European Union
All topics-
Europe and the Gaza conflict
"The Europeans must conduct a direct dialogue with Hamas"
In light of the inability of those involved in the Gaza conflict to make peace, Europe cannot just stand on the sidelines and watch. If it does, the conflict will come here. The ostracisation of Hamas has proved counter-productive. A commentary by Abdel Mottaleb El Husseini
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The EU and the Gaza conflict
"Effective diplomacy needs engagement with all sides"
While Europeans are focusing on Ukraine and Iraq, the oldest of the Middle East issues will haunt them for some time. The wider Israel–Palestinian conflict needs the full attention of Europe, writes Mattia Toaldo
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Crimean Tatars in Ukraine
Deep-seated fears
The Crimean Tatars, numbering some 250,000, are the third largest demographic group in Crimea. They fear that their rights will be sharply curtailed should the referendum on 16 March turn out in Russia's favour. Fear of Putin and his supporters is equally palpable amongst the millions of Crimean Tatars living in Turkish exile. By Luise Sammann
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Swiss referendum on immigration
The Swiss against the world
According to Robert Misik, Xenophobia was just one of the reasons why 50.3% of those who voted in Switzerland's recent referendum on immigration back strict quotas for immigration from European Union countries; a provincial mentality and anti-EU sentiment also played a role
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Migration in Morocco
From emigration to immigration
For decades, migration in Morocco flowed in one direction: towards Europe. Now, however, while fewer and fewer Moroccans are leaving the country, immigration is on the rise. For the first time, illegal immigrants living in the country are to be issued with residence papers. By Beat Stauffer
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Tunisia and the European Union
Last chance
The Arab Spring seems to be over, but democracy could yet prevail in Tunisia. The EU should promise privileged trade relations on the condition that the country does not return to authoritarian rule. By Markus Loewe
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International policy on Syria
The rehabilitation of Assad
Above all, the West wants stability in Syria. Because he has managed to sit out everything that has happened in recent years, the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad seems to offer this very stability. But accepting the kind of stability Assad offers would mean having to forget the atrocities committed by his regime. A commentary by Bente Scheller
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Libya's Border Triangle
Trouble Looming
The EU is supporting Libyan border security troops near Ghadames, but local members of the military complain of unclear structures and insufficient equipment. They put the blame on the government in Tripoli. Valerie Stocker reports
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Interview with the Migration Expert Rita Süssmuth
Learning to Deal with Diversity
If Europe's immigration policy is not changed in the coming years, the continent's population will start to shrink dramatically in 2025. Annika Zeitler spoke to the German migration expert and former President of the Bundestag, Rita Süssmuth
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EU Accession Negotiations with Turkey
A Lack of Perspective
After a break of many months, the EU has resumed membership talks with Turkey and extended them to address a further issue. But despite the new momentum for negotiations, the erstwhile euphoria over Europe on the Bosphorus has long dissipated. Senada Sokollu reports from Istanbul
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The Lampedusa Tragedy
EU Refugee Policy Is Morally Bankrupt
The EU's interior ministers have discussed refugee policy following the catastrophe off Lampedusa - without any result. They've failed to use a good opportunity for a new, more humane policy, says Ute Schaeffer
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Syrian Boat Refugees in Egypt
"Head Straight on to Europe!"
Many Syrian refugees are trying to reach Europe from Egypt via the Mediterranean. They are risking their lives to escape the civil war in their homeland. A reportage by Karim El-Gawhary in Abukir, Egypt