Today's October 31, 2025.

In Brussels, President Ursula von der Leyen faces a "bloodcurdlingly busy agenda" before the year’s end. The most immediate threat is the "frightening standoff" with the U.S. over a massive trade deal, where the Trump administration is seeking regulatory carve-outs in a battle that carries "trillions of dollars at stake" and threatens to "blow up at any moment".

To tackle these rifts, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been invited for talks on November 24. Compounding the pressure, the EU’s monumental €2 trillion budget (MFF) has been "cast into the cauldron of uncertainty" after lawmakers, including those from von der Leyen’s own party, warned they would not accept the restructuring of agricultural and regional payments.

Amidst this high-level governmental stress, whispers are growing about the potential return of Martin Selmayr—famously dubbed the "Monster of the Berlaymont"—as he applies for a top diplomatic post under Kaja Kallas.

Across the continent, national leaders are dealing with their own political horrors. In the UK, King Charles delivered a "truly sensational move," initiating the process to strip his brother, Prince Andrew, of the title of prince and ordering him to leave the Royal Lodge, an action so rare it hasn't been seen since 1919.

This constitutional cacophony diverted attention from UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who was forced to issue a second public apology after her ethics adviser confirmed she had "publicly misled the PM" regarding the licensing of her rental property.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is "feeling the strain" of navigating a divided coalition through choppy geopolitical waters, with internal conflicts escalating over his stance on the EU budget proposal.

And in Paris, deputies are deep in legislative "money time" on the 2026 finance bill, with negotiations centering on the introduction of the Zucman tax on high net worths to compensate for scrapping problematic budget measures, highlighting the intense domestic strain on governmental resources.