Future EU
Macron makes link between poor French economy and refugees
Emmanuel Macron said there was “no glory” in France's track record on refugees because it reflected the country's weak economy.
Leaders tone down Macron’s call for foreign investment scrutiny
A majority of member states on Friday (23 June) resisted a proposal by France, Germany and Italy designed to control and block foreign investment at EU level, citing fears about protectionism.
UK’s May leaves EU summit empty-handed
British Prime Minister Theresa May put on a brave face at the end of an EU summit on Friday (23 June), insisting she had made a "fair and serious" offer to her European partners and that all aspects of Brexit were still up for discussion. But the writing on the wall was unmistakable.
Macron, Merkel: EU treaty change is not taboo
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking at a joint presser after the end of the EU summit on Friday (23 June), said that treaty change should not be an obstacle to carrying out important reforms.
Future of Europe debate lacks vision one year after Brexit
One year after the Brexit referendum, the Juncker Commission has refrained from talking about ‘what kind of Europe’ citizens need and focused on narrow, uninspiring questions about levels of integration, writes Magda Stoczkiewicz.
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.
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.
The Estonian Presidency, at a time when ‘ice starts to melt’
Estonia's goal is to have a presidency during which the European winter of discontent gives way to a new spring, the President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid, writes in an exclusive op-ed for EURACTIV.com.
EU wins coveted Spanish award, hopes for morale boost
The European Union has won the coveted Princess of Asturias Award, otherwise known as the Spanish Nobel Prize. The man behind the EU’s nomination, MEP Jonás Fernández, told EFE that he wanted to “raise morale” at a time of crisis.
Italian PM calls Brexit a ‘tough wake-up call’ ahead of EU summit
Ahead of this week’s European summit, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni told the country’s Senate that the Brexit vote was not a catastrophe for the European Union but serves as a tough wake-up call. Class EURACTIV Italy reports.
Macron loses his three most Europhile ministers
Three of Emmanuel Macron’s ministers have resigned to protect the government from a potential scandal over the employment of assistants in the European Parliament. The former ALDE group MEPs anchored Macron’s government firmly on the European stage. EURATIV France reports.
Macron prepares for first EU summit as a free political agent
Right, left or centre? In preparation for his first EU summit as president of France, Emmanuel Macron has chosen not to throw his lot in with any political family. He has his own strategy and expectations are high all round. EURACTIV France reports.
Macron shows the ‘Juncker dilemma’ does not exist
Europe needs serious reform if it is to avoid being turned into a mere museum for rich Chinese tourists. But it is clearly possible to be both European and succeed in the global economy, writes MEP Gunnar Hökmark.
Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria ‘presidency trio’ outlines priorities
Ministers representing the incoming Estonian, Bulgarian and Austrian presidencies of the Council of the EU outlined on Tuesday (20 June) their priorities, which seem to differ substantially.
Since Brexit vote, Europeans warm again to EU
Europeans think much better of the EU now than they did a year ago when Britons dealt the Union a heavy blow by voting to leave, a survey showed yesterday (15 June).
Support for Lisbon Treaty was unnecessary investment of political capital
The mantra of European elites for the support of the Lisbon Treaty included greater transparency of the decision-making process. Almost ten years after signing the Treaty, Mirek Topolánek says he now knows "for sure" that his support was unnecessary.
Kosovo lurches to nationalism as Brussels lets down its friends
Elections in the West Balkans are never easy. Federica Mogherini might consider intervening now on the side of the pro-European forces in Kosovo, writes Denis MacShane.
European Commission offers ‘open arms’ for British return
European Commission deputy chief Frans Timmermans said Thursday (15 June) that he would welcome Britain back into the EU "with open arms" if it reconsidered its decision to quit the bloc.
How should the EU react to Britain’s general election?
The EU-27 can force Britain’s politicians to acknowledge Brexit’s trade-offs, by offering the British four options from which it must choose, write Simon Tilford and John Springford.
EU summit draft backs closer defence ties, Paris climate accord
European Union leaders meeting next week will agree to boost cooperation on security and defence and express support for global trade and the Paris Agreement, according to a draft joint statement.
The Brief, powered by Eni: Make Erasmus more inclusive
The European Union is celebrating today 30 years of its 'Erasmus' programme. Approximately 9 million young people have already travelled to another EU country and some 1 million 'Erasmus babies' have been born.
Darknet guru: New technology can help build European identity
Modern technology could shore up the European project, boost transparency and help governments collect taxes. Author Jamie Bartlett told EURACTIV.com that the EU should become the great technological innovator but warned that politicians simply aren’t prepared for massive changes ahead.
All is not well in Europe, it’s time to stand up for it
Pulse of Europe? Do we need it? In the end, the French elections went OK: Marine Le Pen lost and pro-European President Emmanuel Macron won. So that’s that… Well, maybe it's not that simple, warns Utta Tuttlies.
Soros: Britain could reunite with the EU before the divorce is completed
Investor and philanthropist George Soros said today (1 June) that the EU should use Brexit as a “catalyst for introducing far reaching reforms”, transforming itself into an organisation that Britain would like to rejoin before the divorce is completed.