Many countries refused to contribute to the European community’s handling of the crisis and, left on her own, Merkel explains: “We hope that once there is peace you will be able to return to your country”.
Nick Malkoutzis via Macropolis | After weeks of dancing around the issue, it seems that Greece and its lenders have started, even tangentially, to link the refugee crisis and the pending bailout review.
Nick Malkoutzis via MacroPolis | For some years now, and especially over the last 12 months, Greece has acted as Europe’s lifeguard, first aid provider and gravedigger. It seems, though, that the strain of the refugee crisis means Greece’s European partners also want it to serve as a prison warden.
Maxime Larivé | With the rise of the far-right, national politics will certainly have their say on international relations in Europe. It has become routine for analysts to identify issues and threats that may occur throughout the next 12 months. And every time, experts underline how futile such an exercise can be.
Medea Benjamin | It would certainly be easy to do a piece about ten horrible events from 2015—from the ongoing war in Syria and the refugee crisis, to the attacks in Beirut, Paris and San Bernardino, to the rise of Donald Trump and Islamophobia. But that wouldn’t be a very inspiring way to bid farewell to this year and usher in a new one. So let’s look at ten reasons to feel better about 2015.
JOHN BRUTON | With a refugee crisis, a banking union and the prospect of a Brexit, the European Union is faced with a host of questions. The situation was described at the EPP Congress as the “most serious crisis for the European Union since its creation.” This is not an exaggeration.