Zoe Alipranti 27 May 2019 10:12 AM 27 May 2019 10:12 AM Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email Whatsapp The results from the European parliamentary elections shows how EU politics is increasingly polarised. It also demonstrates how old party allegiances are fading in favour of loyalties for parties with more specific ideological and policy platforms. Against the backdrop of Brexit and divisions convulsing global politics, these elections – which have been marked by issues such as immigration and climate change becoming inextricably linked to the role of the EU – saw the highest participation in 20 years. Fragmentation that is shaking up politics domestically has been transferred to the European level. So what do these elections mean for the health of the EU project? Although they are fought on national issues in many cases, the heightened significance of EU dimension in countries that are being governed by parties with an emphatic … [Read more...] about Why Eurosceptics still won’t be able to crash the EU Parliament
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Should the EU Parliament have more power?
The real power in the EU is not in its parliament, complains The Times of Malta: “Millions of Europeans in the EU Member States are besieged by the vested interests of a club of fat cats that have ensured that the strong Member States get stronger at the expense of the weaker ones. ... So, despite the rotating presidency between the states, the core structures of the EU are intrinsically flawed. What is the point of having elected MEPs when they can be overruled by the Commission (not elected by the people) who rule the roost? What kind of democracy is this?” … [Read more...] about Should the EU Parliament have more power?
[Agenda] EU parliament meets last time This WEEK
The current European Parliament will meet in Strasbourg for the last time before the European elections in May. On Monday (15 April), MEPs will discuss the rule of law in Romania, where the government has been criticised for putting political pressure on judicial independence. EU lawmakers will on Tuesday vote on new rules protecting whistleblowers, creating safe channels for those who want to disclose breaches of EU law. The new rules will also establish safeguards against retaliation. Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday morning will meet with president of the parliament Antonio Tajani. She will also talk to MEPs on the environmental committee of the parliament. Larger political groups opposed a plan by the Greens to have Thunberg speak at the plenary, arguing that the honour should be reserved for politicians and prime ministers. The last and 20th debate on the future of Europe will feature Latvian prime minister Krisjanis Karins on Wednesday (17 April). … [Read more...] about [Agenda] EU parliament meets last time This WEEK
‘The EU is a nightmare’: Italy’s Salvini launches campaign to form broad nationalist alliance
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini launched his campaign to build a populist voting block in the EU, kicking off the initiative Monday by hosting a meeting with four like-minded European political parties. Fresh from discussions with Marine Le Pen of France’s National Rally, Salvini is striving to bring together the largest anti-immigration and euroskeptic parties in the EU, believing the alliance “will be a great event for Europe for the next 30 years.” The move reflects the general rise in popularity among sovereignist parties, and has the potential to make serious waves in the EU in the wake of the parliamentary elections in late May. Also on rt.com ‘Gold belongs to the people, not bankers’: Italian govt moves to seize reserves from central bank Expressing a desire to bring about “radical change,” Salvini claims to be interested in more than a change in EU leadership and says he wants to build a new Europe. “We … [Read more...] about ‘The EU is a nightmare’: Italy’s Salvini launches campaign to form broad nationalist alliance
European far-right announces plan to form new group in EU parliament
Germany's opposition far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Italy's ruling League announced plans Monday to form a new group in the European Parliament along with other European eurosceptic, far-right parties. The new group will be called European Alliance of Peoples and Nations, or EAPN, AfD leader Joerg Meuthen said in a news conference in Milan with League leader and Italian deputy premier Matteo Salvini. "The news is that we are expanding the [eurosceptic] family, we are working for a new European dream. Today for many citizens and for many people Europe represents a nightmare and not a dream," Salvini said. The Danish People's Party and the Finns Party of Finland - also represented at the Milan event - are for now the only other confirmed members of the new group. More affiliates are needed to make it a success. Salvini announced a larger event, with more new allies from Europe, on May 18 in Milan. He said it would be a rally in Piazza Duomo, the square by Milan Cathedral … [Read more...] about European far-right announces plan to form new group in EU parliament