Friday
20th Apr 2018
By EUOBSERVER
People in Switzerland in a referendum on Sunday (27 November) rejected plans to introduce a strict timetable for phasing out nuclear power. Nearly 55 percent of voters turned down the proposal, which would have closed three of Switzerland's five nuclear plants next year, with the last shutting in 2029. The five plants currently generate almost 40 percent of Switzerland's electricity.
MEPs are using so-called 'friendship groups' to cater to foreign governments without oversight and little public scrutiny. Initially set up to promote cultural exchanges, some have become lobbying platforms to push state views from governments with poor human rights records.
France and Germany have pledged to forge a joint position on euro reform by June, despite German reluctance on deeper monetary union.
Two groups are meant to provide expert advice on how to spend EU money on a new military research programme - but much is unclear about how and even if they operate.
The EU's latest funding rules for European political parties and their think tanks fails to address the underlying problems of abuse. Instead of tackling the loans and donations culture, it has simply made access to EU funds a lot easier.
Eurozone bank chief Mario Draghi will stay part of an opaque "lobbyist" group despite transparency complaints.
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.
