Claude Turmes MEP: A net-zero emissions target by 2050 will be our red line
Any country resisting an EU-wide objective to reduce emissions to net-zero by mid-century is essentially “in the same camp as Mr. Trump” when it comes to climate change, says Claude Turmes, the lead...
View ArticleMercosur plays the field as EU trade talks drag on
Leaders of South American trade bloc Mercosur pushed for trade deals with Asian and other Western Hemisphere countries during a summit on Monday (18 June), as roadblocks remained in talks with the EU...
View ArticleConte: Germany is aware EU needs to change its migration policy
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday (18 June) she wanted to support Italy in its efforts to reduce the number of migrants arriving on its shores, possibly handling asylum requests for Europe...
View ArticleWhy new coal in Turkey and the Balkans will test China’s and EU’s climate...
The EU and China have to live up to their responsibilities on climate change and use every opportunity to support the Western Balkans and Turkey to move beyond coal. This means renewable energy sources...
View ArticleCzech PM flatly rejects EU post-Brexit budget proposal
Czech billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babiš yesterday (18 June) rejected the European Commission's multi-year draft budget as "completely unacceptable", lashing out at spending priorities imposed by...
View ArticleSalvini wants census of Roma communities to expel non-Italians
Italy's new government plans to carry out a census of the Roma community with an eye to kicking out anyone staying in the country illegally, Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said yesterday (18 June).
View ArticleRomania parliament changes criminal procedure; opposition says aims to hide...
Romania's lower house of parliament on Monday night (18 June) approved amendments to the country's criminal procedure, which critics and the centrist opposition say would weaken prosecutors' powers to...
View ArticleHeavy workload delays EU report on environmental impact of drugs
The European Commission’s much-awaited communication on the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals is at an “advanced stage” but might not be adopted in the near future because of other legislative...
View ArticleEmpower a German ‘Iran Bank’ to save Iran’s nuclear deal
The prospect of securing major private-sector investments could offer Iran an incentive to uphold its side of the nuclear agreement despite Washington’s withdrawal. Laura von Daniels argues that a...
View ArticleGeorgia is a country of old Europe
Many forces wish to undermine Georgia’s democratic development, and this is why the EU engagement and cooperation must be much more active, writes Gunnar Hökmar.
View ArticleEU court decision on plant breeding techniques ‘normally’ before summer break
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) should "normally" decide on the future of the so-called new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) before the summer break in July. However, no date has yet been set, a...
View ArticleEU dilemma on Morocco-Western Sahara conflict remains unsolved
Morocco is the EU’s most stable trading partner in North Africa and a reliable ally in Brussels’ efforts to control African migration across the Mediterranean. But two rulings by the European Court of...
View ArticleThe EU needs to walk the talk on the Paris Climate Agreement
With its objective of reaching greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality in the second half of this century, the Paris Agreement has been hailed as the most ambitious climate accord to date. But it is only as...
View ArticleSpain’s new prime minister aims for regular elections in 2020
Spain's new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who took over earlier this month after his conservative predecessor lost a no-confidence vote, said on Monday (18 June) he plans to stay in office until the...
View ArticleBarnier: UK needs to show ‘realism’, will be shut out of Arrest Warrant
The UK needs a reality check and will not be able to remain part of the European Arrest Warrant after it leaves the European Union, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator said on Tuesday.
View ArticleThe Brief – Side-stepping the migration issue
No one can say that the EU and its leaders are not exorcised by migration. Its next seven-year budget is expected to include a plethora of new tools, including a “migration management window”. An...
View ArticleEnergy savings law limps across the finish line
EU negotiators finally signed off on new energy efficiency rules Tuesday evening (19 June), as Bulgaria's EU Presidency wrapped up another clean energy file. But some of the concessions made by MEPs...
View ArticleEnergy expert: On climate protection, Germany has become a brakesman
While some countries, such as Great Britain, have exited brown coal some time ago, Germany is still struggling. This year, the new coal commission is meant to develop first plans for structural...
View ArticleThe modest impact of ‘fake news’ on the 2018 Italian elections
A Brussels-based NGO has monitored the 2018 Italian election and came to the conclusion that "fake news" have been relatively rare. EURACTIV.com looks into the story as part of the “Fact or Fake”...
View ArticleAsylum 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...
View Article