President of European Parliament visits Kyiv on Europe Day
European Parliament President Metsola reaffirmed support for Ukraine's EU membership at the International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv. [ more ]
Georgia: Thousands protest 'foreign agent' bill in Tbilisi DW 05/11/2024
Thousands protested a bill requiring NGOs to register as foreign agents in Georgia, sparking concern about civil society and foreign influence. [ more ]
The Georgian parliament approved a law tightening checks on organizations receiving funds from overseas, sparking protests and concerns about the country's EU membership bid. [ more ]
MPs in Georgia agree draft of repressive' foreign agents bill amid protests
The Georgian lawmakers approved a controversial foreign influence bill, leading to protests and opposition from both the population and Western countries. [ more ]
Far-right AfD leader vows to campaign for Brexit-style EU exit vote in Germany
The leader of Germany's far-right party, Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD), has stated that the party would campaign for a Brexit-style vote on EU membership if it comes to power.
Alice Weidel, the leader of AfD, called the UK's decision to leave the EU a model for Germany and said a 'Dexit' would boost the country's self-determination.
The AfD has faced backlash and protests following revelations that its members discussed a masterplan for mass deportations of foreigners, but Weidel claims the party only wants to use the law to repatriate those who have no right to remain in Germany. [ more ]
Keys to enlarging the European Union: Steps and obstacles on a complex path
The European Union member states have agreed to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, bringing the number of candidates for EU membership to nine.
Candidate status does not guarantee immediate entry into the European Union; there are many steps and obstacles the countries must overcome. [ more ]
North Macedonia presidential election heads to runoff DW 04/25/2024
Opposition candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova leads the first round of the North Macedonian presidential election with almost 40% of the votes. [ more ]
EU agrees to begin membership negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina
EU leaders agreed to open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina for joining the EU, emphasizing the need for more reforms before talks could begin.
The decision is viewed as a significant milestone for Bosnia to move beyond instability, marked by ethnic conflicts and secession threats, towards EU membership. [ more ]
EU agrees to open membership negotiations with Ukraine
The European Union has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, a country at war that has long sought membership but faced opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the decision as a victory for Ukraine and for all of Europe. [ more ]
Why the EU budget summit is a test of European democracy
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban is threatening to derail EU membership talks with Ukraine and block a new 50bn facility to help the country pay its bills.
The EU leaders' summit is crucial for setting priorities for the next three years' budget, but Orban's threats have overshadowed the discussions.
Failing to support Ukraine's enlargement would have devastating consequences for the EU's unity and credibility. [ more ]
Far-right leader wants Germany to perform its own Brexit
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party plans to push for a referendum on Germany's EU membership if it comes to power.
The party believes that if EU reform is not possible, then the citizens should decide on Germany's EU membership, similar to the UK's Brexit referendum. [ more ]