Eurosphere agenda: “Brits trust Wikipedia more than the BBC…”Billions for Portuguese bank bailout…

  Russian convoy stokes Ukraine fears  FT.com – World, Europe A convoy of 280 lorries said to be carrying aid and Russian troops could provoke conflict as it heads towards the Ukrainian border A country called Europe?  Ideas on Europe by Jon Danzig The maps below look at Europe in a different way to usual cartography – they … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: “EU imposes strict sanctions on Russia

Soccer Lessons for Europe’s Economy  Project Syndicate by Harold James Though a solution to the euro crisis continues to elude European leaders, the foundations of one are not difficult to discern. In fact, Europe’s recent soccer experience – in the EURO 2012 tournament and this year’s World Cup – provides insight into how to revive Europe’s economy … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: “Gender inequality in Spain…

Britain is no longer a world power  open Democracy News Analysis – by Ben Waite Britain faces a turning point in its foreign policy; it is no longer capable of delivering the ‘interventions’ its leaders crave, while its much vaunted ‘soft power’ seems so soft as to barely make an impact at all. A change of mindset … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: Bodies of #MH17 victims arrive in Holland…

  Myths and Misreporting About Malaysia Airlines Flight 17  Slate Articles by Martin Enserink A consultative Council of Citizens: for a new policy of participation in Europe  open Democracy News Analysis – by Patrizia Nanz and Raphaël Kies People are no longer content simply to take part in elections and to delegate all their power to political representatives. If … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: EU new sanctions against Russia?… MH17…”Europe safety agency urges airlines to avoid Tel Aviv…

Europe safety agency urges airlines to avoid Tel Aviv EurActiv.com Europe’s aviation regulator on Tuesday (22 July) warned airlines not to fly to Tel Aviv, joining action by US authorities as conflict continued on the Gaza Strip The remains of MH17  open Democracy News Analysis – by Ian Bateson MAIN FOCUS: EU considers new sanctions against Russia | 23/07/2014 … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: “Netherlands partly to blame for Srebrenica…”Plane crash in eastern Ukraine…

Change vs more of the same (40 reasons to support Scottish independence, 39) open Democracy News Analysis – by Adam Ramsay Independence offers a rare chance to change a British system built before anything to protect itself.   MAIN FOCUS: Netherlands partly to blame for Srebrenica | 17/07/2014   The Dutch state bears partial responsibility … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: “Jean-Claude Juncker’s President-elect speech… “INFOGRAPHIC: Who’s who in the new European Commission…

INFOGRAPHIC: Who’s who in the new European Commission? EurActiv.com After his election as European Commission President on Tuesday (15 July), Jean-Claude Juncker can now start discussions with member states on how to allocate portfolios within his team. Below is an overview of all Commissioners already designated by their member state as well as presumed candidates.   … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: “European Court of Justice bans German language requirement for Turkish spouse visas…

European Court of Justice bans German language requirement for Turkish spouse visas EurActiv.com On Thursday (10 July) the EU’s top court ruled against Germany’s language requirement for Turkish spouses applying for residence in the country, rebuffing the German government and saying the right to family reunification is essential to integration in the member states. EurActiv … Read more

Documents: EP Committee Chairs and an Infographic: Who is who in the European Parliament?

      INFOGRAPHIC: Who is who in the European Parliament After a first plenary session and a series committee meetings in early July, key positions were distributed in the European Parliament. Find an overview of the Parliament’s key new faces in our infographic.

Eurosphere agenda: New Spy Case between US and Germany… “Europe’s Digital Reactionaries…

Germany spy arrested on suspicion of spying for NSA   Germany Arrests Double Agent Allegedly Spying for the U.S. Mashable! by Colin Daileda German authorities have arrested a German man on suspicion of being a double agent for the United States. The man has been linked to spying on a panel investigating activities by the … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: “Sarkozy in custody…

  MAIN FOCUS: Sarkozy in custody | 02/07/2014 euro|topics France’s former president Nicolas Sarkozy was taken into custody and interrogated on Tuesday on suspicion of corruption and influencing judicial proceedings. This is the end of his political career, some commentators write. Others believe the French will forgive their former head of state’s misconduct.   The Scottish Independence Referendum … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: “Green light for Juncker

  MAIN FOCUS: Green light for Juncker | 27/06/2014 euro|topics The EU’s heads of state and government plan to nominate Jean-Claude Juncker as European Commission president today, Friday, despite the UK’s opposition to the move. This will be the first time that the European Council is not unanimous in its decision on who takes this top post. Some … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: ” Mini-summit in row over Juncker ….

  Left-wing leaders back Juncker  BBC News | Europe | World Edition Jean-Claude Juncker‘s bid to head the European Commission receives a boost with the backing of nine left-wing heads of government The world’s most precious genes? BBC News | Europe | World Edition Why scientists are dying to get their hands on Icelanders’ DNA   … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: …”who are Podemos?

  Just who are Podemos? open Democracy News Analysis – by Fernando Betancor Who are the people voting for Podemos? An analysis of election data reveals some surpising results… I?ve be following the impact of the ?Podemos? phenomenon on Spanish politics since the European elections late last May. It is not too much of an … Read more

Eurosphere agenda: Juan Carlos abdicates… Power struggle over Commission presidency…

Spain’s Poisoned Chalice  FP Passport by James Badcock The Spanish monarchy is in big trouble, and not even a young, handsome new king may be able to do anything about it. MAIN FOCUS: Juan Carlos abdicates | 03/06/2014 euro|topics After almost 40 years on the throne, King Juan Carlos of Spain announced his abdication in a surprise move on Monday. … Read more