Interview
EP must be tougher on nominees, MEP says
European commissioners ought to be forced to sell shares in firms that they will one day regulate, a French MEP at the coalface of an EU vetting process has said.
News in Brief
- Barnier: Johnson's plan for Irish backstop unacceptable
- Google will only listen to audio if users give consent
- German bank fined for cheating Danish tax system
- Supreme Court ruling on Johnson on Tuesday
- 10 arrests over possible Catalonia anniversary attacks
- 53% of Europeans think LGTBI discrimination is widespread
- Doubt cast on new Maltese inquiry into slain reporter
- March by Slovak Catholics seeks abortion ban
Agenda
Europe goes to New York This WEEK
Iran and climate change likely to dominate as French president Emmanuel Macron speaks for Europe at the UN general assembly in New York this week.
Column
These are the crunch issues for the 2019-2024 EU commission
These developments will largely determine who will be running the world in the coming decades and perhaps generations. If the Europeans can't find an answer over the five years, they will be toast. And we haven't even mentioned climate change.
Investigation
EU institution beset by harassment claims
Insiders at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the EU's smallest institution, have described a culture-of-fear environment in the workplace, in the wake of the probationary appointment of its newest secretary-general.
Four EU states want 'automatic' refugee relocation
The interior ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and Malta are meeting on Monday to discuss a new temporary and voluntary agreement for the relocation of asylum seekers, that will prevent EU countries from negotiating case-by-case.
Opinion
Blocking Brexit will boost the far-right
Mainstream British politicians have a responsibility to find ways how to counter the growing far-right extremist threat. Overturning Brexit will only serve to intensify it.
EU leaders fly in for UN climate emergency summit
A report presented to the UN climate action summit on Monday shows the gap between targets set up to tackle climate change, and the actual reality - as an urgent call to action for the politicians attending the summit.
Nine EU 'commissioners' asked to clarify declarations
Nine EU commissioner candidates have been taken to task for incomplete or "downright shocking" financial declarations by the European Parliament's legal affairs committee.
Opinion
Dismiss Italy's Salvini at your peril
Matteo Salvini's recent gambit may have failed, but, in his own words: "From today you will find me even more pissed off and determined. I will go from town to town and we will take this country back."
Malta PM accused of 'blackmail' over slain reporter
Malta's premier has offered to end a libel case against a murdered journalist only if her relatives said he was innocent, in what the family called "blackmail".
Diplomats back Romania's Kovesi for EU top prosecutor
Romania's anti-graft crusader Laura Kovesi will take on corruption at an EU level as the bloc's first prosecutor - despite opposition from her country's government.
Opinion
Brexit raises questions for EU defence integration
Brussels' current vision for cooperation on defence, where third countries can contribute but have no say in decision-making and in the guidance of operations, is unlikely to be attractive to the UK.
Low-carbon cities can unlock €21tn by 2050, report finds
National governments have a "crucial role" to prioritise low-carbon cities to tackle climate challenges and secure economic prosperity since high-carbon systems are expected to become unprofitable or inoperable in the near future.
France, Italy want 'automatic' distribution of migrants
French president Emmanuel Macron is pressing for an automated distribution of rescued migrants at sea - but also stands accused of tightening asylum rules in his own country as a response to the far-right.
Opinion
Europe's refugee policy is test of its true 'way of life'
As ex-national leaders, we know it's not easy to withstand public pressures and put collective interests ahead of domestic concerns. But without strong institutional leadership, EU values themselves risk ringing hollow, not least to those seeking protection on Europe's shores.
Opinion
A new Commission for the one percent
We are only baffled by how nakedly Ursula von der Leyen's commission represents the very crisis affecting the EU. These commission nominees can expect their toughest questioning yet, they must be held accountable to those they should be representing.
Juncker: No-deal Brexit 'palpable'
EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said he is not emotionally attached to the Irish backstop, but workable solutions are required to keep the peace on the island.
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Latest News
- EP must be tougher on nominees, MEP says
- EU leaders fly in for UN climate emergency summit
- Four EU states want 'automatic' refugee relocation
- Blocking Brexit will boost the far-right
- EU institution beset by harassment claims
- Europe goes to New York This WEEK
- Nine EU 'commissioners' asked to clarify declarations
- Dismiss Italy's Salvini at your peril
Germany adopts blockchain strategy and says no to Libra
The German federal government has passed a blockchain strategy designed to unlock the potential of this new technology, in both Germany and Europe, and prevent the risks associated with its implementation.
Revanchist Russia continues to rewrite European history
The Soviet Union never invaded Poland in World War Two, Russia has claimed, in a new version of history with disturbing implications for modern times.
Opinion
How EU trains discriminate against the disabled
EU law requires us to give two days' notice to get the assistance we need, even for our daily commutes. We can't travel like everyone else. It is frustrating, annoying and time-consuming. In short, it is unacceptable.
Defending the 'European way of life' name splits MEPs
European People's Party group leader Manfred Weber defended Ursula von der Leyen's decision to rename a commission portfolio, partly dealing with migration, "protecting the European way of life". He said it means rescuing people in the Mediterranean.
Hungary claims EU 'witch-hunt' over rule of law hearing
Hungary was quizzed by EU ministers over its domestic crackdown on media, judges, academia and NGOs. Hungary's minister responded by saying the country had defended "the European way of life" for centuries, and it should be respected.
Opinion
How EU firms and banks help fund Amazon fires
Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, Blackrock, and Vanguard collectively own more than $1.1bn in debt in the three largest soy, and the three largest cattle companies, and own $6bn worth of shares in these companies.
Opinion
Amazon fires mean EP must rethink Mercosur trade deal
The European parliament debates on Tuesday the fires in the Amazon region. "It goes without saying that, in light of the gravity of the situation, Europe will need to renegotiate the Mercosur agreement", writes MEP Kathleen Van Brempt.
Opinion
EU must give full support to Ukraine to dissuade Kremlin
With Donald Trump unable to fill the US's traditional role of standing up to authoritarian regimes - and his inner circle even putting pressure on Kiev to investigate the Democratic frontrunner, Joe Biden - Europe should take a harder line.
EU divided on how to protect rule of law
Poland and Hungary have argued that rule of law is purely a domestic matter and the EU should respect legal traditions, but Dutch foreign minister warned backsliding was a worry for all.
France urges EU virtual currency rules amid Libra risk
France has urged the EU to introduce a framework for the regulation of cryptocurrencies, after the introduction of the new Facebook virtual money 'Libra' threatens the financial stability of the EU.
Agenda
Brexit and new commission in focus This WEEK
Jean-Claude Juncker will meet Boris Johnson for the first time, but no breakthrough is expected in Brexit talks. MEPs are preparing to hear from the commission-designates, while Hungary will be grilled at the EU affairs' ministers meeting.
Opinion
As recession looms, Europe needs more spending
Brexit may have another victim and it is the EU budget for 2021-2027.
Analysis
How should the EU handle Russia now?
Should West help Russian opposition in its struggle against the regime, or make new deals with Putin, as France is keen to do?
EU defence bravado criticised by auditors
The EU's new defence budget might achieve little and loose talk of a joint army could do harm, a European watchdog has warned.
Central European leaders demand Balkan EU accession
Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia have demanded to open accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania this year, as Hungary's man prepares to take over the enlargement portfolio.
Opinion
Luxembourg's cannabis legalisation is EU opportunity
Luxembourg will be the first European country to legally regulate the production, sale and consumption of cannabis (the Netherlands has a policy of de facto regulation of sale and consumption only), with all the implications this holds.
Stakeholders' Highlights
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- Meet your defender: Rasul Jafarov leading human rights defender from Azerbaijan
- UNICEF Hosts MEPs in Jordan Ahead of Brussels Conference on the Future of Syria
- Nordic talks on parental leave at the UN
- Trial of Chechen prisoner of conscience and human rights activist Oyub Titiev continues.
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- Nordic food policy inspires India to be a sustainable superpower
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- EU bank urged to free itself from fossil fuels and take climate leadership
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- Turkey suffering from the lack of the rule of law
- Soft Drinks Europe welcomes Tim Brett as its new president
- Nordic ministers take the lead in combatting climate change
- European Parliament takes incoherent steps on climate in future EU investments
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- Seminar on disability and user involvement
- International appetite for Nordic food policies
- New Nordic Innovation House in Hong Kong
