MEPs vote to start democracy probe on Hungary
The European Parliament took the first step towards launching the Article 7 procedure against Hungary for backsliding on democracy. The process might lead to sanctions, but Orban is not backing down.
Macron and Merkel to 'reconstruct' the EU
The French and German leaders will present a common proposal to deepen and strengthen the EU and the eurozone. They say they are ready to change the EU treaties.
Strasbourg plenary pushes up Airbnb demand
"When it's the week of the parliament, all the hotels are full," said Strasbourg's vice-mayor.
News in Brief
Brexit-affected citizens want special deal on rights
Facing two years of uncertainty while Brexit negotiations are underway, EU and UK citizens caught up in the political battle want a separate agreement to secure their rights and future.
Hungary and Slovakia challenge quotas at the EU's top court
During a hearing at the EU's top court, Hungary and Slovakia defended their decision not to take in asylum seekers based on a mandatory quota system, while the European Commission, Germany and others stressed the need for solidarity.
EU wrong to block anti-trade petition, court says
The EU Court of Justice ruled the European Commission lacked legal basis when it refused to register a European citizens' initiative signed by more than three million people.
Poland avoids talks on rule-of-law sanctions
EU ministers meeting in Brussels asked the Polish government to reverse its judicial reform, in their first discussion of the European Commission's probe.
Trade deal ratification needs member states, EU court says
The EU Court of Justice has ruled that the Singapore trade deal needs member states' ratification in its current form. It said that only investments do not belong under the EU's sole competence, potentially removing Brexit complications.
UK blocks blueprint for EU military HQ
Johnson, the UK foreign minister, cited disagreements over “language” in run-up to Brexit and national elections.
Tusk summoned again to Polish court
EU president said he may use diplomatic immunity to decline invitations to appear as a witness in Polish cases if they start to interfere with his work.
Bulgaria nominates EU figure for commissioner
MEP Mariya Gabriel has been proposed by the Bulgarian government as the country's EU commissioner after a six-month delay.
Focus
Leaked EU digital progress report reveals hurried changes
The EU's executive revealed some of the last-minute changes its officials made to the mid-term review of the digital single market strategy.
Brussels history museum takes European angle
A new museum on the history of Europe attempts to tell the story of the continent from the 19th century revolutionary movements to Brexit without a national perspective.
Interview
'Le Pen could come back stronger'
Despite her defeat on Sunday, the French far-right leader could still stand to benefit if the new president, Emmanuel Macron, fails to improve the economy and manage the country better than his predecessor, warns political scientist Brigid Laffan.
Deadlock on organic farming rules 'breaking records'
An EU source says "little progress" was made at the most recent negotiations between the EU institutions on a new organic farming regulation.
EU parliament shelves NGO funding proposal
The report, which aimed to improve scrutiny on the EU's financing of civil society, was postponed after Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, compared it to a controversial Hungarian bill.
Juncker breaks tradition with support for Macron
European Commission chief diverted from EU practice by congratulating French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, even though he still needs to win the second round.
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Latest News
- An open letter to ministers on the audiovisual directive
- EU gives mandate for Barnier to take on Brexit
- EU wary over Ukrainian weapons in South Sudan
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- Portugal held up as symbol of EU recovery
- Hungarians march against Orban crackdown
- Malta surprised by sudden interest in its tax regime
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Opinion
Central Europe's descent into authoritarianism
New law allowing Hungarian government to expel the Central European University is not an isolated case, but a regional trend.
EU gives Hungary more time for 'dialogue'
The European Commission will analyse the new higher education bill and consider infringement procedures by the end of April.
Member states vary in EU 'polluter pays' rules
An EU directive aimed at supporting the "polluter pays principle" has resulted in a patchwork situation, but the European Commission is not yet ready to propose a change.
MEPs endorse EP red lines on Brexit
Juncker said the EU is looking for success with the UK during talks, as the European Parliament outlines its position on citizens, borders, and the bill that will have to be settled before London can move on to future discussions.
EU guidelines set out two-phase Brexit talks
According to the draft negotiating guidelines, the EU-27 would open negotiations on future EU-UK relations when "sufficient progress" has been made on citizens' rights, the British financial bill and the status of the border in Ireland.
Thirteen states join EU prosecutor's office
Justice ministers from 13 EU member states have confirmed they will take part in the European Public Prosecutor's Office with another three set to join in the next few days.
UK launches first exit in EU history
European Council president Donald Tusk will be handed the Article 50 letter written by British PM Theresa May around 1.30pm. A "historic mistake", said the leader of the EU parliament's main group.
Rome summit tries to restart EU momentum
EU 27 leaders in Rome to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of Treaty of Rome, in bid to counter rising challenges after Brexit. But new ideas are scarce.
Poland and Greece talk tough before Rome summit
The two countries flex their muscles ahead of the Rome summit of 27 EU leaders, designed to show unity in the face of many challenges.
Opinion
Birthday wishes to the European Union
With the EU soon to celebrate its 60th birthday, there are still lingering questions about the bloc's future and whether there can be a change in fortune.
Poland unlikely to face EU discipline on rule of law
EU commission's Timmermans told MEPs he was tempted to be "the biggest hero for a day" by calling for sanctions on Poland, but that this wouldn't solve anything.
Analysis
EU declaration to voice unity in troubled times
The EU's draft Rome Declaration, seen by EUobserver, pledges a "common future" for the 27 countries left behind by Brexit and vexed by Trump.
EU environmental policy could face NGO lawsuits
NGOs could sue EU on issues such as fisheries quotas or state aid for coal plants if a UN-linked panel gets its way.
EU 'ready' for UK to trigger exit process
EU-27 summit in early May likely to sign off on Brexit guidelines, after Downing Street said it would start divorce on 29 March.
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