Global Europe
EU postpones announcement on Turkey sanctions to ‘de-escalate’ tensions
The EU accepted on Monday (15 July) to postpone few hours the announcement of the sanctions against Turkey over the drilling in waters off Cyprus, following a request by Ankara not to interfere with the third anniversary the failed coup, EU officials and diplomats told euractiv.com.
German development minister: To protect the Amazon rainforest, greater commitment is needed
In an interview with EURACTIV's media partner Deutsche Welle, Germany's Economic Cooperation and Development Minister Gerd Müller spoke about his trip to Brazil and Germany's role in stopping the Amazon rainforest' continued deforestation.
Will the government of Andrej Babiš survive again?
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš survived a no-confidence vote on 27 June, but his coalition government is torn by internal strife and appears to be nearer the end than at any point in its past 12 months in office.
Georgian government dismisses pro-Russia bias claims
A leading opposition politician has accused the Georgian government of pro-Russian bias, tacitly condoned by the EU, but representatives of the ruling party, as well as diplomats, insist there is a consensus on big geopolitical matters and the entire country is pro-Western.
Macron hails common European defence at Paris parade
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (14 July) sought to showcase European military cooperation in France's annual Bastille Day parade that included representatives of nine other European armies in a show of unity at a time of growing tensions between Europe and the United States.
The Brief – The ‘Super-Commissioners’
In spite of EU leaders’ opposition to measures to make the Commission more functional, the rise of three ‘super-commissioners’ to support the next EU executive chief would improve Europe’s response to the turbulent world. The death of the Spitzenkandidaten process...
Germany tells the East: Speed up reform or you will lose your population
Germany’s minister of state for Europe delivered a blunt message to a gathering of the Eastern Partnership, organised in the Georgian Black Sea city of Batumi on Thursday (11 July): unless reforms in Eastern Europe speed up, its young people will leave to find a better life in Western Europe.
German ambassador to the EU: ‘China is changing us’
Europe should increase its economic assertiveness abroad and put forward a new strategy to face China’s rivalry, as the challenges posed by Beijing are already affecting the way European countries are preparing to compete with global powers, experts and diplomats agreed on Thursday (12 July).
Slovak president attacks Beijing’s human rights record
Slovakian president Zuzana Čaputová has criticised Beijing for not respecting human rights, during a visit by China's foreign affairs chief on Wednesday (10 July). Wang Yi was in Slovakia to discuss the involvement of the Visegrád Four in the Silk Road project.
Trump rips tech firms at ‘free speech’ summit
President Donald Trump welcomed prominent conservative social media provocateurs to the White House on Thursday (11 July) and said that along with himself, they are being treated unfairly by big tech firms, which he says suppress conservative voices.
Let’s hold G7 leaders accountable to their promises on gender equality
We need progress not promises on gender equality. That is why G7 leaders need to establish a mechanism that keep governments to their commitments, argue Friederike Röder, Joe Powell, Aurélie Gal-Régniez and Philippe Lévêque.
Georgia suggests taking an unconventional path to EU accession
Georgia staked its claim to becoming an EU member on Thursday (11 July), even if it meant an innovative approach and "knocking on every door", its president told an international conference marking the tenth anniversary of the Eastern Partnership in the Georgian Black Sea city of Batumi.
Turkish report ramps up harassment of foreign media
More than 20 human rights and freedom of expression organisations, as well as Turkish opposition, have condemned a report by a Turkish pro-government think tank, which is “blacklisting” journalists working for foreign media.
Trump orders French digital tax probe, amid talk of retaliatory tariffs
US President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into France's digital tax plans, which may result in retaliatory tariffs or trade restrictions, should the outcome of the probe identify unfair or discriminatory practices.
EU-Mercosur deal divides both sides of the Atlantic
Ten days ago, the EU and four Mercosur countries signed a free trade agreement that will cover a market of 780 million consumers. However, diverging opinions on both sides of the Atlantic remain. EURACTIV's partner, Euroefe reports.
Erdogan visits Bosnia as part of bigger game
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) this week. The primary aim was to attend a summit, but analysts said it was also an effort to boost his hunt for members of the Gülen movement and reinforce his influence on Bosnian domestic politics.
Europe agrees to put forward one candidate for IMF chair
EU finance ministers unanimously decided on Tuesday (9 July) to present one single candidate to succeed Christine Lagarde as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.
Minister: EU-Morocco pact is about having relationship we both deserve
A week after the EU and Morocco launched plans for an ambitious new trade and political deal at the Morocco-EU Association Council, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita explained in an exclusive interview how his country wants to build its relationship with the EU.
Will New Democracy undermine the positive momentum in the Western Balkans?
Following New Democracy’s return to power there are concerns in Brussels, Berlin and Washington about changes in Greece’s policy towards its Balkan neighbours, write Alexandra Voudouri and Ioannis Armakolas.
Finland kicks off EU presidency with bid to tackle ‘unfin[n]ished business’
"A sustainable Europe - a sustainable future". This is Finland's motto to kickstart its presidency in the European Council for the next six months. The Finnish programme seeks to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest, expand the digital internal market and strengthen military cooperation. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Tusk hopes for ‘higher level’ of EU-Azerbaijan ties
On a visit to Baku on Tuesday (9 July), Council President Donald Tusk said the EU and Azerbaijan were “coming closer to each other every year”, and expressed the Union’s readiness to further deepen our cooperation with Azerbaijan, including in fields such as human rights.
Infographic: EU support for water resilience in Central Asia
Central Asia is facing increasingly severe environmental challenges. The EU is offering help to the region to turn those challenges into opportunities. Enhancing environmental, climate and water resilience is a substantial element of the new EU strategy for Central Asia. VideoPromoted content
A partnership that matters: 10 years and beyond
Georgia invites you at the Black Sea resort of Batumi on July 11 and 12 to join the Annual Conference dedicated to the 10 anniversary of the eastern partnership. The conference will celebrate Europe’s achievements and spark a reflection on its future.