Latest blog articles

  • From the beginning of the European project, the concept of dual representative democracy in the EU has never been homogeneous for all Member States. The line of democratic representation that is provided by the European Parliament is arguably.

  • It is a done deal, the Netherlands will join the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). At 3 and 17 April, the Upper House debated with minister Grapperhaus of Security and Justice about a possible participation in the EPPO.  Only available in Dutch.

  • The statutory pension of civil cervants in Belgium is on de verge of a reform. The legislative proposal ‘mixed pension’ will soon be introduced by law, after being the centre of intense debate for nearly a year. What exactly does ‘mixed pension’ mean?

  • How the Puigdemont Affair demonstrates the relevance of the European Arrest Warrant.

  • EU Negotiator Michel Barnier

    At the crossroads

    The phony war between the United Kingdom and the European Union is over. Now, for the real deal. However, this agreement (which is not final until all details have been ironed out) comes at a heavy price.

  • Yelling, offensive language, indecent sounds, and to a certain extent even behaviors are being protected as ‘speech’ or as ‘symbolic speech’ by Article 7 of the constitution. If we believe criminal justice is an appropriate instrument, an intervention is only allowed on the part of the national...

  • No headscarves or other religious expressions in the police, in this way we impair the 'neutral' image associated with the police. (Dutch only)

  • Does Spain have a stong case from the perspective of the decentralised unitary state, to prevent Catalonia from the opportunity to gain independence, and therefore take numerous measures? (Dutch only)

  • It is also important to remember that democracy is about deliberation, the competition of ideas and the best way forward. A minority government led by the Christian Democrats is Germany’s best chance to come closer to that idea, and to fight against the idea that constitutional democracy is merely...

  • Let’s make one thing clear from the start. The Federal Republic of Germany is not facing a constitutional crisis – not by a long stretch. This is despite the Liberals walking away from exploratory negotiations on forming the next federal government with the Christian Democrats (CDU), the Christian...