EU Balkan Enlargement Is Hardly Too Slow. It May Be Too Fast
The countries of the Western Balkans still have a lot of work to do.
Europe
Corbyn’s Spy Career, Catalan Language War
Jeremy Corbyn met with Czech agents during the Cold War. Spain restarts the Catalan language war.
EU Defense Union Worries Americans, Social Democrats Rally the Troops
American officials caution against weakening NATO. Germany’s Social Democrats rally support for another grand coalition.
Ruud Lubbers Played Small Role in East-West Nuclear Diplomacy
The former Dutch prime minister told me how a meeting with Rajiv Gandhi led to a reassurance from Mikhail Gorbachev.
Catalan Liberals Start Language War to Woo Conservatives
A hopeless proposal to ban the Catalan language could bring support from other regions of Spain.
Avoidable Resignations in DC, An Unavoidable Resignation in Germany
A better president wouldn’t have hired two wife beaters. Martin Schulz had to go.
Brexiteers Without a Plan, Republican Big Spenders
Businesses demand clarity on Brexit. Republicans explode the deficit.
Unconvinced Germans and Unconservative Republicans
Republicans in the United States have forgotten the meaning of conservatism.
Still No Government in Catalonia, Shades of Fascism in America
Catalan separatists struggle to form a government. The “Is Trump a fascist?” debate is back.
Nobody Is Happy in Germany, League Calls for Italian Euro Exit
Angela Merkel is criticized. Matteo Salvini ramps up his anti-euro rhetoric.
Germany’s Social Democrats Trade Credibility for Power
Martin Schulz promised not to form another grand coalition. Now he is joining one.
Merkel Pays High Price, Dutch Intervene in Caribbean
Social Democrats will have six ministries in the new German government.
German Parties Finalize Centrist Coalition Agreement
Christian Democrats and Social Democrats finalize a deal that keeps Angela Merkel in power.
Macron Opens Door in Corsica, Rutte Pours Cold War in Sofia
The Frenchman talks Corsican autonomy. The Dutchman is unwilling to let Bulgaria into Schengen.
Six Economic Challenges for Italy’s Next Government
Slow growth, high debt, youth unemployment… Italy’s next government has its work cut out for it.