Institutional power file · EU leaders
European Council
How EU heads of state or government set political direction while relying on other EU institutions to turn priorities into law.
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Where authority actually moves
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3 related pieces2026-09-23
News
News
EU Ministers Push 2028-2034 Budget Talks Forward Ahead of October Leaders' Summit
European affairs ministers discussed spending priorities and revenue for the EU's next long-term budget while preparing an October European Council agenda spanning Ukraine, defence, migration and enlargement.
2026-07-02
Analysis
Analysis
Europe's Russia Sanctions Strategy Is Now a Test of Endurance, Not Surprise
The EU has extended major economic sanctions into 2027. After years of restrictions, the political challenge is maintaining enforcement and unity rather than announcing ever larger packages.
2026-06-28
Analysis
Analysis
Europe Is Spending More on Defence. Strategic Autonomy Still Requires Political Autonomy
Bigger defence budgets matter, but Europe's security problem is also about decision-making, industrial capacity and dependence on US political cycles.
Primary record
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