Europe's New Leadership
The appointment of Herman Van Rompuy and Catherine Ashton to the European Union's top spots has many scratching their heads. The two are relatively unknown, but expectations are so low, they can only exceed them. By Carsten Volkery more...
Who is Van Rompuy?
Herman Van Rompuy is a practicing Catholic who belongs to the conservative wing of the Flemish Christian Democrat party. He likes haiku poetry and prefers the Beatles to the Stones. By Jeroen van der Kris in Brussels more...
Terrorism Concerns
Two parties in Denmark's parliament are calling for stricter checks on American travelers to the country out of terrorism concerns. Danish Justice Minister Brian Mikkelsen agrees that restrictions may be necessary. By Politiken Staff more...
New EU President and Foreign Minister
Europe's leaders are relieved that the wrangling over the EU's new positions of president and foreign minister is finally over. But they have no reason to be proud. Once again, the EU has missed an opportunity to boost its standing on the global stage. By Carsten Volkery in Brussels more...
The World From Berlin
Leaders of the European Union meet on Thursday evening to discuss who should get the bloc's new top jobs. German commentators suggest that, before the meeting, the leaders should do some homework and put aside national differences -- or risk devaluing the whole process. more...
Where's the Fête?
Amid complaints that Parisian nightlife has lost ground to cities like Berlin and Barcelona, French officials are doing their best to buff up the city's reputation. But partygoers, perturbed by red tape and the closure of famous clubs, say that more has to be done to enliven the city in the wee hours. more...
The Brussels Name Game
European leaders are getting ready for a long night of discussions as they prepare to choose the EU's first full-time president and foreign minister. There are plenty of candidates but no favorites, and member states aren't tipping their hands. By Hans-Jürgen Schlamp in Brussels more...
Lisbon Treaty Reforms
With the Lisbon Treaty soon to become reality, the European Union is struggling to find a president and a foreign minister. The dream of an EU diplomatic service is within grasp, but will it make a difference? Members of the European Parliament are already warning of a "bureaucratic monster." By Hans-Jürgen Schlamp in Brussels more...
Le Mobile Mix-Up
A man living near the Belgian border was sent a massive bill by his mobile phone provider. Orange told the cafe owner at first that he had exceeded the data limit for his 3G flat rate, but then admitted he may have been accessing the Web via Belgium. more...
A Fine Drop
English winegrowers are benefiting from global warming and their reputation is improving fast. Despite the rain, some British vintners dream of competing with France's Champagne region. By Marco Evers more...
US Denied
The new German justice minister says Berlin is not comfortable with an EU measure that would grant US authorities access to European banking data. Now it seems likely that the Germans may scupper the deal, which is supposed to be pushed through at an EU meeting in Brussels at the end of November. more...
