Analysis
Expert analysis, features and profiles of key topical issues in the European Union.
Europe battles declining influence
The European Union is hoping that its revamped leadership can reverse a decline in global influence, wary of being marginalised by the United States and emerging Asian powers such as China, experts said.
Renewing and decentralising Iraq’s electricity
The European Union and Iraq on 18 January signed an agreement to strengthen their energy cooperation in areas such as natural gas, energy security and renewables (see EUbusiness: EU, Iraq sign energy agreement).
Kremlin body proposes radical makeover for Russia
It's the near future. Russia is a thriving multi-party democracy with a media free of state control. It has become a member of NATO and is thinking of joining the European Union.
Derek Prag (1923-2010)
Derek Prag was the Conservative member of the European Parliament for Hertfordshire from 1979 to 1994.
Europe acts to plot Greek clean-up
Denying it publicly, whispering it privately but working frantically on detailed scenarios, Europe is at last acting to stem a haemorrhaging of financial credibility unleashed by Greek profligacy.
Nikolay Mladenov, Bulgaria's new foreign minister
New Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov, who switched portfolios Wednesday from defence minister, is the youngest member of the cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.
Spain seeks EU-wide lifeline for battered women
Maria was beaten by her husband for years. Today, she has an emergency telephone just in case her ex gets too close.
Six powers count on unity to check Iran nuclear ambitions
Six international powers are counting on unity to check Iran's nuclear ambitions, according to a European diplomat who expects China to drop its opposition to new sanctions for fear of isolation.
German body scanner firm sees business taking off
Tighter security at airports may be an inconvenience to passengers, but for one firm near Frankfurt airport, Europe's third-largest hub, it is a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity.
Haiti quake response exposes EU frailties
Europe's response to the tragedy of quake-ravaged Haiti has exposed glaring weaknesses just as EU institutions try to flex new-found muscle, according to analysts.
Juncker, doyen of European leaders, back at Eurogroup helm
Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker wanted the big ceremonial job of Europe's first full-time president, the chance to go toe-to-toe with Barack Obama in global summits.
Israel spat raises questions on Turkey's orientation
The latest spat between Israel and Turkey has furthered poisoned ties between the estranged allies and raises new questions over whether Ankara is drifting away from the West and towards its Middle Eastern neighbours.
Spain signals ambitious EU presidency, at the risk of friction
Spain has quickly shown it intends to play a driving role in the EU during its six-month presidency -- at the risk of being snubbed, as happened this week over a bold economic proposal.
Bulgaria's foreign minister a controversial EU candidate
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Rumiana Jeleva, whose nomination for a senior position on the EU Commission in Brussels has sparked controversy, was little known in her country until a few years ago.
Key nominations for Europe's top policy team
The European Parliament begins vetting from Monday the 26 nominees for the top jobs at the EU's powerful executive arm, to be led by President Jose Manuel Barroso.
Spain dreams of 'economic government' in Europe
Spain plans to use its EU presidency to push for a form of European "government" on economic issues, with the promise of rewards for members who meet binding targets.
Europe must follow Germany and Spain
For the next six months, Spain holds the Presidency of the EU and, from the start of February, there will be a new European Commission, with the German Gunther Oettinger, a member of Merkel’s centre-right CDU party, as Energy Commissioner. Spain and Germany lead the EU on wind and solar power, so there are good grounds to hope that the new leadership will result in a major speeding up of the low carbon transition.
Was Copenhagen worth it?
Yes, just. The Copenhagen Accord is vague and, having been negotiated by a small number of countries led by the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa, was only “noted” by the Conference, not formally adopted.
'Hydra-headed' leadership takes over EU
A new-look leadership structure designed to streamline the European Union begins in earnest Friday when Spain assumes the rotating presidency alongside the bloc's first president, Herman Van Rompuy.
Weakened domestically, Spain's Zapatero eyes EU spotlight
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero takes over the rotating EU presidency on January 1 hoping that the international spotlight will reverse a slump in his popularity caused by the economic crisis.
