled.
Via our Berlin head honcho Nick Alipour 👇
But there's a familiar figure exerting himself there – and not everybody's thrilled.
Via our Berlin head honcho Nick Alipour 👇
Inside Manfred Weber’s paper wars that are dividing Europe’s centre right
Inside Manfred Weber’s paper wars that are dividing Europe’s centre right
Patience is wearing thin in Europe’s most powerful political family over its president‘s attempts to remote control national leaders at EU summits.
dlvr.it
July 3, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Given their dominance around the Council table, the EPP's pre-summit meetings – where they align and strategise – are arguably as consequential as the main summit.
But there's a familiar figure exerting himself there – and not everybody's thrilled.
Via our Berlin head honcho Nick Alipour 👇
But there's a familiar figure exerting himself there – and not everybody's thrilled.
Via our Berlin head honcho Nick Alipour 👇
Reposted by Owen Morgan
He was the EU’s great Brexit survivor. Can Maroš Šefčovič now pull off a trade deal with Trump?
He was the EU’s great Brexit survivor. Can Maroš Šefčovič now pull off a trade deal with Trump?
EU’s longest-serving commissioner faces arguably his sternest test with the clock ticking before 9 July deadline
www.theguardian.com
July 2, 2025 at 4:55 AM
He was the EU’s great Brexit survivor. Can Maroš Šefčovič now pull off a trade deal with Trump?
Reposted by Owen Morgan
The EU’s 2040 #climate goal is likely to affect Europeans’ wallets – and those of the companies they work for. But whether a 90% cut in Europe's greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 will bring net costs or benefits depends on how #EU leaders choose to implement the target.
What a 90% emissions cut could mean for EU citizens
What a 90% emissions cut could mean for EU citizens
A web of policy signals, investment choices, and support measures will ultimately determine the final cost for households and industry.
dlvr.it
July 2, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Reposted by Owen Morgan
Struggling to follow the MFF debate? Here’s how the EU's current €1.2 trillion budget is spent, and how it may (radically) change for 2028-2034
www.euractiv.com/section/econ...
www.euractiv.com/section/econ...
Five fights that will shape the EU’s next €1.2 trillion budget - Euractiv
There is a broad consensus that the EU needs a more agile budget but the bloc is a heavy machine – and always at risk of taking the path of least friction.
www.euractiv.com
July 1, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Struggling to follow the MFF debate? Here’s how the EU's current €1.2 trillion budget is spent, and how it may (radically) change for 2028-2034
www.euractiv.com/section/econ...
www.euractiv.com/section/econ...
Reposted by Owen Morgan
The trouble with trilogues – when things start falling apart
The trouble with trilogues – when things start falling apart
The trilogue process doesn't have the benefit of being codified in law. It is a custom that has arisen because the alternative would probably drag on for years. But lately, several governments haven't quite been playing the game.
dlvr.it
June 30, 2025 at 4:48 AM
The trouble with trilogues – when things start falling apart
Leaked by the WSJ last week, denied by the EU's top US trade official earlier this week, not really brought up by EU leaders yesterday.
Then, Trump suggests today DMA/DSA enforcement could be on the table as EU-US trade talks tick towards 9 July deadline.
w/ @magnuslundnielsen.bsky.social
Then, Trump suggests today DMA/DSA enforcement could be on the table as EU-US trade talks tick towards 9 July deadline.
w/ @magnuslundnielsen.bsky.social
Trump suggests EU’s digital rules are on the table in trade talks
Trump suggests EU’s digital rules are on the table in trade talks
Canada was "obviously copying the European Union" in taxing US Big Tech firms, Trump said – despite the fact the EU does not have a digital services tax.
dlvr.it
June 27, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Leaked by the WSJ last week, denied by the EU's top US trade official earlier this week, not really brought up by EU leaders yesterday.
Then, Trump suggests today DMA/DSA enforcement could be on the table as EU-US trade talks tick towards 9 July deadline.
w/ @magnuslundnielsen.bsky.social
Then, Trump suggests today DMA/DSA enforcement could be on the table as EU-US trade talks tick towards 9 July deadline.
w/ @magnuslundnielsen.bsky.social
Reposted by Owen Morgan
@euractiv.com EUCO liveblog www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
June 26, 2025 at 7:01 PM
@euractiv.com EUCO liveblog www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
Reposted by Owen Morgan
Blockbuster edition of the Capitals today
- Huawei-gate scoop
- Interview with EU rightwing chief Manfred Weber
- An ECR attempt to bring down the Commission
- and we tee up the EUCO summit today
@nicolettaionta.bsky.social
www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
- Huawei-gate scoop
- Interview with EU rightwing chief Manfred Weber
- An ECR attempt to bring down the Commission
- and we tee up the EUCO summit today
@nicolettaionta.bsky.social
www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
Can anyone stop Manfred Weber? - Euractiv
In today’s edition of The Capitals, read about France calling to rethink the 2040 climate target, Hungary threatening Pride-goers, and a bid to bring down the Commission rattling the ECR.
www.euractiv.com
June 26, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Blockbuster edition of the Capitals today
- Huawei-gate scoop
- Interview with EU rightwing chief Manfred Weber
- An ECR attempt to bring down the Commission
- and we tee up the EUCO summit today
@nicolettaionta.bsky.social
www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
- Huawei-gate scoop
- Interview with EU rightwing chief Manfred Weber
- An ECR attempt to bring down the Commission
- and we tee up the EUCO summit today
@nicolettaionta.bsky.social
www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
Blogging all day from the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels
Migration, Middle East, and Merz on debut
Tune in 👇
Migration, Middle East, and Merz on debut
Tune in 👇
EU summit LIVE: Leaders gather for talks on Middle East, Ukraine and migration
EU summit LIVE: Leaders gather for talks on Middle East, Ukraine and migration
EU leaders meet in Brussels for talks on the Middle East, Ukraine, migration and more. Follow along live.
dlvr.it
June 26, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Blogging all day from the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels
Migration, Middle East, and Merz on debut
Tune in 👇
Migration, Middle East, and Merz on debut
Tune in 👇
NEW: An investigation by @euractiv.com (with De Standaard & Le Vif) unveils the testimony given to police by the lobbyist at the centre of Huawei’s cash-for-influence scandal in the EU Parliament.
Via @nicolettaionta.bsky.social and our new Chief Brussels Correspondent @elisabraun.bsky.social
Via @nicolettaionta.bsky.social and our new Chief Brussels Correspondent @elisabraun.bsky.social
June 26, 2025 at 5:19 AM
NEW: An investigation by @euractiv.com (with De Standaard & Le Vif) unveils the testimony given to police by the lobbyist at the centre of Huawei’s cash-for-influence scandal in the EU Parliament.
Via @nicolettaionta.bsky.social and our new Chief Brussels Correspondent @elisabraun.bsky.social
Via @nicolettaionta.bsky.social and our new Chief Brussels Correspondent @elisabraun.bsky.social
Curious timing for this message after weeks of reluctance to back this Sunday's Budapest Pride...
Socialist leader Iratxe Garcia met von der Leyen today, and reportedly wanted reassuring of VdL's centrist pro-European chops amid the anti-greenwashing law debacle.
Is this an olive branch? 👀
Socialist leader Iratxe Garcia met von der Leyen today, and reportedly wanted reassuring of VdL's centrist pro-European chops amid the anti-greenwashing law debacle.
Is this an olive branch? 👀
Von der Leyen calls on Hungary to let Budapest Pride go ahead
Von der Leyen calls on Hungary to let Budapest Pride go ahead
'I am on your side,' von der Leyen told the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary – sparking a riposte from Viktor Orbán.
dlvr.it
June 25, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Curious timing for this message after weeks of reluctance to back this Sunday's Budapest Pride...
Socialist leader Iratxe Garcia met von der Leyen today, and reportedly wanted reassuring of VdL's centrist pro-European chops amid the anti-greenwashing law debacle.
Is this an olive branch? 👀
Socialist leader Iratxe Garcia met von der Leyen today, and reportedly wanted reassuring of VdL's centrist pro-European chops amid the anti-greenwashing law debacle.
Is this an olive branch? 👀
Sandeel row latest via @maria-simon.bsky.social
UK defies Brussels and sticks to controversial sandeel fishing ban
UK defies Brussels and sticks to controversial sandeel fishing ban
The EU and the UK went to arbitration over the ban – but the two sides have interpreted the outcome differently.
dlvr.it
June 25, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Sandeel row latest via @maria-simon.bsky.social
Reposted by Owen Morgan
🚨 A post-Qatargate lobbying crackdown is causing major rifts in the EP. S&D, Greens, Transparency Int'l & UN experts warn it echoes “foreign agent” laws in Russia, Georgia & Hungary - threatening civil society, but centre-right EPP group is ready to push it through. W/ @eddywax.bsky.social
June 25, 2025 at 9:22 AM
🚨 A post-Qatargate lobbying crackdown is causing major rifts in the EP. S&D, Greens, Transparency Int'l & UN experts warn it echoes “foreign agent” laws in Russia, Georgia & Hungary - threatening civil society, but centre-right EPP group is ready to push it through. W/ @eddywax.bsky.social
Reposted by Owen Morgan
EU funding turns sour: How a Croatian anti-corruption NGO fell out with Brussels
EU funding turns sour: How a Croatian anti-corruption NGO fell out with Brussels
PSD's legal battle with Brussels has taken on broader significance – with the NGO claiming they were 'used' to cover up political failings.
dlvr.it
June 25, 2025 at 4:21 AM
EU funding turns sour: How a Croatian anti-corruption NGO fell out with Brussels
Brexit citizens' rights: UK tweaked the immigration rules in a few areas yesterday – incl. the maximum allowable absences for Europeans with pre-settled status
Can now be absent for 2.5 years in a 5 year period and remain eligible for full settled status (which they'll be automatically upgraded to)
Can now be absent for 2.5 years in a 5 year period and remain eligible for full settled status (which they'll be automatically upgraded to)
June 25, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Brexit citizens' rights: UK tweaked the immigration rules in a few areas yesterday – incl. the maximum allowable absences for Europeans with pre-settled status
Can now be absent for 2.5 years in a 5 year period and remain eligible for full settled status (which they'll be automatically upgraded to)
Can now be absent for 2.5 years in a 5 year period and remain eligible for full settled status (which they'll be automatically upgraded to)