The New European Commission: The Controversial Migration Agenda

By Laura Marino On 1 December 2024, President Ursula von der Leyen began her second mandate at the helm of the European Commission, leading a new team of Commissioners. Together, they’ve set bold priorities for the Commission from 2024 to 2029. Among these priorities, there is the responsibility to define EU policy regarding migration, asylum,Continue reading “The New European Commission: The Controversial Migration Agenda”

The Framework Convention on AI: A New Era in Global Tech Governance

By Tamar Vardiashvili On September 5, 2024, the Council of Europe (CoE) introduced the first legally binding international treaty on AI governance, marking a pivotal moment in global technology regulation. This landmark framework establishes unprecedented legal standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, deployment, and oversight across the public and private sectors. Importantly, initial signatories includeContinue reading “The Framework Convention on AI: A New Era in Global Tech Governance”

Romanian elections: The shock and its on-going aftermath.

By Bella Cezara Popescu Called off when the country faced the choice between aligning with its Western allies or risking democratic backsliding into Putin’s sphere of influence, Romania’s ongoing presidential elections have brought about several unprecedented political decisions and candidates. For example, the round held on November 24th (later annulled by the Constitutional Court) has,Continue reading “Romanian elections: The shock and its on-going aftermath.”

What will the second Trump presidency mean for the European Union?

By Simone Scibelli Context 2024 was the year of elections. Coincidentally, during the past year, 76 countries encompassing approximately four billion people around the world held a national election. Arguably the longest awaited, and the most anticipated, was that which took place on November 5th in the United States, which resulted in Donald Trump winningContinue reading “What will the second Trump presidency mean for the European Union?”

The Year of Four Prime Ministers

By Myrto Vamvakoudi As the Eiffel Tower’s lights sparkled on New Year’s Eve, ushering in 2025, France found itself in a state of political uncertainty unprecedented in its modern history. The nation that prides itself on stability and global influence spent a staggering 130 days without a fully functioning government in 2024, as if rewritingContinue reading “The Year of Four Prime Ministers”

The EU Commissioner Hearings

By Nina Cullen What are they?  The European Parliament holds public hearings for all nominated European commissioners to scrutinise their qualifications before approving their appointments to the EU executive. The latest hearings, which take place from 4-12 November, follow the 2024 European Parliament elections. Unlike more opaque national leader selection processes, these hearings are transparent,Continue reading “The EU Commissioner Hearings”