Germany’s border checks could embolden Michel Barnier’s tough-on-immigration stance

The Capitals brings you the latest news from across Europe, through on-the-ground reporting by Euractiv’s media network. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.

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The European news you deserve to read. Welcome to The Capitals by Euractiv.

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In today’s news from The Capitals:

PARIS

Germany’s decision on Monday to introduce checks at all national border crossings to curb irregular migration may pressure France to respond, with President Emmanuel Macron's party seeming to favour a tougher stance on migration policy. Read more.

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BERLIN

Germany presents plans to detain asylum-seekers "close to the border”. Germany will detain asylum-seekers close to its border and fast-track deportations if they are to be returned to other EU countries, the German government announced on Tuesday, as it seeks to crack down on irregular migration. Read more.

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NORDICS & BALTICS

STOCKHOLM

Swedish coalition divided over remigration allowance. Sweden's ruling coalition, halfway through its four-year term, faces a deepening division over the thorny issue of raising the voluntary remigration allowance, strongly criticised by the Liberal Party. Read more.

Swedish PM reshuffles cabinet. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (Moderates, EPP) reshuffled his cabinet at the opening of the parliamentary session. 

Most notable changes include Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard replacing party colleague Tobias Billström after his sudden resignation last week and Moderate lawmaker Jessica Rosencrantz becoming the new EU minister after Jessika Roswall was nominated as Sweden’s next European Commissioner pick.

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EUROPE’S SOUTH

ROME

Von der Leyen's Italian executive VP pick faces further opposition. Opposition to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's plan to give Italy an executive vice-presidency is growing, with the Greens and Social Democrats joining the liberal Renew group in opposing the move. Read more.

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MADRID

Spanish judge rejects Puigdemont appeal, confirms amnesty law does not apply. Spain's Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena confirmed on Tuesday that he will not apply the controversial amnesty law to Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, citing an exemption for embezzlement of public funds. Read more.

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LISBON

Portuguese business group praises Draghi report. The Portuguese Business Confederation (CIP) on Tuesday praised the strategy outlined in Mario Draghi's long-awaited report on European competitiveness, and called for more public support for the private sector to boost investment. Read more.

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EASTERN EUROPE

WARSAW

Polish PM slams German border controls. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday sharply criticised Germany's decision to tighten controls on all its borders, including the one it shares with Poland. Read more.

Poland's PiS admits ex-MEP's fictitious travel scandal could spell trouble. Politicians in the opposition party PiS admit the party will face consequences if its former MEP, Ryszard Czarnecki, is found to have falsified documents to avoid charges of embezzling EU funds. Read more.

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BRATISLAVA

Slovakia's Fico dismissing Pegasus purchase allegations raises eyebrows. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has denied allegations that his government purchased the notorious Pegasus spyware, but an expert interviewed by Euractiv Slovakia has serious doubts about Fico’s claims. Read more.

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CHISINAU

Illegal financing networks with Russian ties found in Moldova. Members of local political party branches in Moldova linked to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor are accused of receiving funds from undeclared sources to take part in protests linked to the country's presidential elections due in October. Read more.

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NEWS FROM THE BALKANS

SOFIA

Bulgarian Revival MPs table bill for 'Russia-style' foreign agents law. Bulgaria's pro-Russian radical party Revival has presented parliament with its proposal for a bill on foreign agents, which Euractiv Bulgaria found copies the controversial Russian law. Read more.

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AGENDA:

• EU: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen chairs 2500th meeting of the College of Commissioners;
• Commission Vice President Dubravka Suica participates in COREPER I meeting on demography;
• Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski meets with Brazilian Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Carlos Fávaro, in Cuiabá, Brazil;
• Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli meets with President of European Women's Lobby Iliana Balabanova;
• Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton holds videoconference with UK Secretary of State for Science and Technology Peter Kyle;

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[Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Alice Taylor, Martina Monti, Owen Morgan, Sofia Mandilara]