European Union

Macronists want to push the political boundaries of the liberal ALDE group in the European Parliament after the May EU elections, going as far as suggesting a name change for the centrist party. But their gamble is far from being won, EURACTIV France reports.

A new study reveals that migration is not the primary concern of European voters who are more concerned with national issues such as corruption, unemployment or costs of living. EURACTIV France reports.

Kosovo's foreign minister reflects on two decades since his country was saved by Nato, in the first "war for values", and the task ahead to achieve lasting peace with Serbia, and with it, EU membership.

Brunei on Wednesday (3 April) introduced harsh new sharia laws, including death by stoning for adultery and gay sex, despite a storm of global criticism from politicians, celebrities and rights groups.

The British government and the main opposition were to hold further crisis talks on Thursday  (4 April) after MPs voted in favour of a Brexit delay that would avoid Britain crashing out of the EU on 12 April.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)'s chief candidate for European elections, Joerg Meuthen, expects big gains for nationalist parties but thinks they will have trouble forming a united front to advance an agenda.

President Tusk received the letters of credentials from two new ambassadors to the European Union.

For 70 years, NATO continues to play a crucial role in our defence and security. The emerging threats may vary, but if NATO continues its collaborative, innovative practices then it will remain as relevant today as it was in 1949.

As the deadlock over the UK's exit from the EU continues, the bloc has stepped up its preparation for a no-deal Brexit, in particular in the customs area, as border checks will become necessary "overnight" if the UK crashes out without a deal.

Plenary and committee meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

The EU can only be a strong voice for democracy in the world if all 28 member states stand up for the principles of democracy at home, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said on Wednesday (3 April) in front of EU...

With the British prime minister asking for more time to bring opposition MPs onboard and shape a new deal at the very last minute, Jean-Claude Juncker warns London that 12 April is the last deadline.

Member states failed to convince France on Wednesday (3 April) to support the negotiating mandates for the trade negotiations with the US, but hoped to find a compromise to accommodate Paris’ concerns before Easter break.

Rarely in politics does despair become hope, as has happened with the Brexit negotiations. By extending the olive branch to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn – who she has spent the last two years lampooning as ‘unfit to govern’, Theresa May...

The EU could consider a short extension of the Article 50 talks with London if the House of Commons backs the Withdrawal Agreement before 12 April, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told the European Parliament on Wednesday (3 April).

The European Commission launched on Wednesday (3 April) a process of reflection about whether member states would agree to be supervised on possible breaches of rule of law. The Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans said it is now up to the capitals to decide if they want to “bite the bullet”.

The Council and the European Parliament have agreed that, following Brexit, UK citizens coming to the Schengen area for a short stay (90 days in any 180 days) should be granted visa free travel.

EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker told MEPs on Wednesday, in a warning to the UK, that if the Brexit withdrawal agreement is not adopted by 12 April by the House of Commons, no short extension will be possible as requested by British prime minister Theresa May on Tuesday. Juncker again said the EU is ready to discuss a closer relationship with the UK, if London changes its negotiating red lines.

MEPs in the European Parliament's justice committee have backed a regulation that refers to the British Overseas Terrority Gibraltar as a 'colony.' The main purpose of the text put forward by the EU member states is to offer visa-free access to the EU for UK citizens after Brexit, but has caused controversy over its choice of language.

The new African Union-European Union ministerial meetings are a valuable new innovation. They should not ignore human rights work, writes Carlo Perrotta.