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Let’s make the Conference too big to ignore
Europeans must mobilise in demanding a better EU as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE). However, a more united and democratic Union is not in everyone’s interest, and some political actors are consistently striving to make the consultation process meaningless.
CoFoE: Participants numbers are encouraging but member states should do more
Organisers of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) are “encouraged by the number of visits to the platform and endorsements”, a spokesperson for the conference told EURACTIV. This comes following concerns from some participants that the event was not getting enough attention.
The future of Europe jeopardised by inaction of ‘pro-Europeans’
The Conference on the Future of Europe is underway but there is a great risk that it will turn out to be a lost opportunity. This is due mainly to the inaction of “pro-European” governments and parties and the European institutions, writes Roberto Castaldi.
How the Conference on the Future of Europe can still be saved
The Conference on the future of Europe is faltering, but EU institutions and member states can still save it. And they should, as it could be a key tool to re-engage the citizens, writes Nicoletta Pirozzi.
EU quells fears over lack of media interest in CoFoE
Despite participants fears that the Conference on the Future of Europe is not making headlines and therefore might not be as impactful as hoped, the Commission has reassured them that the media is listening and their voices will be heard.
We can strengthen European democracy by giving the European Parliament more powers
The past year’s crisis underscored the need for a more united Europe. We must seize this opportunity to make the Conference on the Future of Europe a true forum with citizens to work together to achieve a more sovereign and democratic Europe, says UEF President and Renew MEP Sandro Gozi.
How to prevent Europe from stalling
National elections just passed in Germany and upcoming in France deprive Europe of political leadership. But there is an electoral solution that could solve this problem, writes Matteo Garavoglia.
Why the Commission should ignore Poland’s ‘false compromise’
If the European Commission bends to Polish government pressure it will not fix the rule of law crisis but deepen it, argue Tineke Strik and Thijs Reuten.
Future of Europe Conference insufficiently fills EU political vacuum
The great expectations some have for the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe, and the little that is known about it, weigh heavily on it, writes Christian Moos.
Middelaar: Pandemic exposed Europe’s geopolitical vulnerabilities
The COVID-19 pandemic was much more than a health crisis for Europe, which means it needs to transform from rule-political machinery to a political body able to deal with unexpected events, political philosopher and historian Luuk van Middelaar told EURACTIV.
The EU has much to learn about how to engage its citizens
The Conference on the Future of Europe is a brilliant idea to give citizens voice in European decision making. However, the politicians involved just do not know how to engage with them, writes Kaspar Schultz.
The Brief, powered by Facebook — What the people want (or not)
Sharp-tongued critics will be quick to point out that the majority of delegates at the Conference on the Future of Europe plenary last weekend consisted of representatives from the European institutions (165) and national parliaments (108).
The Brief, powered by Facebook — The conciliator–in–chief
It is hard to dispute that Angela Merkel stands out as Europe’s pre-eminent leader of the 21st century. In truth, this is less impressive than it sounds because the competition has scarcely been fierce. Just look at the other major European players.
The Brief, powered by EPRA — Laying down the law
To its critics, the European Union is an all–powerful bully. In reality, the European Commission often gives the impression that it couldn’t fight its way out of a paper bag.
AS IT HAPPENED: EU leaders make meagre progress on energy, migration, Poland
Leaders of the EU-27 came together on 21-22 October for a summit dominated by a debate about Poland, whose increasingly defiant stance on rule of law and the role of Brussels has challenged the fundamentals of EU order and put the bloc to a serious test.
The Brief, powered by EPRA — How likely is Polexit?
"Polexit is fake news," Polish leaders Mateusz Morawiecki and Jarosław Kaczyński are saying in unison. Their party, the not-so-aptly named Law and Justice (PiS), has even adopted a position supporting EU membership.
Slovenian PM’s ‘Soros puppets’ tweet causes EU-wide political storm
Prime Minister Janez Janša is facing criticism after tweeting that some MEPs are “Soros puppets”. The MEP's under attack included Sophie in ‘t Veld.
Time for some perspective: The Polish court was not controversial
Despite the outcry among liberal elites following last week's Polish court ruling, the EU treaties clearly set out the boundaries between national constitutions and EU law. It's time for some perspective, writes Judit Varga.
The Brief, powered by GIE — 57 billion reasons to avoid Polexit
In politics, it’s always a good idea to get others to do your dirty work. For Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, by challenging the principle of the primacy of EU law, one of the main building blocks of the Union, his national Constitutional Tribunal has earned its corn and landed a major blow for Eurosceptics.
Youth organisations want ‘more than just a seat in the room’ in talks on Europe’s future
European youth should participate in political discussions, specifically on reforming democratic processes and not just on traditional topics like education, European Youth Forum President Silja Markkula told EURACTIV.
Portuguese MEPs critical of von der Leyen’s state of the union speech
Portuguese MEPs were sharply divided in their appreciation of the state of the Union speech presented on Wednesday by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament. EURACTIV's partner Lusa reports.
The Brief, powered by EPRA — All is well, Madame la Marquise
“Tout va très bien, Madame la Marquise, tout va très bien, tout va très bien,” a popular French song goes. This has become a proverbial catchphrase to express an attitude of blindness in the face of a difficult situation –...
#SOTEU: Key issues from von der Leyen’s annual speech
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual state of the union address in the European Parliament on Wednesday, praising the EU’s efforts in dealing with the pandemic and economic recovery, but also calling for more efforts to achieve strategic autonomy, climate goals and a coherent European defence.
#SOTEU: The nitty-gritty of von der Leyen’s message for Europe
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her state of the union address in the European Parliament on Wednesday (15 September), praising the EU's efforts in dealing with the pandemic and economic recovery. She stressed the importance of working on Europe's strategic economy, a stronger health union, defence, and the green and digital transition.Supporter
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