The War in Syria
In 2011 the civil war in Syria started as a popular uprising of the people against their authoritarian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Eight years and about half a million dead later, the cities and streets of the country have been deprived of their proud culture and busy lives as they have turned into one of the […]
A Green Wave with the Christian Democrats is the Secret Winner of this Election
Last weekend’s parliamentary elections in Switzerland shook the political institutions like never before. There were many positive as well as negative record results that were achieved by the various parties. And yet the political landscape in Switzerland remains more stable than probably anywhere else in the world. The fact that the majority proportion has shifted […]
Elections in Austria: In Unprecedented Circumstances
Domestic politics in Europe’s nation states resemble each other in many ways. Party-families, conflict lines and day-to-day issues often illustrate how all the different societies on this continent have indeed grown closer to each other over the past seven decades. However, every nation has its own peculiarities, for better or for worse. Austria is no […]
Sustainable Europe – Sustainable Future
Finland is known for having one of the most ambitious climate goals in the EU. It is also Finland’s goal to make the EU a global leader in climate action. Finland has already pledged to become a carbon neutral country by 2035. Therefore, it is not a big surprise that Finland’s third presidency of the […]
The end of an Era: The fall of left and right wing populism (?)
Winston Churchill once said that the most efficient way to beat the Left, is to let them govern a country for three to four months. Tragically, this quote is the most accurate description of the Greek political reality. The difference between quotes and real life though, is that once left wing parties manage to become […]
The Romanian Presidency: Reality vs Aspirations
During the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council, which will include the time of the European elections, our role is not only to actively contribute to the strategic priorities of our Union for the 2019-2024 agenda, but also to safeguard and protect the way our collective interest closely follows our core European values. Furthermore, in […]
Fighting ISIS back; at their home and ours
The latest wave of terrorism, this time in the seat of the European Institutions, should be the final warning for our society and for our governments to respond to the threat of IS collectively and with determination. So far, the citizens have answered proudly and defiantly. Throughout Brussels, people are coming together peacefully, leaving […]
Ukraine: The Danger Within
My first visit to Kiev last week – with the Youth of the European People’s Party, to commemorate the second anniversary of the Euromaidan – was marred by what is an inauspicious conclusion: it is political populism that stands tantamount to Russia as the gravest threat to the country’s frail stability. Consciously promoting seemingly anodyne […]
Liberté, égalité, fraternité
At this difficult time for France and for Europe I cannot help but reflect upon the national motto of the historic French nation. The results of the French elections have sent us a clear message, one that has been repeated throughout the member states. The citizens are tired and disillusioned by mainstream politics, turning to […]
New Commission: Europe’s last chance to inspire
I don’t want to repeat the countless statements about welcoming the new European Commission. The truth is that we are talking about a team of younger, high-level and experienced politicians who said they’re ready to invest in people, create jobs and cut bureaucracy. From the selection of common candidates to the hearings and today’s voting, […]
