Med & South
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.
EU unveils increased foreign aid budget for 2021-27
The European Commission has defended its plans to overhaul its foreign spending budget, promising that it would deliver a large increase in aid spending and ‘eliminate bureaucratic barriers’.
MS Aquarius reveals a strained Dublin system
The refusal of Italy and Malta to take in the rescue ship Aquarius packed with migrants this week has shone a light on the flaws of European solidarity and underlined the urgent need to reform the Dublin asylum system. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Europe should not forget Iran’s imperialist agenda despite the crumbling of JCPoA
Despite its rich history, traditions and achievements, Iran still considers itself an underdog, a revolutionary, and an active force that wants to reshape its neighbourhood. It feels the deck is stacked against it as it positions itself as the perennial challenger to unfair forces keeping it down, writes Kacper Rekawek.
Spain to receive rescue boat with 629 migrants after Italy, Malta refuse
Spain's new prime minister ordered the authorities on Monday (11 June) to receive a rescue vessel carrying 629 migrants that has remained at sea in the Mediterranean after both the Italian and Maltese governments, the two nearest European territories, refused it permission to disembark. EURACTIV’s partner efe-epa reports.
Abolish Dublin Regulation for a humane asylum system built on solidarity
The European Parliament and the Council will soon negotiate a revision of the Dublin regulation, concerning the EU's asylum system. This is an opportunity for the EU to develop a more humane system based on objective criteria, and for every member state to take its share of responsibility, writes Cornelia Ernst.
European Development Days: Investing in women and girls
It is consequential that this year’s European Development Days, which start in Brussels today, are focused on women and girls. Gender equality is not only a moral imperative, but also key to progress for the economy, the environment, and social development, argues Melanne Verveer.
Italy cannot be ‘Europe’s refugee camp’, Salvini says
Italy's new hardline interior minister Matteo Salvini said Sunday that "common sense" was needed to stop the country from being "Europe's refugee camp" as he visited a migrant centre in the south.
At Paris talks, Libyan factions agree to 10 December elections
Rival Libyan factions agreed on Tuesday (29 May) on a declaration that would create a political framework to pave the way for UN-backed elections in December to end the country's seven-year-old conflict.
Macron and Putin: ‘Frenemies’ reunited
With relations between the West and Russia at historic lows, French President Emmanuel Macron travels to St Petersburg Thursday to seek common ground with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
EU energy chief courts Iran after Trump’s withdrawal from nuclear deal
Europe's energy and climate chief sought to reassure Iran's top ministers on Saturday (19 May) that the European Union wants to keep trade open despite the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
MEP Nicolai: European Parliament is sometimes arrogant with EU’s neighbours
The EU has already failed in the Mediterranean and is hardly a relevant player there. Now it risks being isolated if it repeats the same mistake with its Eastern neighbours, Norica Nicolai, the European Parliament Rapporteur on the EU-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Agreement, told EURACTIV.
EU still seeking June deal on refugee plan, says bloc’s migration chief
The EU is still hoping to convince Hungary and Poland to sign up to an elusive agreement on migration and refugee resettlement, the bloc’s Migration commissioner has said.
Europe offers no guarantees but vows to keep Iran deal alive
European powers vowed to keep the 2015 nuclear deal alive without the United States by trying to keep Iran's oil and investment flowing, but admitted they would struggle to provide the guarantees Tehran seeks.
Mogherini urges ‘utmost restraint’ after Gaza deaths
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Monday (14 May) urged "utmost restraint" after at least 37 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire during protests against the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.
Israel, US Jerusalem festivities uncover EU rift
US President Donald Trump succeeded in dividing EU nations ahead of today’s (14 May) opening of the new US embassy in Jerusalem.
Mogherini hosts Iran foreign minister in attempt to save nuclear deal
Iran's foreign minister will visit Brussels on Tuesday (15 May) as part of a whirlwind diplomatic tour as world leaders scramble to salvage something from the wreckage of a landmark nuclear deal following Washington's withdrawal.
EU needs to act now to salvage Iran nuclear deal
The Iran nuclear deal seems to have gone down the drain after the withdrawal of the US. European governments need to unify behind a more assertive diplomatic strategy if they are to have any influence in forthcoming US policy on Iran. Ellie Geranmayeh points out six key actions the EU should prioritise on to potentially save the deal.
Trump becomes number one threat to European economy
US President Donald Trump’s decision to leave the Iran deal represents his third strike against the European economy in half a year and will add more volatility in an already difficult period.
Trump to announce decision on Iran nuclear deal, European allies on edge
US President Donald Trump will announce today (8 May) whether he will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal or stay in and work with European allies who say it has successfully halted Iran’s nuclear ambitions.