Politics
Greek PM expels MEP Zagorakis amid escalating football spat
Greece's conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expelled MEP and former footballer Thodoris Zagorakis from the ruling New Democracy party amid growing tensions between the country's two football giants, Olympiakos and PAOK. But the spat over football could also spell some trouble for the government.
Italian progressives eye a leftist turn after 5 Star defeat
In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about recent resignation from politicians in Ljubljana and Zagreb, Football Leaks founder Rui Pinto having leaked the Luanda Leaks, and Austria's plans to develop its 5G network with private companies, and so much more.
EU could use carbon border tax against Brexit Britain, warns MEP
The EU could deploy a carbon border tax against the UK after Brexit, according to the head of the European Parliament’s environment committee, if Westminster diverges from bloc rules on issues like carbon markets.
Brexit’s new chapter: the ‘impossible’ trade deal
With just days to go before Brexit, European diplomats are already hard at work for the next phase: negotiations to hammer out a future with Britain after its EU divorce.
EU’s Vestager calls on public sector to establish ‘particularly high’ AI standards
Artificial Intelligence technologies deployed in the public sector should be held to "particularly high standards when it comes to transparency and accountability," regardless of whether the technology is deemed 'high-risk' or not, the Commission's Vice-President for Digital Margrethe Vestager told MEPs on Monday (27 January).
UK to make Huawei decision today, amid intensifying US pressure
Huawei's future involvement in the UK's future 5G network infrastructure hangs in the balance today (28 January), as Prime Minister Boris Johnson sits down with members of the UK's National Security Council to come to an agreement on the Chinese telecoms giant.
EU tells UK it will ‘never, never, never’ compromise on single market
The European Union will "never, never, never" compromise on the integrity of its single market, its chief Brexit negotiator warned Britain on Monday (27 January), saying London must now face reality after underestimating the costs of leaving.
Poland, Israel condemn resurgent anti-Semitism at Auschwitz commemoration
The presidents of Israel and Poland called on Monday (27 January) for greater efforts to combat anti-Semitism as the world marked 75 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp amid concerns over a global resurgence of anti-Jewish prejudice.
Brexit redraws European Parliament battle lines
This Friday's (31 January) Brexit and the departure of Britain's MEPs will shake up the balance of power in the European Parliament and could complicate Brussels' reform agenda.
Slovenia’s PM resigns, early elections loom
Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec stepped down on Monday (27 January) and suggested calling early elections, saying his minority five-party government was unable to pass important legislation through a parliament it did not control.
Sigmar Gabriel joins Deutsche Bank, frustrates social democrats
In today's edition of the Capitals, find out about new party leadership in parties in Hungary and the Czech Republic, the Spanish government's endorsement of Venezuela's opposition leader, a landslide victory of the Social Democrats in Austria's state of Burgenland, and so much more.
Brussels picks post-Brexit UK ambassador
The European Union appointed its first post-Brexit ambassador to the United Kingdom on Friday (24 January), choosing one of the most experienced officials on the foreign affairs services' roster to oversee relations and the implementation of the withdrawal agreement after 31 January.Editor's picks
Davos wrap-up: Forum runs out of steam as climate becomes ‘king’
Climate change dominated discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, but this year’s sunny edition was dry on the consensus required to drive the global economy towards a greener future.
Divided EU leaders to hammer out budget at February summit
European Union leaders meet next month in Brussels to try to agree a first post-Brexit longterm budget, with divisions over proposed cuts that could undermine defence and climate change ambitions.
Electric shock: Could Brexit scar Britain’s energy landscape?
Britain's exit from the EU, which will finally happen on Friday (31 January), has sparked fears of disruption to its electricity market, from higher bills to supply issues and stalled de-carbonisation efforts.
Will Brexit see European division at the UN Security Council?
In a recent UN Security Council vote on extending cross-border aid to Syria, Britain aligned with the United States and abstained in a rare split with its European partners that could herald others to come after Brexit.
Emilia Romagna voters upset Salvini’s plan to trigger early elections
Italy's populist leader Matteo Salvini appeared to have failed in his bid to win a key regional election and topple the country's fragile coalition government, according to exit polls late Sunday (26 January).
Poland accuses Brussels of double standards in judiciary row
Poland accused the European Union on Saturday (25 January) of double standards for questioning the country's Constitutional Tribunal, intensifying a spat between Warsaw and Brussels ahead of a visit by the bloc's top rule of law official.
Davos 2020 diary – day #5
Welcome to Davos where the 50th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is taking place on 21-25 January. Throughout the week, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into one of the world’s most exclusive conferences where political and business leaders meet every year to discuss global economic trends.
The Brief – Imagine… the future of Europe
The EU is planning yet another reflection about its future, this time consulting European citizens. It will take place after Brexit becomes a fact and last about two years. The idea to engage with citizens is good, that’s what democracy...
Rhetoric without detail marks the UK’s scramble for Africa
The long-awaited UK-Africa investment summit, staged just days before London formally leaves the EU on 31 January, left little to be remembered by. In keeping with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s style, the two-day event was long on optimistic rhetoric but decidedly thin on details
Business leaders urge UK to loosen rules on post-Brexit migration
UK business leaders have urged Boris Johnson’s government to loosen its planned rules for post-Brexit migration, notably by dropping the minimum income needed to live and work in the UK.
Davos 2020 diary – day #4
Welcome to Davos where the 50th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is taking place on 21-25 January. Throughout the week, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into one of the world’s most exclusive conferences where political and business leaders meet every year to discuss global economic trends.