Med & South
Can increased EU-Israel trade benefit dire political ties?
While political relations are at a current low, EU-Israel ties are steadily growing in areas less known to the public. Raanan Eliaz and Dimitri Dombret explain how economic and commercial ties, as well as more human interaction, could help rescue the dire political ties.
EU companies ‘most likely to leave’ Iran after US sanctions, business organisations warn
German carmaker Daimler has shelved its expansion plans in Iran due to the reimposition of US sanctions but it might not be the last EU company to pull the plug on future aspirations, businesses organisations told EURACTIV.
Czech diplomats secure release of two NGO workers in Syria
The Czech Republic has negotiated the release of two workers for a German humanitarian group in Syria, the Czech and German foreign ministries said on Thursday (9 August).
Jordan says Palestinian refugees at risk with UN agency in crisis
Jordan warned on Wednesday (8 August) that a severe financial shortfall facing a United Nations agency that helps Palestinian refugees could have a "catastrophic" impact on the lives of millions of refugees in the region.
EU tries to soften impact of US sanctions against Iran as they re-enter into force
As a result of the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, Washington's re-imposition of sanctions hit European companies operating in the country from Monday (6 August) onwards. The EU has updated its ‘blocking statute’ to temper the impact.
Avramopoulos in Spain to announce further EU support to tackle migration
As Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos headed to Madrid, the European Commission announced Friday (3 August) further 3 million in emergency aid to support Spanish border guards in curbing irregular migration.
UN says migrants’ return to Libya by Italian boat could be illegal
A rescue operation in which an Italian towboat rescued more than 100 migrants and returned them to Libya earlier this week may have been in breach of international law, the United Nations said on Tuesday (31 July).
Sánchez backs Morocco’s call for support to stem migrant flows
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has included Morroco's pending demands of resources for border management, in a letter addressed to the European Commission requesting further emergency assistance to tackle the surge in migrant arrivals.
Commission proposes to speed up asylum screening in ‘controlled centres’ in the EU
The European Commission put forward a proposal on Tuesday (24 July) to provide financial support to the member states in setting up "controlled centres" on their territory, whose aim is to expedite the assessment of asylum claims in the EU.
EIB cannot do business with Iran, bank chief warns
The European Investment Bank (EIB) would risk its business model if it invested in Iran, because of the sanctions the US reinstated after its withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the president of the EIB told the press on Wednesday (18 July).
Progress for Western Balkan nations – a step forward for federalised Europe
Though the EU has lately been busy dealing with issues such as Brexit and the migration crisis, it has found time to talk of the integration of the Western Balkans. A steady integration of the region is good news indeed as this could lead to a federalised Europe and a complete Union, writes Bernard Kouchner.
EU lawmakers back plan for European Investment Bank work in Iran
EU lawmakers gave approval on Wednesday (4 July) for the European Investment Bank (EIB) to do business in Iran, overcoming a blocking attempt and keeping alive plans to save the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran that Washington has abandoned.
Kurz pledges to shield Schengen as border dispute unfolds
Austrian Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz prioritised the protection of the external borders during his country's EU Presidency stint, in order to safeguard the Schengen area, as a recent deal between Germany’s conservative parties could lead to a resurrection of the bloc's internal borders.
EU summit approves tortured conclusions on migration after sleepless night
EU leaders reached a much-needed deal on steps to tackle migration after resolving a bitter row with Italy's inexperienced prime minister. Extended talks lasted through the night and only wrapped up on Friday morning (29 June).
Eastern Europe could pay to avoid taking in refugees
The idea of making countries pay if they are not willing to take in refugees – already debated and taboo – now seems to be the only way to solve the tricky issue of migrants’ allocation.
LIVE: Migration, eurozone test EU unity at fateful June Summit
EU leaders are meeting on 28-29 June to bash out a solution to the divisive issue of migration, which should help Chancellor Angela Merkel preserve her fragile government, and lay the groundwork for a scaled-down package of eurozone reforms wanted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Brief – Desperately seeking cohesion
In a non-legislative resolution, MEPs urged EU countries on Monday (25 June) to make sure that providing humanitarian help to migrants is not treated as a crime. The mere fact that they felt obliged to do so speaks volumes about where Europe is today.
Building a fair and prosperous space on the two shores of Mediterranean
Economic development, migration flows, social justice and cohesion, radicalisation and terrorist threats, democratic transition, and rule of law - the challenges facing the Euro-Mediterranean region are numerous and growing, writes MEP Enrique Guerrero Salom.
Lebanon’s never-ending refugee story
Wedged between Israel (its mortal enemy), the Mediterranean Sea and war-torn Syria, Lebanon has been heaving under the burden of refugees away from the international spotlight.
EU leaders to hold crisis talks on migration this Sunday in Brussels
The European Commission will hold an informal working meeting with EU leaders on migration and asylum issues on 24 June in a bid to find a European solution to the refugees crisis at the EU summit on 28 and 29 June.
OECD’s Gurría: ‘People are angry and frustrated’
OECD Secretary-General Ángel Gurría has blamed governments for the rise of populism and political fragmentation across Europe, claiming they also did not deliver benefits that were promised to citizens, he told EURACTIV in an interview.
EU dilemma on Morocco-Western Sahara conflict remains unsolved
Morocco is the EU’s most stable trading partner in North Africa and a reliable ally in Brussels’ efforts to control African migration across the Mediterranean. But two rulings by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) have revived political tensions in the region and complicated things for the Commission.
Why new coal in Turkey and the Balkans will test China’s and EU’s climate leadership
The EU and China have to live up to their responsibilities on climate change and use every opportunity to support the Western Balkans and Turkey to move beyond coal. This means renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, not new coal, argue Elif Gündüzyeli and Igor Kalaba.