Agencies 

Rights agency makes do with limited mandate

In June, more than a year after it was officially launched, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) will finally become fully operational, when its first permanent director, Morten Kjærum, starts work.

Europe's ‘parallel' civil service?

What is the best way to administer the expanding and ever more diverse European Union? This question, relevant to all EU institutions, presents [...]

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Justice 

EU divided over immigration rules

Member states remains unwilling to accept proposed common rules on expulsion of illegal immigrants.

Frontex pushes the boundaries

The European Union Agency for the Management of Operational Co-operation at the External Borders, better known as Frontex, is rapidly growing in its [...]

Justice 

Young migrants should be treated as children

Minors are among the world's most vulnerable populations and are at particular risk of abuse when they are separated from their parents and other care-givers.

Hiding corruption behind the curtain in Romania

On Europe Day, Traian Ba?sescu, the Romanian president, made a small blunder in his speech, delivered in American style in the garden of the Cotroceni Palace. Ba?sescu first pleaded that the Romanian parliament, government and judiciary should play by the rules of Europe. Then he encouraged the political class to be “an obstacle to the institutional reform”.

Why it's uncool to be an Islamic extremist

Like terrorism itself, fighting terrorism is a creature of fashion. The latest on the catwalk is ‘countering extremism'.

Business 

Spain facing court over Endesa case

European Commission threatening to take Madrid to the European Court of Justice.

US, EU begin fresh ‘open skies' talks

Second phase of liberalisation talks focuses on mergers and aligning rules governing the US and EU aviation markets.

Do manufacturers lack drive for greener cars?

A UK expert on greener vehicles has no sympathy for foot-dragging carmakers.