Place Jourdan in Brussels on a summer night, packed with people cheering the Belgian 'Red Devils' football team playing England on large TV screens in bars and restaurants.
Just a few hundred metres up the road, Germany's chancellor Angela Merkel was fighting another major battle. She needed to strike a compromise about Europe's future migration policy, or risk splitting her own government and potentially the European Union.
The Belgians won and Merkel landed the deal. But both vi...
Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a member for as low as €1,75 per week.
Already a member? Login