Latest blog articles

Introducing: Commissioner Designate Timmerman’s common-sense test

8 October 2016
In his written answers to the European Parliament as well as orally during the hearing to establish his suitability to become first Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner Designate Frans Timmermans promises to ensure a common-sense test for all future legislation. I offer some legal...
by:
- B. Akkermans
in Law
What if the Dutch vote 'no' at 6 April?

23 March 2016
What happens if the Netherlands rejects the EU-Ukraine association agreement? If they reach the participation quorum of 30%, it is up to the government to present a legislative proposal to the States-General by which the special legislation will be withdrawn. This article is only available in Dutch...
by:
- A.W. Heringa
in Law
Member States´ financial contributions to the EU´s budget

13 May 2015

The EU´s budget is complicated. It is complex. And it is critically scrutinised by Member States. It has been the source of political debate and disagreement in the past decades and it still is today. Most recently, the issue was high on the agenda. In late 2014, the European Commission claimed supp...