The nostalgic
European society and politics are now dominated by the nostalgic who think that the past –without specifying which– was better than the present.
Future of Europe
Poland in Europe: disappointment or merely hiccup?
The judicial reforms put the Warsaw government on a collision course with the EU institutions over the rule of law. What is Poland’s position in the EU in the context of the political and economic developments under the Law and Justice government?
An EU fund for adapting to the technological revolution
Whether with a new EU fund or by reforming the existing ones, the EU and the member states need to managed the effects of the technological revolution.
Spain’s 20 years in the euro: a beneficial straitjacket
We will never know whether Spain would have functioned without the euro. What we do know is that Spain has fared better than other countries.
Politics is incapable of solving Brexit
Brexit was an essentially political issue, but British politics is incapable of resolving it. Not just the withdrawal agreement, but what will come next.
‘Yellow vests’: the first rebellion against the ecological transition
A few extra cents on fuel cannot explain the anger. Macron recognised the tension between the ‘end of the world’ and the ‘end of the month’.
When strongmen personalise foreign and security policy: the US and Turkey
In the absence of credible alternatives, the trend towards the appearance of ‘strongmen’ is spreading. The US and Turkey are two cases in point to consider.
Brexit’s bad bargain: losing sovereignty
Perhaps the draft Brexit agreement reached by the UK and EU negotiators is the best possible under the circumstances. Nothing is yet assured.
Italy’s budget battle with the European Commission
The EC has rejected Italy’s proposed budget because of it breached prior fiscal commitments, including an increase in the deficit of GDP.
Salvini’s Italy between Greek tragedy and Portuguese fado
Salvini has struck a heroic pose because he knows it attracts votes in Italy. Conversely, his pugnaciousness makes him many enemies in Brussels.
2018, a lost year for Europe
There was a time when it was hoped that 2018 would be the year in which the EU. The Bavarian results have triggered a political earthquake.