Elaine Allaby is a journalist based in Rome, Italy.

Today in Italy: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday

11 Jun 2024  |  The Local Italy  |  English  |  EU Elections

Italy's voter turnout in the recent EU elections fell below 50% for the first time, highlighting a growing disinterest in European parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attributed this to a perception of Brussels as distant. Meanwhile, a significant number of poll workers abandoned their posts due to low pay, causing logistical challenges. In other news, Milan's rail system experienced significant delays due to a technical failure, and LUMSA University released a new edition of a youth slang dictionary.

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EU Elections Voter Turnout Italian Politics

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I am an experienced multimedia journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

I've been a journalist in print, radio and television for nearly 20 years, the last 8+ specialising in EU policy, legislation and current affairs. As well as an address book packed with insider sources and contacts in Brussels,...

The Outsiders, Maylis Roßberg and Raül Romeva – EFA’s Spitzenkandidaten

20 Mar 2024  |  www.euractiv.com  |  English  |  EU Elections

During the European Free Alliance's General Assembly, Spitzenkandidaten Maylis Roßberg and Raül Romeva spoke with Euractiv's Jennifer Baker about their political approach and the 2024 campaign. They emphasized the importance of diversity in representation, the need for the EU to have a strong voice regardless of global leaders, and the concept of shared leadership. They also addressed the challenge of the far-right's rise and the potential impact of a second Trump presidency on EU-US relations. EFA's commitment to democracy was highlighted, with a focus on inclusive representation of all languages, stateless nations, and minorities.

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EU Elections European Politics Diversity in Politics

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Alexandra Brzozowski is a Brussels-based journalist specialised in European affairs. For EURACTIV, she covers European security and defence policy, Eastern Europe and Arctic policy. Also occasionally found on Zenger News.

European Elections: Charles Michel's Electoral Gamble Launches the Race for EU 'Top Jobs'

07 Jan 2024  |  www.euractiv.fr  |  French  |  European Elections

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, announced his early departure to run in the European elections, accelerating discussions on EU 'top jobs'. His decision could lead to Viktor Orbán temporarily assuming the Council presidency, a prospect met with concern due to Orbán's controversial stance on democracy. Michel's move, seen as a bid to strengthen EU's global position and defense, has sparked mixed reactions, including criticism from within his political family. The announcement also pressures Ursula von der Leyen to declare her candidacy for a second term as European Commission President.

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EU Institutions European Elections Political Leadership

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Phoebe Cooke is a freelance journalist based in London.

Far-right presence divides farmers' protest ahead of EU elections

04 Jun 2024  |  euobserver.com  |  English  |  EU elections

A protest by farmers in Brussels against the EU's agricultural and climate policies saw a turnout of around a thousand protesters and five hundred tractors. The demonstration, held at the Atomium, was marked by a lackluster atmosphere, with the presence of far-right groups causing division among participants. The protest highlights ongoing discontent with EU policies ahead of the upcoming elections.

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EU elections Farmers' protest Agricultural policies Climate policies

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Nick Gammon is a photojournalist and videographer based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He shoots news and features, often for Agence France Presse as a freelance, covering any and all subjects on a daily basis.

Dutch far-right party makes big gains at EU election, exit poll shows

06 Jun 2024  |  www.france24.com  |  English  |  European Elections

The Dutch far-right Party for Freedom, led by Geert Wilders, has made significant gains in the EU elections, according to exit polls, increasing its seats from one to seven. Wilders aims to leverage this success to form a broad alliance of hard-right parties in the European Parliament to shift power back to national governments, particularly on issues like migration. The article highlights the broader rise of populist and far-right parties across Europe, contrasting their views with those of pro-EU parties. Final EU election results will be announced after all member states complete voting.

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EU Governance European Elections Far-Right Politics

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Guy Hedgecoe is a journalist based in Madrid, Spain. He covers all news issues, including politics, economics and sport. He is author of 'Freezing Franco: The Battle for Spain's Memory'.

Court summons for prime minister’s wife dominates Spanish campaign

05 Jun 2024  |  The Irish Times  |  English  |  EU Elections

Corruption allegations against the Spanish government have intensified ahead of the EU elections, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, summoned to court over claims of influencing public contracts. The case, initiated by far-right groups, has been denounced by Sánchez as a politically motivated attack. Despite calls for resignation from opposition leaders, Sánchez remains defiant, framing the allegations as a right-wing smear campaign. The controversy has become a focal point in the election, with both sides rallying their supporters.

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EU Elections Corruption Allegations Political Campaign

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As a journalist, I have the privilege of contributing to various media, including Belga, Knack, Apache, Woef, EOS Wetenschap and MO*. I reached a significant personal milestone recently by publishing my first academic paper entitled The Political Salience of Animal Protection in the Netherlands (...

Use Your Vote!

13 Jun 2024  |  meta.eeb.org  |  English  |  EU Elections

The article emphasizes the importance of the upcoming EU elections in addressing climate change and environmental challenges. It urges citizens to vote for policies that promote a greener and more resilient Europe, highlighting the European Pact for the Future as a framework for transformative change. The text warns against misinformation campaigns affecting the elections and stresses the need for a Green and Social Deal to tackle the climate crisis, enhance energy security, and create jobs. It encourages readers to use tools like the EU Scoreboard to identify parties supporting environmental initiatives.

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EU Elections Climate Change Environmental Policy

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A freelance political journalist, columnist, commentator and editor...

David Hutt is a political journalist based between the Czech Republic and Britain. He focuses on European foreign policy, Central European politics, and relations between Europe and Asia. He is also an expert on Southeast ...

The Fate of EU and Southeast Asia Relations in 2024

02 Jan 2024  |  www.dw.com  |  Indonesian  |  European Parliament Elections

The upcoming European Parliament elections in June 2024 could lead to significant changes in the EU's leadership, impacting its relations with Southeast Asia. The Indonesian general elections in February 2024 are also crucial, with defense minister Prabowo Subianto leading in polls. EU's new import regulations on palm oil, effective December 2024, are contentious, especially for Indonesia and Malaysia. The EU and ASEAN will address tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict in a ministerial meeting in February. Laos, as the 2024 ASEAN chair, may influence regional dynamics, particularly regarding China. The EU continues to impose sanctions on Myanmar's military junta while providing humanitarian aid.

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Indonesia Elections EU Foreign Policy European Parliament Elections Palm Oil Regulations Israel-Gaza Conflict ASEAN Relations

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Tim Judah covers the Balkans, and sometimes other places, for the Economist. 

He also covers Ukraine where he is now for the New York Review of Books. 

He wrote a book on the Ukraine conflict which was published by Penguin in 2015. 

He is the author of three books on the Balkans: The Serbs:...

Voting for Their Jobs

20 Sept 2024  |  www.almendron.com  |  English  |  Elections

Georgia faces political turbulence ahead of its general elections, with the ruling party, Georgian Dream, under scrutiny for its actions against civil society and controversial legislation. The party's commitment to EU membership is questioned, as opposition groups gain momentum. Economic challenges and emigration are prevalent, with local corruption and job dependency influencing voter behavior. The political climate is tense, with potential implications for Georgia's relationship with Russia and the West.

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EU Membership Elections Georgian Politics

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Marta is a freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker covering Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. She has been based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, since 2012 but her work often takes her to neighbouring countries and to Poland, where she was born and lived until 2001.

Her work has been published ...

The False Claims on Food and Farming That May Sway EU Elections

07 Jun 2024  |  DeSmog  |  English  |  EU Elections

The article examines the spread of misinformation about EU climate and agricultural policies during the EU elections, highlighting how far-right and populist parties have used false claims to sway voters. It discusses the impact of these narratives on public perception and political strategies, particularly in rural communities. The article also addresses the challenges faced by the farming sector and the importance of sustainable practices, while criticizing the misleading tactics used by political groups to undermine climate reforms.

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EU Elections Misinformation Climate Change Agriculture

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**Available for EU CoronaVirus coverage from home studio**

Dave Keating is an American journalist covering European politics. Having previously covered US politics in Washington, Dave specializes in drawing comparisons between the American federal system and the European Union.

Dave has ...

The unnoticed 2009 decision that pushed the UK to where it is today

25 Mar 2024  |  davekeating.substack.com  |  English  |  EU Elections

In 2009, David Cameron, then opposition leader, withdrew the Conservative Party from the European Peoples Party and established the European Conservatives and Reformists group, influenced by the eurosceptic wing of his party. This decision, aimed at securing leadership votes, exemplified Cameron's tendency to prioritize his political career, a pattern culminating in the Brexit referendum. Recently, Cameron, who resigned post-Brexit, was appointed foreign minister by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

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EU Elections British Politics Brexit

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Rachel Marsden is a media professional with over two decades of expertise in international politics. Her extensive career includes multilingual hosting, presenting, producing, and debating across TV, radio, and digital platforms. She has been an internationally syndicated columnist since 2011, ...

The EU doesn’t need Moscow to interfere in its democracy – it has Brussels for that

21 Oct 2024  |  qoshe.com  |  English  |  European Elections

The article criticizes the European Union's response to alleged Russian disinformation during the European Elections, suggesting that the EU exaggerated the threat. It highlights Vera Jourova's role in addressing these concerns and questions the necessity of the EU's actions, implying that the issue was overstated. The piece takes a critical stance towards the EU's measures and the perceived lack of substantial disinformation.

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EU Politics European Elections Disinformation

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Marc Martorell Junyent holds a Bachelor in International Relations and is a second-year student of a master in Comparative and Middle East Politics and Society at the University of Tübingen, Germany. His research and political analysis focuses on the Middle East and North Africa region, with ...

What the EU's new parliament means for the Middle East

09 Jun 2024  |  The New Arab  |  English  |  European Parliament Elections

The European Parliament elections resulted in a shift towards the right, with the far-right gaining more seats and the center-right European People's Party remaining the largest group. Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected as President of the European Commission, with a focus on strengthening EU borders and migration policies. The EU's foreign policy is expected to continue its securitized approach towards migrants and asylum seekers, with potential processing of asylum requests in non-EU countries. The ongoing war in Ukraine has influenced the EU's relations with the Middle East, particularly in energy partnerships with Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The EU's diplomatic engagement with the Middle East and North Africa is likely to decrease, with a focus on energy resources and migration control. Kaja Kallas is expected to prioritize support for Ukraine as the new EU foreign policy chief.

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EU Foreign Policy European Parliament Elections Middle East Relations

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Stephen McGrath is a Romania-based correspondent. His work appears regularly in the international press, for publications including BBC, The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Spectator, New Statesman, Forbes, and others. 

In 2019, he was shortlisted in the Human Trafficking Foundation's ...

Moldova votes by a narrow margin to stay on course for EU membership

30 Oct 2023  |  apnews.com  |  Spanish  |  Moldova Elections

Moldova narrowly voted to continue its path towards EU membership, with 50.39% in favor, amid accusations of Russian interference. President Maia Sandu accused criminal groups of attempting to undermine the vote, while the European Commission confirmed Russian meddling. Sandu won the first round of the presidential election but will face Alexandr Stoianoglo in a runoff. The vote highlighted the influence of Moldova's diaspora and the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Russia.

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EU Membership Moldova Elections Russian Interference

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Jason Mitchell is a journalist based in Bogotá, Colombia.

A Sustainable Future: Henry Foy, FT Brussels Bureau Chief, on Defence, Sustainability, and the EU Elections

25 Apr 2024  |  www.man.com  |  English  |  EU Elections

The upcoming EU elections are expected to pivot the policy agenda towards defense and away from the Green Deal, with implications for sustainable investors. The elections will serve as a referendum on key issues such as migration, support for Ukraine, and climate legislation. The EU is likely to focus on strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and defense, driven by factors like Russia's war with Ukraine and potential shifts in US foreign policy. The European Investment Bank may shift its investment strategy to include defense, signaling a broader trend towards integrating defense into sustainable investment frameworks. Despite the shift, existing Green Deal legislation remains in place, though its prominence may diminish in the coming years.

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EU Elections Sustainability Defence Policy

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Alison Mutler is a journalist based in Bucharest, Romania and covers Romania and Moldova. I have covered Romanian current affairs, politics, protests, the EU, corruption, social issues, defense, NATO, lifestyle and sport for the past 30 years, 25 of those for the Associated Press. I also served as ...

Romanians vote in elections that could dent its reputation as reliable EU, NATO ally

24 Nov 2024  |  Universul.net  |  English  |  Romanian Elections

Romania is holding presidential elections that could impact its standing as a reliable EU and NATO ally. The elections feature 13 candidates, with center-left Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and hard-right nationalist George Simion as frontrunners. Ciolacu, backed by the Social Democratic Party, faces allegations of corruption, while Simion, leading the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, is known for his anti-European stance. The elections are crucial for Romania's foreign policy and national security, with potential implications for its relations with neighboring countries and the EU.

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EU Relations Romanian Elections NATO Relations

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British journalist, editor, and researcher. Work published in the Guardian, POLITICO Europe, New Statesman, Vice, The Moscow Times, and New Eastern Europe. 

Now primarily in London/Baltics but open to Russia-based commissions with the appropriate arrangements.

Georgia in Limbo

21 Nov 2024  |  cepa.org  |  English  |  EU Relations

Following Georgia's contentious elections, the European Union has proposed freezing aid to the government, redirecting funds to voluntary organizations, signaling disapproval of the ruling Georgian Dream party's actions. Despite opposition claims of electoral fraud, they have struggled to mount a significant challenge. The EU and US are likely to maintain current relations with Georgia, focusing on regional stability rather than deeper integration. Georgia's political landscape remains uncertain, with potential shifts in its relations with the West and Russia.

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Elections EU Relations Georgian Politics

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I am a Romanian journalist based in Chisinau, Moldova, since 2015. My area of expertise is politics and investigations. However, I wrote features, analysis, interviews and news in English for several foreign media outlets from Europe and Caucasus. I covered also economics and social topics.

Moldova Leader Slams ‘Attack on Democracy’ as Presidential Polls Go to Run-Off

21 Oct 2024  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Moldovan Presidential Elections

Moldova's presidential election heads to a run-off between incumbent Maia Sandu and pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo. Sandu accuses pro-Russian forces, led by oligarch Ilan Shor, of attempting to manipulate the election through bribery and misinformation. A concurrent referendum narrowly supports EU integration, driven by diaspora votes. Sandu's support is strong in Chisinau and among the diaspora, while Stoianoglo is backed in pro-Russian regions. The General Police Inspectorate reports on a network providing electoral bribes, highlighting tensions between pro-European and pro-Russian factions in Moldova.

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EU Integration Moldovan Presidential Elections Democracy

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Rafal Niedzielski is a journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.
I have worked as freelance videojournalist for Reuters, Associaed Press and other global news agencies. I'm reporter and editor for news departments at major Polish TV companies also cooperate with TV news departments outside Poland as a ...

As EU elections near, migrants surge again at Poland-Belarus border

06 Jun 2024  |  The Christian Science Monitor  |  English  |  EU Elections

The article discusses the surge in migrant flows at the Poland-Belarus border ahead of the EU parliamentary elections, highlighting the political tensions between Belarus, backed by Russia, and the European Union. Poland accuses Belarus and Russia of orchestrating the migration crisis to destabilize the EU and boost far-right parties. The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is taking measures to secure the border, while humanitarian groups criticize the tough border policies. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Russian visas and the political implications for EU countries.

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EU Elections Migration Crisis Poland-Belarus Border

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Zoran Popovici is a video and photo journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

Euractiv Advocacy Debate: European Political Party Views towards the 2024-2029 EU Agenda

07 Dec 2023  |  EURACTIV.com  |  English  |  European Elections

Representatives from various European political factions are engaged in discussions about the future direction of Europe, particularly in light of the upcoming European elections. These elections will significantly impact the composition of the European Parliament, European Commission, and European Council, shaping the political priorities for 2024-2029. Euractiv has conducted interviews with political party representatives to capture their views on addressing contemporary challenges.

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EU Agenda European Elections

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MARIA PSARA is a journalist based in Brussel, Belgium.

Young voters are more in favor of strengthening the EU: exclusive poll

26 Mar 2024  |  gr.euronews.com  |  Greek  |  European Elections

As European voters prepare for the June elections, a Euronews-Ipsos poll reveals that only one in five voters wants to see Brussels gain stronger powers. Young voters, Portuguese, and Greens are more likely to support additional powers for the EU. The poll, conducted with 25,916 people across 18 countries, shows that 22% favor stronger EU powers, while 46% prefer national decision-making. The pro-European sentiment is strongest in Portugal, while in France, a majority prefers decisions to be made in Paris. The poll also highlights a shift from pro-European green and liberal parties to the radical right, potentially hindering decision-making in Brussels despite a pro-European majority. Key challenges include climate change, rising prices, and the war in Ukraine, with defense becoming a priority for the EU.

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EU Governance European Elections Public Opinion

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Nimish Sawant is a journalist based in Berlin, Germany and Mumbai, India.

I have over 13 years of full-time experience covering Technology for print and online publications. Areas such as AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Climate Change, Environmental issues, and human interest stories, among other ...

EU Parliament sees a Right tilt but a dominant centre to ensure continuity

09 Jun 2024  |  www.thehindu.com  |  English  |  EU Parliament Elections

The European Parliament elections concluded with a centre-heavy composition, despite significant gains by right-wing and far-right parties. Ursula von der Leyen is nominated for a second term as European Commission chief. The centre-right European People's Party secured the most seats, while the Greens and Liberals lost ground. In France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally outperformed President Macron's party, leading to snap elections. In Germany, the conservative Christian Democrats won the most seats, with the far-right Alternative for Germany gaining ground. The rise of far-right parties may impact EU policies on immigration and climate change. The EU-India strategic partnership is expected to continue, though the EU-India free-trade agreement negotiations face challenges. The new EU Parliament will hold its inaugural session in July.

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EU Parliament Elections Right-wing Politics Immigration Policy Climate Policy

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Anchal Vohra is a Beirut-based TV and Print journalist. She is a freelance Correspondent for AJ English and a writer on the Middle east for Foreign Policy. She also contributes to the Times, the Atlantic, the Telegraph, the New Statesman, and Berlin Policy Journal. Ms Vohra has been Deutsche Welle ...

A Far-Right Takeover of Europe Is Underway

13 Mar 2024  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  EU Parliament Elections

As Europe prepares for EU Parliament elections, polls predict significant gains for right-wing populists, potentially leading to a right-majority parliament for the first time since 1979. The far-right groups, Identity and Democracy (ID) and European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), are expected to gain seats at the expense of liberals and Greens. This shift could impact EU policies on migration, climate change, and defense. The center-right European People’s Party (EPP) may align with far-right parties, further shifting the balance of power. Critics argue this could undermine the EU's commitment to democratic values and humane policies.

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EU Parliament Elections Populism Far-Right Politics

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Bruno Waterfield is Brussels correspondent for The Times. He has been reporting on European affairs for almost 20 years, first from Westminster and then from the capital of the EU. He reported for the Daily Telegraph from Brussels from 2007 to 2015.

Anti-EU populists poised to dominate in European elections

23 Jan 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  European Elections

A populist surge is expected to significantly impact the upcoming European elections, with hard-right and Eurosceptic parties poised to gain substantial ground in multiple countries, including France, Italy, and Germany. This shift threatens the EU's centrist consensus and could lead to a more fragmented European Parliament. Key figures like Simon Hix and Frank Furedi highlight the growing discontent among voters, while others like Josep Borrell dismiss the movement as irrational. The rise of populism is driven by opposition to EU policies on climate change and migration.

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EU Politics European Elections Populism

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