Is Spain About to Break Up? Geopolitics of the New Europe
As long as Catalans don’t threaten the EU or NATO, they can go ahead and secede from Spain.
Southern Europe
Portuguese Left Forces Passos Coelho to Step Down
Portugal’s prime minister loses a confidence vote only days after presenting his government.
Catalan Parties Vote to “Disconnect” from Spain
A month after the election, Catalonia’s separatists take the first step to seceding from Spain.
Brussels Gives Spain Pass on Growth, Fails It on Deficit
Spain’s economy is growing, but the government is slow to rein in deficit spending and unemployment.
Portugal’s Left Teams Up to Oust Passos Coelho
Two far-left parties agree to go into coalition with the Socialists to remove the right from office.
Time to Call Southern Eurozone States to Order
France, Italy and Spain neither deserve nor need more time to bring their deficits down.
Battles and Breaks
The West needs to provide stronger incentives for the creation of strong institutions in Russia’s neighborhood.
Spain’s Rajoy Bets on Growing Economy, Calls Elections
The Spanish leader hopes an improving economy will give his party a fighting chance in the election.
Ethnic Serbs Undermine Bosnia Power Sharing
In seeking further autonomy, the Serbs in Bosnia could violate the Dayton Agreement.
Portugal’s Passos Coelho Receives Mandate to Form Government
But he doesn’t have a majority.
Renzi Welcomes Budget Fight with Commission
The Italian prime minister challenges Brussels to reject his spending plan.
Portugal’s Socialists Say Left-Wing Pact Possible
António Costa would rather team up with the far left than keep the center-right in power.
Why They Come: The Balkans’ Desperation
The geography and history of the Balkans explain why so many seek a better life in Western Europe.
Catalan Separatists Press Ahead Despite Minority Support
Even without a majority, Catalonia’s separatists continue the process of breaking from Spain.
Portugal’s Passos Coelho on Track to Win Reelection
Portugal’s right-wing prime minister would lose his majority but still beat the Socialists.