Offer the four freedoms to the Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova
For a merit-based EU accession process with a credible goal
The EU should offer membership in the Single Market, including the four freedoms, as a credible and reachable interim goal to Ukraine, Moldova, and any of the six Western Balkan nations interested in it.
The EU should offer membership in the Single Market, including the four freedoms, as a credible and reachable interim goal to Ukraine, Moldova, and any of the six Western Balkan nations interested in it.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Zelensky, 8 April 2022. Photo: Twitter / Ursula von der LeyenWhat to doLatest reports and media reactions
47 again? Russia out, Kosovo in
Support Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe
Kosovo’s application to become a member of Europe’s oldest Human Rights organisation is a moment of truth for many European countries which have long claimed to support Kosovo’s European aspirations.
Kosovo’s application to become a member of Europe’s oldest Human Rights organisation is a moment of truth for many European countries which have long claimed to support Kosovo’s European aspirations.
Human Rights monument in front of the Council of Europe building in Strasbourg. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / EPeiWhat to doLatest reports and media reactions
An airlift 2022 for Ukrainians
And a European plan to help refugees in Moldova
Europe has not yet understood that Ukrainian refugees are part of Putin's plan of attack. What an answer to the millions of refugees could look like.
Europe has not yet understood that Ukrainian refugees are part of Putin's plan of attack. What an answer to the millions of refugees could look like.
Ukrainian refugee children in Lviv, Ukraine on 5 March 2022. Photo: REUTERS / KAI PFAFFENBACH - stock.adobe.comWhat to doLatest reports and media reactions
Why Russia had to be expelled from the Council of Europe
The Council of Europe must not harbour a dictatorship that is invading a neighbouring state, committing massive war-crimes, while suppressing the human rights of its own citizens to hide its aggressive war from its public.
The Council of Europe must not harbour a dictatorship that is invading a neighbouring state, committing massive war-crimes, while suppressing the human rights of its own citizens to hide its aggressive war from its public.
Russian invasion troops in Ukraine. Photo: Twitter / Kamil GaleevWhat to doLatest reports and media reactions
How to save the rule of law in Poland
The European Commission should return to the ECJ
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has forced Poland to undo some steps in the demolition of judicial independence. But Poland's judiciary is still under siege. No member state of the EU has ever gone as far in subjugating its courts to executive control. EU member states and all parliamentary groups should support the European Commission and the Court in their ongoing battle to protect the rule of law in Poland.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has forced Poland to undo some steps in the demolition of judicial independence. But Poland's judiciary is still under siege. No member state of the EU has ever gone as far in subjugating its courts to executive…
Minister Ziobro’s message for Commissioner Reynders, 18 November 2021. Photo: Twitter / Zbigniew ZiobroWhat to doLatest reports and media reactions
Caviar Diplomacy
Why every European should care
Azerbaijan’s “Caviar Diplomacy” of systematic bribing to downplay Azerbaijan’s human rights record has led to investigations and convictions in several EU member states. So far, however, the main culprit has escaped unscathed. It is time that the Committee of Ministers investigate Azerbaijan’s role in the biggest corruption scandal in the history of the Council of Europe.
Azerbaijan’s “Caviar Diplomacy” of systematic bribing to downplay Azerbaijan’s human rights record has led to investigations and convictions in several EU member states. So far, however, the main culprit has escaped unscathed. It is time that the…
Caviar. Photo: flickr/Marco Verch Professional PhotographerWhat to doLatest reports and media reactions
New presentations
ESI proposals presented in video format
Watch videos explaining our most recent proposals.
Watch videos explaining our most recent proposals.
Ukraine's application for EU membership. Photo: Office of the President of UkraineWhat to do