Opinion Archives - Investigate Europe

13 January 2023 Secrets of the council

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

Opinion 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.

13 January 2023 Secrets of the council

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

Opinion 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"

14 December 2022 Secrets of the council

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

Opinion 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"

16 November 2022 Energy Charter Treaty

Energy Charter Treaty begins to unravel as EU states exit – but risks remain

Opinion By Nico Schmidt

EU nations are one by one deserting the controversial agreement, but further action is needed to guard against risks for member states. Read more "Energy Charter Treaty begins to unravel as EU states exit – but risks remain"

5 October 2022 Secrets of the council

Biting inhibition against the autocrats in Hungary and Poland

Opinion 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"

16 September 2022

Uneasy Sweden: far-right election success takes a once fringe movement mainstream

Opinion By Sigrid Melchior

Established political parties in Sweden have spent 10 years trying to exclude the Sweden Democrats from power. That is no longer possible. Read more "Uneasy Sweden: far-right election success takes a once fringe movement mainstream"

Londongrad: a city’s addiction to Russian oligarchs and easy money

Opinion By Juliet Ferguson

Awash with Russian cash, the UK finds itself uniquely placed to cut the money supply of rich and powerful oligarchs. But with just eight individuals linked to Putin targeted so far, the UK government seems to be dragging its feet. The way is there, but is there the will? Read more "Londongrad: a city’s addiction to Russian oligarchs and easy money"