Archives: Opinions

UK & Europe 21-11-2016

Now is the time for EU and UK to work together

Following the UK’s Brexit vote, the centre of the EU should take note that there is a decent majority of British people, including a currently disenfranchised younger generation, who have embraced the European ethos, writes Charles Collins.

Global Europe 21-11-2016

Why the EIB should not deal with the migration crisis

The EIB is not well placed to intervene in the migration crisis. The bank’s past form shows it lacks the human touch needed to succeed in this area, writes Xavier Sol.

Future EU 21-11-2016

The future's bright, the future's green

Europe and the wider world face a number of daunting challenges. But there is hope. Monica Frassoni insists that Europe’s greens will play a full part in changing things for the better.

Europe's East 21-11-2016

For Russia, some conflicts are colder than ever

The breakaway strategy should be understood as part of Russia's broader efforts to keep its sphere of influence in the former Soviet periphery intact so as to buffer against foreign rivals, writes Eugene Chausovsky.

Climate & Environment 18-11-2016

What local and regional government leaders at COP22 can teach the world

As COP22 begins to draw to a close, Gino Van Begin calls on all involved parties to roll up their sleeves and start implementing climate action immediately.

Security 18-11-2016

EU defence in an age of uncertainty and crisis

The refugee crisis, the election of Donald Trump, the UK’s Brexit vote and the ever-present threat of terrorism, mean current conditions seem right for EU governments to take steps toward deeper military coordination or even integration, writes Richard Maher.

Elections 18-11-2016

Could Ciolos be Romania’s prime minister again?

Romania’s parliamentary election campaign pits the nation’s political elite against what could be described as the EU’s bureaucratic elite, embodied by incumbent Prime Minister Dacian Cioloş, writes Doug Henderson.

Euro & Finance 17-11-2016

It’s time to focus on growth

The most divisive US election in modern history and the uncertainty that it created across the world is over. Now, leaders should turn to the challenge of securing sustainable economic growth, writes William R. Rhodes.

Global Europe 17-11-2016

A pivotal moment for the Central African Republic

For decades, the Central African Republic has suffered from enormous humanitarian needs and a perilous security situation. Europe needs to strengthen its support for this fragile and forgotten state, writes Friederike Röder.

Sustainable Dev. 17-11-2016

An intelligent approach to intelligent buildings

What are intelligent buildings, why are they important and how can we realise their full potential? Christiane Egger takes a closer look at the growing market for intelligent buildings.

Future EU 17-11-2016

European citizens, time to wake up!

The triumph of populism in Britain and the US should act as a wake-up call for citizens to support greater ambition for the European project, write signatories from the May 9 Movement.

Social Europe & Jobs 17-11-2016

An AAA-rated society for workers' rights

This European Commission promised progress on social issues, but so far none has materialised. Europe’s workers need job security, well-defined right and a fair standard of living, writes Oliver Roethig.

Social Europe & Jobs 17-11-2016

Europe’s 'working poor' and populism are on the rise

Driven by a labour market recovery, EU citizens’ opportunities for social participation have improved slightly for the first time since 2008. But not everyone is benefiting. A high risk of poverty persists in many countries, especially in southern Europe, warn Daniel Schraad-Tischler and Christof Schiller.

Global Europe 16-11-2016

In it for the long run: Education as an immediate emergency priority

Refugees spend an average of 20 years away from their homes, in the “limbo” of temporary shelters with only basic provisions. Education is vital to building a sense of normality and ensuring these years are not wasted, writes Nicholas Rutherford.

Global Europe 16-11-2016

Genocide calls for justice

Evidence of genocide committed by ISIS terrorists is mounting, including eye-witness accounts and the group’s own propaganda. The ICC must prosecute foreign fighters to stop them returning to Europe, write Lars Adaktusson, Lord Alton of Liverpool and Pieter Omtzigt.

Promoted

Energy 16-11-2016

Respiratory illnesses and their cost to European governments

Inadequate housing is a major contributor to respiratory illnesses. That is why the VELUX Group is calling for increased political focus on renovation aimed at healthier homes.

UK & Europe 16-11-2016

EU-UK relationship: We have to get better at telling the story of Europe

Europe fought hard to achieve the prosperity it enjoys today. As the dust settles on Brexit and negotiations get under way, neither the UK nor the EU should take these achievements for granted, writes Susan Danger.

Euro & Finance 16-11-2016

'Stupid' austerity has played into the hands of populism

Europe’s refusal to do away with austerity policies contributed to a huge external deficit across the Atlantic, while the EU remained in the black. That doesn’t mean we won though, warn Ernest Maragall and Jordi Angusto.

Climate & Environment 15-11-2016

How Trump can quit the Paris Agreement

The idea that the Paris Agreement will survive the election of Donald Trump is politically naïve, writes Klaus Dingwerth.

Europe's East 15-11-2016

Armenia’s dangerous posturing sabotages Nagorno-Karabakh peace efforts

Deadly clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces in early April 2016 reminded the world once again of the danger posed by the simmering Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is playing out in close proximity to Europe’s borders, warns Azad Garibov.

Agriculture & Food 15-11-2016

New GM crops once again fail the safety test

As the world focuses elsewhere, two untested varieties of genetically modified maize are slowly manoeuvring their way through the legislative hoops of the European institutions towards Europe’s fields, writes Mute Schimpf.