Europe’s race against the ballot box

As elections approach across the continent, European leaders are rushing to settle the multi-trillion euro budget and European Central Bank leadership before potential changes in government alter the political landscape, says Helen Thomas Europe is racing to settle its future before its voters have their say. Negotiations over its next seven-year budget coincide with manoeuvring over the leadership of the European Central Bank. Both will shape how the continent finances its ambitions and responds to financial stress. Both could become harder as elections change the governments around the negotiating table. Christine Lagarde could be chosen as the next chair of the World Economic Forum as early as November. Nothing has been decided, but leaving the ECB before her term expires in October 2027 would allow Emmanuel Macron to influence her successor before France’s presidential election. With Marine Le Pen the likely winner, the timing matters for those who would want to preserve the