Democracy

Secrets of the council

Unblocking Portugal – the secret votes behind corporate tax transparency

By Paulo Pena

The national Governments of the 27 EU Member States control the central legislative body of the EU – the Council of the European Union. In more than 150 committees, officials negotiate and barter. European citizens never find out exactly who negotiates the paragraphs of hundreds of laws that govern our lives. Investigate Europe will follow Council proceedings and – whenever possible – report on which government is blocking or watering down legislative proposals, and with whom it is in league. Read more "Unblocking Portugal – the secret votes behind corporate tax transparency"

Legislation from closed chambers – how (un)democratic is the EU?

By Harald Schumann

The leaders of the European Union guide democracy in name only. In practice, they constantly override it and violate fundamental democratic norms on a grand scale. The anti-democratic practices in the Council of the EU, also known as the Council of Ministers, are a real scandal. IE-member Harald Schumann is convinced: Anyone who follows the passage of legislation in the EU, and in particular the means by which monetary union is controlled, must come to this conclusion. Read more "Legislation from closed chambers – how (un)democratic is the EU?"