Global Europe
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.
EU fails to convince ACP countries to sanction Burundi
Despite two years of political crisis and a downward spiral of human rights and rule of law abuses in Burundi, Europe has failed to mobilise a wave of condemnation from other developing countries. EURACTIV France reports.
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.
EPP hails positive momentum on Macedonia name dispute
The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) is satisfied with the new rapprochement between Skopje and Athens, as the two sides aim to unlock Macedonia's NATO bid and open the door to EU accession talks. But some within the party counselled caution.
EU leaders agree to extend sanctions against Moscow
EU leaders have agreed to extend sanctions against Moscow for another six months because of Russia's failure to implement a peace deal for Ukraine, European Council President Donald Tusk said in a tweet on the first day of the 22-23 June EU Summit.
EU leaders hail ‘historic step’ in defence cooperation
EU leaders hailed as “historic” the decision taken at the Council summit on Thursday (22 June) to establish permanent European defence cooperation. French President Emmanuel Macron, for whom this is the first EU summit, praised Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker for his role as architect of the project.
Do smallholders need rights of their own, and if so, which ones?
Do farmers have and/or need different rights to other people? Michael Brüntrup argues that gaining the support of rural dwellers and ensuring they benefit from development should be the top priority.
Mastercard poll: Serbians concerned about underground economy
The shadow economy limits the state's ability to provide public services, according to 2/3rds of Serbians surveyed. 8 out of 10 say it inhibits growth. For a country in which undocumented trade accounts for 30% of its GDP, the concern could not be clearer. EURACTIV.rs reports.
German parliament backs plans to withdraw troops from Turkey
Germany's parliament yesterday (21 June) approved the planned withdrawal of troops from the Incirlik air base in southern Turkey after Ankara's refusal to allow German lawmakers access to its soldiers there.
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.
Marshall Plan anniversary sends messages to Trump
A strong European economy is good for the United States, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday (21 June), against a background of tense relations with Washington on trade and other issues.
MEPs: European funds for poorer member states must not diminish
Negotiations are beginning on the future of the European budget, which also includes funds financing cohesion policy. Meeting in Strasbourg, MEPs agreed they should not be reduced. Aktuálně reports.
Hungary’s law calls for more transparency for NGOs receiving foreign money
In a recent EURACTIV.com interview, the director of the George Soros-funded European Policy Institute makes the incorrect claim that Hungary’s new legislation on NGO transparency is “discriminatory” and is closing the space for dissenting opinions, writes Zoltán Kovács.
Bulgaria and Macedonia start removing hurdles to relations
During new Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev's visit to Sofia on Tuesday (20 June), it was announced that Bulgaria and Macedonia will soon sign a bilateral treaty, removing some obstacles to Skopje’s bid to join NATO and the EU.
Schäuble: Europe must do more to defend liberal world order
Europe must assume greater responsibility to defend a liberal, democratic world order as the United States appears increasingly less willing to do so, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Tuesday (20 June).
Albania grapples with cannabis, a hurdle to EU accession
As Albania gears up for elections, one huge challenge facing the Balkan country has been low on the campaign agendas: the scourge of its cannabis fields, which threatens to hinder EU accession.
Juncker praises Tsipras following Weber jibe
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Tuesday (20 June) that he fully trusts Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras, after Manfred Weber said Tsipras "belongs to the past".
Say yes to human mobility and no to Fortress Europe
EU leaders will this week meet to agree, once more, on ways to keep migrants out of the EU. Out of sight may be out of mind but such a policy is only encouraging the deaths and suffering of tens of thousands of people, warns Leila Bodeux.
World Refugee Day inspires calls to EU leaders ahead of summit
The UN's World Refugee Day is held every year on 20 June. This year, politicians and NGOs issued messages to EU leaders ahead of a summit on 22-23 June, which will partly focus on measures to stem the migration flow on the Central Mediterranean route.
Poroshenko to meet Trump before US president sees Putin
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will meet US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington Tuesday (20 June) for talks on security, political and economic issues, Poroshenko's office said.
EU ministers pledge more efforts for Africa partnership
EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg Monday (19 June) committed to working closely with their African partners for an “ambitious and successful” EU-Africa summit in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on 29 and 30 November, with “Investing in Youth” as the central theme.Faced with an unprecedented migration crisis, ministers devoted part of their time in an effort to …
Orbán: No chance for single EU migration policy
Hungary's populist prime minister said Monday (19 June) that he sees no chance for a single EU-wide migration policy, just days after the bloc launched legal action against Budapest for refusing refugees under a controversial solidarity plan.
The ‘Eurovision of inventors’ and new solutions for protecting the planet
Whether or not Donald Trump is taking part in efforts to protect the planet, inventions and technological progress are filling an important gap and the EU is playing a role bigger than generally assumed, writes Eli Hadzhieva.
Time to consider refugee protection in partnerships with third countries
On World Refugee Day and just before the European Council, we call on the EU and its member states to assess the impact of the Partnership Framework approach on the right to seek and enjoy asylum, writes Denis Haveaux.