Inside von der Leyen’s Commission shake-up

Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to slim down and reorganize the European Commission moves a step closer, with outside advisers calling for a stronger center, fewer bureaucratic silos and potentially far-reaching changes to some of Brussels’ most powerful departments. Then, after Aleksandar Vučić’s defeat in Serbia, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur ask whether a new government can revive the country’s stalled EU path — and whether Brussels has some lessons to learn. Plus, tobacco lobbying in the European Parliament has surged just as the EU rewrites its smoking and nicotine rules. Finally, are you on team pumpkin decoration or team pumpkin carving? Nick has strong feelings; let us know yours! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.