On 14 December, EU leaders approved the European Commission’s recommendation to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, bringing both countries even closer to joining the EU. This is an extremely positive development for the whole of Eastern Europe, but at the same time there are many obstacles to overcome. Despite Orbán’s best efforts, the…
Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash There are fears about the impact enlargement could have on the EU’s political power in the world, says a new survey. It says Poland and Denmark are the most optimistic on this question, with a plurality of 43% and 35% of citizens, respectively, believing Ukraine’s accession would have a positive…
Photo by Andy Newton on Unsplash A former Europe Minister in the UK has ridiculed the appointment of former British PM David Cameron as the country’s new foreign secretary as an “odd gimmick.” Dr Denis MacShane, a former Europe Minister under Tony Blair, told EU Political Report: “David Cameron is known globally as the politician who kneeled before…
Photo by Tomáš Nožina on Unsplash The European Green Party has “congratulated” the new Spanish government formed by PSOE, Sumar and regionalist parties. The message on Thursday came after Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez clinched a vote in parliament to lead Spain for another term as prime minister. He has secured a four-seat majority in the…
Photo by Despina Galani on Unsplash Belgium is in the top 10 countries with the highest household savings in the world, according to new data. CityIndex analysed global data on household savings, including mean disposable income, mean household savings and long-term interest rates, to discover the countries with the highest household savings in the world. Belgium ranks 9th with a total savings…
Photo by Adrian Dascal on Unsplash The European Union often appears caught up focusing on age-old disputes and losing touch with the evolving global landscape. The major countries in Europe seem content to spend their days haggling over financial matters, rather than adapting to new geopolitical and economic realities. A notable transformation has occurred in Eastern Europe however,…
Photo by Kat Kelley on Unsplash A new brand for the Brussels European Quarter has been formally launched. It took place in the building of the Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations (CEIO) in the heart of the European Quarter. The brand bears the name ‘European Quarter Brussels’ and represents a new strategy for the neighbourhood. After…
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash Local government and community groups have called for a “stronger and just “ EU Green Deal. The message was made when nearly 500 European policymakers, community-led initiatives, scientists and civil society organisations came together this week. They took part in a policy event “Making the European Green Deal Strong and Real: Harnessing the…
Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash MEPs say “it is with great satisfaction” that the European Commission has recommended to start EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. This comes after the European Commission adopted the 2023 Enlargement Package. It provides a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo,…
Photo by Kumpan Electric on Unsplash Companies throughout Europe are facing growing labour and skills shortages, it has emerged. The issue was highlighted by BusinessEurope, the organisation that represents the business community in Europe. The Brussels based group published the results of a new survey of European companies which, it says, “underscores the skills and recruitment challenges that…
