Overview

• Ursula von der Leyen launches her EU campaign by criticizing Marine Le Pen's National Rally party, labeling them as 'Putin's friends'.
• Europe's conservatives, including the European People’s Party, endorse von der Leyen for a second term, aiming to keep her in office until 2029.
• Michel Barnier, representing French conservatives, stands out by refusing to support von der Leyen for a second term as EU Commission chief.
• The European Socialists search for strategies to counter the far-right's rise, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez highlighting the existential threat to Europe's soul.
• Socialist lead EU election candidate calls for an 'immediate cease-fire' in Gaza, amidst a broader scramble for ideas among Europe's struggling socialists.