Euractiv

EU ventures to regulate e-commerce’s breakneck growth

The European Union is stepping up its oversight of major online platforms (VLOPs) on multiple fronts. Today Parliament debates reforms to the customs code to protect consumer rights in the digital space, while the European…

Security and unity challenges awaiting EU’s first defence commissioner

The EU will have its first-ever Defence Commissioner, Andris Kubilius, and his agenda is anything but straightforward. He has to unite member states on defence policy amid rising global threats and create a 'true single…

Migration concerns take centre stage at European Council summit

EU migration policy is back and here to stay. It will be at the forefront of the European Council summit today (17 October) as tougher measures against irregular immigration have gained momentum. But common goals do not equal…

Has the EU underestimated its relationship with Gulf countries?

EU and Gulf leaders are meeting on Wednesday (16 October) in Brussels in a first-ever summit between the two regions. Co-chaired by outgoing European Council President Charles Michel and Qatar’s Emir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin…

EU foreign ministers to address Ukraine and Middle East crises amid escalation

EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today (14 October) to discuss urgent matters, including Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the volatile situation in the Middle East, following recent escalation in Lebanon and northern…

The future of the EU budget behind the leak

The long-term EU budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), may soon see structural reforms. A leaked document from this week hints at the merger of various funds, the introduction of conditionality measures, and…

Orbán’s relations with Brussels at boiling point

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a tense exchange at the Strasbourg plenary on 9 October, after Orbán outlined his country's EU Council Presidency initiatives. Orbán stressed…

EU ministers’ not-so-subtle rightward shift on migration

Thursday’s Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting has laid bare the stark shift in EU member states' approach to migration, as right-wing politics gain ground across the bloc. While ministers are due to discuss issues…

European countries change course over their military support to Israel

One year into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, European countries remain divided over their military support for Israel. Despite international efforts to broker peace, arms exports have continued to play a critical role…

Germany’s border crackdown fuels EU divide on migration policy

More and more EU member states are moving away from the notion of a united EU front on migration, opting for individual solutions instead. Germany’s recent decision to ramp up border controls at all nine…

The climate ambitions of the next EU Commission

All eyes are on Teresa Ribera, after President von der Leyen tasked the Spanish politician with steering Europe’s green transition while ensuring its competitiveness. Despite the prestige attached to the role, Ribera sits as one of the few socialists…

Breton out, Séjourné in: What triggered the resignation?

Thierry Breton, the EU’s Internal Market Commissioner, announced his resignation from the European Commission on 16 September, citing tensions with President Ursula von der Leyen. In a public letter, Breton accused von der Leyen of…