Choosing 'Mr. Europe'

The Treaty of Lisbon, expected to enter in force in 2009, introduces two new European top jobs: a high-profile president who will chair EU summit meetings for a two-and-a-half year term and a revamped foreign policy chief. However, selecting the right people to fill these positions will prove a politically sensitive task in the months ahead.

Turnout threat looms large over 2009 EU elections

Political campaigners are stepping up their efforts ahead of the June 2009 elections to replace the European Parliament. But as parties try to attract citizens' attention by contrasting their political programmes, one question looms large: will voters care to show up?

Greece challenges asylum critics

The Greek government fights back after a UN report sharply criticised its treatment of asylum seekers.

IMF stands by gloomy European outlook

Europe's economy is resilient but not immune to global economic threats, the International Monetary Fund warned as it defended its gloomy view on the continent's outlook

An EU 'Blue Card' for high-skilled immigrants?

The EU is eager to attract high-skilled immigrants from outside its borders in order to fill its demographic, labour and skills gaps. But experts and politicians warn that the conditions must be right.

DOSSIER: The Bank of England comes to the economy's rescue | 22/04/2008

The Bank of England announced on April 21st a plan to prevent the subprime crisis from spreading to the rest of the economy. The plan will allow Banks to trade mortgage debt for government bonds. What impact will this measure have on the British economy?

The EU, Israel and Hamas

working paper by Clara Marina O'Donnell, April 2008

Sarkozy defends his presidency

French President Nicolas Sarkozy aims to counter his falling popularity with a 90-minute television interview.

Rethinking the EU budget

The EU budget is outdated, does not represent current Community needs and should be reformed at its core by addressing the decision-making procedures, argues CEPS Director Daniel Gros.

'Era of cheap food is over,' says EU

EU consumers should get used to paying more for food as prices for meat, grain, cereal and a range of agricultural commodities are set to increase further, according to EU officials and MEPs debating the issue in Strasbourg yesterday (22 April). The EU's current push for biofuels came under repeated scrutiny during the discussion.

Dutch urged to clear path for Serbia EU agreement

According to EU diplomats, the Netherlands is under pressure from other EU countries to drop its opposition to the signing of a pre-accession Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia, in a bid to boost the pro-European camp ahead of the parliamentary elections on 11 May.

Croatia 'on course' for EU membership

The opening of two new negotiating chapters brings Croatia closer to its final destination: full EU membership in 2011.

Europe's Marxist dilemma

It is easier to influence a country before than after it joins the club

DOSSIER: A new EU agricultural policy? | 24/04/2008

Calls for changes to the EU's agricultural policy and the abolition of subsidies are growing louder in view of the current global food crisis. What can Europe do to improve the situation?

DOSSIER: A Chinese headache for French diplomacy | 23/04/2008

The tension between Paris and Beijing hasn't stopped building since the Olympic torch visited Paris and was met with violent protests. Ever since, the French government has made gestures of appeasement in an attempt to diffuse the crisis. What stance will France develop toward China as the Olympics approach?