The Riga Summit: Enter, pursued by a bear by Centre for European Reform The Eastern Partnership summit in Riga on May 21st-22nd will be a gloomy affair. Russia’s aggressive behaviour has put EU member-states on the defensive. Enthusiasm for further integration between the EU and its Eastern neighbours is on the wane. But Europe should be … Read more
Turkey’s Family Ministry launches probe into Minecraft video game Turkish ministry has launched an investigation into video game “Minecraft” on grounds that it encourages violence Israel suspends three diplomats over Twitter posts AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (IN DEPTH) Diplomats summoned for disciplinary hearings over remarks critical of PM and foreign minister, and could be dismissed. 71% Check Facebook, Twitter … Read more
Germany names first ever Turkish-origin Cabinet member Deputy leader of Germany?s Social Democrats (SPD), Aydan Özoğuz, has been announced as the country?s new state minister for immigration, refugees and integration ********************** The Ukrainian revolution is European and national Ukrainian civil society wants a truly independent Ukrainian and European nation. And Ukrainians understand that, in order … Read more
From a #euromaidan in Ukraine How do we (and Ukrainians) make sense of what is happening in Ukraine? Is the hashtag #euromaidan of any help in understanding the choice being made between the EU and Russia, or yet another symbol of a general failure to understand anything? Truncheon-wielding police break up Ukraine pro-EU rally, injuring … Read more
MAIN FOCUS: EU supporters battle on in Ukraine | 26/11/2013 Opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko began a hunger strike on Monday in a bid to have theassociation agreement signed. Meanwhile tens of thousands continue to demonstrate for the country to strengthen its ties with the EU. The Ukrainians still believe in the European dream, commentators write, calling on the EU’s … Read more
EU will likely lift some Iran sanctions in December: France France’s foreign ministe said the EU would likely lift some sanctions on Iran in December MAIN FOCUS: Breakthrough in nuclear dispute with Iran | 25/11/2013 The US, Russia, China, the UK, France and Germany reached a provisional agreement with Iran in the nuclear dispute … Read more
German coalition talks cast long shadow over EU elections German chancellor Angela Merkel said there was no ?automatic link? between the party that wins next year’s EU election and the next European Commission president, casting doubt over a pledge by the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) to “put a face” on the election. … Read more
EU summit: Leaked draft conclusions Herman Van Rompuy during a public appearance at the European Council building on Wednesday EU leaders are gearing up for their first summit in four months tomorrow ? the longest hiatus since the outbreak of the eurozone crisis three years ago. MAIN FOCUS: NSA scandal reaches France | 22/10/2013 The US’s NSA … Read more