Elections
EU raps Hungary for ‘Stop Soros’ law, steps up legal battle
The European Commission yesterday (19 July) stepped up a legal battle with Hungary over EU migration rules and denounced as illegal its "Stop Soros" law that criminalises support for asylum seekers.
Italy’s Conte calls for EU body to coordinate migrant arrivals
Italy has asked the European Commission to set up an agency to oversee the distribution of migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, Prime Minister Giovanni Conte said yesterday (19 July).
Slovenia’s PM-frontrunner fails in first round of government-forming talks
The relative winner of Slovenia's parliamentary election, conservative Janez Janša, said on Thursday (18 July) he did not gather enough support to become prime minister and form a new government. But he said he was still hopeful to create a parliamentary majority "in the coming weeks"
Radio Free Europe resumes broadcasts for Bulgaria, Romania
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has announced plans to re-launch news services in Bulgaria and Romania in a bid to strengthen the media landscape in both countries. In both cases, it marks a return for RFE/RL: the company previously served...
Catholic Church tells CSU to show Christian values in immigration policy
Chancellor Angela Merkel's Bavarian allies, who are pressing her to toughen up immigration policy, should remember their Christian roots and show a sense of responsibility towards the poor and weak, the head of the Catholic Church in Germany said.
Leave campaign broke law in Brexit vote, UK elections regulator finds
The Vote Leave campaign has been fined and reported to the police by the UK’s elections regulator for deliberately falsifying its campaign expenses for the Brexit referendum.
How France successfully countered Russian interference during the presidential election
After the Brexit referendum and Trump’s election in 2016, the French presidential campaign in 2017 was also affected by Russian interference. However, unlike the US and the UK, France managed to maintain its democratic integrity. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Left-right ideological divide remains relevant in Western Europe
Despite the rise of populist parties, right-left division remains relevant, particularly on issues such as immigration and the role of the government, according to a study by the American think tank The Pew Research Centre. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Eurosceptic minister: Italy needs to be ready for ‘all eventualities’ on euro
European Affairs Minister Paolo Savona said yesterday (10 July) that Italy had to be ready for "all eventualities" regarding its membership of the eurozone, which might depend on factors outside its control.
Austrian far-right minister doubles down on asylum reform plans
Austria's hardline interior minister Herbert Kickl said yesterday (10 July) he would push to change the EU's migration policy to make it impossible to make asylum requests on European soil.
Transparency International reveals MEPs’ additional income
MEPs’ outside income raises questions : some MEPs (particularly on the far-right) take part in activities which are likely to lead to conflicts of interest, without the European Parliament taking the slightest action. EURACTIV.fr reports
In ‘cordial’ meeting with Catalan leader, Sánchez signals thaw
Spain’s Prime Minister signaled a thaw in relations with Catalonia yesterday (9 July), signing up to joint initiatives in a first meeting with the region’s leader but again ruling out any moves toward Catalan independence.
Romania’s president removes chief anti-corruption prosecutor
Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis sacked chief anti-corruption prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi on Monday (9 July) to honour a constitutional court ruling which Kövesi said may leave prosecutors exposed to political interference.
German firms promised ‘Marshall Plan’ tax breaks for African projects
Germany plans to use public money to support companies which invest in Africa, part of a new "Marshall Plan" with which it hopes to tackle the roots of the refugee crisis that has convulsed European politics since 2015.
Mick Jagger reacts to Walesa appeal in Poland judicial row
Rolling Stones legendary frontman Mick Jagger touched on Poland's controversial judicial reforms at a concert yesterday (8 July) in Warsaw, after anti-communist freedom icon Lech Walesa urged the rockers to support Poles "defending freedom" over court changes that critics say undermine democracy.
CSU’s Seehofer offers to stand down over border bans
The leader of Angela Merkel's Bavarian allies, the CSU, offered to step down from his ministerial role and party leadership during a fiery closed-door meeting on Sunday ( 1 July).
Member of Hungarian opposition: EU should not fund Orbán
Gergely Karácsony, a well-known figure of the Hungarian opposition, has called on the EU to stop funding Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s eurosceptic and populist policies with European funds. EURACTIV’s partner Euroefe reports.
Trans-Europe Express – Indomitable, but for how long?
One region in Germany, that of the indomitable CSU-Bavarians, is holding out. In Bavaria, Markus Söder is brewing up the magic potion and he is setting forth to repel the invaders from non-EU countries. And to do so, he does not...
Western states warn Romania reforms threaten co-operation
Twelve Western countries issued a joint statement yesterday (28 June) warning that controversial judicial reforms proposed by Romanian lawmakers could "impede international law enforcement cooperation".
EU to open case against Poland over Supreme Court law
The European Commission will open a legal case against Poland to challenge a new law forcing the early retirement of some 40% of the country's Supreme Court judges, officials said yesterday (28 June), a move likely to develop into a formal lawsuit.
EU summit approves tortured conclusions on migration after sleepless night
EU leaders reached a much-needed deal on steps to tackle migration after resolving a bitter row with Italy's inexperienced prime minister. Extended talks lasted through the night and only wrapped up on Friday morning (29 June).
The Brief – Bye bye Mannschaft
Let’s not pretend, we all watched the Germany game yesterday, in Berlaymont, in offices, in nearby pubs. At least the shocking end, Mannschaft’s first group stage exit from a World Cup in 70 years, which aroused considerable interest around the globe.
Conte to push for EU-Russia de-escalation at summit
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said yesterday (27 June) the renewal of EUuropean Union economic sanctions against Russia should not be automatic, as Rome seeks to resume EU funding to small Russian firms to ease tensions with Moscow.