cafebabel.com

A seat in the European Parliament; a snake or a ladder?

('Sarah Gray',) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:45:00 -0000

Today you won’t find EU politicians hammering on the doors of the European Parliament, especially if they dream of becoming heavyweights in national politics. There are still some politicians keen to be MEPs, however, but their motives aren’t always what they seem...

Sweden's Cecilia Malmström: 'I'm a politician. It’s not my task to impose an identity on people'

('Pierre-Anthony Canovas',) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:00:00 -0000

The Gothenburg-based politician, 41, has been EU affairs minister since 2006. We talk institutional reform, economic crisis and Turkey in part III of a special edition marking the six-month Swedish presidency of the EU, which began on 1 July

Barroso is his own enemy

('Helen Swain',) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:17:06 -0000

Barroso is hoping for a second five-year mandate as president of the European council, but the members of the European parliament want the Portuguese conservative to present a schedule before they give him their support

EU election results: France, Holland poor socialist performance

('Lydia Bigos',) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:11:42 -0000

The EU elections between 4 and 7 June 2009 have revealed the high price of political opportunism in 2005, when they opposed the European constitution

The Europe-shaped hole in the Polish campaign for June elections

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:45:00 -0000

Obviously, this is not a country-specific phenomenon, but a pan-European one. What is not typical is the lack of any debate between the main political parties, even on domestic issues. The ruling party and the main opposition party seem to be focused exclusively on the names that supposedly ensure the highest possible score

Parlorama.eu portal reopens despite EU politician threats

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:34:00 -0000

On 24 April, political pressure temporarily gagged the website which classifies Euro MPs according to their plenary sessions and parliamentary commission attendances. It is due to make a triumphant comeback with three new linguistic versions to boot on 4 or 5 May

62% of Europeans aren't aware of the EU elections taking place

('euro topics',) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:32:38 -0000

Just seven weeks before the European parliament election 62% of voters are not even aware it will take place. According to a Eurobarometer study, only 28% of those elegible to vote intend to cast their ballots. Are Europeans weary of Europe?