Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. FIRST OMNIBUS AGREEMENT, BUT NOT THE LAST Habemus Omnibus! This week, Member States and the Parliament reached their first agreement on one of the Commission’s six “simplification” packages so far: Omnibus II, dedicated to the InvestEU program. The agreement increases the EU guarantee by €2.9 billion, which is expected to mobilize at least €50 billion in additional investments while claiming to reduce administrative burden for companies and national authorities. However, this is only a first step. Five other Omnibus packages are still under discussion (on defence, food and agriculture, medium-sized companies, and chemicals) and two more are pending. The new initiatives include an environmental Omnibus, expected in late 2025, which could significantly change landmarks laws such as the Empowering Consumers Directive.…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. ALBANIA’S AMBITIOUS SPRINT TO ACCESSION Sprinting toward EU membership this week, Albania officially opened its fourth negotiation cluster, covering transport, energy, trans-European networks and environmental protection. This brings the total number of clusters opened in less than a year to five out of six. The total number of EU acquis chapters completed increased to 28 out of 33, a pace that Brussels calls "impressive." The Commission has praised Albania’s reforms, ranging from anti-corruption efforts to judicial modernization. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos noted that Tirana demonstrates how bold leadership can deliver tangible change. The remaining chapters, including agriculture and regional cohesion, are set to open by the end of the year, with the goal of concluding technical negotiations by 2027. If progress…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. STATE OF THE DISUNION In what has become a ritualized political spectacle, Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, laying out her priorities for the year ahead. She touched on topics ranging from competitiveness to Gaza and the housing crisis to climate change. However, by trying to speak to everyone, she may have satisfied no one. EPP leader Manfred Weber accused the left of sabotaging trade deals, while S&D’s leader Iratxe García Pérez in return branded him the “main enemy” of von der Leyen’s fragile coalition. Caught in the middle, Renew rolled its eyes at what Valérie Hayer dismissed as a “pathetic spectacle,” urging the Commission President to step up as referee before her majority crumbles.…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. MERCOSUR: CHEAP BEEF, EXPENSIVE FOR THE PLANET The Commission has finally unveiled the legal texts for the long-delayed -and much dreaded-Mercosur trade pact, setting the stage for a ratification battle that could prove damaging for the EU’s reputation. The agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay promises to increase EU exports by 39% and provide cheaper access to critical raw materials, such as lithium and niobium. However, there is fierce opposition: NGOs warn that the deal with four of the Mercosur countries will lead to increased deforestation and undermine EU climate goals. They also regret the Commission's strategy to sneak the deal through by taking the political part out, so that the “interim trade agreement” can be adopted without a unanimity…