About: European Council
Paris meeting offers opportunity for leadership on high-seas agreement
The high seas make up nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean, but less than 1 percent is currently protected. All this could change this September, when governments come together at the United Nations for an intergovernmental conference to negotiate a new treaty that would create a mechanism for protecting these ocean areas, writes Liz Karan.
OECD’s Gurría: ‘People are angry and frustrated’
OECD Secretary-General Ángel Gurría has blamed governments for the rise of populism and political fragmentation across Europe, claiming they also did not deliver benefits that were promised to citizens, he told EURACTIV in an interview.
Asylum reform: ‘Europe United’ must unite refugee families
On World Refugee Day (20 June), it is important to touch upon the sensitive issue of uniting families at a time when separation is happening on the US border. However, separation is also a consequence of the Dublin regulation, which must be reformed, writes Iverna Mc Gowan.
MEPs condemn Hungary’s post-Cotonou agreement blockade
Hungary continues to block the European mandate to begin negotiations with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, to the great displeasure of MEPs. EURACTIV.fr reports.
MEP: In the long term, migrants will be part of solution in Europe
More and more voices are calling for an urgent reform of the strained Dublin asylum system as migrants continue arriving across the Mediterranean and migration takes centre stage in Europe again.
Military industry fund could encourage development and export of controversial weaponry
The EU is about to agree a shared military industry fund which will give billions to arms companies and exacerbate the global arms race. Presented as a key step to strengthen the EU, instead, it enshrines renewed prevalence of national interests in a hard-security context, writes Laëtitia Sédou.
Verhofstadt threatens to take Council to court for ‘failure to act’ on asylum reform
The European Parliament debated the priorities for Europe on Tuesday, ahead of a crucial EU summit due on 28-29 June. Among those priorities, the reform of the Dublin regulation seems the most pressing and MEPs urged EU leaders to find an agreement on the asylum system.
Abolish Dublin Regulation for a humane asylum system built on solidarity
The European Parliament and the Council will soon negotiate a revision of the Dublin regulation, concerning the EU's asylum system. This is an opportunity for the EU to develop a more humane system based on objective criteria, and for every member state to take its share of responsibility, writes Cornelia Ernst.
Western Balkan enlargement will catalyse a stronger Europe
Addressing the reforms needed to prepare the six Balkan countries for EU accession can be cathartic in effect, and reinvigorate the European Union, writes Andrey Kovatchev.
EU needs to act now to salvage Iran nuclear deal
The Iran nuclear deal seems to have gone down the drain after the withdrawal of the US. European governments need to unify behind a more assertive diplomatic strategy if they are to have any influence in forthcoming US policy on Iran. Ellie Geranmayeh points out six key actions the EU should prioritise on to potentially save the deal.
Longevity and the limits of the welfare state in Europe
In November 2017, the EU proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights. However, there are still many shortcomings within the current welfare state and unless policies reflect values then plummeting fertility rates or fading solidarity between young and old will persist, writes Anna Záborská.
New round of climate negotiations in Bonn
The Bonn Climate Change Conference is meeting from 30 April to 10 May in preparation for COP24 in Katowice (Poland). During the Bonn Conference, the two key subjects will be: increasing countries’ climate ambitions and actions and drafting the operating manual for the Paris Agreement. EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'Environnement reports.
Barnier for President, says Brussels-bubble
Michel Barnier is the top candidate to win the European Commission presidency after next May's European elections, as a reward for delivering Brexit. At least, that is what the Brussels-bubble thinks, according to a survey published on Thursday (12 April).
Ambitious agreement on CO2 emission of heavy-duty vehicles
Coaches, buses and lorries are responsible for a quarter of CO2 emissions from transport. Soon, manufacturers will have to provide data on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption performance of their new vehicles. EURACTIV’s partner le JDLE reports.
Friction between France and Germany over En Marche’s European ambitions
In the run-up to a European council on the revival of the European project, the increasingly direct political rivalry between En Marche and the CDU make the exchange between France and Germany difficult.
EP wants to include gender equality in free-trade agreements
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution to better account of gender equality in trade agreements. The commission could follow up in this resolution in its agreement with Chile, which would be the first to integrate such a chapter. EURACTIV.fr reports.
EU Parliament expects more cooperation from Council on future appointments
The chair of the European Parliament's economic committee has written a curt letter to the president of the Eurogroup, asking for “greater cooperation” from the Council when it comes to high-level appointments. EURACTIV.fr reports.
For Romania’s president, the ‘Road to Sibiu’ could also lead to Brussels
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis is being considered as a possible replacement for European Council President Donald Tusk when his term expires in December 2019, according to local media reports.
Slovak state secretary: I am a strong advocate for a communitarian EU
A push towards more intergovernmental decision making in the EU has never been a topic of discussion in the Visegrad format, state secretary for European affairs Ivan Korčok told EURACTIV Slovakia.
Serious shortcomings in the French draft law on asylum
The "Dublin Regulation", the cause of much controversy in the management of migration flows, appears to have been completely left out of France’s draft law on immigration and asylum, put forward by the government on Wednesday 21 February. EURACTIV.fr reports.
EU urged to do more to protect forests
Forest nations are calling on the EU to strengthen the control of supply chains for products causing deforestation such as palm oil or cocoa. EURACTIV.fr reports.
WRAPUP – Final #EUCO summit yields few results and one major dispute
European Union leaders gather in Brussels on 14-15 December for the final European Council summit of the year. Follow our live coverage for all the latest developments.
Macron convinces Merkel to hold key debate on future of euro in March
Amid the political paralysis in Germany, EU leaders decided on Friday (15 December) to postpone for March a “strategic political discussion” on the future of the eurozone and adopt a 'reform roadmap' in June.