Sunday

3rd Apr 2016

In Finland, the euro is not the real problem

Finns are living through tough economic times. Rather than blaming the euro, they should concentrate on repairing the dangerous divides that are developing in their society.

News in Brief

  1. Greece adopts legal change needed for EU-Turkey deal
  2. Upsurge in Ukraine violence ahead of Dutch referendum
  3. Russia threatens Poland over demolition of Soviet monuments
  4. Belgium says nuclear sites could be terrorist targets
  5. Austria calls for EU 'civil-military' border force
  6. New Zealand PM: We would join EU if it was on our doorstep
  7. Polish MPs voice opposition to EU migrant relocation
  8. Moldovans to elect president for first time since 1997

Agenda

EU-Turkey migrant swap to begin next WEEK

Big week to see start of EU migrant returns to Turkey, sensitive talks in Poland on judicial reform, and a Dutch referendum on EU relations masquerading as a vote on Ukraine.

Analysis

Why is road safety not higher on EU agenda?

The European Commissioner in charge of transport fell short of begging journalists on Thursday (31 March), pleading with them to write about road safety.

EU defends Kazakh leader on human rights

The European Commission has said reforms in Kazakhstan are “promising” despite reports by NGOs that Astana has “stepped-up” its crackdown on opposition activists.

Opinion

EU-India: reincarnation of a strategic partnership

Although the ultimate panacea of the long-stalled EU-India free trade agreement continues to remain elusive, Wednesday's summit in Brussels managed to relaunch the long-static strategic partnership.

The Dutch rooting for a No in the Ukraine referendum

Next week, the Dutch will cast their opinion on the EU-Ukraine association agreement. While the Yes side is fairly uniform in its composition and logic, the No side is a motley crew. Who are they?

Juncker says Erdogan can't silence EU media

Brussels, like Berlin, has said Turkey can't expect to silence media critics inside the EU, despite the fact the commission "appreciates" its help on migrants.

Belgian airport to resume flights

Belgium’s national airport plans to resume flights on Thursday, but it will take “months” to get back to full capacity, its CEO says.

EU 'welcomes' Israeli settler exports

The EU’s envoy to Israel has said that settler exports are “welcomed” in Europe, but the best way to stop boycotts would be to make peace with Palestine.

Thugs disrupt Brussels memorial service

The arrival of several hundred Belgian hooligans at a memorial for victims of last week's attacks were met by locals who shouted slogans in support of immigrants.

Opinion

Living with terror

If you think it’s hard for adults to cope with the aftermath of the Brussels terrorist attacks, just think how hard it is for children.

Security failures rock Belgian government

Prime minister Michel rejected the resignation of the interior and justice ministers after revelations that one of Tuesday's suicide bombers was freed last year.

Opinion

Europe builds tower of babble against terrorism

Belgium has been blamed for the attacks in Paris and Brussels. But it is the EU as a whole that failed to act against the threat because of member states' reluctance to work together.

Opinion

It's time to ditch EU anti-Uber business rules

Should Uber drivers be licensed in the same way as taxi drivers? A case at the EU court of justice should be an opportunity to make innovation and entrepreneurship easier.

EU seeks access to 'digital evidence'

Interior ministers in Brussels on Thursday agreed to boost intelligence sharing, in an echo of previous pledges after last November's Paris attacks.

EU to discuss airport security next week

Potential models include Moscow, where passengers and luggage are screened prior to entering the terminal, or Tel Aviv. Screening at metro stations considered to costly.

EU pushes for flight data bill after Brussels attacks

Leaders are asking for more intelligence sharing among EU states. But the message appears lost on some as EU states scramble to find a response to the intelligence gaps in the lead up to the Brussels attacks.