Latest blog articles

Last month the Council of Ministers debated in its meeting of 16 May 2017 the rule of law situation in Poland. It was the first time that the EU ministers discussed the rule of law in a Member State. 

From an academic perspective, we need to revise our textbooks: after Cameron-Clegg (2010-2015), and after a narrow majority for Cameron in 2015, there will be no majority party in the UK nowadays. ^{(Dutch only)}

Theresa May’s gamble backfired badly. Now, everything is up in the air – including Brexit.

Would that not be much more attractive? So: a Cabinet without excessive programme and with a number of subjects that can be left open. ^{(Dutch only)}

What we witness now shows resemblances with the new Turkish and the Russian presidential model: the president has executive powers but is also largely supported by his parliament, banning or disabling the effect of balances of power through their checks and balances.

After the Celebrations: What’s next for France? President-elect Macron has his work cut out. His challenges are many. There is much to do.

Emmanuel Macron’s victory in the French presidential election cannot distract from the fact that many challenges remain. President Macron’s most pivotal challenge in terms of governance will arrive in June.

While the world was looking towards Paris, there was another election that was taking place on Germany’s coast. Germany’s Social Democrats lose control of a pivotal state, at the worst possible time.

Which of the two sides, the EU or the UK, has the better bargaining position? The EU? After all, art 50 TEU says that even in the event of a no deal a Brexit may take place after two year. And that means then a hard Brexit and no special deal with the UK for trade for instance.

Theresa May’s surprise call for the general election may very well change…absolutely nothing.