European Union

Last month the Commission placed all 27 countries in a ‘low risk’ category for deforestation – a classic EU fudge paying lip service to the fight against climate change at a time of widespread forest degradation and illegal logging in Europe.

The drones, whose model remains undisclosed, would primarily serve the Ukrainian armed forces but also benefit French troops.

Aboard the boat are nationals of Germany, France, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden, Spain and the Netherlands.

With the next parliamentary elections set for October 2026, the recent municipal results signal a growing momentum for the populist Latvia First party.

Airlangga did not disclose any agreements that would be part of the deal

European officials and businesses' have repeatedly criticised China's export restrictions, which they argue have severely harmed Europe's long-suffering industries.

The money was reportedly paid to the NGOs in 2023, one year after contracts between the Commission and the NGOs were signed.

The leaders will debate Arctic security during the visit together with the premier of the semi-autonomous Danish territory, Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

Banning children from social media is a simplistic and ineffective approach to tackle the increasing harms they face online. Instead, governments should hold the companies that create these platforms accountable.

Scandals are piling up for Sánchez, but the opposition is split: the Popular Party calls for protests while Vox pushes a likely doomed no-confidence vote.

Austria's 'road to serfdom' should should serve as a warning to the rest of the continent.

Brussels started the week smarting after the Polish presidential elections. On Tuesday Geert Wilders torpedoed the Dutch government. Meanwhile France is doing battle with Big Porn. Here are highlights from a lively week.

The case dates back to 2021, when funding for a regional university was awarded by a member of its own board of trustees. 

Use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) exploded after Pornhub and two other major porn platforms blocked French users but the law is the law, says Clara Chappaz.

"The current EU regulation is not enough", acknowledged the Danish minister.

Her response comes after a request from the Parliament’s anti-corruption group, urging the Commission to fast-track the EU's transparency register review.

It was exactly 50 years ago, on 6 June 1975, that the UK learnt the result of its first-ever national referendum, on whether to remain in the European Community.

The result was emphatic. Over 67 percent voted to stay, a 35 percent margin in favour of remaining, a decisive outcome. All four nations of the UK voted to remain. Britain spoke with one voice, and that voice was for Europe.

Now compare that with the second referendum, held on 23 June 2016.

Out of just over 33 million valid votes, only 17.4 million were for Leave. That amounted to a margin of just 4 percent, well within the margin of error for a decision of such historic weight.

And unlike in 1975, the UK did not speak with one voice. Only England and Wales voted to leave. Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain, as did Gibraltar.

So, while the 1975 referendum was decisive and united the country, the 2016 referendum was divisive  and split it, by nation, generation, education, and worldview.

Brexit supporters often claim the issue is settled. But democracy is never a one time event. Polls now show a clear and consistent majority believe Brexit was a mistake and would vote to rejoin the EU if given the chance.

Britain was never truly united behind Brexit.

Millions directly affected were denied a vote, and half the nations of the UK rejected leaving the EU. And yet, we are told the decision cannot be revisited.

What other major national decision is treated as untouchable, no matter how much has changed? Even in our personal lives, we revisit past decisions. We change course when circumstances change.

Democracy did not stop in 1975. It did not stop in 2016. Nor should it now.

One day, the people must have the chance to review Brexit, in a new, free and fair vote.

• Join the discussion about this post on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, BlueSky

The post The first referendum was decisive, the second divisive appeared first on Ideas on Europe.

On 13 and 14 June in Strasbourg, around 8,500 16 to 30-year-olds from all over the world will take part in a series of activities centred on the future of Europe.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 13 and 14 June in Strasbourg, around 8,500 16 to 30-year-olds from all over the world will take part in a series of activities centred on the future of Europe.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Committee and political group meetings

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP