Politics

Macedonia’s Zaev highlights economic benefits ahead of name change referendum

Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Zoran Zaev focused on the economic benefits of a “yes” vote in the upcoming referendum on the Macedonia name change, saying that the trade with Greece is going to double.

European left plans to take over the social democrats in EU elections

The Party of the European Left vows to be “the only alternative” to the conservatives and “the real alternative” to the far-right, according to a draft manifesto seen by EURACTIV.com; However, the fragmentation in the leftist family creates barriers.

UK to favour skilled migration, no EU preference after Brexit-reports

UK Prime Minister Theresa May and her ministers have agreed to focus Britain's post-Brexit migration system on high-skilled migrants and will not offer preference to European Union workers, newspapers said.

The Brief, powered by AmCham EU – Curtains for Germany’s government

It is exactly a year that the federal elections took place in Germany, on 24 September 2017. A year after, vessel Germany is wandering in stormy waters, its commanding team proving incapable of setting a direction as to where to head at. And no safe shore is in sight.

Commission refers Poland to EU’s top court over Supreme Court Act

The European Commission referred Poland to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on Monday (24 September), upping the ante in the dispute with Warsaw over a controversial legislation that would send dozens of Polish Supreme Court judges into early retirement.

German coalition brokers weekend compromise over Maaßen

The leaders of the CDU, CSU and SPD are determined not to let the German government coalition burst over the personality of the head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Hans-Georg Maaßen. EURACTIV Germany’s media partner “Der Tagesspiegel” reports.

Pope pays tribute to victims of Nazis, Soviets in Lithuania

Pope Francis paid tribute on Sunday to Jews killed by the Nazis and victims of murder and deportation by the Soviet KGB, in twin visits to memorials marking the darkest periods of Lithuania's history.

How Brexit will impact healthcare for our pets and farm animals

Brexit, particularly the prospect of 'no deal', poses a serious threat to animal welfare standards and food security, writes Carel du Marchie Sarvaas.

May blames EU for Brexit ‘impasse’ as ‘no deal’ prospects soar

Theresa May pinned the blame firmly on the EU on Friday (21 September) for the ‘impasse’ in the Brexit negotiations, as the prospects of the UK crashing out of the bloc without a deal dramatically increased.

French socialists wager on bringing together the left after European elections

The French socialist party has approved the outline of its plan for the European elections and is reaching out to the other parties of the European left, against the backdrop of its own internal divisions. EURACTIV France reports.

Trans-Europe Express – Rock around the bunker

During the Salzburg EU summit, English-speaking media were quick to draw the link between the Austrian city and the setting of the Sound of Music. For French-speaking journalists, the informal meeting brought another song to mind: "Rock around the bunker" by iconic Frenchman Serge Gainsbourg.

Spain ‘mastergate’ university faces new degree giveaway claims

A Spanish university already accused of gifting degrees to high-profile politicians is also being probed for allegedly giving away diplomas to hundreds of Italian nationals, a court spokesman said Thursday (20 September). A court in Madrid is investigating whether around...

Greek minister optimistic Macedonia name deal will be approved

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias on Thursday (20 September) hailed an agreement with Macedonia on changing its name and opening the way for it to join NATO and the European Union.

Tweets of the Week: May in Salzburg, Salvini vs. Asselborn, and Macron merchandise

This week, in Salzburg Theresa May makes a splash, on migration Asselborn and Salvini clash, and Macron’s rolling in merchandise cash.

Belgian inquest implicates UK in phone spying

A confidential report by Belgian investigators confirms that British intelligence services hacked state-owned Belgian telecom giant Belgacom on behalf of Washington, it was revealed on Thursday (20 September).

EU targets October Brexit agreement, ready for ‘no deal’

European Union leaders will push for a Brexit deal next month but warned Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday (20 September) that if she will not give ground on trade and the Irish border by November they are ready to cope with Britain crashing out.

Le Pen sent to shrink over Islamic State tweets

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen expressed outrage Thursday (21 September) after being ordered to undergo psychiatric tests for tweeting pictures of atrocities committed by the Islamic State group.

Spirulina, the ‘miracle’ algae being established in the Nantes region

Spirulina, an ancient algae with many nutritional qualities is still not widely grown in Europe, which is, however, a major consumer of this “super food”. In the Nantes region, a market gardening group has ventured into greenhouse farming with the support of European funds. EURACTIV France reports.

Europe is no ‘menu à la carte’, Macron tells Visegrad Four and Salvini

EU leaders poured cold water on Theresa May's Brexit plans at an informal summit in Salzburg on Thursday (20 September) but they remained divided over migration, with French president Emmanuel Macron launching a broadside at the EU's ‘troublesome’ member states.

The biggest lesson for Europeans from Brexit

The biggest lesson of all for Europe to learn from Brexit is the importance of mobilising young Europeans to vote, writes Roger Casale.

Malta PM claims EU leaders ‘almost unanimous’ for second Brexit vote

Malta's prime minister on Thursday (20 September) signalled unexpected support from EU leaders for a second referendum on Brexit in Britain, boosting a growing campaign for a new poll despite the British government's trenchant opposition.

‘Channel of dirt’: Jourová describes her Facebook experience

Facebook came in for heavy criticism on Thursday (20 September), as EU justice chief Věra Jourová shone a light on her own Facebook experience as well as the issue of the tech giant's non-compliance with EU consumer rules.

Oettinger names and shames member states on long-term EU budget cuts

Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Finland…. The EU's Budget Commissioner Günter Oettinger did not hesitate to point the finger at countries reluctant to increase their contributions to the EU's next seven-year budget during a speech on Wednesday (19 September).

Poland avoids new EU lawsuit in extremis

First Vice President Frans Timmermans on Wednesday (19 September) was expected to ask the College of Commissioners to refer the Polish Supreme Court law to the EU’s top court, the European Court of Justice.