Future of EU debate: Any progress?

For few months we have five EU future scenarios on the table, Commission published couple of reflection papers and EU leaders will look at a number of the most pressing issues, including migration, security and defence, and economy at the upcoming summit. How do you assess the debate we have on the future of Europe, do you see a progress? Read few comments.

Elected monarch Emmanuel Macron?

I saw one lighthearted tweet saying France is now a country with single party government under the state of emergency. While clearly lighthearted it also reflects one view on the position of President Emmanuel Macron. Do you find his political hegemony, it seems his party is going to win big, somehow problematic or do you think it is not a problem at all, and why? Read few comments.

French President Emmanuel Macron. Credit,: http://www.elysee.fr

New Irish PM Leo Varadkar is a gay, immigrant’s son. So what?!

I have to admit also for my journalistic colleagues around the world that basically every article about Varadkar starts with the fact that varadkar is openly gay, immigrant’s son. But is it somehow important from your point of view, does he represent something new for Ireland, for Ireland politics? Read few comments.

Irish PM Leo Varadkar. Credit: http://www.finegael.ie

What can Emmanuel Macron mean for the EU future?

Emmanuel Macron says: I’m a pro-European, I defended constantly during this election the European idea. I do consider that my mandate will be at the same to reform in depth the European Union and our European project. But how (un)realistic is this vision of in depth EU reform, where can he find allies and what might be the biggest obstacles for him? Read few comments.

Emmanuel Macron. Credit: https://en-marche.fr/

Marine Le Pen and the state of European far-right

There is somehow mixed record of populist far-right parties in the current elections in Europe. Austrian Freedom Party candidate lost presidential elections. Dutch Geert Wilders was hardly satisfied with his result, German AfD, though election will take place only in autumn, is losing in the polls. On the other hand French Marine Le Pen is polling on 40 percent which is quite impressive though she is probably going to lose to Emmanuel Macron. European populist far-right is hardly homogeneous but what next for those movements, do you think we might see some changes in their messages, tactics, direction or they will largely stick to the anti-establishment message? Read few comments.

Marine Le Pen. Credit: http://www.frontnational.com/

Brexit and the EU-UK war of words

Media reports said that after PM Theresa May-EC President Jean-Claude Juncker dinner EU officials described PM May as being in a different galaxy re Brexit negotiations. May reacted that Juncker will now see that she can be bloody difficult woman and that EU is seeking to affect result of British election.The atmosphere is hardly great even without the real negotiations. How do you read this, is this just a war of words or does it probably indicates that the negotiation will be extremely difficult, even pretty harsh? Read few comments.

Macron vs Le Pen: How will/should France and the EU react?

We can assume it is going to be a very confrontational campaign – Emmanuel Macron vs Marine Le Pen – before the second round of presidential elections. What do you think both candidate will emphasise, and as Macron is perceived as the pro-EU candidate would you say that EU leaders should openly support him or maybe it would be better if they keep some distance as Le Pen could use it? Read few comments.

Marine Le Pen vs Emmanuel Macron. Credit: https://frenchelection.online