The Capitals: European News Roundup

In a significant political development, former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki is reportedly seeking to lead the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) party, currently chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This move comes amid ongoing political shifts within the European conservative landscape, as Morawiecki aims to strengthen his influence in European politics. Meanwhile, two German warships are poised to navigate the Taiwan Strait, pending orders from Berlin. This potential deployment marks a historic moment, as it would be the first time German naval vessels have traversed the strait in decades, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, highlighting the delicate balance of international relations in the region. In Italy, fresh allegations have emerged regarding a supposed left-wing conspiracy aimed at pressuring magistrates to investigate Arianna Meloni, sister of the Prime Minister. This controversy has ignited a fierce exchange between current and former political leaders, including Matteo Renzi, underscoring the contentious political climate in the country. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asserted that recent military actions in Russia's Kursk region demonstrate the Kremlin's threats of retaliation are unfounded. He has called on Western allies to ease restrictions on the use of foreign-supplied weapons. In Bulgaria, a prolonged political crisis is deepening, as President Rumen Radev has declined to appoint a new caretaker government, potentially leading to a constitutional impasse.