Europe&Us 
CEP Insight
The EU Electoral Reform Efforts
All across the EU, it has become quite common to label the modus operandi of the EU as ineffective, its institutional set-up as undemocratic and its politics as far removed from European citizens.
From the Bulgarian to the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU
While Bulgaria has recognised providing a clear European perspective for the WB countries as its first priority, Estonia has rather kept its centre of interest and activities on the Digital Single Market, while omitting enlargement from its top priorities; as for Austria, it is expected that it will direct its attention mostly on the issues of immigration and security, while simultaneously aiding the EU perspective of the region.
Possible Date for EU Accession and the Years Ahead
Juncker’s speech represents the first occasion when an EU representative mentioned even a possible date for EU’s future enlargement.
Is the EU on the move again?
A touch of optimism has returned to Brussels.
Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU
From July 1, 2017, to January 1, 2018, Estonia will hold the Presidency of Council of the EU.
Tajani’s Presidency
On 17 January 2017 Antonio Tajani became President of the European Parliament (EP), succeeding Martin Schultz in this position. He underwent four rounds of voting – a practice rather unseen in the EP, which indicates how firm different political groups were in supporting their candidates.
The Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU
2016 will be remembered as a year that brought unexpected political outcomes and outrages in the Western hemisphere. Nevertheless, 2017 is promising to be more intense than the previous year.
Visegrad Bloc and the EU’s Future
Despite a considerably assertive and costly media campaign, the Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban did not manage to convince the majority of Hungary’s citizens that the issue of migrants/refugees is the most critical “for their own future and the future of Europe”.
Slovak Presidency of the EU
From 1 July to 31 December 2016, Slovakia holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Brexit or Not?
In the early hours of the 24th of June, the results of the British EU membership referendum were announced. Against the betting odds, against the predictions of market actors, and against the last minute polls, with a turnout of 72.2% and with a margin of 3.8%, the voters decided that the UK should leave the European Union.