Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Anna-Sophie Maass Filed Under: Europe Posted:
From recent fears about Russia’s actions in Syria, to the murder of Alexander Litvinenko in London, there has been a worsening of the EU’s relationship with Russia. Anna-Sophie Maass examines some of the historical reasons for the transformation from cooperation to confrontation. In 1999 Javier Solana spoke longingly about the mutual economic and political benefits […]
By Leah Culhane Filed Under: Europe, Featured Posted:
With the final results of the Irish general election now in, Leah Culhane considers the impact of gender quotas on male over-representation within the lower house. Following the onset of Ireland’s deep financial crisis, the dominating focus in the last two elections has been the need for substantive change. The ‘earthquake’ election of 2011 arguably marked […]
By Tanja Müller Filed Under: All posts, Europe Posted:
A few months ago Tanja Müller wrote a blog on the failed quest for solidarity in Europe in light of the movement of refugees and migrants. Here she follows that up with another in the wake of devastating Paris attacks. The main response in too many countries then – and I wrote the previous blog […]
By Mustafa Cirakli Filed Under: Europe, Featured Posted:
Europe’s refugee crisis continues. The EU’s deal with Turkey may provide humanitarian assistance, respite for European leaders and a better dialogue with Turkey, argues Mustafa Cirakli. Turkey-EU membership talks formally began in 2005, but there has been little progress. In part this is because of opposition from several ‘core’ member states, notably France and Germany. […]
By Laurence Brown Filed Under: Ethnicity, Europe, Featured Posted:
Given that it is the central focus of UK immigration policy, it is striking that the actual number of the net migration target and its statistical justification has remained so nebulous, says Dr Laurence Brown. “Net migration” was a key term that dominated Home Secretary Theresa May’s recent speech at the Conservative party conference. In […]
By Ingrid Storm Filed Under: Ethnicity, Europe, Featured Posted:
Dr Ingrid Storm argues that economic concerns about immigration are related to financial insecurity. In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis immigration is high on the political agenda throughout Europe, sharply dividing public opinion. Anti-immigration rhetoric often paints a picture of immigrants as “stealing jobs” or “scrounging” on the welfare system, arguments that can […]
By Tanja Müller Filed Under: All posts, Europe, Featured Posted:
As the migration crisis continues to rock Europe, Tanja Müller looks back at a story from the Second World War, to see what the past can teach about current attitudes to those trying to make it to Europe for a better life. It has become a common trope to describe the current movement of people […]
By Dimitris Papadimitriou and Kevin Featherstone Filed Under: All posts, Europe, Featured Posted:
Why doesn’t Greece reform? Dimitris Papadimitriou and Kevin Featherstone on why the Greek political system has contributed to the mess the country finds itself in. Over the past few years the inability of successive Greek governments to deliver on the demands of international creditors has been a key feature of Greece’s bailout drama. Frustrated observers […]
By Mustafa Cirakli Filed Under: All posts, Europe, Featured Posted:
Agreement has been reached over a deal to keep Greece in the Euro, for the time being at least. But, Mustafa Cirakli says, the problems in the country and the whole Eurozone are far from over. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t! Such was the predicament in which the SYRIZA-led Greek government stood in […]
By Angelo Salento Filed Under: Devo, Europe, Featured Posted:
When it comes to devolution, be careful what you wish for. Angelo Salento explains how it went wrong in Italy. We Italians tend to be believe our politics and history are unique. But there is a clear parallel between Italy’s experience of devolution and the description by Carol Craig of what happened in the Scottish […]