Column / Brexit Briefing
Taking back control at home, not from EU
A year after British voters chose to leave the EU, "taking back control" from the bloc is firmly on the back-burner, as May government’s main ambition is its immediate survival.
EU parliament should befriend transparency
Despite many MEPs in the EU parliament striving for more openness and transparency, others don't appear to see it that way.
G20 is 'test run' for Trump-era climate governance
With US president Trump's withdrawal from the Paris agreement, the future of climate governance will depend on how the other major emitters react.
News in Brief
- EU extended Russia sanctions until 2018
- Netherlands partially liable for Srebrenica massacre, court rules
- Cyprus reunification talks resume in Switzerland
- Cyberattack cripples Europe, spreads worldwide
- Scotland puts second referendum on hold
- EU commission fines Google €2.4 bn
- EU warns US over steel tariffs
- French court orders water for Calais migrants
Merkel, Orban and the not quite closed Balkan route
EU migration policy has had a series of symbolic failures in recent years, but now could be the opportunity to set a new course.
Duda project could trump Visegrad Group
The US president’s visit to Warsaw, ahead of the G20 meeting in Hamburg, puts a spotlight on a new EU eastern region initiative.
Cohesion policy for a stronger Europe
City partnerships and other new initiatives are good examples of how EU cohesion policy funds benefit European citizens.
A positive agreement for Greece
The outcome of the Eurogroup meeting this week leaves a positive footprint, setting the basis for the Greek economy to exit the vicious circle of austerity and debt.
Britain preparing to jump off a cliff
Following the poor performance of Theresa May's Conservatives in the recent UK general election, her prospects of negotiating a good Brexit deal have gone from bad to worse.
Forcing refugees on Poland will do more harm than good
While the principle behind the EU's decision to take action against Poland for rejecting its refugee quota is understandable, the move could have damaging long-term consequences while bringing absolutely no benefit at all.
Column / Brexit Briefing
May loses election bet
The British prime minister called the election to strengthen her grip on power ahead of Brexit talks. Her gamble could not have backfired more spectacularly.
Why Schengen deserves to be saved
Far-right parties around Europe have managed to turn the passport-free Schengen area into a game of political hot potato despite its numerous benefits.
Are MEPs too 'free' to be accountable?
The European Parliament is currently fine-tuning its negotiating position on the Commission's proposal from September 2016 for a mandatory transparency register. Sadly, so far it seems to prefer empty statements to bold action.
EU should put pressure on Belarus nuclear project
EU should tell Belarus "not a euro-cent more" in aid unless it halts the construction of the Otsrovets nuclear plant, a time-bomb in Europe.
Column / Brexit Briefing
May stumbles her way to the finishing line
Theresa May's election race started as a gallop, but that pace seems to be seriously losing momentum.
MEP Ulvskog is wrong about the social pillar
The central idea of the social pillar is to move the design and management of member states’ social systems from national to the European level, writes Swedish centre-right MEP Gunnar Hoekmark.
The EU's choice for aid: big business or those in need?
It remains to be seen whether the EU's external investment plan will really benefit the people most in need of help.
Will Nato become a transatlantic Frontex?
In his recent speech at Nato, US president Trump seemed to envisage a new role for the transatlantic alliance – one that could see it more involved with controlling migration.
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Latest News
- Nato using extra funds to buy 'more armour'
- EU mulls post-Brexit budget options
- Slovenia and Croatia reignite border dispute
- EU ringed by human trafficking offenders
- Taking back control at home, not from EU
- Luxembourg not a tax haven, claims PM
- Nordics consider alternative to EU emissions trading system
- 'USB condoms' and migration on Estonia's EU agenda
Column / Crude World
Belarus nuclear plant: A disaster waiting to happen
Thirty one years after Chernobyl, Europe has a new nuclear problem on its hands, so why is Lithuania the only one raising the alarm?
From Greece to Scotland, we stand by Europe
After a bad year for the EU in 2016, Europeans need to reconnect with why we originally embarked on a united path.
Social Pillar: Reasons why MEP Hoekmark is wrong
MEP Marita Ulvskog sets out why she thinks the European Commission's social initiative is an idea worth defending.
Letter
Nordic contribution to global goals
Prime ministers of the Nordic countries took the decision on Monday to launch a new initiative focused on Nordic solutions to global societal challenges.
Nato needs a European 2%
Europe needs to take care of its on security, but not on Trump's terms, with the 2 percent of GDP mantra flawed as a model.
Respecting human rights is good business
Trade policy creates economic welfare, but it could also be an unmissable opportunity to protect the environment, human rights and ensure sustainable development across Europe and beyond.
Ten reasons to stop the European social pillar
The so-called European Pillar of Social Rights will not calm the malaise felt by EU citizens towards Brussels.
EU audiovisual reform will create a nanny state
The European Parliament's position on the audiovisual media services directive will legalise state censorship in social networks.
Column / Brexit Briefing
Tories on manoeuvres, as Labour wakes from Brexit slumber
In Labour's programme for the June election, Jeremy Corbyn claims there will be no second EU referendum and promises a form of associate membership with the EU. For the moment, it’s as far as his party can go.
Time for new relations between EFTA and the EU
A second generation free trade agreement would greatly simplify the situation for both EFTA and the EU.
Rethinking Europe's relationship with Turkey
As Turkey's democracy is in an increasingly troubled state, a new association agreement with the country should replace the current EU accession talks.
Brexit is about Europe's future as well
Europe must learn the lessons of TTIP and ensure that the negotiations transparently address the broad interests of European citizens, including on climate change and the environment.
Mogherini should tell Russians their rights matter
Invitation to Moscow is a unique opportunity to show solidarity with people who are risking their lives for a more open, democratic Russia.
Letter
Childhood obesity: Time to put words into action
MEPs from all parties have repeatedly voiced their concerns about the rising levels of childhood overweight and obesity. Yet, when the opportunity arises to put declarations into action, the response falls short.
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