Latest blog articles

  • Secession, independence and constitutional law

    Does Spain have a stong case from the perspective of the decentralised unitary state, to prevent Catalonia from the opportunity to gain independence, and therefore take numerous measures? (Dutch only)

    Spanje vs Catalonië
  • The long read: complex, not impossible (part 2)

    It is also important to remember that democracy is about deliberation, the competition of ideas and the best way forward. A minority government led by the Christian Democrats is Germany’s best chance to come closer to that idea, and to fight against the idea that constitutional democracy is merely...

    Reichstag buiding Germanu Berlin
  • The long read: complex, not impossible (part1)

    Let’s make one thing clear from the start. The Federal Republic of Germany is not facing a constitutional crisis – not by a long stretch. This is despite the Liberals walking away from exploratory negotiations on forming the next federal government with the Christian Democrats (CDU), the Christian...

    Reichstag buiding Germanu Berlin
  • Bitter victory

    The 2017 federal parliamentary election heralds a sharp departure from the post-war consensus.

    Merkel_elections_Schleswig-Holstein
  • The State of the European Union debate 2017, part 1

    A new perspective? What specific plans and suggestions has Juncker to encounter a more united, stronger and more democratic Europe? Are his plans realistic and do these proposals respond effectively to the issues of democracy and legitimacy? (Dutch only)

    State of the European Union_Juncker
  • Aimless, rudderless, clueless

    The United Kingdom’s Brexit strategy is increasingly being revealed for being based on wishful thinking, not facts, with devastating consequences for the upcoming talks.

    Theresa May_MLR
  • Divided reactions to ECJ ruling on mandatory refugee relocation schemes

    The judgment of the European Court of Justice to relocate refugees was met with dividing reactions by the complainant countries. Overall, only 28.242 out of the intended 160.000 refugees have been relocated from Greece (19.702) and Italy (8540) under the scheme so far.

     

    European Court of Justice_human rights
  • In office, not in power

    She decides: Arleen Foster, MLA, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party effectively pulls the strings on the Conservative minority government.

     the new Conservative/DUP agreement
  • Distant shores (part 2)

    One year after the successful Brexit referendum, the cards are all on the European Union’s side. What Brexit means in such a climate is anyone’s guess, even twelve months later. 

    Number 10 Downing Street_MLR