European Union

The referendum on the future name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Fyrom) has failed owing to low voter turnout. Since the vote wasn't binding the issue can now be presented to parliament for it to give its verdict. Commentators are still hopeful that the compromise negotiated with Athens will be successful.

Turkish President Erdoğan's three-day visit to Berlin and Cologne ended on the weekend. Despite harsh criticism from the German president and chancellor, Erdoğan concluded that the visit had been successful. It did not amount to a fresh start in relations between the two nations, some commentators say. Others call for the dialogue to continue.

The US Senate's Judiciary Committee heard the testimony of several women regarding allegations of sexual harassment against Republican Supreme Court candidate Brett Kavanaugh. The Committee then recommended Kavanaugh's nomination. The very fact that the hearings took place at all is already a success for the MeToo movement, some commentators stress. Others believe there is still too much tolerance for sexism in the US.

British Prime Minister May and former foreign secretary Johnson are at loggerheads as the Conservative Party conference gets underway. In an interview with The Sunday Times Johnson called May's Brexit plans ridiculous and the result of mental confusion. He himself proposed a free trade agreement with the EU and a bridge between Ireland and Britain. Who will win out?

Mayotte, one of the EU’s least developed regions, lies in the middle of the Indian Ocean. EU cohesion policy supports the French department by encouraging local production and trade. EURACTIV France reports.

Protesters blocked roads and railways in Spain's prosperous northeastern region of Catalonia on Monday (1 October) to mark the first anniversary of an illegal independence referendum that prompted the Spanish government to take constitutional measures that restricted Catalan autonomy. EURACTIV’s partner efe-epa reports.

From Calarasi to Ruse, from Costanza to Veliko Tarnovo, EU Cohesion Policy has supported hundreds of actions and infrastructure investment in the fields of transport, science, education, youth employment, environment and support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Romania and Bulgaria.

The political climate for the European elections is looking particularly challenging for politicians across Europe. European leaders will need to show how the EU can make a real difference in citizens’ lives.