Spain makes bid for EU anti-pirate HQ

Fundamental freedoms are under attack across the EU but the case of Bulgaria presents unique challenges, and opportunities to learn, for left-wing forces throughout Europe.

On Thursday, the European Parliament will vote on a political deal on organic farming, following 19 months of behind-closed-doors negotiations. EUobserver here details a five-month odyssey to get access to the secret documents that led to the deal.

A resolution condemning the appointment of the EU executive secretary general has left frustrated MEPs and a bruised EU executive.

Project Safte, an international research project funded by the European Commission, has revealed a loophole in the EU firearms directive that is being exploited by criminals and possibly terrorists.

Secretary general of the EIB says in response to EUobserver's appeal that there is no overriding public interest in releasing the document.

More and more consumers are likely to invest in solar panels in the future as it becomes simpler to produce one's own electricity, writes Monique Goyens, director general of BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation.

The French president tried to woo the European Parliament but found that his quest for leadership will have to abide by the rules set by the European political groups.

EU member states welcomed the dialogue between Poland and the EU Commission on rule of law, but insist that more progress is needed to bring Warsaw's judicial overhaul in line with EU values.

Political funding of European parties is being overhauled ahead of the European parliament elections next year. The latest rules will cut funding for smaller parties, with an aim to squeeze out duplication and over-representation of the far right.

EU foreign ministers have discussed new sanctions on Syria, Iran, and Russia in light of the chemical warfare in Syria.

In a speech to the European Parliament on Tuesday and then at a meeting with German chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday, the French president will try to get support for his EU reform proposals.

British prime minister Theresa May claims that "there is no practicable alternative' to the use of force in Syria following another chemical weapons attack. However, this is simply not true.

EU foreign ministers to back Western air strikes on Syria, the same way they backed the UK over Russia's chemical attack on an ex-spy in Britain.

Albania and Macedonia should start accession talks, but human rights abuses mean Turkey should stay on hold, EU says in draft report seen by EUobserver.