News
EU SUMMIT LIVE: Day two, migration on the menu
On the second day of the summit Friday (23 June), EU leaders will meet at 10:00 AM with ECB President Mario Draghi, who will present the current economic situation. Following that, they will discuss migration, and Estonian Prime Minister Jüri Ratas will review the digital ambitions of the incoming Estonian Presidency. They are expected to finish by lunchtime.
Trans-Europe Express: Is Sánchez a man with a plan?
Last month, Pedro Sánchez brought a new and unexpected result to the European ballot box. Sánchez returned to his post as secretary general of Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE) after a bitter campaign against Susana Díaz, the powerful president of Andalucía who was supported by the barons of the party.
German parliament votes to cut funding to extremist parties
Germany's parliament has changed the constitution so that extremist parties can no longer claim government funds. Critics call that undemocratic, but lawmakers say Germany's political system is entitled to defend itself.
France and Germany to make joint proposal for future of Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday (22 June) that with German Chancellor Angela Merkel they would table concrete proposals for the future of the EU and of the Eurozone in three months’ time.
Long freeze on new labels for heaters may slow innovation, decarbonisation
In a possible nod to industry demands, the EU's new energy label regulations will allow a 10-year transition period for heaters until 2030, a move likely to confuse consumers, hinder innovation in clean technology and extend the market life of fossil-fuelled devices, critics said.
EPP hails positive momentum on Macedonia name dispute
The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) is satisfied with the new rapprochement between Skopje and Athens, as the two sides aim to unlock Macedonia's NATO bid and open the door to EU accession talks. But some within the party counselled caution.
Merkel calls UK offer on citizens’ rights a ‘good start’
Angela Merkel gave a subdued nod but no outright approval to British Prime Minister Theresa May's proposal to protect EU citizens' rights after Brexit, pouring cold water on May's promise of a “generous” offer on one of the most sensitive issues in the divorce talks.
Politics get final say on post-Brexit agency seats
Leaders of 27 EU member states - excluding the UK -agreed late on Thursday (22 June) on criteria to decide by November the new seats of the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority, which are currently based in London.
EU leaders agree to extend sanctions against Moscow
EU leaders have agreed to extend sanctions against Moscow for another six months because of Russia's failure to implement a peace deal for Ukraine, European Council President Donald Tusk said in a tweet on the first day of the 22-23 June EU Summit.
EU leaders hail ‘historic step’ in defence cooperation
EU leaders hailed as “historic” the decision taken at the Council summit on Thursday (22 June) to establish permanent European defence cooperation. French President Emmanuel Macron, for whom this is the first EU summit, praised Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker for his role as architect of the project.
The Brief: Will Trump divide Europe?
Last month Barack Obama was in Berlin, where he participated in a panel discussion on democracy with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in front of 70,000 people.
EU recognises bisphenol A as an endocrine disruptor
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has classified bisphenol A, a chemical found in many common plastic products, as an endocrine disruptor and a ‘substance of very high concern’. EURACTIV France reports.
Mastercard poll: Serbians concerned about underground economy
The shadow economy limits the state's ability to provide public services, according to 2/3rds of Serbians surveyed. 8 out of 10 say it inhibits growth. For a country in which undocumented trade accounts for 30% of its GDP, the concern could not be clearer. EURACTIV.rs reports.
Report: Western Balkans route not closed, just diverted via Bulgaria
A report by a German think tank reveals the deficiencies of the deal with Turkey to stem the flow of refugees to Europe. Migration is on the menu of the two-day summit starting today (22 June).
Tobacco makers denounce ‘brand theft’ from plain packaging
The trend towards imposing plain packaging on tobacco products has made industry executives furious and denounce “Brussels-led overregulation” that effectively leads to "brand theft".
German parliament backs plans to withdraw troops from Turkey
Germany's parliament yesterday (21 June) approved the planned withdrawal of troops from the Incirlik air base in southern Turkey after Ankara's refusal to allow German lawmakers access to its soldiers there.
Poland says primeval forest should not be UNESCO natural heritage site
Polish Environment Minister Jan Szyszko, whom green activists have criticised for allowing large-scale logging in the ancient Bialowieza forest, called on Wednesday (21 June) for the woodland to be stripped of UNESCO's natural heritage status, banning human intervention.
Macron reaffirms hope for EU ahead of first summit
On the eve of his first European summit (22-23 June), French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his belief in a Europe capable of transforming the world with France as a driving force.
Seventeen EU leaders ask Tusk for digital talks on ‘highest level’
On the eve of an EU summit, leaders from 17 EU countries have asked European Council President Donald Tusk for highest-level talks on EU digital policy, saying it was the single market’s main engine and should receive stronger political support.
EU mechanism to veto foreign investment ‘not on the cards’
EU leaders will discuss on Friday options to “screen” foreign investment in strategic sectors, but a more far-reaching proposal that would allow blocking takeovers at EU level remains off the table for now.
The Brief: The EU’s summer of love
Despite many lingering issues, Europeans are once again starting to see the EU as a solution rather than a problem, says European Council President Donald Tusk.
Marshall Plan anniversary sends messages to Trump
A strong European economy is good for the United States, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday (21 June), against a background of tense relations with Washington on trade and other issues.
Relocation of UK agencies to be decided by Eurovision-style vote
The post-Brexit relocation of the two London-based European agencies will be decided by a points-based vote which resembles the Eurovision song contest, EURACTIV has learned ahead of a summit tomorrow (22 June) where EU leaders will agree the criteria and the voting rules.
MEPs: European funds for poorer member states must not diminish
Negotiations are beginning on the future of the European budget, which also includes funds financing cohesion policy. Meeting in Strasbourg, MEPs agreed they should not be reduced. Aktuálně reports.