Global Europe
Greek minister optimistic Macedonia name deal will be approved
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias on Thursday (20 September) hailed an agreement with Macedonia on changing its name and opening the way for it to join NATO and the European Union.
Global health research – a chance for Moedas to shape his legacy
Lawmakers must take the chance to strengthen the EU's investment in treatments for poverty related diseases and make the EU a hub for research excellence, writes José Inácio Faria MEP.
Russian oil firm seeks payments in euros amid US sanction threat
Russian oil producer Surgutneftegaz is pushing buyers to agree to pay for oil in euros instead of dollars if the need arises, apparently as insurance against possible tougher US sanctions, traders who deal with the firm told Reuters.
US soy seizes EU market, bolstering Trump trade deal
The United States has supplanted Brazil as the European Union’s top supplier of soybeans since a deal in July with President Donald Trump to avert a trade war, according to EU data seen by Reuters on Thursday (20 September).
Human rights, ecology should stand higher than business interests
The Bishops of Latin America are concerned that the EU is more prompt in negotiating new trade deals than ensuring the respect of basic human rights, when violated by companies who have their headquarters in Europe, writes Cardinal Pedro Barreto.
EU-Arab States summit and Irish border on EU’s informal meeting agenda
As EU leaders gathered on 19 September in Salzburg (Austria) for an informal meeting, Austria’s Sebastian Kurz and European Council President Donald Tusk called for an EU-Arab States summit on migration next February and a Brexit summit in November.
Morocco plays cat and mouse with Africans headed to Europe
African emigrants are defying a campaign by Morocco to keep them away from land and sea crossings to Spain, which has become the main entry point to Europe for migrants and refugees following crackdowns elsewhere.
EU counters China’s Silk Road Initiative
Today’s adoption by the European Commission of a new ‘Connectivity Strategy’ linking Europe and Asia throws down the gauntlet to an increasingly assertive China, writes Bart Broer.
Trump on Juncker: ‘He’s tough, he’s nasty, he’s a tough cookie’
US President Donald Trump called EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker "nasty" on Tuesday (18 September) - but it was meant as a compliment.
Germany to build LNG plant in ‘gesture’ to US drive to sell more
Germany will choose where to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal by the end of 2018 as a gesture to the United States, which wants to ship more gas to Europe, the Bundesrepublik's economy minister said on Tuesday (18 September).
Visegrad’s place in the next EU Budget
Vladislava Gubalova argues that Visegrad countries should not be considered as having caught up with older EU members, while taking aim at Sofia for attracting too much financing.
EU’s finance for African security missions has ‘poor effect’, say auditors
The EU’s financial support for African peace and security policies “has had a poor effect and needs refocusing,” the European Court of Auditors said in a report published on Tuesday (18 September).
EU appeals to ‘Astana guarantors’ to avoid Idlib catastrophe
Commenting on the decision by Russia and Turkey to create a “demilitarised” zone in a rebel-held Syrian region, the EU called on Tuesday (18 September) on the “Astana guarantors”, Russia, Turkey and Iran, to respect civilians as a matter of priority.
Clouds are gathering over the Salzburg summit
Brexit, internal security and immigration: the items on the agenda of the informal European Council summit in Salzburg on Thursday (20 September) could lead to lively discussions. EURACTIV France reports.
Russia is undermining Europe’s key democratic institution
Russia’s possible return to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe would mean that even institutions created to defend European values are no longer able to do so, writes Volodymyr Yermolenko.
EU countries top development policy charts
EU countries lead the way when it comes to development policy, according to a new report by a US-based think-tank. Eleven EU countries dominate the top-12 of the Commitment to Development Index published by the Center for Global Development on Tuesday (18 September).
The Brief – Three Seas, two leaders
Let’s not beat about the bush. The Three Seas Initiative (TSI) is a Poland-promoted anti-Russian and pro-US project. And it kicks off today.
Polish government rejects Brussels’ objections regarding Supreme Court
The Polish government has rejected the Commission's objections to its controversial law on the Supreme Court, stating that the Commission cannot assess justice in the member states. A complaint against Poland before the EU Court of Justice could soon follow. EURACTIV Poland’s media partner “Gazeta Wyborcza” reports.
For a peaceful border correction between Kosovo and Serbia
The peaceful border correction with Serbia is an opportunity for mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia that should not be missed, writes Hashim Thaçi.
Several thousand Macedonians gather to support EU, NATO membership
Several thousand Macedonians gathered in the capital Skopje on Sunday (16 September) to express their support for NATO and European Union membership bids and for a change in the country's name.
Juncker’s dismal speech
At a time when Europe needs something to inspire the 2018 State of the Union speech disappointed, writes Dick Roche.
The EU’s bank in Africa steps up the action
Whether or not Jean-Claude Juncker’s plans for a "partnership of equals" with Africa becomes reality any time soon, the Luxembourg-based European Investment Bank will have an ever-increasing role in the continent.
Russians and the Hungarian golden visas
Hungary has sold visas to Russian businessmen in exchange for hundreds of thousands of euros. Permits were also given to the family of the Kremlin's foreign intelligence chief, who is covered by European sanctions. EURACTIV Poland's media partner Gazeta Wyborcza reports.