Nicolas Nagle

BRUSSELS -- With the euro plunging and budgets across the continent tightening, European Union member states are betting on an export-driven recovery from recession and the current debt crisis. A cheaper euro has allowed the eurozone export sector to regain competitiveness. But the euro's slump is already causing tensions with its two biggest external trade partners, the U.S. and China. more

A new chapter in Greece's debt crisis began after the EU and the IMF agreed to provide a $145 billion financial aid package to the troubled country. Despite the package, the difficulties ahead remain daunting. In order for the bailout to succeed, Prime Minister George Papandreou will have to face a number of challenges that will require all his political skills -- and some luck.
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Public opposition to an EU bailout of debt-strapped Greece is mounting, particularly in Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkel is already politically vulnerable. As a result, despite the dangers a Greek meltdown would pose to the eurozone, Germany has adopted a hard-line position on how the EU should respond to the crisis, causing relations between the two countries to become increasingly strained. more

BRUSSELS -- Since the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force, the EU's foreign policy has taken the first steps toward an institutional restructuring. But the relatively low profile of former Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy and Britain's Catherine Ashton since their election to the posts of president and HR, respectively, suggests that member states are not keen to empower the newly created institutions. more

The newly elected government of socialist Prime Minister George Papandreou faces massive pressure from EU member states to tackle its budget deficit and growing public debt. Brussels fears that the Greek economy's continued slide could create a contagion effect across the eurozone and pose a threat to the stability of the common currency.
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Among the questions raised by Germany's elections in September 2009 was the impact Chancellor Angela Merkel's new coalition partners would have on Berlin's foreign policy orientation. A number of developments since then have provided hints of areas of continuity, as well as others of potential change and even internal conflict. more

BRUSSELS -- While media and popular attention has focused on the European Union's nominations for the newly created positions of president and foreign minister, key positions recently filled on the European Commission suggest a major shift in the EU's economic policies. In an apparent reaction to the financial crisis, the union is likely to alter its pro-market approach of recent years. more

BRUSSELS -- The designation last week of two relatively unknown figures for the highest posts in the European Union led to widespread criticism across Europe. But while the decision disappointed Europhiles, who see it as a historic missed opportunity, it appears to be in tune with the designs of the three main players in the European arena: the U.K., France and Germany. more

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- With the last obstacles out of the way for the Lisbon Treaty's ratification, a race in Brussels has begun between the European Commission and the European Council to secure influence over the new European diplomatic corps. The integration of elements from the Commission and the Council is causing tensions over who will control the future service. more

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- If all goes as expected and the Lisbon Treaty finally enters into effect in the coming months, the European Union will soon face another major challenge: electing a permanent president for the European Council. The debate has already begun in Brussels over not only who would be the most suitable candidate for the job, but also over the functions the post should include. more