Bart Eeckhout

24 September 2026 The situation in the straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab and the decline in Russian exports due to the war in Ukraine are putting pressure on global crude oil and fuel markets. Diesel prices in particular have been hitting record highs. European governments are once again trying to counter market trends with tax cuts or subsidies. In Germany, for example, filling up is to cost 17 cents less per litre as of October. Are such fuel discounts a good idea?

Maria Damanaki, former MP for the social democratic Pasok party and adviser on climate and maritime policy, writes in To Vima: “Resilience has always been on the agenda, but it is now taking center stage. ... The heart of resilience is a science-based prevention plan. Among other measures, it includes using AI to forecast weather events, identify high-risk areas and develop warning and response systems. It means proactive forest management rather than abandonment.

27 March 2026 A majority in the European Parliament has adopted the Return Regulation, which, among other things, allows for the establishment of "return hubs" in third countries. Instead of being the result of a parliamentary majority reached by conservative, social democratic and liberal groups, as has been the case with many key votes in recent years, the decision is the result of conservative, right-wing and far-right parties voting together in favour of the regulation.