EU: Regional Blocs

Just as the factors driving Berlin's economic malaise extend far beyond its borders, the impact of Germany's slow growth will reverberate across Europe.

Polish voters elect a new parliament this fall, while Romanians vote for president. The results could make it harder for Warsaw and Bucharest to cooperate with Brussels.

As governments in EU members like the Czech Republic, Romania and others run roughshod over the bloc's values, civil society groups are fighting to uphold the rule of law.

The number of migrants reaching Europe is nowhere near what it was in 2015. But that hasn't kept Rome from rebelling against what it sees as the bloc's unfair asylum system.

After more than four years of left-wing leadership, Greece's government is now under the control of a conservative party. But the lingering effects of the long Greek economic crisis will dampen the incoming administration's pro-business ambitions.

Significant negotiations will probably take place in the coming days to make sure that Continental lawmakers ratify the nominations for the top spots in the European Union.

Both blocs will require unanimous consent for ratification. But securing yes votes from all member states will be a tall order.

Regardless of the specifics of Warsaw and Washington's potential new defense agreement, any increase in the U.S. military position in Poland -- no matter how small -- is bound to prompt Russia to build up its own position.

Greece's next government will inherit an economy still reeling from the aftermath of a decadeslong crisis, delaying its recovery.