About: European Union

Is it fair? How social cohesion in Europe can be strengthened

The prosperity gap in Europe is widening. Despite the general upswing since the economic crisis in 2008, an increasing number of European citizens are at risk of poverty. At the same time, globalisation and digitisation are changing almost every aspect of our lives.

Pittsburgh mayor: Europe should be proud of its climate action

In an interview with EURACTIV France, Bill Peduto speaks about Europe's good track record on climate protection, despite the decision by US President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

Austria’s interim chancellor won’t block the majority on EU top jobs

Federal Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein won't ask for special favours at an EU summit next Sunday (30 June) aimed at appointing the new President of the European Commission, except when it comes to one thing: Austria's next EU Commissioner. An analysis by Herbert Vytiska for EURACTIV Germany.

EU expert group drives sustainable finance’s mainstreaming two steps ahead

European sustainable finance got an additional boost on Tuesday (18 June), following the release of three reports by the Technical Expert Group on sustainable finance (TEG) focusing on taxonomy, green bonds standards and climate benchmarks.

Europeans have chosen to protect the environment and EU leaders should listen

The European Council should take the result of the European elections seriously and ensure that the EU's goals and budget are future-oriented, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and environment, write Dr Raphael Weyland and Konstantin Kreiser.

Plastic production on the rise worldwide but slowing in Europe

While the global production of plastics is increasing, it is slowing down in Europe, according to PlasticsEurope, the leading pan-European association of plastics manufacturers. EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'Environnement reports.

Montenegro PM: ‘We are looking for a new opportunity with the EU’

EU membership candidate Montenegro is carrying "a heavy legacy, plagued with low standards and weak institutions", but it has already made progress and its EU orientation is "clear and strong", its prime minister told EURACTIV Germany in an interview.

Merkel’s musings fuel speculation about Brussels move

Chancellor Merkel is showing great concern for the EU and emphasising an increased sense of responsibility for Europe. Could she have plans to move to Brussels? EURACTIV's media partner Der Tagesspiegel and agencies report.

Le Pen’s pro-Kremlin stance creates friction with Estonian populist hosts

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's Rassemblement National (RN), arrives in Tallinn today (14 May) as part of a "European tour" to drum up support for the far-right in the upcoming EU elections.

EU tells China to rebalance relations as it’s no longer a developing nation

The leaders of France, Germany and the European Commission called on Tuesday (26 March) for more reciprocity in trade relations with China, in a sign that the EU no longer considers China a developing country and is increasingly concerned about its growing influence.

Fault-lines surface in Arctic as region turns into geopolitical hotspot

As the ice melts, a new ocean with new trade routes and untapped natural resources opens up in Europe’s High North, leaving the Arctic region caught between cooperation and militarization.

French people have subtler view of EU than their politicians

A new survey has shown that the French have a nuanced view of the EU, neither being totally for nor against it, often disappointed and carrying many hopes. 59% of French people said they were “attached” to the EU. EURACTIV France reports.

The Brief – Worlds apart, but still together

Is the once powerful transatlantic bond dying? If the last few weeks are anything to go by, one might well wonder… The disarray between Washington and its European allies became even more strikingly evident as US Vice President Mike Pence...

France now against Nord Stream 2

The gas pipeline has long been controversial and now majorities are shifting within the EU. Can the project still be stopped? EURACTIV Germany’s media partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.

COP24 diary – day #5

Over this special series on COP24, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into the goings on of the UN climate conference in Katowice and what is driving the conversation there. In this edition: An update on the negotiations, climate denialism, South America, costs of global warming, and more.

Climate litigations set to rise globally on back of IPCC report

Climate-related litigations are set to break new grounds following a landmark report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) earlier this month, which provided lawyers with new evidence that limiting global warming to 1.5°C is still possible. 

EU Elections 2019: Data protection a priority for next parliament, forecast shows

The next European Parliament is likely to offer citizens better protection of their data, according to a study conducted by a leading European think tank. At the same time, concerns are growing about the adequacy of an EU-US deal on exchanging personal data across the Atlantic.

Johnson: UK waving ‘white flag’ in Brexit talks

Former foreign secretary and Brexit hardliner Boris Johnson penned a renewed attack on Britain's government Monday, writing in the Daily Telegraph that the UK has "gone into battle with the white flag fluttering over our leading tank."

Britain to set out advice on how to prepare for a ‘no deal’ Brexit

Britain will step up its planning for a no-deal Brexit on Thursday as it publishes a series of notes advising people and businesses how to protect themselves from the potential disruption of a clean break with the European Union.

Europe’s silent shift to self-employment

Self-employment is becoming more diversified in Europe and covers an increasing number of activities. But this small revolution raises issues when it comes to social protection. EURACTIV.fr reports.

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.

Poland defends a Europe of states

Poland's foreign minister has called for strengthening the role of states and national parliaments in the European decision-making process and moving away from the federalist model. EURACTIV.fr reports.

Personal data was weaponised against democracy in the EU – and can be again

With the recent revelations on the unlawful use of voters’ data to influence their choices, both the EU and its member states need to take legislative measures to prevent such campaigning which violated privacy rights and eroded democracy. The first step should be ending the lack of transparency, writes Nomi Byström.