Magazine Archives - Investigate Europe

2 June 2021 Secrets of the council

EU deal on tax transparency for multinationals fails to convince critics

By Sigrid Melchior

After five years, EU legislators have struck a deal on increased tax transparency. EU politicians haul it as a victory, but tax justice activists say the deal doesn't go far enough.

20 May 2021 Secrets of the council

CbcR: Will the push for greater EU tax transparency fall at the final hurdle?

By Harald Schumann, Sigrid Melchior and Juliet Ferguson

An EU-wide tax transparency law, blocked in the Council for years, is finally gaining ground. But now, backed by business groups, France wants a watered-down version. Read more "CbcR: Will the push for greater EU tax transparency fall at the final hurdle?"

13 May 2021 Secrets of the council

Fishing quotas: How EU governments are destroying Europe’s seas

By Harald Schumann and Thodoris Chondrogiannos

Fishing quotes are decided behind closed doors at the Council of the EU. Often ignoring scientific advice, this process is exacerbating the depletion of fish stocks in European seas. Read more "Fishing quotas: How EU governments are destroying Europe’s seas"

7 May 2021 Vaccines

The unexpected European dilemma: Support the US — or Big Pharma?

By Ingeborg Eliassen, Harald Schumann, Maria Maggiore, Sigrid Melchior and Wojciech Cieśla

This week, the US government announced a sudden about-turn on its stance on vaccine waivers, which was met with praise from many EU officials. Investigate Europe documents how governments opposed the waiver fiercely until the very last moment. Read more "The unexpected European dilemma: Support the US — or Big Pharma?"

What you see isn’t always what you get: dual food quality in Europe

By Wojciech Cieśla and Sigrid Melchior

Palm oil or sunflower oil? Glucose-fructose syrup or sugar? Food items sold under the same name and with the same branding and packaging should not differ among EU member states. But sometimes, they do. Read more "What you see isn’t always what you get: dual food quality in Europe"

21 April 2021 Secrets of the council

Greece has been blocking an EU law promoting gender balance – is this about to change?

By Thodoris Chondrogiannos, Nikolas Leontopoulos, Paulo Pena and Harald Schumann

Research has revealed that Greece is one of a handful of smaller EU member states blocking a proposed directive in the Council of the EU. The Greek government denied this, but a breakthrough may be in sight. Read more "Greece has been blocking an EU law promoting gender balance – is this about to change?"

Media Freedom in Poland: Critical journalists face oppression and obstruction

Opinion By Wojciech Cieśla

State institutions should ensure that journalists have unfettered access to information. But being an independent journalist in Central Europe today is a challenge. And it is not just journalism that is at stake here. Read more "Media Freedom in Poland: Critical journalists face oppression and obstruction"