The European Parliament’s last plenary session, before the 6-9 June elections, is next week. Is the EU rising to the democratic moment in the face of the climate and biodiversity crisis, and given all the other challenges of our times? For now, the picture looks bleak, a short-sighted shift to the right in an attempt to minimise far-right gains. But replacing climate with security and far-right concerns will help no-one.
International
Diplomatic largesse is not on the agenda
The First Minister wants to curtail Scotland’s culture of excessive alcohol. But why impose a ban on diplomats you’re trying to woo and offer them meagre fare?
Flying the flag for Belarusian dissidents
“Belarusian troops are not being sent to the front in Ukraine. That is because the response of a patriotic Belarusian in these circumstances would be to immediately surrender, taking their weapons with them and then turn their fire on Russia. “
Russian army wives speak out against Putin’s war
“These women are also exercising the fundamental right of citizens to hold their government accountable for its policies – there is no more political act than this. Ultimately, women’s “patriotic dissent” is a powerful form of resistance and it must be taken seriously.”
Gaza and the Westminster debacle
The debacle over the Gaza vote last week was shameful. But it also tells us a lot about the state of UK politics, the differences across the Tories, Labour and SNP, and the simplistic views of many London-based commentators both on foreign policy, on Gaza, and on the SNP. What it hasn’t done is help Gaza in any way or add to pressures for a ceasefire and for the UK government to change its position.
Who should we bomb next?
“UK ministers, far from contributing to negotiations and peace in the Middle East and elsewhere, are making a volatile world even more unstable than it already is.”
Normalising the Far Right: Warning signals from Austria
“Those opposing the Far Right in June across Europe should focus on emphasising and protecting the liberal-democratic values for which they stand and present a compelling programme to address voters’ concerns,” writes an Austrian social democratic thinker ahead of June’s Euro-elections.
Ten predictions for how the EU evolves in 2024
Two experts on EU policy issues look forward to yet another turbulent year in Brussels, Strasbourg, European capitals – and the world…
Shared links with Europe suit Scotland’s purpose
Forget David Cameron’s muscular unionism and Humza Yousaf’s sense of grievance: Scottish and UK foreign policy must go through Europe
Gaza: No words
No words can capture the scale of destruction, pain and misery in Gaza but the late Palestinian poet, Refaat Alareer, prompts Kirsty Hughes to reflect on our collective responses…