Secrets of the council Archives - Investigate Europe

26 January 2023 Secrets of the council

EU court forces access to files of Europe’s most important lawmaker

By Harald Schumann

Judges at the European Court of Justice have once again rejected secrecy in legislative negotiations in the Council of the EU. Read more "EU court forces access to files of Europe’s most important lawmaker"

13 January 2023 Secrets of the council

Sweden’s fragile coalition faces its first stress test as EU presidency begins

By Sigrid Melchior

Fears a government supported by the far-right will block ongoing EU negotiations are exaggerated. But Europe should be wary of the Swedes’ lack of ability to steer the EU in a time of crisis. Read more "Sweden’s fragile coalition faces its first stress test as EU presidency begins"

Orbán blunket først

20 December 2022
Klassekampen, Norway

15 December 2022 Secrets of the council

Explainer: Europe cuts off funds for Hungary – what is at stake?

By Sigrid Melchior

In a deal struck on Monday evening, EU governments finally decided to freeze €6.3 billion to Hungary due to concerns over rule of law problems and corruption. Read more "Explainer: Europe cuts off funds for Hungary – what is at stake?"

14 December 2022 Secrets of the council

Viktor Orbán blinks first as EU moves to block €6bn going to Hungary

By Sigrid Melchior and Attila Kálmán

There is now a tool and a blueprint for EU countries to deal with one of their own sliding into authoritarianism. But will it work? Read more "Viktor Orbán blinks first as EU moves to block €6bn going to Hungary"

5 October 2022 Secrets of the council

Biting inhibition against the autocrats in Hungary and Poland

By Harald Schumann

EU Commission inaction on the rule of law is leaving Europe's judiciary increasingly exposed to oppressive domestic powers. Read more "Biting inhibition against the autocrats in Hungary and Poland"