Renzi Picks the Wrong Fight — Again
The Italian has a tendency to ruin good causes by making them all about himself.
Europe
Gibraltar Brexit Deal is Victory for Spain
To keep its border with Spain open, Gibraltar accepts a Spanish role in guarding its ports.
Söder 2021: Germany’s Christian Democrats Should Consider Bavarian
The Bavarian may be a better chancellor candidate than the three men vying for Angela Merkel’s job.
What to Make of the EU-UK Trade Agreement
The highlights, analysis and the one thing that’s left: Gibraltar.
First Things First: Vote the Authoritarians Out
Opposition parties in Hungary and Israel can learn from Democrats in the United States.
Catalan Separatist Parties Go Separate Ways
One seeks confrontation with Madrid, the other dialogue with the government.
Britain Still Won’t Accept Tradeoff at Heart of Brexit
If it wants free trade with the EU, it must abide by its rules.
Dutch Christian Democrats Can’t Expect White Knight
Wopke Hoekstra is back in the picture, but even he might not defeat Mark Rutte.
American Criticism of Macron Becomes Hysterical
Journalists who don’t know France accuse its president of “flirting with authoritarianism.”
EU “Government Shutdown” Looms
If Hungary and Poland maintain their veto, the EU could be without a proper budget.
Consensus Among Major Dutch Political Parties
The parties broadly agree on deficit spending, environmental policy, labor law and taxes.
EU Must Hold Firm in Rule-of-Law Dispute with Hungary, Poland
The majority of Hungarians and Poles agree.
Sánchez Does Budget Deal with Left-Wing, Separatist Allies
The same parties voted him into office.
Dutch Far-Right Forum for Democracy Implodes
Thierry Baudet steps down as leader after yet more revelations of extremism.
Rutte’s Liberal Party Shifts to Center in Netherlands
On environmental policy, government spending and wages, the party is moving to the middle.