Democracy Impacts

EU Body Seeks More Rapid Deployment of Renewables

June 12, 2019

The European Court of Auditors has called on the European Commission to put pressure on EU member states to support the expanded deployment of wind and solar power sources to meet its renewable energy targets for the year 2020.
German Chancellor Seeks “Comparable” Wage Floor Across EU

June 12, 2019

Politico reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on EU institutions to begin a push for member states to implement a “comparable minimum wage” across the bloc.
EU Agency Calls for Bolstered National Plastic Waste Policies

June 05, 2019

The European Environment Agency has published a report calling on EU member states to develop “clear and coherent” plastic waste prevention targets, explore bans on more plastic products, and consider deals with industry to reduce plastic pollution.
UK Lawmakers Reject PM’s New Plan on Brexit

May 30, 2019

The Guardian reports that UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s latest attempt to pass her Brexit deal, by offering a binding vote on a new EU referendum if it succeeds, has failed, as at least 20 members of her party who originally supported her deal with the EU opposed the new plan.
EU Delegation Ignores Hungarian Objection to UNSC Statement

May 30, 2019

EUobserver reports that the EU’s delegation to the UN Security Council (UNSC) ignored Hungary’s objection to its statement on Israel, raising questions about the bloc’s attention to procedure in the context of foreign policy issues.
Macron Proposes EU-Wide Carbon Tax

May 30, 2019

In response to months of protests by the Yellow Vest movement, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a range of measures to be considered by EU institutions, including a bloc-wide carbon emissions tax and better promotion of “green finance.”
EC Calls for Easing Legislation Process for Social Issues

May 30, 2019

The European Commission (EC) recently issued a communication proposing a modification of EU rules to abolish member states’ veto over certain types of social legislation, enabling more “efficient” legislating in areas such as non-discrimination measures and social protection.
Brexit Party Shows Euroskeptic Strength in UK

May 29, 2019

The Guardian reports that the ruling UK Conservative Party and the main opposition Labour Party suffered heavy losses in last week’s European Parliament elections, as a newly established Brexit Party won the most seats in an election nearly three years after UK voters opted to leave the EU.
EU Council Finalizes “Overhaul” of Energy Framework

May 29, 2019

The Council of the EU has announced that it has “completed the overhaul” of the EU’s energy policy framework by adopting the final measures of the bloc’s “Clean energy for all Europeans” package that includes providing for the interconnection of the EU’s electricity market in an effort to fulfill EU pledges under the Paris climate accord.
Polish PM’s EU Reform Plan Focuses on National Sovereignty

May 01, 2019

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has published a five-point plan for EU reform that includes bloc-wide innovation and inequality strategies, combating protectionism, defense of borders, and handing great policymaking power to national parliaments.