Small European states now seek protection through deeper EU ties amid growing global power rivalries. The latest example is the principality of Liechtenstein. The lesson seems to be that in a larger club, you have at least some protection against tyrannical superpowers, writes EUobserver columnist Caroline de Gruyter

The Parliament’s biggest political group, the European People’s Party, or EPP, is poised to do something it has long claimed it would never do: vote alongside the far right. How could this move reshape not only the EU’s environmental policy but also the entire political balance in Brussels?

Europe must turn frozen Russian assets into real support for Ukraine through the Reparations Loan, linking aid to reforms that strengthen defence, democracy, and accountability — proving solidarity through decisive action.

EU states are struggling with upcoming border rules that critics say could led to detention-like centres. Under the new regime authorities will have only seven days to screen a prospective asylum seeker.

Today, we kick off an anniversary campaign to convince new supporting members to join EUobserver's mission of providing the information citizens need to safeguard EU democracy.

Russian spies are still active in the EU capital and have a "higher risk appetite" than before the Ukraine war — despite Belgium's efforts to push back against their plots.