Author: Anchal Vohra

The Rise of Right-Wing Influence in the European Parliament The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have secured influential positions on numerous committees in the European Parliament after the recent EU elections. With 13 positions allocated, including chair and vice chair roles, the ECR group now has a significant presence in committees covering critical areas like foreign affairs, security, and environment. Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party has seen a substantial increase in committee positions, raising concerns among some observers about the normalization of far-right ideologies within the parliament. While ECR representatives view their…

Socialist Teresa Ribera, Spain’s top candidate for a key role at the European Commission, is eyeing the portfolio of leading the European Green Deal. As Spain’s minister for ecological transition, Ribera aims to make the EU climate neutral by 2050. Celia Nyssens-James, from the European Environmental Bureau, believes Ribera is well-suited for this role but questions her stance on farmers, given Spain’s strong farming lobby. However, the EU faces resistance to its green policies, particularly from right-wing and center-right lawmakers. They are critical of aspects of the Green Deal, such as banning conventional fuel engines. Despite the investment needed for…

Socialist Teresa Ribera is Spain’s nominee for a key position at the European Commission. Ribera aims to lead the European Green Deal, an initiative to make the EU climate neutral by 2050, rather than focusing on foreign policy like her predecessor. With a background in ecological transition, Ribera is respected for her commitment to a greener future. Environmental activists believe she is the right choice to implement the EU Green Deal, though concerns about her approach to agriculture linger. Opposition to the Green Deal comes from various factions within the European Parliament, particularly center-right lawmakers and euroskeptic groups. Challenges such…

Green Future: Teresa Ribera Tipped to Lead EU’s Green Transition Team Spanish socialist Teresa Ribera is a strong candidate to take over a key role at the European Commission, with a focus on implementing the European Green Deal. Ribera, a respected figure in the environmental activist community, has expressed her commitment to creating a more sustainable and just Europe. If appointed, Ribera will face challenges from various groups, including far-right MEPs and center-right individuals, who are skeptical of the Green Deal’s goals. The EU’s effort to transition to a greener economy has also raised concerns about the social impact on…

Unraveling the Chaos: UK Riots Sparked by Knife Attack Recently, parts of the United Kingdom were thrown into chaos following a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of three girls, was carried out by Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old with Rwandan heritage from Cardiff, Wales. However, what started as a reaction to the attack quickly escalated into ethnic and sectarian clashes. Far-right supporters clashed with immigrant communities, particularly Muslims, resulting in widespread rioting. As hotels housing asylum-seekers went up in flames and police stations were attacked, tensions reached a boiling…

Hungary’s EU Presidency Puts Brussels on Edge As the focus in Brussels shifts to the selection of new EU commissioners, Hungary’s six-month EU presidency has drawn attention with a series of controversial moves. Political analysts, like Thu Nguyen, believe that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been using this time to influence EU affairs, despite expectations of little legislative work under the presidency. Orban’s recent actions, including a disruptive visit to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing, have caught the EU off guard. The latest issue revolves around a shortage of Russian oil supplies to Hungary via Ukraine, threatening the country’s energy…

When Donald Trump took the stage at the Republican National Convention, he was met with enthusiastic applause and considered a survivor following a failed assassination attempt. Leaders across Europe condemned the attempt and wished him a speedy recovery, fearing a potential second Trump presidency could lead to political instability and put European security at risk. Implications of a Second Trump Presidency There is concern that Trump may pressure Ukraine into ceding territory to Russia, sparking further conflict in the region and potentially withdrawing the US from NATO. European leaders are preparing to engage with Trump’s network in case he wins…

Former Estonian Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, stepped down, dashing hopes of her becoming NATO secretary-general due to her strong stance against Russia. Despite concerns, she backed Mark Rutte for the role. Now, she is on track to become the EU high representative for foreign policy, reflecting a shift in focus towards defense against Russia. Kallas, with a deep understanding of the Russian threat, aims to bolster European defenses by proposing joint EU borrowing for defense capabilities. Despite potential challenges regarding turf wars within the EU and NATO, Kallas remains focused on her top priority of preventing Russian aggression. What motivates…

Estonia’s former Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, recently resigned from her position. She was a lead candidate for the Secretary-General role at NATO, but her strong stance against Russia posed a challenge for her nomination. However, her exit from the race paved the way for her to become the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy. As concerns over Russia’s aggression grow, Kallas is set to focus on the EU’s defense capabilities, particularly in response to the war in Ukraine. Her appointment signals a shift towards a more assertive stance against Russian threats. Key Foreign Policy Priorities Kallas’s background in a post-Soviet…

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was a strong contender for the position of NATO secretary-general, but her reputation as a Russia hawk hindered her chances. European NATO members recognized the need to involve eastern member states more in Brussels’ hierarchy due to the war in Ukraine. However, concerns over sending a Baltic leader as a strong message to Putin and uncertainties about US leadership also played a role. Kallas gracefully endorsed Mark Rutte for the NATO boss position, hinting at a potential entry into the office of EU high representative for foreign policy. As an early alarm-raiser on Putin’s expansionist…