AGP Executive Report

Serbia’s Shift: Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat after the student-backed Student List won a parliamentary majority, ending his party’s 14-year grip on power. European leaders welcomed the result as a chance to reset Serbia’s ties with the EU. France’s Unrest: The government says it will keep restrictions on protests after cost-of-living demonstrations turned violent; more than 1,300 people were arrested over the weekend. Marine Le Pen also launched her presidential campaign, pledging to restore “rule of law.” Ukraine Support: Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK are meeting in Paris to discuss military aid, as Germany considers buying Ukrainian-made cruise missiles for its armed forces. Bulgaria’s Runoff: President Iliana Iotova and pro-European candidate Andrey Gyurov will face each other on November 1 after a close first round marked by record-low turnout. UK-EU Ties: Prime Minister Andy Burnham says any return to EU free movement would require a referendum, and rules out rejoining the bloc during this parliament. EU-Armenia Relations: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and a senior EU delegation discussed closer cooperation on transport, energy and digital infrastructure.

Serbia’s Political Shift: Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat after a student-led opposition movement surged to a projected parliamentary majority, ending his party’s 14-year grip on power and raising hopes of closer ties with Europe. France’s Unrest: Mass protests over living costs and public services have rocked France and spread to other countries. Marine Le Pen launched her presidential campaign promising to restore order, as the unrest sharpens political divisions. Bulgaria’s Runoff: Record-low turnout has left the presidential race unresolved. Incumbent Iliana Iotova and pro-European challenger Andrey Gyurov will face off on November 1 after a first round far closer than polls predicted. Europe and Ukraine: Moscow welcomed the EU’s reported search for an envoy to negotiate on Ukraine, while saying the choice matters less than the envoy’s commitment to peace. UK-EU Ties: Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s openness to discussing a return to free movement has reignited debate over Britain’s relationship with the EU.

France’s Political Crisis: More than 400,000 people protested rising living costs and poor school conditions on Saturday. Clashes followed largely peaceful marches; police reported 1,314 arrests and 53 officers injured. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen is set to campaign as unrest tests President Macron’s authority ahead of next year’s election. UK–EU Relations: Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for an “honest discussion” about restoring freedom of movement, reopening a divisive Brexit debate. His comments draw fire from Nigel Farage and go beyond Labour’s 2024 election pledges; Burnham is due to meet EU leaders next month. Bulgaria’s Election: Voters are choosing a president amid economic hardship and concern over drone attacks in the Black Sea. The contest is also a test of the country’s political direction as Russia’s war in Ukraine looms over the campaign.

France’s Protest Crisis: About 410,000 people marched nationwide on Saturday over living costs, according to authorities. Clashes followed in several cities, with nearly 1,000 arrests reported and 70,000 security personnel deployed. Restrictions on demonstrations have added to tensions. Italy on Alert: The government sent 500 more soldiers to Milan as protests resumed; some luxury shops boarded up after last weekend’s looting. UK-EU Ties: Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for an “honest discussion” about restoring freedom of movement, while acknowledging it would require a major shift from Labour’s current policy. Ukraine’s Connectivity Gap: Starlink’s recent slowdown exposed Kyiv’s reliance on the network. The EU’s planned Iris² alternative is not expected to operate until 2029, leaving Ukraine with few comparable options for now. Western Balkans: Serbia reaffirmed EU membership as a strategic goal at a regional political meeting in Tirana, urging Brussels to turn support for enlargement into concrete progress.

France’s Unrest: Students, workers and unions marched Saturday over school funding and living costs as 70,000 police were deployed after last week’s looting. Authorities restricted routes and closed metro stations; left-wing parties are challenging the limits in court. A fatal shooting near Paris, which President Emmanuel Macron called a racist terrorist attack, has further inflamed tensions. Black Sea Security: Bulgaria and Romania are developing a maritime security hub in Varna and Constanța to monitor risks and protect critical infrastructure, as European lawmakers call for a stronger EU role in the region. France’s Finances: Moody’s kept France’s Aa3 rating but maintained a negative outlook, warning that lasting deficit cuts are needed. The government targets a deficit of 5% of GDP in 2027, amid high debt and mounting unrest. Bulgaria’s Vote: Bulgarians head to the polls Sunday for a presidential election, with Iliana Iotova leading in the latest polls as Black Sea security looms large.

France on edge: The government is deploying 70,000 police as protests over living costs and school conditions threaten to flare again. Curfews and demonstration bans have sparked a civil-liberties dispute. Tensions rose after a gunman killed one person and wounded five near Paris; investigators are examining a possible racist motive, and President Macron called it a terrorist attack. Black Sea tensions: A civilian vessel off Romania was struck, leaving one crew member dead and three missing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen blamed Russia, while Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow was using attacks and other pressure to weaken European support for Kyiv. EU enlargement: The EU and six Western Balkan partners agreed to deepen research and innovation ties, framing cooperation as a step towards membership. Single market: EU governments backed a proposed “EU Inc” company regime, which would let startups register online and operate across the bloc under one legal framework. Rule of law: The Commission opened a consultation to inform its 2027 report on rule-of-law developments in member states.

France Unrest: Macron is meeting students as anger over living costs and school conditions fuels fresh protests. The government is restricting unauthorised demonstrations and increasing police deployments ahead of Saturday’s rallies. Ukraine Talks: EU leaders are weighing who could represent Europe in negotiations with Putin, amid fears a US-Russia deal could sideline both Europe and Ukraine. Names under consideration include Giorgia Meloni, Alexander Stubb and Petr Pavel. Black Sea Security: The European Parliament has urged the EU to consider a naval operation after Russian attacks on merchant ships, and called for stronger drone monitoring with NATO support. European Defence: British Typhoon jets joined a French nuclear exercise for the first time, deepening cooperation between Europe’s two nuclear powers. EU Enlargement: EU leaders plan to press Western Balkan countries to accelerate reforms at a November summit, while discussing closer access to the bloc’s market.

France Unrest: Macron is tightening protest restrictions and preparing a major police deployment after cost-of-living demonstrations spiralled into violence. The unrest exposes anger over strained public services and puts pressure on a government with little fiscal room to respond. Ukraine Talks: Putin says Russia is ready to resume US-mediated talks and wants a settlement covering security across Europe. Germany’s Merz insists Europe and Ukraine must have a place at the table for any lasting peace. Youth Protests: Demonstrations have spread across at least eight European countries, as young people voice fears over housing costs, jobs, education and their future. EU and ICC: The European Parliament awarded the International Criminal Court its Sakharov human rights prize, underscoring EU support for multilateral institutions after new US sanctions against the court. EU Enlargement: Merz pledged German support for Western Balkan membership, while urging candidate countries to deliver reforms.

France’s Protests: President Emmanuel Macron says “illegitimate” demonstrations will be banned, while union-organised marches may be rerouted. He has called a defence council meeting and authorities plan a larger security deployment for Saturday’s protests. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye is set to host the first meeting of foreign ministers from the R4 group and Europe’s E3 powers, with talks expected on Gaza, the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi attacks and Russia’s war in Ukraine. EU Rights Prize: The European Parliament awarded its Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court and its officials, days after the Trump administration imposed new sanctions on the court. EU Enlargement: Polish MEP Krzysztof Brejza criticised Euronews for inviting Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to its Brussels summit, arguing the invitation risks legitimising a government accused of democratic backsliding.

France Unrest: Macron vowed to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s violence as Paris banned gatherings in key areas ahead of fresh protests. He called foreign leaders’ comments on the unrest “stupid” and “unacceptable”; Italy is also deploying troops and tightening penalties for rioting. Ukraine’s Defence: EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius urged Europe to integrate Ukraine’s battle-tested capabilities into its security system, warning there is no time to waste. EU Rule of Law: Prosecutors indicted the mayor of Bulgaria’s Petrich over alleged fraud involving an EU-funded museum project. The European Commission also renewed pressure on Malta to strengthen judicial independence, fight corruption and protect journalists. Mediterranean Tensions: The EU called the Libya-Turkey maritime agreement invalid and backed Greece and Cyprus, saying it cannot affect other countries’ rights. France’s Energy Diplomacy: During Macron’s Gulf tour, Qatar and France pledged closer cooperation in energy, defence and security as Paris faces unrest over living costs.

France’s unrest: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is meeting union leaders ahead of fresh Yellow Vest protests, after last weekend’s riots left the government admitting police lost control. Curfews remain in place, while French 10-year bond yields touched 5% as investors weighed unrest against the country’s fragile finances. President Emmanuel Macron condemned foreign leaders’ comments and manipulated images about the protests, saying there was no visible foreign interference in the unrest itself. Italy’s cost-of-living crisis: Truck-driver blockades have left some southern supermarkets short of supplies, as protesters demand tax relief over fuel and toll costs. After violent clashes in Milan, Giorgia Meloni’s government has deployed troops and approved tougher penalties for rioters. UK energy policy: The government approved production at the Jackdaw North Sea gas field, with supply expected this winter. The decision has reignited a row over Labour’s climate pledges and energy security. EU platform oversight: Brussels opened a probe into Booking.com over suspected failures to tackle fake listings, phishing scams and unclear paid rankings under the Digital Services Act. Serbia’s election climate: Media freedom groups warn of rising attacks on journalists ahead of Sunday’s parliamentary vote and say pressure on independent outlets threatens fair coverage.

France’s unrest: Curfews remain in force in parts of Paris and other cities as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu prepares a major security operation for new protests. The unrest has exposed mounting anger over living costs and public services. Italy’s crackdown: Giorgia Meloni’s government is sending 500 troops to Milan and has approved tougher penalties for violence at demonstrations, including measures affecting minors. Arctic security: The EU’s new strategy proposes stronger maritime surveillance, protection for undersea cables and expanded icebreaker capacity amid rising geopolitical tensions. Ukraine and EU enlargement: Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says Europe must be included in Ukraine talks, while Hungary has again blocked the next steps in Ukraine and Moldova’s EU membership bids. AfD’s EU plan: Germany’s far-right party is preparing proposals to curb the bloc’s powers and budget, including reducing the European Commission’s role. Romania’s deadlock ends: Parliament approved Luca Niculescu’s pro-EU government after months of political stalemate.

France Unrest: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says targeted curfews helped calm cities after violent protests over living costs and public services; more restrictions may follow as the government faces scrutiny over its handling of the crisis. Italy Security: Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet is preparing to send 500 troops to Milan after looting and clashes, with tougher measures under consideration ahead of further protests. Ukraine Talks: Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff and European leaders in Oslo as Donald Trump renews pressure for a deal, raising concern over Europe’s role and Ukraine’s security. EU Rights: Imprisoned Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi are among the finalists for the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize; the winner is due Thursday. Albania and the EU: Russian nationalist Alexander Dugin urged Albanians and Serbs to unite against the EU, after Prime Minister Edi Rama accused Russian-linked accounts of stoking anti-government unrest.

France’s Political Crisis: After protests over living costs, fuel prices and deteriorating schools turned violent, authorities imposed local curfews and thousands were arrested. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu blamed hard-left groups, a charge challenged by Jean-Luc Mélenchon; President Emmanuel Macron faces scrutiny over security failures as the unrest sharpens political tensions ahead of the next presidential election. Energy and Public Anger: Macron began a Gulf tour seeking to secure fuel supplies, while rising diesel prices triggered trucker blockades across southern Italy, disrupting deliveries and leaving some supermarket shelves short. EU Support for Farmers: The European Commission approved another €52 million for Spain’s fuel aid scheme, bringing its total budget to €161 million.

France Unrest: Macron rejected his interior minister’s resignation after violent protests over living costs and public services left more than 2,400 people arrested. Authorities are considering local curfews; the Louvre closed after protesters blocked its entrance, and the Yellow Vests called new demonstrations. Albania’s EU Path: European Parliament lawmakers condemned attacks on public buildings during a sixth day of protests, while urging police restraint and an investigation into alleged excessive force. They said respect for the law remains a condition for EU membership. Migration Dispute: Poland’s Donald Tusk again vowed strict border controls and said Warsaw would not bear the costs of other countries’ migration policies, underscoring divisions over the EU’s approach. Security and Diplomacy: Germany summoned Iran’s ambassador after a court convicted two men of spying and planning attacks on prominent Jewish figures. Ukraine War: Zelenskyy said Ukraine received no early warning of Russian strikes on Kyiv-region energy sites; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any pause in intelligence sharing.

France’s Unrest: Macron vowed accountability after protests over living costs and public services turned violent, with more than 1,800 arrests and a historic Limoges town hall badly damaged. He blamed far-left groups and criminals, acknowledged peaceful protesters’ grievances and said local authorities could restrict some gatherings. The unrest raises pressure on the president months before elections to replace him. EU Divisions: A Brussels summit ended without agreement on the bloc’s 2028–34 budget, as leaders remained split over spending priorities while energy costs and security needs rise. West Bank: The EU condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on European diplomats, including envoys from Belgium, France and Poland. Belgium called for further EU sanctions and urged an end to impunity. Romania: A proposed government led by Luca Niculescu faces a parliamentary confidence vote on Tuesday, with liberal backing potentially securing a majority despite opposition from the USR and AUR.