When Andrej Babiš re-entered Czech politics, it was more than a local political comeback — it sent tremors through the heart of Europe. For Brussels, his return revives a familiar, sometimes frustrating partner. For Central Europe, it raises a deeper question: can pragmatism still hold its ground in an era increasingly defined by populism?
As the European Union grapples with one of the most divisive digital policy debates in recent years, the so-called “Chat Control” proposal has come to symbolise a wider struggle between public safety and the right to privacy. Officially known as the CSAM scanning regulation, the measure seeks to detect and prevent the spread of child sexual abuse material online by requiring messaging platforms to automatically scan private communications.
When the Trump administration signed its Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) executive order in 2025, few doubted the measure would shake global pharmaceutical markets. By tying U.S. drug prices to the lowest government-negotiated rates in Europe and Canada, the White House pitched the plan as relief for American patients at the pharmacy counter.
As the European Union contends with internal fragmentation and rising global uncertainty, Denmark has assumed the EU Council Presidency with a slogan that reflects both ambition and urgency: *“A strong Europe in a changing world.”* In a special episode of *CEA Talk*, Szilárd Szelpál spoke with Otto Brøns-Petersen, Director of Analysis at CEPOS and one of Denmark’s most influential economic voices, to unpack the deeper motivations and policy visions behind this presidency—and what it means for Europe’s political and economic trajectory.
In Brussels, where power often hides in plain sight, few know its rhythms better than former diplomat Gábor Baranyai. A two-time envoy to the European capital and a seasoned legal expert, Baranyai’s career path reflects not only the arc of Hungarian diplomacy, but also the institutional undercurrents shaping the EU’s political core.
Poland faces a challenging period of political cohabitation following the country’s presidential election, which has returned a right-wing head of state while the pro-European coalition government led by Donald Tusk retains its fragile hold on parliament.
A coalition of prominent European free-market think tanks, including the Warsaw Enterprise Institute, Prosum Foundation, and Foro Regulación Inteligente, has sent a strongly-worded open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They urge a comprehensive overhaul of European Union regulations and governance to foster innovation and boost economic growth amid fierce global competition.
Living as an expat in Brussels is one of the most exciting ways to experience life. Part of this excitement comes from the fact that 35% of Brussels’ population, roughly 400,000 people, are not Belgian citizens. Of these, 220,000 are considered expats—highly qualified, well-paid individuals working for international organizations. In this highly livable city, characterized by vast green spaces and a vibrant cultural scene, around 180 nationalities speaking over 100 languages mix.
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