Key facts
- Manfred Weber, EPP chief, sent a letter criticizing Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder.
- Speculation suggests Weber may be interested in the CSU leadership role.
- Weber's actions are interpreted as testing the mood within the CSU.
- Montenegro's Europe Now Movement and Hungary's Tisza party are expected to join the EPP.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner received a letter from 11 European countries.
- These countries want tighter access for Russian travelers to the Schengen Area.
Manfred Weber, the influential leader of the European People's Party (EPP), is reportedly generating speculation about his future political ambitions, with signs suggesting a potential pull towards Bavarian politics. Weber recently sent a critical open letter to senior party figures, targeting Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder without naming him. This move has ignited discussions within the Christian Social Union (CSU), Weber's home party, with some interpreting it as a strategic play for influence.
Insiders suggest Weber might be eyeing the CSU leadership, currently held by Söder, rather than Söder's premiership directly. This would allow Weber to increase his sway in German politics while maintaining his presence in Brussels. The letter is seen as a test of the internal mood within the CSU. Meanwhile, Weber remains committed to expanding the EPP's reach, with Montenegro's Europe Now Movement and Hungary's Tisza party expected to formally join the party. The EPP also reportedly views Belgium's N-VA as a key target for recruitment.
In separate news, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced a deal with Kyiv regarding Hungarian minorities, potentially paving the way for EU accession talks with Ukraine. The EU is also set to sanction four Chinese companies for supporting Russia's war effort, increasing Brussels-Beijing tensions. Additionally, eleven European countries are urging the EU to restrict access for Russian travelers to the Schengen Area ahead of the summer holidays, citing concerns over uneven visa policy implementation and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.