Future EU
Romania investigates Timmermans and Jourova, Commission says they have immunity
Relations between Bucharest and Brussels hit an all-time low on Thursday (21 February) as the Romanian press reported that the Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans and Justice Commissioner Věra Jourová have been indicted for “falsification” of the last Cooperation and Verification report (CVM).
Hungary’s ruling party doesn’t belong in EPP, says Juncker
The party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán should leave the mainstream European center-right grouping, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said, comparing Orbán to French far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
France rallies to denounce anti-Semitic insults at protests
Mass rallies are planned in Paris and other French cities Tuesday (19 February) to denounce a flare-up of anti-Semitic acts which culminated in a violent tirade against a prominent writer during "yellow vest" anti-government protests last weekend.
French debate on setting migration quotas reopened
The question of setting migration quotas in France has come back to the forefront through the 'great debate' initiated by Emmanuel Macron. EURACTIV France reports.
Macron’s LREM targets the far-right at European elections
The French Minister for European Affairs already crosses swords on a regular basis with the far-right Rassemblement National and its fake news. This could prove useful practice for the upcoming election campaign. EURACTIV France reports.
Commission turns blind eye to violence against demonstrators in France
On Monday (11 February), many MEPs at the European Parliament criticised the amount and severity of injuries suffered during the demonstrations by the French ‘yellow vest’ movement. The fisheries commissioner, who was dispatched on to represent the Commission, did not answer any questions. EURACTIV France reports.
The Brief – Before it is too late
Spanish centre-right and far-right parties joined forces on Sunday (10 February) in a demonstration aimed to force Pedro Sanchez’s socialist government to call an election. The protest was far from successful but what should worry all of us in Europe is...
Orbán opens EU elections campaign, vows defence of ‘Christian’ Europe
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán launched his European elections campaign Sunday (10 February) calling for voters to defend "Christian" nations against immigration, which he said led to the "virus of terrorism".
Why do foreign investors leave Bulgaria as if it were the Titanic?
Despite being one of the most beautiful countries in the European Union, despite having talented and educated people, despite a favourable tax environment, Bulgaria is likely to stay as the poorest in the EU, and to continue losing its population, writes Blaga Thavard.
S&D chief urges EPP’s Weber to refresh his memory of Greek economy
It’s getting increasingly clearer in the circles of Brussels that Manfred Weber is a pre-election “front man” Spitzenkandidat of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), Syriza MEP and Vice-President of the EU Parliament Dimitris Papadimoulis said.
Visegrad Four to hold first summit abroad… in Jerusalem
The leaders of Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia will hold the first summit of their Visegrad grouping in Jerusalem, a move which looks like a slap in the face of the EU at a time the Union tries...
Increasing number of ‘yellow vest’ lists for European elections
With the announcement of a third ‘yellow vest’ list for the European elections, the movement seems to be divided. However, it has managed to make taxation one of the central issues of the May 2019 vote for French people. EURACTIV France reports.
Debate in France over holding referendum on same day as European election
The idea of holding a referendum on national issues from the French “great debate” at the same time as the European elections is generating much discussion, both within the ruling ranks and the opposition. EURACTIV France reports.
Brexit dampens desires to leave EU
The Swedish far-right party, the Sweden Democrats, is no longer calling for the country to leave the EU and it is not the only one. Several European populist parties have backtracked on this issue. EURACTIV France reports.
Meetings between MEPs and lobbyists to be made public
A revision of the European Parliament’s rules of procedure, which was adopted on 31 January, increases transparency obligations for meetings between elected officials and lobbies, despite the EPP’s attempts to scupper the amendment. EURACTIV France reports.
Reimagining the social fabric
Popular protests and political upheaval across Europe and the US suggest that the fabric of society is eroding and must be rebuilt, argues Antoine Ripoll.
Implementation key for regaining trust, Finland’s PM tells EU lawmakers
Democratic forces of Europe will win back the trust of the people by making decisions and by implementing them, at home and here in Brussels, Finland’s Juha Sipilä on Thursday (31 January) told EU lawmakers in Brussels.
MEPs to decide whether to make lobbying meetings public
MEPs are set to decide on Thursday (31 January) whether to make their meetings with lobbyists public. The centre-right has secured a secret ballot on this issue. EURACTIV France reports.
EU must bring Serbia and Kosovo back to the table
Despite the remarkably promising Western Balkans Strategy presented by the Commission almost a year ago, 2018 could be described as “one step forward, two steps back” with regards to the European aspirations of the Western Balkans, write Djordje Bojović and Nikola Burazer.
Europe Day initiative calls for 9 May to become public holiday
Various MEPs and civic groups gathered in the European Parliament on Tuesday (29 January) to promote an initiative for 'Europe Day' as a holiday across the bloc aimed at boosting a positive European sentiment, with MEP Maite Pagazaurtundua saying it would "most probably be passed” in the February plenary session.
MEPs in dust-up over EU’s climate plan
European lawmakers are locked in a dispute over a landmark climate plan that is meant to drag the EU into compliance with the Paris Agreement, as parliamentary committees tussle over who should take the lead.
Tsipras: Portugal, Spain and Greece are left-wing ‘oases in a political desert’
Socialist, green and leftist political parties should learn from governments in Southern Europe and unite against rising right-wing anti-European populism ahead of the EU elections, leftist Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said.
Enrico Letta: Are pro-EU forces ready for the anti-EU’s main election theme?
Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta said on Monday (28 January) that EU politicians should be prepared to address the issue of migration, as anti-EU forces are set to make it their number one item in the upcoming elections.