Topic: European Union

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Can the EU stop Hungary's controversial constitutional amendments?

Hungary's new constitutional amendments, which critics say erode the power of the Constitutional Court and violate EU law, came into effect on Monday.
World powers expect Iran to be ready for progress at next nuclear talks

World powers say that Iran has signaled it is ready to 'engage seriously' on a proposal to limit its nuclear development at P5+1 talks that begin tomorrow in Kazakhstan.
'New affluent workers' and 'precariats'? Britain's classes get makeover

The largest-ever survey of social class by the BBC and two universities finds that there are still very rich and very poor – but much more going on in the middle.
Change Agent How Ontario is putting an end to coal-burning power plants

Ontario is on the verge of becoming the first industrial region in North America to eliminate all coal-fired electrical generation. Here’s how Canada’s most populous province did it – and what the US can learn from it.
Portugal spats jeopardize economic improvement in Europe's shaky south

The prime minister's recent threat to resign has raised worries that Portuguese politicians may be engaging in brinksmanship tactics that could endanger the fragile economy.
Opinion EU should welcome Ukraine as a partner for Europe's own good

Ukraine is important to Europe as a source of economic growth and energy security, as well as a bridge to Russia. Western interests and values are best served by engaging Ukraine as a solid European partner.
Stock market's record bull run shows few signs of slowing down

Stock market averages are hitting record highs routinely, and there are few red flags to indicate they are about to peak. Instead, historical data suggest a continued upward trend.
Energy Voices Cyprus gets bailout offer from Russian gas giant Gazprom

Cyprus could get an economic boost from Russia's Gazprom if Cyprus is willing to sell exploration rights to the promising offshore natural gas deposits in the Mediterranean Sea, Kennedy writes.
With Cyprus desperate for bailout help, Russia plays hardball

Russia is worried about an economic meltdown on Cyprus, which hosts both Russian corporations and bank accounts. But so far, it has yet to bite on the Cypriot finance minister's offers.
The Monitor's View Euro crisis: Why a Cyprus bailout must be seen as 'fair'

As Europe tackles its latest euro crisis, a Cyprus bailout deal must follow the path of being perceived as 'fair.' A tax on small-time savers isn't seen that way.
Backchannels From every direction, arms for Syria

France is pushing hard, it seems, for Western powers to arm Syria's rebellion. If they get their way, they'll be joining an already crowded playing field.
Terrorism & Security War draws closer to Lebanon with Syrian threat of attack

In an ominous turn, Syria warned Lebanon today against continuing to provide refuge for rebels battling the Assad regime, saying its restraint was limited.
France dials up pressure on US to arm Syrian rebels

France and Britain are pushing the European Union to drop an embargo against arming Syrian rebels. Their push is at odds with with current US policy.
Immigrants to Spain push back on evictions

As more people find themselves victims of mortgage fraud and eviction in Spain, they are banding together to advocate for legal reforms.
As Hungary's electoral campaigns kick into gear, public apathy abounds

Hungary's right-wing ruling party Fidesz and its Hungarian Socialist opposition are already trading barbs ahead of 2014 elections. But Hungarians are increasingly unimpressed by both.
Stefan Karlsson Will Latvia join the Euro?

Latvia remains determined to join the Euro in 2014, Karlsson writes, despite some countries aiming to exit the Euro.
More species of sharks, rays to get protection

Representatives of 178 member countries of the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora voted to put five more species of sharks and two species of manta rays under protection from overfishing.
Indicted abroad for crimes, Kenya's new leaders pose diplomatic dilemma

Foreign governments must decide how to interact with Kenya's newly elected president, Uhuru Kenyatta, because of his indictments at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Exporting Grandma? Some German elderly head abroad for nursing care

Long-term nursing insurance is a pillar the German welfare model, but the system is increasingly stressed by the aging population – leading some elderly to go to other EU countries for care.
Global News Blog A changed Venezuela after Chávez?

A survey of opinions about what Hugo Chávez's passing means for Venezuela, and the region.
Britain to remove last troops from Germany in 2019

In a legacy of the cold war, Britain still maintains 20,000 troops in Germany. It's now accelerating troop withdrawals.
European Commission fines Microsoft, warns others

In an unprecedented move Wednesday, the European Commission fined Microsoft Corp for failing to follow through on a commitment it made to give customers a clear choice of web browser. The fine of 561 million euros ($731 million) represents 1 percent of Microsoft's annual sales.
Spain hopes for improved ties with post-Chávez Venezuela

Spain's relationship with Venezuela, though key to Spanish interests across South America, was often turbulent under Chávez.
Microsoft fined $730 million over browser choice

The European Union imposed a sanction on Microsoft after it failed to comply with a settlement where it promised to present Windows users with easier access to other Web browsers.
Opinion World powers must cut a deal with Iran before it's too late

Having hobbled Iran’s economy, the P5+1 believe they are negotiating from a position of power. But this attitude could be dangerously delusional and may backfire. A deal is needed to address the top concerns on both sides.