About: EU integration
Hijacked Europe: downward spiral or return to the roots
The Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) has done little to bring the EU closer to its citizens and is solely concerned with increasing the EU's competences, writes Janusz Saryusz-Wolski.
‘Neoliberal monster’: Germans urge EU to shake off its bad image
As many as 78% of Germans say economic inequality between EU member states damages Germany. And two-thirds consider a need for EU reform, with a greater focus on social issues, according to a new survey. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Will the new Franco-German treaty revive the EU, or hold it back?
The new Franco-German co-operation treaty might strengthen the axis of the EU's two most powerful countries, but that might not be helpful for the rest of the bloc, writes Sofia Vasilopoulou.
Polish FM: We are committed to EU but Commission is no ‘super-government’
Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz outlined his country’s foreign policy aims for 2018 this week, putting special emphasis on security issues and criticising EU institutions for using "double standards". EURACTIV Poland reports.
Czech analyst: Eastern Europeans have lost faith in the EU
When countries in Central and Eastern Europe joined the EU, their expectations were high. Above all, they thought that they would quickly reach a Western standard living, Irah Kučerová told EURACTIV Czech Republic.
Czechs in favour of deeper integration, but shun the euro
The Czech Republic wants to be in the EU’s “core”, but without the common currency. Prague wants to focus on common defence instead. EURACTIV.cz reports.
EU regions call for better integration of healthcare systems
The Committee of the Regions on Wednesday (22 March) made the case for better integration between the EU’s healthcare systems, to close “inequalities” between member states and ensure that “everyone has access to healthcare”. EURACTIV Spain reports.
A very happy birthday to the European Union
There will be a sombre atmosphere when EU leaders gather in Rome later today (24 March). Just a few days after the summit, the UK will trigger Article 50. But now the bloc is tasked with rekindling public support for integration, so let’s toast its future, writes Fraser Cameron.
Juncker’s missing scenario: Empower the member states
President Jean-Claude Juncker presented five scenarios for the future of Europe. But there is a sixth option, which is better than those sketched out in the White Paper, reveals Karl Aiginger.
Commission hails downsized EU public prosecutor as victory for ‘multi-speed Europe’
EU leaders agreed to slice up a controversial bill to open the first EU public prosecutor's office, with some backers calling it a victory of “multi-speed Europe” because it will free countries that opposed the new set-up to drop out.
Valcárcel: Europe must counter Putin and Trump’s ‘big lies’
The European Union’s institutions and member states must counter the "big lies" coming from countries such as Russia and the United States, which "destabilise" the bloc, European Parliament Vice-President Ramon Luis Valcárcel Siso said in an interview with EURACTIV Spain.
‘Big four’ call for new European dynamic, multi-speed EU
Ahead of the EU’s 60th anniversary Rome summit on 25 March, the heads of continental Europe’s biggest economies endorsed the vision of a multi-speed Europe, in which some members could deepen their integration faster than others. EURACTIV France reports.
Commission postpones new vision for Europe until December
EXCLUSIVE / The European Commission will put forward five proposals this semester to forge a “new identity” in time for the December European Council summit, EURACTIV has learned.
Europe looks beyond March summit to forge vision
The 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaty next month is unlikely to be celebrated with a landmark roadmap for future EU integration, as diverging views continue to undermine efforts to forge a common vision.
Western Balkans enlargement: 2016 in review
In 2017, Serbia expects to see its membership negotiations with the EU intensify, despite a waning of regional enthusiasm for the bloc, due to concerns over its preoccupation with internal crises, such as Brexit. EURACTIV Serbia reports.
Top secret: Commission lists enemies before pro-EU offensive
The European Commission identified opponents to its flagship initiatives in an internal document assessing the feasibility of bringing forward its proposals to “reunite Europe” in the aftermath of Brexit.
Letta: EU leaders must leave ‘business as usual’ at home before going to Bratislava
In Bratislava this week, EU heads of state and government should show clear resolve that they are departing from business as usual, and President of the Commission Jean Claude Juncker should raise the bar, said Enrico Letta in a Citizens’...
Ratings agency: EU ‘unsustainable in its current form’
Leading credit ratings agency S&P has warned that the current construction of the European Union is “unsustainable” and needs far-reaching reform.
Emmanuel Macron calls for an EU-wide referendum on Europe
The French minister for economy has said Europe needs to find long-term perspective, define its values and lay out a plan for the next 15 years, to be validated by an EU-wide referendum. EURACTIV's partner La Tribune reports.
Restore citizen confidence by tackling Europe’s underlying crisis
Europe currently faces an overwhelming number of crises, but one feature unites them all: the EU is unable to make member states comply with its own rules, writes Ramon Tremosa.
Maystadt: Consensus quietly growing for eurozone budget
A consensus has emerged in Germany, France and Italy over the need to create a eurozone budget, according to Belgium’s former Minister of Finance, Philippe Maystadt. But the popularity of anti-European parties is blocking progress. EURACTIV France reports.
EU stuck in a ‘representation spiral’?
As European integration has progressed in the Monnet method, national leaders have become stuck in a 'representation spiral', which the recent crises accelerated to a point where major EU decisions can no longer be made, argues Balázs Kiss.
New Czech EU policy strategy: The anchor of responsible membership
EU membership is first and foremost a gateway to liberty and freedom, not in the purely economic sense, but in terms of personal freedom, writes Tomáš Prouza.