Biden's European Headache
Newsweek US|July 05, 2024
The right-wing surge in the EU elections could hamper the president's ambitions in Ukraine and play into the hands of his election rival, Donald Trump
DAVID BRENNAN
Biden's European Headache

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS ACROSS the European Union sent shock waves through the bloc's centrist establishment in June, with the French and German engines of Europe's U.S.-aligned foreign policy-particularly President Joe Biden's backing for Ukraine-facing serious domestic turbulence.

As of June 21, Europe's center-right European People's Party was predicted to return 189 lawmakers to the next Parliament, winning over 26 percent of 720 seats contested. The right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists were set to take some 83 seats.

The center-left Socialists and Democrats' seat share is projected to remain roughly around the same at 136, while the liberal Renew Europe bloc is predicted to win around 74 seatsmarking a significant loss of over 20 representatives.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, an EPP member, declared that "the constructive, pro-European center has held." But the 185 million votes cast across 27 nations also deliveredthough less so than predicted-a surge in far-right support, with Euroskeptic, anti-immigration and Moscow-sympathetic parties winning big in both France and Germany. The two nations are traditionally considered the economic and political pillars of the EU. A far-right swing for either could derail the transatlantic pro-Ukraine strategy led by Biden's administration.

Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Jim O'Brien tweeted that the U.S. looks "forward to working with those elected, as with all EU institutions and member states, to advance security and prosperity and to deliver democracy's benefits to all citizens."

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEWSWEEK USView all
Mystery of Ginger Cat Is out of the Bag
Newsweek US

Mystery of Ginger Cat Is out of the Bag

The genetics behind the vibrant orange color in feline coats is finally confirmed after 112 years

time-read
3 mins  |
January 03-17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie
Newsweek US

Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie

PARIS HILTON AND NICOLE RICHIE ARE READY TO BRING A LITTLE “SANASA” to the world with Peacock's Paris & Nicole: The Encore, their first project together since their reality show The Simple Life ended in 2007. What's “sanasa”? It's a song and phrase the longtime friends created as kids and popularized on The Simple Life. The show, a cultural phenomenon in the early days of reality TV, followed them over a series of blue-collar jobs. Now they're bringing it back as an opera. “I know this is just going to make people laugh, have fun, be nostalgic and just celebrate our friendship,” Hilton said. While Richie acknowledged “you can't do Simple Life again,” she said now “felt like the right time.” The famous pair also revisit some old jobs in Arkansas, like fast-food chain Sonic, where they now have drinks named for them. “I think that there is a part of our friend- ship that the show ended up showing that people connect to,” Richie said. As for this new special, Hilton is glad to do something positive for their fans. “It's been such a crazy past couple years, and I just feel like the world needs more joy.”

time-read
2 mins  |
January 03-17, 2025 (Double Issue)
What Next for Your Drugstore?
Newsweek US

What Next for Your Drugstore?

Walgreens and Amazon are placing opposing bets on the future of retail pharmacy

time-read
6 mins  |
January 03-17, 2025 (Double Issue)
AMERICA'S GREATEST WORKPLACES for Diversity
Newsweek US

AMERICA'S GREATEST WORKPLACES for Diversity

AS COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES CONTINUE TO navigate the evolving dynamics of the workplace, diversity remains a cornerstone of organizational success and social responsibility.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 03-17, 2025 (Double Issue)
FIGHTING SPIRITS
Newsweek US

FIGHTING SPIRITS

ANDREA MCCARTHY TOLD FRIENDS and family when she gave up alcohol on January 1, 2024, that she would toast 12 months off the sauce with a drink to ring in 2025. As that anniversary approached, the Los Angeles-born content creator told Newsweek she had had a change of heart.

time-read
10 mins  |
January 03-17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Lessons Over Lunch
Newsweek US

Lessons Over Lunch

Ninety-year-old volunteer Hugh showed me how the winter years can be full of purpose

time-read
3 mins  |
January 03-17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Is California's Green Dream Hot Air?
Newsweek US

Is California's Green Dream Hot Air?

The state aims to rely on zero-carbon energy sources in two decades' time but has hurdles to overcome along the way

time-read
8 mins  |
January 03-17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Power Struggle
Newsweek US

Power Struggle

As the dust settles following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad, new front lines could be drawn in Syria's old civil war

time-read
6 mins  |
January 03-17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Downsizing Goes Bust for Boomers
Newsweek US

Downsizing Goes Bust for Boomers

Rising property costs are not just affecting young Americans—older people are ‘aging in place’ due to a dearth of affordable accessible housing

time-read
4 mins  |
January 03-17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Ray Romano
Newsweek US

Ray Romano

\"I read about three scripts, and at the end of each there was a little twist, a little turn, [and] it was funny.\"

time-read
2 mins  |
December 27, 2024