1. Germany, the EU's largest economy, has entered a recession, with a 0.3 percent drop in GDP in the first quarter of the year.
2. The recession is expected to ripple effect on other European countries and exacerbate political tensions within Germany's ruling coalition.
   
   
3. Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned of brutal budget cuts of up to €22 billion next year.
   
   
4. The downturn in Germany is driven by low consumer spending and rising interest rates, dampening investment outlook and demand.
   
   
5. The recession will likely slow Germany's decision-making process on key EU policy questions.
   
   
6. The economic downturn is also expected to impact neighboring countries in Central Europe, eastern France, and parts of Italy.
   
   
7. Hungary's upcoming European Council presidency is being canceled due to rule-of-law issues and ongoing Article 7 proceedings.
   
   
8. The European Parliament proposes measures to sideline Hungary's presidency if the Council fails to act.
   
   
9. China is influencing Western European countries through direct propaganda and covert funding of institutions.
   
   
10. Support for EU and NATO membership has increased in Central and Eastern European countries following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
    
    
11. European Council President Charles Michel is facing criticism for his carbon offsetting scheme, seen as greenwashing.
    
    
12. Eva Kaili, a primary suspect in a corruption probe at the European Parliament, is no longer under house arrest.
    
    
13. Local elections in Spain are seen as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming national election.
    
    
14. A report by the GLOBSEC think tank highlights growing concerns about Russia's influence and a lack of awareness about China's influence in the region.
    
    
15. The European Political Community (EPC) is seen as a return to an older idea of Europe, uniting countries based on a shared territory.
    
    
16. The Porto Social Forum discusses the social dimension of EU governance, including combating homelessness and youth unemployment.
    
    
17. POLITICO is hosting a Twitter Space to discuss the U.S. debt ceiling crisis and its impact on Eurodollar markets.
    
    
18. The New European Bauhaus Collateral Event at the Venice Biennale continues, featuring speeches by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner Elisa Ferreira.
    
    
19. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is visiting Vienna, Austria, for meetings with government officials.
    
    
20. Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans is in New Delhi, India, for meetings. 

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