The Role of Cities and Regions in the EU
Yesterday, the European Parliament discussed the role of cities and regions and the potential for regional development within the EU. The debate attracted relatively little interest, as many representatives were either absent or not engaged in the topic. Yet, this was one of the most critical discussions to shape the next cycle fundamentally. Primarily, Spanish representatives were active, focusing on three main elements.
Democracy: is it a mere political phenomenon, or a cultural attitude?
It is just natural that time to time we tend to think about the quality of our Western democracies, especially in a period when several crisis hit our social structures. As democracy is a system that indeed needs constant work to be maintained, it is not surprising that we are evaluating regularly if it is functioning properly.
Expats During Municipal Elections
Living as an expat in Brussels is one of the most exciting ways to experience life. Part of this excitement comes from the fact that 35% of Brussels’ population, roughly 400,000 people, are not Belgian citizens. Of these, 220,000 are considered expats—highly qualified, well-paid individuals working for international organizations. In this highly livable city, characterized by vast green spaces and a vibrant cultural scene, around 180 nationalities speaking over 100 languages mix.
Missed Opportunity
The much-anticipated debate in the European Parliament took place yesterday. It offered an opportunity for everyone to voice their own narrative, to offer ideas, a vision, and perhaps a solution for Europe. Unfortunately, no one took this opportunity.
We Need More Than Solidarity Now!
The European Parliament held its plenary session in Strasbourg this week. The main item on the agenda was an assessment of the Hungarian presidency’s achievements so far and a presentation of the remaining tasks and challenges facing the EU, which Mr Viktor Orbán PM, as head of the presiding member state, wanted to present.
Banning Airbnb in One Budapest District Sets a Dangerous National Precedent for Hungary
The recent referendum in Terézváros, one of the inner-city districts of the Hungarian capital, to ban Airbnb rentals reveals deeper issues in public engagement and policymaking. With only 6,083 votes out of 41,000 residents, the turnout was a mere 15%, signaling widespread indifference. The low participation calls into question the referendum’s legitimacy and suggests that many residents may not view Airbnb as a critical contributor to the housing crisis.
Ethical Remembrance & Solemn Recognition with Warsaw Ghetto Scholar Dr. Katarzyna Person
Dr. Katarzyna Person, the deputy director of the Warsaw Ghetto Museum that is set to open in 2026, has been awarded the Dan David Prize. Headquartered at Tel Aviv University and established in 2001, recipients of the prestigious honor “reward innovative and interdisciplinary work that contributes to humanity.” Dr. Person’s focused commitment to Holocaust studies as a professor, researcher, and writer on a number of books and articles, as well as editing volumes of many documents from the Underground Archive, has collectively earned her much respect as a renowned scholar.
On The Ground at Mob-Filled Rally in Washington
Much has been made of the nasty and perverse anti-Israel demonstration on Saturday April 27 outside the White House Correspondents Dinner at the Hilton Hotel on Connecticut Ave in D.C. The glitzy affair featured President Joe Biden hurling jabs at GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump while also offering dire warnings of the fate of democracy in America if he isn’t re-elected in November.
Poland’s 2004 EU Accession: A Retrospective
Two decades have passed. Poland is on the brink of celebrating the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union in the vibrant Parc Cinquantenaire of Brussels. The festivities promise a lively May Day atmosphere, complete with games for children and a captivating country image campaign showcasing Poland’s diverse regions and municipalities to a cosmopolitan audience. One question lingers as Poland prepares to mark this momentous occasion: do they genuinely have cause for celebration?
Europe’s Response to Russia’s Presidential Elections
Recent international events have underscored the resilience of the West and its commitment to defending democratic values and Ukraine. Despite internal divisions, a bipartisan Congressional decision in the United States allocated $100 billion in foreign aid to support Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russia. This decisive action, supported by Republican and Democratic majorities, demonstrated a unified stance against Russian aggression.
Tucker Carlson’s Putin interview was a disgrace – but it would be wrong for Europe to sanction him
On 8 February, American journalist and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson interviewed the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, in the Kremlin. This was a highly anticipated and controversial event which drew much criticism: two liberal members of the European Parliament went as far as to suggest that Carlson could be sanctioned by EU authorities for acting as a mouthpiece of the Russian government – a possibility which the European Commission promptly ruled out.
Pesticide changes are not enough to appease protesting farmers. The real problem is subsidies
After a great deal of bureaucratic drama, Spain has finally decided to recognize Kosovo passports. The UAE has also joined the party by removing visas for Kosovan citizens, allowing them to travel to the Arab state with only their passport for the first time. These are long-awaited changes which represent a big step forward in Kosovo’s relations with the rest of the world. But there is still much more to do – starting with the rest of Europe getting on board with visa-free travel for Kosovars and recognising Kosovo’s sovereignty.
Spain finally recognising Kosovo passports is a good start – but it’s still not enough
After a great deal of bureaucratic drama, Spain has finally decided to recognize Kosovo passports. The UAE has also joined the party by removing visas for Kosovan citizens, allowing them to travel to the Arab state with only their passport for the first time. These are long-awaited changes which represent a big step forward in Kosovo’s relations with the rest of the world. But there is still much more to do – starting with the rest of Europe getting on board with visa-free travel for Kosovars and recognising Kosovo’s sovereignty.
EU smoke and mirrors on vaping laws don’t help anyone
The EU is preparing to amp up its never-ending fight against smokers. Any plan designed to force people to make healthier lifestyle choices is bound
Israel Copes with Heartbreak & Trauma Following Horrific Terror Attacks
As Hamas unleashed the worst multipronged terror attack on the State of Israel in recent memory, many there are still trying to grapple with these unconscionable systematic murders, which have befallen the Jewish people.
