European Union

The French left and members of the government welcomed on Monday (24 July) the result of Sunday's Spanish elections, in which the far-right Vox party lost 19 seats compared to four years ago, reducing its chances of taking part in any new government.

The impact assessment on the animal welfare rules overhaul has received the approval of the European Commission’s quality control board, according to sources, as the EU executive insists the revision remains a ‘high priority’ despite recent backlash on green files.

In his capacity as president of the European Council, Charles Michel’s trademark has become high-level international mediation in the Caucasus - a questionable activity that has brought no results yet.

Following an inconclusive election in Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez must decide “quickly” whether he wants to join a coalition with the “extremes” or with “centrists”, a high-ranking European People’s Party (EPP) source told EURACTIV in the aftermath of Sunday’s (23 July) vote.

We were left dazed and disoriented by the blazing spike which had punctured our tourist bubble. Last Monday we were in Lindos, marvelling at its panoramic acropolis and enjoying its beaches. Now it is the site of mass tourist evacuations.

As the EU works to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), decision-makers would do well to tune out the voice of the chemicals industry, just as they did with Big Tobacco and fossil fuels, writes Vicky Cann. 

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Area of Freedom, Security and Justice

Combating fraud against the European Union’s financial interests: national rules on limitation periods for criminal liability must allow effective prevention and punishment

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Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
Lutte contre la fraude aux intérêts financiers de l’Union européenne : les règles nationales de prescription pénale doivent permettre une prévention et une répression effectives

Sunday's election in Spain has left a fragmented political landscape, where no party or potential coalition has achieved a clear working majority — raising concerns about a stalemate or even new elections.

In Spain, the conservative People's Party has emerged as the strongest party in the snap general election. With almost all the votes counted it secured 136 (89 seats four years ago) out of a total of 350 parliamentary seats. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialists have 122 seats, the right-wing populist Vox won 33 and the left-wing alliance Sumar has 31. With these results neither the left nor the right has a real chance of achieving an absolute majority, which leaves commentators wondering what will happen now.

Since Russia suspended the grain agreement the Ukrainian port city of Odessa has been massively targeted by Russian missile and drone strikes. Civilian buildings in the old town, which is a protected Unesco World Heritage Site, have also been hit, and the Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral has been severely damaged. What do these attacks mean for the course of the war?

The final vote on Israel's controversial judicial reform will take place in the Knesset today, Monday. Last night tens of thousands once more gathered to demonstrate against legislation that could limit the powers of the Supreme Court and give the government more power. Europe's press voices its concern but also sees hopeful signs.