European Institutions

EU Council Touts Lead Role in "Climate Diplomacy"

March 23, 2018

The Council of the EU has adopted a set of conclusions on the need for EU "climate diplomacy" around the world to ensure the swift implementation of the UN's Paris climate accord agreed in 2015, confirming that "the EU will continue to lead the way in the global pursuit of climate action" and putting pressure on EU members to deliver on climate pledges made under the agreement.
Poland Defends Broad Changes to Judiciary

March 22, 2018

Politico reports that the Polish government is responding to the legal process launched by the European Commission relating to changes to the country's judicial system by producing a publication explaining how these reforms are in line with those of other legal systems throughout the EU.
Academic: Brexit Must Mean Leaving EU Customs Union

March 22, 2018

Professor Vernon Bogdanor of King's College London writes that remaining part of a customs union with the EU while not being a member of the bloc is not a viable option for Britain.
ECtHR Further Delineates Employee Privacy Rights

March 22, 2018

A recent holding of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) that French national railway company SNCF did not violate an employee's right to privacy by secretly searching files not specifically marked "private" on the employee's computer illustrates the growing issue of the propriety of public and private employer surveillance at the ECtHR.
Brexit Transition Deal Includes Extension of Free Movement

March 21, 2018

UK and EU negotiators have announced an agreement on a Brexit "transition" arrangement during which Britain would continue to apply EU rules, including those requiring free movement of EU citizens to the UK, for nearly two years after the country's scheduled date of departure from the bloc.