cafebabel.com

Franco-German 'competitiveness pact' spanner in Europe's works

('Carol Howard',) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:43:29 -0000

The revival of the German-French axis after the numerous discords of recent years should be greeted with pleasure. Yet in the Merkel-Sarkozy era there is not much left of what was once the ‘driving force for European integration’. A Franco-German ‘competitiveness pact’ suggests a lost sense of solidarity and a deep distrust of EU institutions

Spain vs EU: gender violence clash

('Elaine Jordan',) — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:52:50 -0000

The proposals are for a monitoring system and a single helpline number under the Spanish presidency of the EU. But discussions on a European protection order remain up in the air because of responsibilities across institutions

French, Spanish, Czech and British youth on euroscepticism

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:12:36 -0000

Unpaid interns, taxes, recycling, the parliament in Strasbourg...you name it, our contributors from across the cafebabel.com network have something to say about what irks them most about Europe. 9 May marks sixty years since the Schuman declaration was signed, when it was agreed that France, Germany and others would work together as a federation

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...

Swedish Pirate Party MEP Christian Engström: ‘Europe is stronger than the US’

('Waldemar Ingdahl',) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:43:53 -0000

The newly elected pirate MEP, 49, a former computer programmer from Stockholm, talks about the EU-US relationship, eyes turning towards Sweden again and Europe’s second wave of pirate parties. Part I in a special edition marking the six-month Swedish presidency of the EU

One day at the European parliament in Strasbourg

('Soili Semkina',) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:41:37 -0000

For one week in each month the European parliament travels to Strasbourg to make decisions. The EP microcosmos runs in full speed in its Louise Weiss building. But how does it all really work?

Spotlight on fighting prostitution in Strasbourg

('Francesca Reinhardt',) — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:00:00 -0000

In the last year, the picturesque city of Strasbourg has become known as the red light district of Alsace, a veritable European capital of prostitution. Is Strasbourg really a big brothel, where locals and EU officials indulge their peccadilloes?

Closed down 'parlorama.eu' transparency portal can claim victory

('Lydia Bigos',) — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:12:48 -0000

Before the European elections between 4 - 7 June 2009, you will know which MP’s aren’t working as hard as they should be thanks to a French portal which was closed down recently - the latest titbit of news from Brussels