Politics
The Brief, powered by Neste — Parties that wanted a ‘departure’ chose a true veteran to lead them
As 16 years of Angela Merkel finally came to an end today, with Olaf Scholz sworn in as the new German chancellor, the sense of departure that had been in the air was no longer truly felt.
Let’s imagine the Europe of tomorrow!
The Conference on the Future of Europe, launched in March seeks to give EU citizens a voice in determining the bloc's priorities. Nathalie Colin-Oesterlé takes stock of what has been achieved so far.Promoted content
Poland’s Vision of EU Future: a Non-Federalist Consensus?
The subject of the ongoing conference on the future of Europe is the reform of the European Union. The debate is covering both institutional changes and modifications to individual policies.
The Brief, powered by Neste — Europe’s neocon Christians vs Pope Francis
It’s common knowledge that we're living in an era where ideological lines are often blurred. Equally clear is that far-right populists interpret religion according to their political views.Promoted content
“The Future is in our hands: Our chance to shape the Conference on the Future of Europe” Opinion by Xabier Macias, President of Coppieters Foundation
Social movements and minority groups are at the periphery of the centres of power. The Conference on The Future of Europe offers a slim chance for those voices to be heard. We want to see Europe promoting greater social cohesion, women’s rights, climate justice, counter racism and the right to decide.
The Brief, powered by Neste – The dance of the elephants
The election of the European Parliament president is a dirty dancing sequence in which the two largest political groups in the EU – the centre-right EPP and the centre-left S&D -- unwilfully embrace.
Take back parliamentary control
The accountability of the European Commission to the directly elected Parliament is at a low point in history, and Parliament’s current leadership is completely neglecting its scrutiny role. It is time for a change, writes Sophie In't Veld.
The Brief, powered by ELF — Times have never been better for EU reform
There has never been a better time to push for European integration. With pro-European governments in France, Italy and Germany, reform of the bloc seems to be within reach – for the first time in years. The shift is especially...Promoted content
Stability in the Mediterranean region will bring stability to Europe
Stability in the Mediterranean region will bring stability to Europe. It is time to continue to strengthen dialogue with a stronger commitment of partnership and cooperation. We do share the same challenges. Only together, can we mutually seize the same opportunities.
‘The EU’, too, was once a utopia
Unfortunately, the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen, as under her predecessor Jean-Claude Juncker, has failed to reach the people of the European Union.Promoted content
Campus on Digital Freedom in Rome
The European Conservatives and Reformists Party has put together the opportunity for young people to learn about the digital world for a reasonable participation fee.Promoted content
Let’s make the Conference too big to ignore
Europeans must mobilise in demanding a better EU as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE). However, a more united and democratic Union is not in everyone’s interest, and some political actors are consistently striving to make the consultation process meaningless.
The Brief, powered by ENTSO-E — The Cavaliere’s Gambit
Leading Italian politicians and their parties are getting ready for the election of the next head of state, a process that resembles a complex chess game where the piece delivering checkmate could, sometimes, be the one you least expect.
The future of Europe jeopardised by inaction of ‘pro-Europeans’
The Conference on the Future of Europe is underway but there is a great risk that it will turn out to be a lost opportunity. This is due mainly to the inaction of “pro-European” governments and parties and the European institutions, writes Roberto Castaldi.
The Brief, powered by Facebook — Officers to captain a troubled ship
This could also be titled 'Perhaps the last big tent party', as the German conservatives grapple with the inevitable fall-out of their decline and defeat in September.
How the Conference on the Future of Europe can still be saved
The Conference on the future of Europe is faltering, but EU institutions and member states can still save it. And they should, as it could be a key tool to re-engage the citizens, writes Nicoletta Pirozzi.
The Brief, powered by The Martens Centre — Word on the wire
Waves of desperate people are trying to reach the EU: Images coming from the Poland-Belarus border this week have reopened the wounds in the very tissue of Europe that have barely scarred over since the first migration crisis in 2015.
We can strengthen European democracy by giving the European Parliament more powers
The past year’s crisis underscored the need for a more united Europe. We must seize this opportunity to make the Conference on the Future of Europe a true forum with citizens to work together to achieve a more sovereign and democratic Europe, says UEF President and Renew MEP Sandro Gozi.
The Brief, powered by The Martens Centre — Fickle allegiances in the Balkans
What a difference being in power makes. When they were in opposition, Greece’s New Democracy and North Macedonia’s VMRO party, both members of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), rejected the hard-fought solution to the two countries' long-standing name dispute.
How to prevent Europe from stalling
National elections just passed in Germany and upcoming in France deprive Europe of political leadership. But there is an electoral solution that could solve this problem, writes Matteo Garavoglia.
Why the Commission should ignore Poland’s ‘false compromise’
If the European Commission bends to Polish government pressure it will not fix the rule of law crisis but deepen it, argue Tineke Strik and Thijs Reuten.
The Brief – Germany’s crisis of conservatism
After a resounding defeat in the German federal election, where 16 years of conservative rule came to an end, the CDU is trying to put the party on a new footing. But it is clearly struggling to rebrand conservatism.
The Brief – Eric Zemmour: A non-candidate who enchanted the media
If you're even remotely interested in French politics, chances are you've come across his name in recent weeks. The brouhaha surrounding Eric Zemmour, a presidential candidate who is not running (yet), is hard to miss.