8 h. ago Von der Leyen survives censure vote but faces calls to reverse EU’s rightward drift

Debate on motion against European Commission president lifts lid on simmering discontent among MEPsThe European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has survived a rare vote of censure in the European parliament, but faces calls to reverse the rightward drift of EU policies.Von der Leyen was always expected to comfortably survive the censure motion vote on Thursday, which in theory could have triggered the downfall of her commission. In the end 175 MEPs voted for the motion, 360 against and only 18 abstained on a turnout of 77% of the 720-strong parliament. Continue reading...

Events

18 h. ago Ursula von der Leyen faces rare censure vote in European parliament

European Commission president expected to survive but ballot likely to reveal discontent about EU’s rightward driftThe European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, is preparing to face a rare vote of censure in the European parliament that is likely to reveal discontent about the rightward drift of EU policies.Von der Leyen is expected to comfortably survive a vote on Thursday on the censure motion, which in theory could trigger the downfall of her commission. While her survival is considered a certainty, the debate has lifted the lid on simmering discontent among centrist, centre-left and green MEPs who voted her back into office just under one year ago, after elections that gave rightwing nationalists their best-ever results. Continue reading...

Politics

53 h. ago Macron warns against Europe’s excessive dependency on US, China – Europe live

French president Emmanuel Macron is in the UK for a state visitDanish prime minister Mette Frederiksen is now giving a major speech in the European parliament, outlining Denmark’s priorities for the EU as it takes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.Opening, she warns that “Europe is facing the greatest challenges since the 1940s,” as she lists a growing lists of urgent issues, with Russia’s aggression on Ukraine, migration, the Middle East, trade, and terrorism.“The threats may be many, and they are indeed serious, but I have trust in Europe.Trust that we can move our continent forward, build a more secure Europe, a greener and more competitive Europe, a new Europe of tomorrow with possibilities and welfare for our citizens, but only if we remember what we are capable of, what our societies are built upon, and who we really are as Europeans.” Continue reading...

Events

54 h. ago Marseille airport suspends flights due to wildfire as residents warned to clear the streets – Europe live

Local authorities warned residents to stay inside and leave streets clear as they said the wildfire was moving towards the cityDanish prime minister Mette Frederiksen is now giving a major speech in the European parliament, outlining Denmark’s priorities for the EU as it takes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.Opening, she warns that “Europe is facing the greatest challenges since the 1940s,” as she lists a growing lists of urgent issues, with Russia’s aggression on Ukraine, migration, the Middle East, trade, and terrorism.“The threats may be many, and they are indeed serious, but I have trust in Europe.Trust that we can move our continent forward, build a more secure Europe, a greener and more competitive Europe, a new Europe of tomorrow with possibilities and welfare for our citizens, but only if we remember what we are capable of, what our societies are built upon, and who we really are as Europeans.” Continue reading...

Events

57 h. ago Macron says state visit to UK ‘significant for Europe’ as he meets royals – Europe live

State visit will involve events with pageantry but is also scheduled to include an Anglo-French summit and other meetings with Keir StarmerDanish prime minister Mette Frederiksen is now giving a major speech in the European parliament, outlining Denmark’s priorities for the EU as it takes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.Opening, she warns that “Europe is facing the greatest challenges since the 1940s,” as she lists a growing lists of urgent issues, with Russia’s aggression on Ukraine, migration, the Middle East, trade, and terrorism.“The threats may be many, and they are indeed serious, but I have trust in Europe.Trust that we can move our continent forward, build a more secure Europe, a greener and more competitive Europe, a new Europe of tomorrow with possibilities and welfare for our citizens, but only if we remember what we are capable of, what our societies are built upon, and who we really are as Europeans.” Continue reading...

Politics

60 h. ago Berlin summons Chinese ambassador over military use of laser targeting German aircraft – Europe live

‘The endangerment of German personnel and disruption of the operation are completely unacceptable,’ foreign ministry saidDanish prime minister Mette Frederiksen is now giving a major speech in the European parliament, outlining Denmark’s priorities for the EU as it takes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.Opening, she warns that “Europe is facing the greatest challenges since the 1940s,” as she lists a growing lists of urgent issues, with Russia’s aggression on Ukraine, migration, the Middle East, trade, and terrorism.“The threats may be many, and they are indeed serious, but I have trust in Europe.Trust that we can move our continent forward, build a more secure Europe, a greener and more competitive Europe, a new Europe of tomorrow with possibilities and welfare for our citizens, but only if we remember what we are capable of, what our societies are built upon, and who we really are as Europeans.” Continue reading...

Events

8 d. ago Ryanair to cut free cabin baggage allowance by 10% as European airlines ‘standardise’

Exclusive: Reduction comes as European Parliament has been pushing for bigger free bags

Politics

2 w. ago A broken housing market is driving inequality right across Europe – and fuelling the far right | Kirsty Major

From Lisbon to Amsterdam, housing policy has led to haves and have-nots. But, as our new series uncovers, it doesn’t have to be this wayHousing is as personal an issue as it gets. Homes are where we take refuge from the outside world, express ourselves, build relationships and families. To buy or rent a house is to project your aspirations and dreams on to bricks and mortar – can we see ourselves sitting outside in the sunshine on that patio? It can also be a deeply frustrating process – can we afford that house? For more and more of us, the answer is no.Experienced at such an individual level, it’s easy to think that rising costs are a problem particular to your community, city or country. But unaffordable house prices and rents are a continent-wide issue. According to the European Parliament, from 2015 to 2023, in absolute terms, house prices in the EU rose by just under 50% on average. From 2010 to 2022, rents rose by 18%.Kirsty Major is a deputy Opinion editor for the Guardian C...

Politics

3 w. ago Dozens of MEPs to attend Budapest Pride in defiance of Viktor Orbán

As many as 70 said to be planning to show solidarity at LGBTQ+ march after Hungary’s PM tried to ban itDozens of MEPs are expected to attend the Pride march in Budapest later this month, in defiance of the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, who has tried to ban the event.In a debate in the European parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs from liberal, left and green groups pledged to be in Budapest on 28 June for the parade to show solidarity with gay Hungarians. Continue reading...

Politics