About: European institutions

Young Europeans need to know that voting in European elections helps build Europe

The European Parliament is trying to reach out to young people, particularly those who don’t see the benefits of being part of the EU, writes  Ramón Luis Valcárcel and Sylvie Guillaume.

EU increases collaboration with authoritarian regimes to tackle migration

Europe’s struggle with migrants has led to an increase in funding for border control to authoritarian regimes such as Chad, Niger, Belarus, Libya and Sudan. EURACTIV.fr reports.

Livestock farmers cry wolf, call on EU to act

Livestock farmers and MEPs met in Brussels this week to demand a change in the EU's policy on the protection of wolves. Farmers are angered by the European Commission’s position, which they say favours wolves over livestock. EURACTIV.fr reports

Northern League gets staff to applaud at European Parliament presser

Italy’s far right took advantage of the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg to flex its muscles during a press conference last week. This was contrary to the regulations of the institution and was not generally appreciated. EURACTIV.fr reports

Rift between Juncker and Tusk deepens over Spitzenkandidat process

EU leaders have dealt a blow to the controversial Spitzenkandidat system of electing a European Commission president, setting themselves up for a fight with the European Parliament. The rift between Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council chief Donald Tusk deepened as the two officials clashed over the process.

European Quarter residents up in arms at ‘administrative proliferation’

Residents of Brussels’ European Quarter have spoken out against a proposal to lease the house of Belgian romantic artist Antoine Wiertz to the European Parliament for a symbolic €1.

French confidence in the European Union on the rise

The French feel more European than they did one year ago, and their confidence in the European Union has grown. But trust in local institutions and politicians remains far higher. EURACTIV France reports.

Piketty: ‘It is a surprise that a candidate for EU Commission president comes from a tax haven’

In an interview with EURACTIV, "rock star" economist Thomas Piketty argued for a deep institutional reform of the European Union that would show citizens that Europe is working for social justice. He is also shocked that the EPP chose a candidate from Luxembourg, a tax haven.

Piketty: Electing the EU Commission president is ‘not enough’

EXCLUSIVE/ In an interview with EURACTIV, "rock star economist" Thomas Piketty argued for a deep institutional reform of the European Union that would show citizens that Europe is working for social justice.

Next Commission’s main concern will be inequality, analysts predict

Social inequalities will be the main challenge for future European leaders, according to an EU-commissioned report released on Wednesday (18 December). Europe’s economy is expected to continue its decline, and policymakers should focus on a ‘new growth paradigm’ centred on society - not growth - the report argues. 

MEPs demand autonomy in deciding Parliament seat

A majority of MEPs voted on Wednesday (20 November) for a resolution aimed at giving the European Parliament the power to change the EU treaty to decide when and where they meet, in Brussels or Strasbourg, a vote that irritates France.

EU parties line up for Brussels top job nomination

The campaign leaders of Europe's four main political parties have pledged to "put a face" on next year's European election by designating their own candidates for the European Commission presidency.

EU websites track users without warning, against own rules

EXCLUSIVE / European institutions are tracking users of their web sites, in breach of the EU's own data protection rules, EURACTIV has learned. The fact has been confirmed by Europe’s data protection watchdog, in an interview with EURACTIV, while Brussels is reviewing privacy legislation to tackle the abuse.