Gabriel Gavin
@gabrielgavin.bsky.social
Writing about Brussels, the EU and the world with POLITICO. Author ‘Ashes of our Fathers: Inside the Fall of Nagorno-Karabakh.’
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
The European Commission is expected to propose delaying a key part of its landmark artificial intelligence rules, according to two Commission officials.
EU prepares to delay landmark AI rules by one year
The bloc previously wanted to be seen as a global front-runner in regulating the nascent technology, but now aims to stay competitive with the U.S. and China.
www.politico.eu
November 13, 2025 at 7:16 PM
The European Commission is expected to propose delaying a key part of its landmark artificial intelligence rules, according to two Commission officials.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Ukraine’s application to join the EU has so far been blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Now Brussels is hatching a plan to ensure precious time isn’t wasted.
Today's Brussels Playbook reveals details of the latest gambit. 👇
Now Brussels is hatching a plan to ensure precious time isn’t wasted.
Today's Brussels Playbook reveals details of the latest gambit. 👇
In the shadow of war
Presented by Amazon By GABRIEL GAVIN with ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Contact us on X @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser WHILE YOU WE…
www.politico.eu
November 11, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Ukraine’s application to join the EU has so far been blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Now Brussels is hatching a plan to ensure precious time isn’t wasted.
Today's Brussels Playbook reveals details of the latest gambit. 👇
Now Brussels is hatching a plan to ensure precious time isn’t wasted.
Today's Brussels Playbook reveals details of the latest gambit. 👇
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
One of the EU’s top courts is being asked to examine whether the European Parliament breached its legal obligations by denying lawmakers the chance to investigate the bloc’s handling of vaccine contracts.
Right-wing lawmakers to sue Parliament over blocked corruption inquiry
The legal challenge is the latest in a string of accountability headaches for EU leaders.
www.politico.eu
November 10, 2025 at 10:16 PM
One of the EU’s top courts is being asked to examine whether the European Parliament breached its legal obligations by denying lawmakers the chance to investigate the bloc’s handling of vaccine contracts.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Martin Selmayr’s latest scheme for ending his effective exile in Rome, where he is EU ambassador to the Holy See, and returning to Brussels seems to have come apart.
Inside Martin Selmayr’s conclave of catastrophe
After weeks of backroom dealing, the “Monster of the Berlaymont” isn’t coming back to Brussels (yet).
www.politico.eu
November 7, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Martin Selmayr’s latest scheme for ending his effective exile in Rome, where he is EU ambassador to the Holy See, and returning to Brussels seems to have come apart.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Senior European Commissioners and Parliament leaders will meet this afternoon to try to hammer out a deal over disputed parts of the EU’s €1.8 trillion long-term budget.
EU Commission and Parliament face reckoning over €1.8 trillion budget clash
The EU executive has still not offered a compromise, says European Parliament’s lead budget negotiator ahead of meeting.
www.politico.eu
November 5, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Senior European Commissioners and Parliament leaders will meet this afternoon to try to hammer out a deal over disputed parts of the EU’s €1.8 trillion long-term budget.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Ursula von der Leyen’s fragile governing coalition has been fraying for months.
Now, a rupture within her own European People’s Party threatens to derail today’s EU budget talks.
Brussels Playbook has more 👇
Now, a rupture within her own European People’s Party threatens to derail today’s EU budget talks.
Brussels Playbook has more 👇
EPP vs. EPP
Presented by Nokia By GABRIEL GAVIN with ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Contact us on X @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser GOOD WEDNESDA…
www.politico.eu
November 5, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Ursula von der Leyen’s fragile governing coalition has been fraying for months.
Now, a rupture within her own European People’s Party threatens to derail today’s EU budget talks.
Brussels Playbook has more 👇
Now, a rupture within her own European People’s Party threatens to derail today’s EU budget talks.
Brussels Playbook has more 👇
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
European negotiators were personally targeted by their American counterparts during a brutal negotiation over green shipping rules, European Commission officials told POLITICO.
This highly unusual gambit left diplomats shaken after the meeting.
This highly unusual gambit left diplomats shaken after the meeting.
US accused of threatening EU diplomats during bid to kill green shipping rules
Negotiators at shipping talks in London were told both they and their countries could be punished unless they voted with the U.S.
www.politico.eu
November 3, 2025 at 8:11 AM
European negotiators were personally targeted by their American counterparts during a brutal negotiation over green shipping rules, European Commission officials told POLITICO.
This highly unusual gambit left diplomats shaken after the meeting.
This highly unusual gambit left diplomats shaken after the meeting.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
🦇 It’s spooky season in the Berlaymont ... and from international trade talks to old rivalries, there’s no end of skeletons in the closet that could come out to haunt Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her team.
Brussels Playbook unpacks it all 👇
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
Brussels Playbook unpacks it all 👇
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
Monsters in the Berlaymont
Presented by Google By GABRIEL GAVIN with ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Contact us on X @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser BOO! A foul …
www.politico.eu
October 31, 2025 at 7:45 AM
🦇 It’s spooky season in the Berlaymont ... and from international trade talks to old rivalries, there’s no end of skeletons in the closet that could come out to haunt Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her team.
Brussels Playbook unpacks it all 👇
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
Brussels Playbook unpacks it all 👇
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
The European Union warned Belarus to put a stop to a wave of balloons entering its airspace, though stopped short of blaming the country’s authoritarian government after objections from Hungary.
EU condemns Belarus balloon incursions after Hungary delays statement
Budapest lobbied to remove language blaming the authoritarian government of Alexander Lukashenko.
www.politico.eu
October 29, 2025 at 2:44 PM
The European Union warned Belarus to put a stop to a wave of balloons entering its airspace, though stopped short of blaming the country’s authoritarian government after objections from Hungary.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
A major overhaul of the EU’s executive branch has staffers worried for their livelihoods, as the bloc sets its sights on delivering value for money and doing more for less.
EU staff rally against restructuring as job loss fears grow
Staffers who are most “at risk” are those on short-term contracts, said one official, as employee associations demand transparency.
www.politico.eu
October 28, 2025 at 4:21 PM
A major overhaul of the EU’s executive branch has staffers worried for their livelihoods, as the bloc sets its sights on delivering value for money and doing more for less.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
The EU is ratcheting up pressure on governments reluctant to agree on funding for war-ravaged Ukraine — telling them if they don’t force Russia to foot the bill, they’ll have to do it themselves.
EU plays hardball: If you won’t seize Russia’s cash, open your wallets
The idea of joint European borrowing is rejected by most of the bloc’s governments. That’s why the Commission is using it as leverage to get them to approve the use of Moscow’s assets for Ukraine.
www.politico.eu
October 28, 2025 at 8:16 AM
The EU is ratcheting up pressure on governments reluctant to agree on funding for war-ravaged Ukraine — telling them if they don’t force Russia to foot the bill, they’ll have to do it themselves.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
The EU must impose new trade restrictions on Belarus to degrade its military industries and deprive it of the ability to wage hybrid war, Lithuania's foreign minister warned.
Balloon-smuggling warrants new Belarus sanctions, Lithuania urges EU
Repeated incursions, some relating to “hybrid war,” should be met with trade restrictions, tariffs and air defense investments, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys tells POLITICO.
www.politico.eu
October 27, 2025 at 6:03 PM
The EU must impose new trade restrictions on Belarus to degrade its military industries and deprive it of the ability to wage hybrid war, Lithuania's foreign minister warned.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis insisted today before an EU leaders' summit that the bloc must play a bigger role in finding tens of billions of euros for countries to pay for increased military spending.
Greek leader pushes EU on joint defense debt
A “joint European borrowing facility” would help countries face down a more uncertain world, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tells POLITICO.
www.politico.eu
October 23, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis insisted today before an EU leaders' summit that the bloc must play a bigger role in finding tens of billions of euros for countries to pay for increased military spending.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Divisive German civil servant Martin Selmayr should return to Brussels for the sake of the EU, a senior minister declared today — sparking an immediate rebuke from his own government.
Germany split over Selmayr’s return to Brussels
EU minister says controversial civil servant “very much welcome” in Brussels but German government makes clear that is not its official position.
www.politico.eu
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Divisive German civil servant Martin Selmayr should return to Brussels for the sake of the EU, a senior minister declared today — sparking an immediate rebuke from his own government.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Martin Selmayr, one of the EU’s most effective and feared political operators of recent times, has held talks over a job that would see him return to Brussels ― triggering criticism and dread among diplomats.
Selmayr holds talks for Brussels return — and EU diplomats are freaking out
The prospect of the veteran fixer coming back has sparked panic and plotting among some who remember his reign six years ago.
www.politico.eu
October 22, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Martin Selmayr, one of the EU’s most effective and feared political operators of recent times, has held talks over a job that would see him return to Brussels ― triggering criticism and dread among diplomats.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Russian leader Vladimir Putin should be blocked from taking part in high-stakes negotiations designed to freeze the war in Ukraine, one of Europe’s top diplomats warned after US President Donald Trump touted Hungary as a host country.
Putin’s looming visit riles EU: Budapest? Try The Hague instead.
Talks proposed by the U.S. in Hungary sparked debate over flight restrictions and international arrest warrants.
www.politico.eu
October 20, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Russian leader Vladimir Putin should be blocked from taking part in high-stakes negotiations designed to freeze the war in Ukraine, one of Europe’s top diplomats warned after US President Donald Trump touted Hungary as a host country.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
The European Union will press US President Donald Trump to ensure that his ceasefire agreement does not undermine the future of a Palestinian state, according to a draft plan.
EU’s Israel plan: Protect Palestinian statehood in talks with Trump
Draft strategy seen by POLITICO sets out Brussels’ priorities for aid and reconstruction.
www.politico.eu
October 17, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The European Union will press US President Donald Trump to ensure that his ceasefire agreement does not undermine the future of a Palestinian state, according to a draft plan.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
An EU plan to sanction Israel’s government ministers and cut back on trade ties has been put on ice as a leading group of member countries believes it’s no longer necessary in light of the US-brokered peace agreement to end the war in Gaza.
EU unlikely to push sanctions on Israel after Trump peace deal
The delay in introducing measures has cast doubt on the bloc’s credibility, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot told POLITICO.
www.politico.eu
October 17, 2025 at 11:19 AM
An EU plan to sanction Israel’s government ministers and cut back on trade ties has been put on ice as a leading group of member countries believes it’s no longer necessary in light of the US-brokered peace agreement to end the war in Gaza.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Slovakia will oppose efforts to bolster support for Ukraine and slash the flow of funds filling Russia’s war chest, the country’s leader declared today.
Slovak PM vows to derail key EU summit
Populist leader Robert Fico said he intends to challenge a draft joint statement from the European Council and push for measures on energy prices and carmaking.
www.politico.eu
October 15, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Slovakia will oppose efforts to bolster support for Ukraine and slash the flow of funds filling Russia’s war chest, the country’s leader declared today.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Leaders of EU countries will tell the bloc's institutions to speed up the next phase of their deregulation agenda at a meeting later this month, according to a leaked document obtained by POLITICO.
EU leaders to double down on deregulation drive
Leaked document reveals top priorities for this month’s European Council summit.
ow.ly
October 14, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Leaders of EU countries will tell the bloc's institutions to speed up the next phase of their deregulation agenda at a meeting later this month, according to a leaked document obtained by POLITICO.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
The EU has signaled it won't give in to pressure from Washington to tear up its green rules in order to firm up a deal on tariffs, the bloc’s top trade official has told member countries.
EU refuses to bow to Trump demands to tear up business rules
Brussels has signaled it won’t yield to U.S. pressure to ignite a bonfire of green regulations as part of their trade deal, a top official tells diplomats.
ow.ly
October 10, 2025 at 7:21 AM
The EU has signaled it won't give in to pressure from Washington to tear up its green rules in order to firm up a deal on tariffs, the bloc’s top trade official has told member countries.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
The provocations of Vladimir Putin and the semi-detachment of Donald Trump are forcing the EU to radically transform itself.
This week's summit of European leaders will offer the starkest evidence yet the bloc as it once was is no more.
This week's summit of European leaders will offer the starkest evidence yet the bloc as it once was is no more.
Leaders press to reshape EU under Putin’s aggressive shadow
Wednesday’s Copenhagen summit is a step toward turning the EU into a military power. But the bloc isn’t united and the risks are great.
www.politico.eu
September 29, 2025 at 7:41 AM
The provocations of Vladimir Putin and the semi-detachment of Donald Trump are forcing the EU to radically transform itself.
This week's summit of European leaders will offer the starkest evidence yet the bloc as it once was is no more.
This week's summit of European leaders will offer the starkest evidence yet the bloc as it once was is no more.
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Moldova’s pro-Western government is set to secure a renewed majority after an election in which the campaign was marred by reports of widespread Russian interference.
But the victory presents a new challenge for the EU.
Brussels Playbook has more 👇
But the victory presents a new challenge for the EU.
Brussels Playbook has more 👇
Moldova chooses EU
Presented by Bayer By GABRIEL GAVIN with ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Contact us on X @NicholasVinocur @swheaton @TimRoss_1 | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser GOOD MOR…
ow.ly
September 29, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Moldova’s pro-Western government is set to secure a renewed majority after an election in which the campaign was marred by reports of widespread Russian interference.
But the victory presents a new challenge for the EU.
Brussels Playbook has more 👇
But the victory presents a new challenge for the EU.
Brussels Playbook has more 👇
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
🚨 BREAKING: The pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) is firmly in the lead of Moldova’s election, with around half of votes counted so far and PAS-sympathetic constituencies still to tally.
Full story: www.politico.eu/article/poll...
Full story: www.politico.eu/article/poll...
September 28, 2025 at 7:59 PM
🚨 BREAKING: The pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) is firmly in the lead of Moldova’s election, with around half of votes counted so far and PAS-sympathetic constituencies still to tally.
Full story: www.politico.eu/article/poll...
Full story: www.politico.eu/article/poll...
Reposted by Gabriel Gavin
Moldovans voted today in a landmark parliamentary election that could determine whether the country stays on course to join the European Union, amid widespread warnings of interference by Russia.
Polls close in Moldova after defining vote on EU path
The parliamentary election comes amid reports of an “unprecedented” Russian hybrid interference campaign.
www.politico.eu
September 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Moldovans voted today in a landmark parliamentary election that could determine whether the country stays on course to join the European Union, amid widespread warnings of interference by Russia.