Cohesion Policy: an ever-present concern. Concerns regarding regional development, territorial cohesion and economic inclusiveness have always accompanied the process of European economic integration since the very first days of the European Communities. Following the downsizing of the coal and steel industries as a result of the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 a special Fund for the   Retraining and Resettlement of Workers  was set up to minimi

At the beginning of January 2025, the Financial Times  reported the difficulties faced by the Belgian-based multinational Umicore due to European bureaucracy. This firm operates in the recycling sector where it deals with critical raw materials, such as components of old electronics.  The FT reported that a growing number of suppliers are exporting their waste outside Europe and are no longer working with Umicore. The reason behind  this decision is their desire to avoid navi

A voting session at the European Parliament – source: European Parliament (via Flickr) The 2024 European elections are approaching, both...

Source: Unsplash Lobbyism has grown to become highly influential in the policy-making process of the European Union. In order to promote...