Social Democrats win Danish general election

Denmark's opposition Social Democrats looked set to win Wednesday's (5 June) general election, two exit polls suggested, after a poor showing for the far-right and a surge for the main green party.

EU praises Romanian U-turn on controversial reforms

The European Commission on Tuesday (4 June) welcomed Romania's pledge to renounce controversial judicial reforms that had triggered strong criticism and threats of sanctions from Brussels.

Commission: Suspending visa-free travel for Albanians should not be decided lightly

The European Commission said on Monday (3 June) it would assess a request by the Netherlands to suspend visa-free travel for Albanians, adding that such a decision should not be taken lightly.

Danish Social Democrats expected to maintain tough migration policy

Ahead of Wednesday's (5 June) general election in Denmark, one thing is certain: immigration policy will remain tough.

Commission unmoved by accusations of ‘crimes against humanity’

The European Commission defended on Monday (3 June) its track record of saving lives in the Mediterranean, faced with accusations of "“crimes against humanity” substantiated in a 245-page report by international lawyers, brought before the International Criminal Court.

Pope pleads for European unity, warns against fear-mongers

Pope Francis made an impassioned plea for Europe to stick together and revive the ideals of its founders on Sunday (2 June), saying ideologies and fear-mongering politicians were threatening its very existence as a bloc.

Freedom of press in Europe no longer self-evident

Up until recently, freedom of press was considered as a self-evidence in Europe. That is no longer the case, especially in several eastern European countries, where journalists have come under severe political pressure.

EU top court says German prosecutors can’t issue European arrest warrants

According to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), German public prosecutors are not independent when prosecuting cases. As a result, they will no longer be allowed to issue European arrest warrants, which could considerably increase the work of German courts. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Romania’s controversial socialist leader Dragnea goes to jail

Romania's Supreme Court has decided to send Liviu Dragnea, the powerful president of the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), to prison for three-and-a-half years over a corruption case involving fake jobs for party workers.

Romania’s anti-corruption referendum explained

Besides electing their new European Parliament members on Sunday (26 May), Romanians will be taking part in another vote: a referendum which their president says lets voters express their frustration over corruption. President Klaus Iohannis called the referendum over the...

EU elections: Two parties try to inject hate into Danish politics

The heated debate over refugees, minorities and Islam has affected the upcoming elections in Denmark, writes Bashy Quraishy.

EU elections in Hungary: The Catch ‘19

Hungary is now caught in an anti-migration and xenophobic discourse as the society did not have the chance to learn or prepare enough, and now it seems almost impossible to change this situation, writes Marcell Lörincz.

Frontex launches first joint operation outside EU, in Albania

The European Union's border agency Frontex said it had launched Tuesday (22 May) in Albania its first-ever joint operation outside the bloc's territory.

Dutch minister resigns over manipulated report of crimes committed by asylum-seekers

The Netherlands' minister for migration, Mark Harbers, resigned Tuesday (21 May) after a parliamentary outcry over elided data on crimes committed by asylum-seekers, in a bad blow to the government just ahead of European elections.

EU socialists say Romania’s Victor Ponta is ‘fully unreliable’

Romania’s former Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who has left the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) and formed his own ProRomania party, cannot be trusted as he changes his mind every week, a high-ranking EU socialist told EURACTIV.com.  

EU elections 2019: Where do parties stand on migration?

Although irregular arrivals in Europe are at their lowest level in five years, migration remains one of the top priorities for European citizens in the upcoming EU election. EURACTIV has looked into the European parties’ proposals on the matter.

The Brief, powered by ifaw – True Colours

Right-wing populists are campaigning for "cleaning up" and "restoring order" once they are in power. Yet the now infamous ‘Ibiza-Video’ is shaking the Austrian political sphere to the core because it shows the exact opposite - their true colours.

Strengthening EU rule of law protection: start with freedom of expression

This Tuesday, during the General Affairs Council, ministers of foreign affairs will get a presentation by the Commission about a new Communication on the rule of law. Rather than just listen, ministers should show they are committed to backing up talk with immediate action, write Gráinne de Búrca and John Morijn.

Swiss vote to tighten gun laws and stay in Schengen

The Swiss voted Sunday (19 May) to toughen their gun laws and bring them in line with EU legislation, heeding warnings that rejecting the change could have threatened relations with the bloc.

Salvini fumes at EU court ruling on refugee returns

Italy’s hardline deputy prime minister reiterated his call to change the EU in reaction to a ruling  by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that refugees cannot be deported if their life or freedom is at risk in their home countries.

Romania’s Schengen perspective in jeopardy over rule of law

The European Commission said on Monday (13 May) that Romania is close to being hit with Article 7 of the EU treaties, the heaviest punishment for a member state deviating from rule of law fundamentals. Losing the chance to join the Schengen zone any time soon would be one of the consequences.

German immigration law will be adopted, despite disagreements

Leading German parties have struggled to find a common line on immigration. For the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the draft bill on immigration does not go far enough. EURACTIV's media partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.

The Brief powered by CITA – ‘Verfassungspatriotismus’

On May 8, 1949, Germany’s Basic Law (Grundgesetz) was adopted, thus laying the fundament for its constitution - and democracy. In times of rising populism in Europe, a 70th birthday worth celebrating beyond the German frontiers.