The E.U. Votes: What We’re Watching For
The New York Times
The main things to know as voters in 27 countries head to the ballot box to shape the next five years of European Union policies.
More than 300 million voters in the 27 countries that make up the European Union are heading to the polls to elect the new European Parliament’s 720 members. But in casting their ballots they’ll do more than that.
The new balance of power in the Parliament will shape the next five years of important European policies at home and abroad, including on climate, migration, Ukraine and the Middle East.
The Parliament approves or rejects E.U. legislation, including the bloc’s $1 trillion-plus budget and the bloc’s top leadership. It also says yea or nay, by simple majority in a secret ballot, to the appointment of the president of the E.U. executive branch, the powerful European Commission.
In the 2019 election, Ursula von der Leyen, a conservative, came dangerously close to being rejected as the European Commission president, securing the Parliament’s approval by just nine votes. This time, Ms. von Leyen, likely to be designated as president for a second five-year term, could face worse odds. As with many incumbents, she is criticized for her handling of the last five years’ crises.
Polls predict gains for hard-right parties in the Parliament and a shrinking center. This could force her to cut a deal with radical right-wing parties to get appointed, and in the process risk losing centrist support.
A search for a solution to the crisis in Haiti is growing more urgent as gangs gain territory and thousands more flee their homes.
A search for a solution to the crisis in Haiti is growing more urgent as gangs gain territory and thousands more flee their homes.
The hamlet of My Lai is infamous for American war crimes, but now it holds lessons in resilience and how to let go of anger.
Donald J. Trump has promised a more aggressive approach, after the Biden administration worked to avoid open conflict with Beijing.
The two leaders will meet in Peru, where China has steadily expanded its influence in a challenge to the United States in its own region.
The president said stronger ties with South Korea and Japan are working, but did not address whether President-elect Donald J. Trump would continue his approach when he takes office in January.
Tensions among multiple sects in the country have long lurked just below the surface. As hundreds of thousands flee Israeli airstrikes in the south, those strains are worsening.
The attack occurred on the same day that Israel bombed sites in the Syrian capital that the Israeli military said were affiliated with a militant group. At least 15 people were killed, Syrian state media reported.
Aides to Benjamin Netanyahu are under investigation over accusations of leaks, record-doctoring and intimidation. The Israeli prime minister’s office denies the claims.
Justin Welby, the leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide, announced his resignation days after a report found he had taken insufficient action over claims of abuse.
Israel said its forces had returned to northern Gaza to fight a Hamas resurgence. That has brought a new round of suffering for residents.