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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 22h

Truly disastrous outcome for the anti–von der Leyen camp: the far-right no-confidence motion got just 179 votes (+4 from July’s attempt), while the Left’s fared even worse with 133.

This could mark the end of the motion-of-censure era

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Reposted by Gerardo Fortuna

Marianne Gros @mariannegros.bsky.social · 1d

Over in Strasbourg, tensions were so high on Wednesday that the Socialists' lead negotiator on the file quit.

Within the EPP, divisions are becoming more obvious.

Read more in today's playbook:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b... w/ @gerardofortuna.bsky.social and @maxgriera.bsky.social

VDL’s no-confidence showdown

Presented by DP World By GERARDO FORTUNA with ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Contact us on X @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @swheaton | Listen to Playbook and view in your browse…

www.politico.eu

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 1d

Here's more:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...

Tales from the ‘Bourg

Presented by DP World By GERARDO FORTUNA with ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Contact us on X @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @swheaton | Listen to Playbook and view in your browse…

www.politico.eu

Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 1d

Happy birthday to Ursula @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu! In my profile for today's Brussels Playbook, I look at her unstoppable work style and share a virtual birthday card where political leaders and her own commissioners send her their best wishes. Check it out!

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 3d

Von der Leyen's new three-step strategy for convincing opponents to back her underscores a more cooperative tone and a willingness to engage rather than confront.
Read more in this story with @maxgriera.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/ursu...

Von der Leyen hopes her caring, sharing side will win round critics

The European Commission president faces another set of no-confidence votes on Thursday. She hopes that by listening more, she’ll bolster her support.

www.politico.eu

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 7d

In today’s Playbook:
-What everyone’s saying after yesterday’s EUCO
-EPC: Macron’s baby, Europe’s maybe
-Mette Frederiksen: old Costa or new von der Leyen?
-Fresh juicy European Parliament intel from @maxgriera.bsky.social

And more, much more than this. Check it out!
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...

The real thing

Presented by Bayer By GERARDO FORTUNA with ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Contact us on X @NicholasVinocur @swheaton @TimRoss_1 @gerardofortuna | Listen to Playbook and view in you…

www.politico.eu

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 7d

ICYMI: It’s now official. As of today, I’ve started as Brussels Playbook author at @politico.eu, bringing you scoops, whispers, and sharp analysis from the Brussels bubble to Europe (and beyond) every Wednesday and Thursday

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Reposted by Gerardo Fortuna

Lauren Heeffer @lheeffer.bsky.social · 8d

Today’s Brussels playbook @politico.eu is truly a piece of art @gerardofortuna.bsky.social #swiftie

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 7d

🙏

Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 8d

Detail spotters may have noticed: every EU leader pulled up in the same ride—a BMW i7 eDrive50, fully electric and courtesy of the Danish foreign affairs ministry.

This offered the most curious sight of the EUCO doorsteps so far: Italy’s Meloni stepping out of a German-made EV

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 9d

Quiet atmosphere around Christiansborg Slot ahead of tomorrow’s informal EUCO in Copenhagen.

Locals seem more curious than annoyed by the summit’s security checks and traffic disruptions (quite a contrast to Brussels’ summit-season routine)

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 9d

Out of sight, out of mind: Best 'window' seat in these tough times for European aircraft security—if a drone attack comes, you won’t see it anyway.

God eftermiddag from Copenhagen, on my way to tomorrow's informal EUCO!

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 13d

EU Commission couldn’t think of a better way to mark the trade deal with Indonesia than serving something 'Indonesian' in the canteen, basically nasi goreng en croûte (yes, wrapped in pastry and baked).

Not sure Indonesians would approve, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.

Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 22d

How likely is this proposal to succeed? Very difficult if not impossible: member states must agree, and there are staunch Israel allies like Czechia, Bulgaria, Austria, Hungary, and especially Italy and Germany which alone could tip the balance given their voting weight

Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 22d

Just in: The EU Commission has announced the proposal of a 'robust package of sanctions' against Israel that includes a partial supension of trade concessions.

"The aim is not to punish Israel but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," says EU's chief diplomat Kallas

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 22d

Just in: The EU Commission has announced the proposal of a 'robust package of sanctions' against Israel that includes a partial supension of trade concessions.

"The aim is not to punish Israel but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," says EU's chief diplomat Kallas

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 22d

y'all know how we can fit this pic on the header?

Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · 28d

With food issues on the menu, EU-India trade talks finally head toward the ‘end game’.

Indeed, the clearest sign that things are accelerating is the arrival of agriculture on the agenda...

More on @euronews.com / with @peggycorlin.bsky.social

www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...

EU and India chase down trade deal with wrangling over food

The fact that agriculture is now being formally addressed in EU-India trade negotiations signals that talks are edging toward the finish line, according to experts. #EuropeNews

www.euronews.com

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · Sep 9

Read more of my tips to follow the SOTEU like a pro on Euronews:

www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...

State of the EU? Von der Leyen has the mic — here’s how to follow

The Brussels bubble’s favourite back-to-school ritual is back after a year off due to EU elections. Here’s what to listen out for in this marathon speech. #EuropeNews

www.euronews.com

Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · Sep 9

However, don’t expect Ursula von der Leyen to break a sweat while she does it.

Whether the chamber is hostile or not, the SOTEU is von der Leyen’s turf, and there’s very little risk of misstep.

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · Sep 9

Another pro-tip for following the SOTEU: what goes unsaid is just as telling.

And don't forget 'how' it is said: vdL is a skilled polyglot and a language shift can be a signal of who she is addressing — whether it be domestic constituencies or European partners

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · Sep 9

The SOTEU is also known for sweeping phrases that sound profound but often lack clarity.

For instance, in her latest address, von der Leyen declared that her approach to China would be “de-risk, not decouple”, whatever that slogan actually meant.

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · Sep 9

-But also market-moving moments, like when von der Leyen announced an anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs in 2023, European carmakers’ stocks spiked within the hour.

(Besides, investors would be wise to watch closely also since vdL has a taste for big money pledges too.)

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · Sep 9

-But also a surprise name-drop that will dominate headlines.

Remember when Mario Draghi was casually announced as the author of a forthcoming competitiveness report last time?

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · Sep 9

-Expect symbolic gestures to catch attention, as when in 2023 she first launched the “strategic dialogue” on agriculture, a format that has since spread to other sectors...

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Gerardo Fortuna @gerardofortuna.bsky.social · Sep 9

But still, the State of the European Union is the speech everyone talks about for weeks, setting the tone for EU politics after the summer break.

So here are some tips from someone measuring his seniority in EU journalism by the number of SOTEUs he has covered—this on Wednesday will be my sixth.

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