Politics
Lithuania backs Warsaw in rule of law dispute with Brussels
In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about how US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden warned the UK government about undermining the Irish Good Friday Agreement, the German government issuing an apology to gay members of its military, and so much more.
EU probes Russian disinformation efforts on Navalny and Belarus
The EU's foreign affairs branch is monitoring disinformation tactics allegedly used by the Russian state across communications platforms such as Telegram and media including RT and Sputnik on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny and the continuing protests in Belarus.
EU pandemic survey shows Italy disdain for Brussels
Opinions on how governments handled the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic varies hugely in Europe, a survey showed Thursday (17 September), with hard-hit Italians especially disillusioned with the EU.
European Parliament votes for new taxes in EU to repay recovery borrowing
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday (16 September) in favour of assigning new tax revenues to the European Union to repay the bloc's intended joint borrowing of €750 billion for economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
German police officers suspected of right-wing extremist chat groups
In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about how Italy's universities will reopen, how authorities in North-Rhine Westphalian are investigating a group of police officers who allegedly posted right-wing extremists messages in chat groups, and so much more.
New rules in Bulgaria’s parliament building: Journalists cry foul
Protests in Bulgaria asking for the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev have entered their third month. Against this background the Bulgarian parliament has become a fortress in which journalists are treated as the enemy. EURACTIV Bulgaria reports.
Pompeo confident UK will resolve EU standoff
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced confidence Wednesday (16 September) that Britain would find a "good outcome" in its standoff with the European Union over Brexit terms.
UK PM says he has ‘every hope’ of avoiding no-deal with EU
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (16 September) said he had full confidence that Britain and the EU will avoid a potentially disastrous cliff-edge “no deal” at the end of this year. But he refused to back down on controversial...
Mandatory relocation still point of contention in new EU migration pact
The European Commission's long-awaited new migration pact will consist of five regulations and a political text, EU sources have told EURACTIV. However, the thorny issue of mandatory relocation, which some EU countries strongly oppose, continues to cause headaches.
Von der Leyen outlines path towards ‘new vitality’ in post-corona world
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged in her first ‘State of the Union’ address that Europe will lead the way towards a “new vitality” following the COVID-19 crisis, including a more “human” and greener economy.
Von der Leyen: European values are not for sale
In her first State of the Union speech, delivered on Wednesday (16 September), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen positioned herself as a bulwark against the unravelling of EU values that is already underway in many of the member states.
EU to throw London lifeline with extension to coveted clearing
The European Union is expected to throw the City of London an 18-month lifeline to continue clearing euro derivatives after Britain's unfettered access to the bloc ends in January, industry sources said on Tuesday (15 September).
Bronze statue of Melania Trump unveiled in Slovenia
A life-size rough bronze sculpture of US first lady Melania Trump was unveiled near her hometown of Sevnica in southeastern Slovenia on Tuesday (15 September) to replace a wooden figure which was set on fire in July.
Spain approves bill to erase Franco’s legacy
In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about how much teleworking would cost if workers in Luxembourg started to work from home one day a week, Spain approving a democratic bill to erase the legacy of dictator Francisco Franco, and so much more.
Germany to take in 1,500 refugees from Greek islands, Michel urges for more EU solidarity
Germany said it will take in more than 1,500 refugees from Greece from the island of Lesbos as Berlin tried to rally a fresh EU response to a years-long migrant crisis that flared anew.
#SOTEU: Von der Leyen takes stock and looks to the future
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave her first State of the European Union address on Wednesday (16 September), catch up here on the main points covered by the speech and analysis on all the details.
Lukashenko calls Orbán ‘my friend’
In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about French President Emmanuel Macron asking Russian President Vladimir Putin to clarify his involvement in the Navalny affair, the Czech Republic's trade, energy and transport minister saying it would be unrealistic for the Czech Republic to consider a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and so much more.
Johnson survives Tory rebellion as bill breaking Brexit deal advances
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson survived a rebellion by more than 30 Conservative lawmakers on Monday night (14 September) as his controversial Internal Market bill moved a step closer to becoming law.
Greek government accuses migrants of ‘burning’ Moria camp
Greece on Monday (14 September) accused migrants of deliberately burning their overcrowded camp last week on Lesbos island, where hundreds reluctantly moved to a new temporary site with "no showers or mattresses".
Major human rights abuses against Roma seen during lockdown measures
European Romani communities experienced increased institutional racism and discrimination during the COVID-19 lockdown measures across the bloc, a new report by the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) has found.
Polish PM: Nord Stream 2 blows up EU energy policy ‘from inside’
In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about Austria and the Czech Republic announcing they have reached the second wave, Greece announcing major defence and economy policy initiatives, and so much more.
Europe, Britain’s carmakers warn of €110 billion hard Brexit bill
Europe and Britain's car industries called on Monday (14 September) on the two sides to urgently clinch a free trade agreement, warning that a disorderly Brexit would cost the sector €110 billion in lost trade over the next five years.
EU warns Britain its international credibility is at stake
European Council chief Charles Michel warned Britain Sunday (13 September) its international credibility is at stake, saying it must fulfil its responsibility to implement the Brexit withdrawal agreement.