• On the way to trade justice in the EU?

    On the way to trade justice in the EU?1

    With the political and social challenges currently faced by the EU, as well as the threats of disintegration, it is essential to re-access the existing structures from several angles, namely its trade policy. One of the largest free trade agreements – TTIP is hotly under debate and CETA has been approved by the EU parliament. But should these be the fundamental and primary focus of the EU in this field for a healthy future of the Union and its citizens? Wouldn’t it be more important to, instead of aiming towards big free trade agreements, focus first on how trade is done: its sustainability, development, justice and fairness?

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  • European Pillar of Social Rights: a blunt weapon in the fight for citizens’ hearts

    European Pillar of Social Rights: a blunt weapon in the fight for citizens’ hearts0

    The EU licks its wounds after the Brexiteers’ narrow victory in June. The Union’s support base, which has crumbled under the EU’s reaction to the economic crisis, needs an answer to prevent further decay. That answer might take the shape of what the EU is still largely lacking: a social rights dimension. But can the EU successfully wield this very sensitive national competence to fight the fear to lose authority? The answer is in the dosage. If social rights are the EU’s weapon of choice to fight its negative image, the Pillar is a blunt knife to the European citizens’ heart.

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  • The Refugee Crisis and EU integration: The Need for a Fine Balancing Act

    The Refugee Crisis and EU integration: The Need for a Fine Balancing Act1

    The ongoing refugee crisis in Europe is threatening to unravel the very fabric of EU integration. It played a decisive role in determining the outcome of the ‘Brexit’ vote, and has sown the seeds of discord across the EU. To prevent further disintegration, the Union must develop a coherent and comprehensive migrant integration policy, and because it must do this amidst a strained political-economic climate, this will need to be a fine balancing act.

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