Future EU
Commissioners assemble: The names in the game
National governments across the EU have named their candidates for the next European Commission, which will be headed by Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen. Here is a rundown of the names on the table so far. There is an informal...
Merkel meets Orban on Iron Curtain anniversary amid new divides
German Chancellor Angela Merkel recalled the importance of a "humane" Europe Monday (19 August) as she took part in commemorations in Hungary to mark the 30th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989.
EU’s Juncker cuts short holiday for urgent surgery
Outgoing European Commission boss, Jean-Claude Juncker, had to cut short his Austria holiday to undergo an urgent gallbladder operation back home in Luxembourg, his team said in a statement on Saturday (17 August).
EU’s von der Leyen bids Germany goodbye with Scorpions hit
EU president-elect Ursula von der Leyen chose the Scorpions' smash hit "Wind of Change", which has become an anthem for the fall of the Berlin Wall, for her official departure ceremony in Berlin on Thursday evening (15 August).
Hungary and Finland wage media war of words
In July, a spat broke out between Hungary and Finland, which took over the EU's rotating Council presidency Romania and with its program quickly became a new enemy for Budapest.
Italy’s Salvini says government is finished, calls for elections
Tension is mounting in Italy between its populist leaders over the financing of a multi-billion-euro high-speed train line, raising speculation the coalition government could collapse.
Leak: Capitals seek to reform EU summits to cope with Trump era
EU countries are working on a review of their summits to improve their efficiency amid the challenges posed by Donald Trump, China and other foreign actors, according to official notes seen by EURACTIV.com.
UK plays Brexit hardball from a submarine base in Scotland
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday (29 July) the Brexit divorce was dead and warned that unless the European Union renegotiated, Britain would leave on 31 October without a deal. Johnson’s bet is that the threat of a...
The Brief – Don’t forget to remember…
After a Europe-wide heat wave which has already put everyone into summer (suffering) mode, there are a couple of things to bear in mind to gather strength for before you disappear to your vacation destination.
The Brief – Holy COW!
The EU is moving more and more toward inter-governmental formats. Unable to decide at 28, individual member countries are seeking solutions to problems such as rescue operations at sea, patrolling in the Strait of Hormuz, or even inside the Eurozone, on new budgetary instruments.
Von der Leyen takes her charm offensive to Warsaw
Commission posts, sustainable development, prosperity and security were the main topics during European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen's visit to Warsaw on Thursday (25 July).
Selmayr prepares new ‘coup’ against Ursula von der Leyen
Martin Selmayr, secretary-general of the European Commission and Jean-Claude Juncker's protege, whose 'coup-like' rise earned him a few enemies in Brussels, will resign from his post at the end of this week. However, before that, he will be settling a few staffing issues. EURACTIV's media partner Wirtschaftswoche reports.
The Brief – Europe’s Progressives are cats and dogs
The failure of the Spanish socialists (PSOE) and the leftists Unidas Podemos to form a government following the 28 April parliamentary election has once again exposed the shortcomings of the so-called progressive political forces in Europe. The deadlock in the...
Von der Leyen and Macron want to ‘regenerate’ Europe
The new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has chosen Paris for her first official visit. It was a way to thank French President Emmanuel Macron, who nominated her, and to show that they have a strong alliance. EURACTIV France reports.
The balance of powers in the new European Parliament
With majorities in the European Parliament becoming more unstable, votes are becoming more unpredictable. The power structure has shifted considerably as a result of the European elections. While the liberal group Renew Europe will likely be decisive, German MEPs are set to be the most influential. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The EU now needs a fully-fledged #EUCitizenCommissioner
We should never forget that democracy is not just about voting: citizens also want their voices heard between elections, write Roger Casale and Verena Ringler.
CDU party chief enters testing grounds as she takes up defence minister post
In a surprising turn of events, the leader of the German Christian Democrats (CDU), Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, was appointed Germany's new defence minister. While the opposition is unhappy, observers are wondering whether she will do a good job, given that she had opposed to take cabinet responsibility until recently. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Paris pushes its pawns in race for key EU Commission jobs
France is eager to claim the position of Secretary-General at the European Commission that will be left vacant after the departure of Martin Selmayr at the end of July. But Emmanuel Macron's quest for control in Brussels could be met with opposition. EURACTIV France reports.
The Brief, powered by BP – Building Ursula’s platform
The first question any candidate faces when running for office is why they decided to join the race. The second question is what platform of voters will help them get the job.
Macron’s MEPs try to make a name for themselves
Internal discipline, "cordon sanitaire" against nationalist parties, assertiveness on environmental matters. So far, Macron's deputies in the European Parliament have shown a conception of European politics that breaks from French tradition. EURACTIV France reports.
Von der Leyen confirmed as new Commission president by paper-thin majority
Updates with von der Leyen’s first press conference The European Parliament confirmed on Tuesday (16 July) Ursula von der Leyen by a paper-thin majority as the new European Commission president, giving her the reins of the EU executive for the...
Von der Leyen likely to be confirmed as she wins majority of Socialists
A large majority of Socialist MEPs were ready to support Ursula von der Leyen to become the next president of European Commission, paving the way for her confirmation during the vote scheduled for Tuesday evening (16 July).
Polish FM: Council was right to kill federalist Spitzenkandidaten
In the game of thrones for the EU’s top job, it was right to distance from the federalist goal of choosing Spitzenkandidaten and instead return to the intergovernmental concept of deciding in the European Council, Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz told...