Democracy Impacts

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.
EU Chief: UK Cannot Delay Brexit “Indefinitely”

April 30, 2019

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has warned that, though they agreed to a “flexible” Brexit extension until October 31, EU member states will not “indefinitely” put off Britain’s exit from the bloc.
UK Lawmaker: PM Must Remain “Servant of the People” on Brexit

April 22, 2019

Former Brexit Secretary David Davis MP argues that the UK Prime Minister’s first responsibility is to the British people, who voted in favor of leaving the EU, and that she must therefore refuse to be bound by any parliamentary vote seeking to contradict the outcome of the Brexit referendum in 2016.
UK Chancellor: New Brexit Referendum Deserves Consideration

April 22, 2019

The Independent reports that UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has argued the proposal for a second Brexit referendum that could override the outcome of the first “deserves to be considered along with the other proposals” the UK Parliament is debating.
EU Official Seeks Economic Transformation to Achieve Climate Plan

April 22, 2019

At a plenary debate on climate change in the European Parliament, European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Arias Cañete called for a “deep transformation of our model of economic development” to reach “net zero” European greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.