Pieter Cleppe is the editor-in-chief of BrusselsReport.eu, an online magazine covering EU politics. He is on Twitter @pietercleppe.
COP30: Double Standards and Hypocrisy in Brazil

COP30: Double Standards and Hypocrisy in Brazil

Rather than adopting schemes that curb competitiveness and raise living costs, boosting economic well-being is a strong way to address climate change, because prosperity builds resilience.

November 22, 2025
The Questionable Legacy of Frans Timmermans

The Questionable Legacy of Frans Timmermans

Even before the final results were known, GroenLinks-PvdA party leader Frans Timmermans announced his resignation. It was not a minute too soon.

October 30, 2025
Can Trump Get the EU to Roll Back Its Environmental and Digital Rules?

Can Trump Get the EU to Roll Back Its Environmental and Digital Rules?

The tariff negotiations offer the EU a vital opportunity to pursue a fundamental change of direction.

September 1, 2025
Did von der Leyen Go Too Far This Time?

Did von der Leyen Go Too Far This Time?

A supranational bureaucracy is trying to increase its own enormous budget while doing next to nothing to address fraudulent and erroneous EU spending.

August 1, 2025
Is the EU Backing Down in Trade Talks with Trump?

Is the EU Backing Down in Trade Talks with Trump?

Somewhat under the radar, the EU has already made a major concession to the U.S. president.

July 8, 2025
EU Climate Plan: More Taxes, Fewer Jobs, No Debate

EU Climate Plan: More Taxes, Fewer Jobs, No Debate

Even after green parties lost big in the elections, Brussels is pressing ahead with policies most voters didn’t choose.

June 18, 2025
Protectionism Is a Bad Response to the Rise of China

Protectionism Is a Bad Response to the Rise of China

The free world should embrace the open flow of investment capital and business ideas, not stifle them with political suspicion.

June 1, 2025
EU to Ukraine: Here’s Ammo, But Good Luck Selling Your Wheat

EU to Ukraine: Here’s Ammo, But Good Luck Selling Your Wheat

If Brussels wants to help both its farmers and Ukraine, it should scrap red tape at home instead of slapping tariffs on a country fighting for its life.

May 18, 2025
Will Trump Force the EU To Scrap Green Non-Tariff Barriers?

Will Trump Force the EU To Scrap Green Non-Tariff Barriers?

The U.S. trade war gives Europe a golden opportunity to abandon the harmful green trade policies that have undermined the continent’s economy.

April 25, 2025
The Le Pen Trial: It Is Time for France To Reflect 

The Le Pen Trial: It Is Time for France To Reflect 

When judges unreasonably interpret laws to limit politicians’ freedoms, they erode the trust essential for upholding the rule of law, a vital element of democracy.

April 1, 2025
European Defence Should Not and Need Not Entail Debt or Centralisation

European Defence Should Not and Need Not Entail Debt or Centralisation

There are ample opportunities to find savings in Europe’s bloated welfare states, making it entirely feasible to find the resources to bolster the military.

March 28, 2025
A Trade War With Sinners on Both Sides

A Trade War With Sinners on Both Sides

Trump targeting allies doesn’t excuse the EU’s imposing new tariffs that taxpayers will have to bear, rather than addressing European protectionism.

March 18, 2025