Albania moves closer to EU membership as Socialists win new mandate
13 May Foreign & Security Policy

Albania moves closer to EU membership as Socialists win new mandate

Prime Minister Edi Rama’s victory will consolidate Albania’s pro-EU trajectory, but rule of law deficits still pose hurdles to accession.
by Arno Van Rensbergen
The end of encryption as we know it?
12 May EU Institutions
The end of encryption as we know it?
Op-ed: Concrete action needed to stop Orbán’s EU abuse
12 May EU Institutions
Op-ed: Concrete action needed to stop Orbán’s EU abuse
Sánchez walks a tightrope as Spain commits to NATO target
08 May Foreign & Security Policy
Sánchez walks a tightrope as Spain commits to NATO target
EU rallies to support Lebanon after Beirut explosion
06 Aug
EU rallies to support Lebanon after Beirut explosion
The EU has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism after a huge blast devastated the port area of the capital Beirut on Tuesday.
Why the EU must claim its place in the 5G race
06 Aug
Why the EU must claim its place in the 5G race
As the advent of 5G gathers pace, the EU must ensure that it becomes a relevant player in the race for a ubiquitous technology that will redefine the world we live in, argues Nicolás González Casares.
5G: A risky business
05 Aug
5G: A risky business
5G offers enormous societal and economic benefits, but this is not without serious security risks, explains Kris Peeters.
Ursula von der Leyen and David Sassoli appeal to Member States to step up fight against racism
05 Aug
Ursula von der Leyen and David Sassoli appeal to Member States to step up fight against racism
Marking Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, the presidents of the European Commission and Parliament said Europe has a duty to protect its minorities from racism and discrimination.
Commission issues list of measures for Member States to prevent second wave of COVID-19
04 Aug
Commission issues list of measures for Member States to prevent second wave of COVID-19
With increases in cases being seen in several countries, notably Belgium, the executive warned that “now is not the time to let our guard down.”
5G: Made in Europe
04 Aug
5G: Made in Europe
Europe needs to be independent from foreign technology if it wants to achieve digital sovereignty, especially when it comes to the security of our critical infrastructure, argues Axel Voss.
Azerbaijani MP condemns violent attacks on diplomatic missions and embassies in the US and Belgium by members of Armenian Diaspora Partner Content
04 Aug
Azerbaijani MP condemns violent attacks on diplomatic missions and embassies in the US and Belgium by members of Armenian Diaspora
Despite recent events, we remain ready to cooperate with Armenia to strengthen humanitarian-confidence building measures if it gives up its policy of occupation, says Azerbaijan MP Könül Nurullayeva.
European Parliament mourns loss of former MEP and Nobel Peace Prize laureate John Hume
03 Aug
European Parliament mourns loss of former MEP and Nobel Peace Prize laureate John Hume
Former UK Socialist MEP John Hume, described by some as “the Nelson Mandela of Irish politics”, has died after a short illness aged 83.
Small EU businesses voice ‘major concerns’ over lack of progress in ongoing Brexit talks
03 Aug
Small EU businesses voice ‘major concerns’ over lack of progress in ongoing Brexit talks
The comments come with formal talks between the EU and UK set to resume in Brussels on 17 August.
David Frost says despite difficulties, Brexit trade deal can still be reached in autumn
31 Jul
David Frost says despite difficulties, Brexit trade deal can still be reached in autumn
UK’s chief negotiator suggests there are ‘large areas of convergence’ on negotiation areas.
EU defends decision to reject Polish town twinning grant applications after cities declare themselves LGBTI-free zones
31 Jul
EU defends decision to reject Polish town twinning grant applications after cities declare themselves LGBTI-free zones
European equality commissioner, Helena Dalli says EU values and rights ‘must be respected’.
Ushering in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
31 Jul
Ushering in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
An autonomous, secure and resilient European 5G network is within the EU’s reach, writes Josianne Cutajar.
CCS: why it can only be a transition technology
30 Jul
CCS: why it can only be a transition technology
Carbon capture, storage and utilisation technologies can help Europe’s industries decarbonise, but they should not be seen as a holy grail for achieving climate neutrality, writes Jens Geier.
EU and UK strike conciliatory tone over possibility of Brexit trade deal being struck by autumn
30 Jul
EU and UK strike conciliatory tone over possibility of Brexit trade deal being struck by autumn
UK government says it ‘still believes’ there is chance of reaching an agreement by October.
EU recovery plan an opportunity to restructure Europe
29 Jul
EU recovery plan an opportunity to restructure Europe
EU leaders will meet Angela Merkel on Wednesday to discuss the next steps towards reaching a swift agreement on the bloc’s massive Coronavirus recovery fund and its next long-term budget.
A sea change in fisheries
29 Jul
A sea change in fisheries
The reform of the EU’s fisheries control system is one of the most important debates currently under discussion in the European Parliament, and the result will have a significant impact on the future of the sector, explains Clara Aguilera.
Assessing the new geopolitical landscape
28 Jul
Assessing the new geopolitical landscape
As the Western world begins to slowly exit from COVID-19 lockdowns, it is clear that the pandemic has accelerated some geopolitical priorities and posed serious questions about how Europe will address these questions, writes Ryszard Czarnecki.
Senior MEP urges Member States to ensure that delayed Conference on Future of Europe starts in September
28 Jul
Senior MEP urges Member States to ensure that delayed Conference on Future of Europe starts in September
Mairead McGuinness, a Vice-President of Parliament, wants the Council to draw up its position on the planned conference “as soon as possible.”
European Commission could cut EU funds to countries violating rule of law
28 Jul
European Commission could cut EU funds to countries violating rule of law
The “conditionality” clause is part of the agreement on the next EU long-term budget which is now set to be negotiated by the main EU institutions.
Scotland & the EU: Auld acquaintances
28 Jul
Scotland & the EU: Auld acquaintances
Michael Russell, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, tells Martin Banks that an independent Scotland’s path to re-joining the EU would be helped by its unique experience of already having been part of the bloc for 47 years.
Defending the Defenceless: Pakistan’s Rural Support Network takes the lead Partner Content
28 Jul
Defending the Defenceless: Pakistan’s Rural Support Network takes the lead
Shandana Humayun Khan, CEO of the Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN), urges the EU to join the battle against COVID-19 and support the most vulnerable communities in Pakistan.
EU policymakers condemn Poland over withdrawal from Istanbul Convention
27 Jul
EU policymakers condemn Poland over withdrawal from Istanbul Convention
Poland’s decision to withdraw from the groundbreaking domestic violence treaty comes against a backdrop of intensified violence against women since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MEPs warn their consent to EU long-term budget ‘cannot be taken for granted’
27 Jul
MEPs warn their consent to EU long-term budget ‘cannot be taken for granted’
The warning on Monday comes from the cross-party group of MEPs who comprise Parliament’s negotiating team on the recovery fund and long-term budget.
Wolves in sheep’s clothing Partner Content
27 Jul
Wolves in sheep’s clothing
In recent years, women’s rights, gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) have been contested by a small but vocal number of Catholic-inspired European networks who managed to infiltrate institutions and governments, reports Lorna Hutchinson.