European Union

Reading the opinion of Greens / EFA members of the European Parliament on plant breeding, one can’t help but be amazed by their obsession with GMOs, writes Garlich von Essen.

Parts of the German CDU party are highly critical of the joint reform plans proposed by their own Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. Her projects for the eurozone are the "wrong signal", they say. EURACTIV Germany’s media partner “WirtschaftsWoche” reports.

US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium "have consequences," EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said Tuesday after Harley-Davidson announced moving some production outside the US. Malmstrom added the EU was "seriously contemplating" taking provisional measures by mid-July to further protect EU industry. She said however that the EU has "not yet a prepared list" of counter-measures in case Donald Trump imposed tariffs on EU cars, after threats to do so.

The EU’s long-term plan for a high-speed rail network is unlikely to be achieved and there is no solid EU-wide strategic approach, according to a highly critical report by the European Court of Auditors released on Tuesday (26 June).

The Turkish diaspora in Europe voted overwhelmingly in favour of Erdoğan in the Turkish presidential elections. In many places he secured a far higher percentage of the vote than in Turkey itself. Commentators examine the reasons and ask how Ankara's influence can be curtailed.

Turkish head of state Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has won an absolute majority in the first round of the presidential election. However, his party has lost its majority in parliament and must now rely on the far-right MHP for support. The media examine the implications of Erdoğan's sweeping powers for the country.

Shortly before the EU summit this weekend - and after the mini-summit held at Angela Merkel's request - it remains unclear whether the EU member states will be able to agree on a common migration policy. And who will win out - the advocates of an open door policy or those who want a hard line against refugees. Journalists urge the politicians to deliver results.

In the ongoing trade dispute with the US the EU has raised import tariffs for a number of US goods. Tariffs for products like whisky, jeans and motorbikes were increased in retaliation for Donald Trump's import duties on European steel and aluminium products. Commentators support the move, even voicing hopes that the row will ultimately leave the EU in a better position.