In April, the Spanish parliament rejected a request by Catalan authorities to hold a referendum on Catalonia’s independence from Spain, which had been proposed for November this year. Diego Muro and Martijn Vlaskamp argue that the Spanish government requires a more positive message for …
First European Party
In the recent years, the European Union has been facing one of its biggest crisis in several aspects: social, political, economic and financial. One the most concerning issues has been the youth unemployment that has deep consequences at economic and …
Sweden and the EU
Sweden joined the European Union in 1995 following a successful referendum, however the country also rejected membership of the euro in a referendum in 2003. Malin Stegmann McCallion writes on the development of Swedish public opinion toward the EU and the integration …
Free movement of labour in the EU
Free movement of labour across the EU has become a controversial issue in several European countries, with parties such as UKIP and the Front National calling for restrictions on EU immigration. Adrian Favell writes on the debate over the issue within the …
Polish fascists attack London Music festival
A Turf War is Shaping Up Between Fascists and Anti-Fascists in London. [embedyt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYtXlv4k550[/embedyt] On Saturday, June 21st, a group of 20 polish far-right nationalists from Zjednoczeni Emigranci Londyn (Emigrants United London) attacked the audience at a multicultural family event called …
Herman Van Rompuy on the EU’s Future
Post by Herman Van Rompuy.
How to lose friends in Europe
Despite opposition from the UK and Hungary, the European Council nominated Jean-Claude Juncker as the next President of the European Commission on 27 June. Eunice Goes writes on the attempt made by British Prime Minister David Cameron to block Juncker’s nomination. She …
The European Union must have a closer link to national politics
National governments are still involved in negotiations over nominating a candidate for the next President of the European Commission. Anand Menon writes that while much of this debate has focused on the merits of individual candidates such as Jean-Claude Juncker, the real …
The New Flemish Alliance joins the ECR group
The New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), which won the largest share of the vote in the Belgian federal elections in May, has traditionally combined a pro-EU platform with calls for greater autonomy for Flanders. Benjamin Leruth writes on the party’s decision to join …
Alexander Stubb’s transition to Finnish Prime Minister
On 14 June, Alexander Stubb was selected as the new leader of Finland’s ruling National Coalition Party, ensuring that he will become the country’s next Prime Minister. Tapio Raunio writes on the impact the appointment will have ahead of the country’s 2015 …