Make or break week begins for the Juncker Commission EurActiv.com The next 10 days could make or break a plan to reshape the European Union under new management, in an attempt to revive the economy and regain trust among its half-billion people. Belgium’s complex web of democracy BBC News | Europe | World Edition Exploring Belgium’s … Read more
Snowden on winning the alternative Nobel prize media/anthropology by John Postill via The Guardian Edward Snowden issues a recorded statement after being awarded Sweden’s Right Livelihood Honorary Award, dubbed the ‘alternative Nobel Prize’. The National Security Agency whistleblower says he accepts the award on behalf of those who risked their lives to help ‘resist unlawful … Read more
Turkey announces EU accession strategy EurActiv.com Turkey said today (18 September) that crises in the Middle East and elsewhere made closer co-operation between Ankara and the European Union essential and announced a new programme to revive the country’s stalled drive for EU membership. EU Minister promotes Turkey’s new EU strategy Turkey provides a more detailed account of how … Read more
Euro court calls on Turkey to amend religious courses The Turkish education system is still inadequately equipped to ensure respect for parents’ religious convictions, Euro court says Turkey’s Erdogan warns Moody’s and Fitch over assessments – reports ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has accused rating agencies Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings of political motives … Read more
New EU sanctions against Russia come into effect EurActiv.com The European Union put into effect on Friday (12 September) a new round of sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine, including restrictions on financing for some Russian state-owned companies and asset freezes on leading Russian politicians. What impact could this round of Russian retaliatory sanctions have … Read more
Parties back more Scotland powers BBC News | Europe | The Scottish leaders of the three main pro-Union parties back more powers for Scotland on the day another poll suggests little between the two sides. Scottish referendum – A humble opinion from France Ideas on Europe In February 2005, three months before the French referendum on … Read more
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
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
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
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
Changing World Cup fans FlowingData » Visualization by Nathan Yau Shan Carter and Kevin Quealy for the Upshot have a look at sports fandom once again using Facebook usage as a proxy. This time they examined shifting fan support during the World Cup. Meet the Muslim-American Leaders the FBI and NSA Have Been Spying On – The … Read more
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
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
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
Regarding the arrest of Gerry Adams open Democracy News Analysis – by Lorcan Mullen In Northern Ireland, the the arrest of Gerry Adams highlights the tensions between justice and peace. Language as a barrier to dialogue in Ukraine open Democracy News Analysis – by Polina Sinovets The issue of language and politics has long been a … Read more