European Union

The Organization of the Petro Exporting Countries (Opec) has decided, on the basis of a preliminary agreement reached in September, to cut production for the first time since 2008 in a bid to halt falling oil prices. The move prompted oil prices to soar shortly after it was announced. Commentators say it is high time Europe switched to alternative energy sources.

The Italians will vote on a complex constitutional reform on December 4 that among other things foresees a smaller Senate. However, according to observers the referendum is less about the reform than a vote for or against Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the potential consequences of a government crisis for all Europe. How risky is Renzi's gambit?

Fear of globalisation is the driving force behind right-wing populism while traditional values play less of a role, a recent survey carried out by the Bertelsmann Foundation shows. In view of the rising popularity of right-wing demagogues in many European countries and in the US, commentators discuss how to counter right-wing populism.

Every four years the Timss Study assesses the mathematics skills of grade four pupils around the world. For many years states in the Far East have topped the ranking list, with Russia leading the countries of Europe. Pupils from Germany, Finland and the Netherlands saw a drop in their 2015 scores compared to 2011, according the newly-published study. No one in Europe cares anymore about teaching young people how to do maths, commentators fume.

Plenary sessions : For next year’s budget, MEPs have ensured better support for unemployed youngsters and additional funds to boost key initiatives supporting SMEs, transport infrastructure projects, research and Erasmus+ student mobility. Commitment appropriations for 2017 total €157.8578 billion, and payment appropriations €134.49 billion.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Plenary sessions : For next year’s budget, MEPs have ensured better support for unemployed youngsters and additional funds to boost key initiatives supporting SMEs, transport infrastructure projects, research and Erasmus+ student mobility. Commitment appropriations for 2017 total €157.8578 billion, and payment appropriations €134.49 billion.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP