Justice & Home Affairs

In defence of democracy to save Europe

Europe has an opportunity and must intervene in the political conflict between Spain and Catalonia, writes Oriol Junqueras.

Europe has an Islamophobia problem. Who’s going to stop it?

It is time to acknowledge that Europe has an Islamophobia problem - perpetuated by a poorly regulated media and sustained by agenda-driven think-tanks - and to act on it, writes Magid Magid.

Defending human rights is a shared responsibility

The United States and the EU share common values and are at the front-line in defending human rights, US Ambassador Gordon Sondland writes on the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Need for a progressive EU-ACP partnership to address common global challenges

The international scenario is rapidly changing, but not necessarily in a positive way. That's why there is a need for a progressive partnership between the European Union and the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific countries, writes MEP Carlos Zorrinho.

Pedro Sánchez is part of the problem        

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez should follow the example shown by David Cameron and Alex Salmond over the question of Scottish independence. Instead, he has walked away from dialogue, argue Raül Romeva and Alfred Bosch.

If Ukraine wants more Europe, corruption must end

When the recent phone call between US President Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelensky went viral, it made headlines for several reasons, none of them good, writes Alexandr Vondra and explains what Ukraine should do to tackle crime and corruption.

The EU’s new migration policy is a gift to the far-right

Far from taking the refugee issue away from the far-right, the EU's new migration policy plan will simply hand the far-right a grievance it can exploit for years to come, writes Faisal Al Yafai.

Unsuitable mandates, wrong candidates: A difficult start for von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen still has a chance to chart a path to a fairer, greener, inclusive and prosperous Europe. But what values will she really uphold, asks a group of more than 20 signatories, including ActionAid, Climate Action Network, European Network against Racism, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace.

Corruption in Romania: a European affair

The situation in Romania is partly hopeful: numerous civic movements have emerged in the country and an outstanding anti-corruption movement is growing in the society, especially among the young generations, write Elena Denisa Petrescu and Yannis Karamitsios.

25 years fighting racism and intolerance across Europe

As the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) marks its 25th anniversary. Maria Pejčinović Burić takes stock of its successes and future priorities.

Kovesi will succeed only if media freedom is kept alive

Laura Codruta Kovesi, Romania's former chief anti-corruption prosecutor, is expected to be approved as the new head of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Iveta Cherneva argues that the lack of media freedom in countries like Bulgaria will make it exceptionally difficult for Kovesi to uncover crimes involving EU funding.

A European ‘Mare Nostrum’ instead of Operation Sophia 2.0

An EU mission within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy is not the adequate instrument for controversial domestic issues such as migration, writes Tobias Pietz.

Another 100 years to wait for gender equality? We deserve better

At the current pace, it will take more than a century for women to become equal to men in Europe, despite the general progress made so far on gender equality on the European soil and the fact that throughout its history, the EU has been a global leader in advancing women's rights.

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.

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.

Mogherini’s tarnished legacy

Paradoxically it was the EU’s closest partner, the United States, that has done most to damage Federica Mogherini's legacy as High Representative with a full-scale assault on the EU’s commitment to multilateralism, writes Fraser Cameron.

Time for truth, recognition and reconciliation for Roma in Europe

EU leaders must show that they take Roma rights and anti-Roma discrimination seriously. That means recognising their cultural identity and contribution to Europe, truth and reconciliation, argue a group of political leaders and campaigners.

EPP more likely to expel Fidesz if rival groups also ditch troublemakers

If mainstream political groups do not collectively expel their bad apples it could spell an end to measures by the EU to protect democracy in its member countries, write Jean Morijn and Israel Butler.

EPPO nomination – a ticking time bomb?

The focus throughout Laura Codruța Kövesi’s stewardship of Romania's anti-corruption directorate has been on ‘getting scalps’ rather than on serving justice, writes Norica Nicolai.

The EU must grant visa free travel to Kosovo

The EU finally needs to make good on its oft-repeated promise to grant visa free travel to Kosovo, says Behgjet Pachouli.