Elections
Sefcovic confirms run at Slovak presidency
European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič will take an unpaid leave of absence to run in Slovakia’s presidential elections in May, he confirmed in Bratislava on Friday (18 January).
EU elections watch: News and views
With less than five months until the EU elections in May, stay tuned to our ticker for all the latest developments and rumours surrounding the candidates and parties, as well as all the top jobs up for grabs.
Parliament seeks financial punishment for countries breaching rule of law
European Union countries that undermine the bloc's democratic principles could lose EU funds, under a draft law backed by the European Parliament on Thursday (17 January).
Tsipras wins confidence vote, eyes Prespa agreement ratification
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Wednesday (16 January) survived a confidence vote after a row over a landmark name deal with Macedonia sunk his four-year coalition.
Germany security agency steps up watch of far-right AfD
Germany's domestic intelligence will step up monitoring for political extremism of the far-right AfD party, sources said Tuesday (15 January), a blow to the party in a busy election year.
Greece and Russia exchange furious statements over Macedonia
The Russian foreign ministry published on Tuesday (14 January) a statement voicing concern about “instability” in Greece following the ratification of the recent change of the constitution in Macedonia. Greece retorted with a warning to Russia not to interfere in its internal affairs.
Gdańsk mayor’s murder sends shockwaves through EU
Paweł Adamowicz, the liberal mayor of the Polish city of Gdańsk, died on Monday (14 January) of his wounds, a day after being stabbed by a man who rushed the stage during a charity event. EU officials said they were devastated and expressed utter shock.
Liberals and the far-right: A contrasting experience in Spain, Sweden
Four months ahead of the European elections, liberal parties are torn between those ready to engage with the far-right and those opposed to any kind of alliance. Spain and Sweden offer the latest examples.
Sweden’s Löfven edges toward second term after deal with centre-right
Social Democrat leader Stefan Löfven took a big step toward a second term as Sweden’s prime minister on Friday (11 January) after agreeing a deal with two opposition parties that will move policy sharply to the right with tax cuts and business-friendly reforms.
Orban puts hopes in new anti-migration European Parliament
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Thursday (10 January) said he hoped the next European Parliament will be dominated by anti-immigration forces. He also criticised France and Germany in blunt terms, saying he "must fight" French President Emmanuel Macron.
Dreams of Schengen haunt Romania’s EU presidency bow
Romania should be granted membership of the Schengen passport-free travel zone during its EU presidency stint, according to European Parliament President Antonio Tajani. But persistent concerns about the rule of law mean it is far from a done deal.
Romania glosses over presidency preparedness concerns
As Romania formally launched its six-month-long presidency of the EU, its foreign affairs chief insisted that the country was prepared to helm the Council ship for the very first time.
France kick-starts ‘grand national debate’ to calm yellow vest protesters
From 15 January to 15 March France will hold what President Emmanuel Macron has termed the "great national debate", a public consultation to discuss the "essential questions" facing the nation after nearly two months of violent so-called yellow vest protests.
Far-right policies see Italy’s democracy ranking plummet
The policies of Italy's anti-immigrant and anti-establishment government which came to power last June have torpedoed the country's global democracy ranking, a think tank said Wednesday (9 January).
Latvia hopes third time’s the charm with new PM pick
Latvia’s president nominated a current MEP as prime minister on Monday (7 January), after two other picks failed to form a government after elections held in October.
Belgium’s Charles Michel to stay on heading caretaker government
Belgian King Philippe accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Charles Michel on Friday (21 December) and requested his government stay on in a caretaker capacity for the coming months after his coalition split following an argument over migration.
Spanish cabinet to meet in Catalonia amid separatist protests
Catalan pro-independence groups plan to protest and block roads in Barcelona on Friday (21 December) as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez holds a cabinet meeting in the city under tight security.
Romanian government survives no confidence vote
Romania’s Social Democrat-led government survived a no confidence vote on Thursday (20 December) as expected, days before taking over the European Union’s rotating presidency, but still faces concerns at home and abroad over its attempts to weaken a crackdown on corruption.
Factcheck: Did EU gas liberalisation rules put Bulgaria’s national security at risk?
Bulgarian minister Temenuzhka Petkova has said her country preferred paying a multi-million euro fine rather than follow a Commission injunction. Such a reform, in her words, would have threatened the country's national security. EURACTIV checked the facts.
Belgian PM announces resignation in crisis started by migrant row
Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel offered to resign on Tuesday (18 December) after opponents tabled a no confidence vote in a political crisis triggered by differences over immigration.
Hungary protests spark opposition coalition – but will it last?
Week-long protests in Budapest have forged fragmented opposition parties into a rare coalition against Viktor Orbán, drawing young Hungarians into the streets to demonstrate against what they see as his increasingly authoritarian rule.
Romanian president to try to block government pardons
Romania's centre-right President Klaus Iohannis said Tuesday (18 December) that he will invite himself to meetings of the left-wing cabinet in order to prevent it passing proposed criminal pardons that could benefit prominent politicians.
Greek parliament approves first post-bailout budget
Greek lawmakers approved on Tuesday (18 December) the country's first post-bailout budget which projects a high primary surplus next year and sees a pick-up in economic growth.