The European Union
The election of Trump and the crisis of the European Union
By Peter Schwarz, 10 February 2017
All of the tensions, conflicts and contradictions that the Treaty of Rome, laying the foundations of the European Union, was supposed to have overcome 60 years ago are emerging once again.
EU summit approves sealing off the Mediterranean from refugees
By Martin Kreickenbaum, 6 February 2017
As European governments hypocritically denounce Trump’s anti-immigrant measures, the EU is planning to build up the Libyan coastguard and establish internment camps in North Africa to keep out refugees.
EU summit marks escalation of conflict between Europe and US
By Johannes Stern, 4 February 2017
At the EU summit in Malta, several European heads of state, including the German chancellor and the French president, sharply criticized the policies of the Trump administration.
Trump’s nationalist threats and the response of the European ruling class
By Alex Lantier, 2 February 2017
In response to Trump’s protectionist threats against Europe and criticisms of the euro, Germany and its closest allies are preparing a major military and police buildup.
British Supreme Court rules only Parliament can trigger Brexit
By Robert Stevens, 25 January 2017
While the Supreme Court came down in favour of Parliament, nothing has been resolved politically by its verdict.
Divisions in UK ruling elite widen over post-Brexit orientation to Trump
By Chris Marsden, 23 January 2017
UK Prime Minister Theresa May has made Trump’s election the cornerstone of her post-Brexit strategy, adapting to a yet-more open embrace of Trump by the anti-EU right-wing of her party.
The Trump presidency and the coming conflict between Europe and America
By Chris Marsden, 19 January 2017
Never before has a US president set as his explicit goal the breakup of the European Union.
Germany’s Left Party presents right-wing draft programme for federal election
By Johannes Stern, 18 January 2017
At the heart of the programme is the Left Party’s desire to assume government responsibility at the federal level in coalition with the SPD and Greens, two parties of austerity and war.
In interview with British and German press
Trump places question mark over EU, NATO and free trade
By Peter Schwarz, 17 January 2017
Leading German politicians have responded to Trump’s remarks by asserting Germany’s own economic and geopolitical claims.
Italy’s Five Star Movement leader seeks to shift course on Europe
By Marianne Arens, 16 January 2017
The European Parliament deputies of Italy’s Five Star Movement were to have shifted from a euroskeptic to a pro-European group. But they now find themselves back in the euroskeptic camp.
Brexit deepens existential crisis of UK and European Union
By Chris Marsden, 10 January 2017
The row over what relationship the UK will have with the European Union takes place under conditions where its very survival is threatened.
Anti-Russia “fake news” campaign rolled out across Europe
By Julie Hyland, 5 January 2017
Divisions within the US over foreign policy are mirrored within and between national ruling elites across Europe.
More than 5,000 refugees drowned in the Mediterranean in 2016
By Martin Kreickenbaum, 31 December 2016
The dramatic rise was a direct result of the European Union’s brutal deterrence policy—in particular the reinforcement of the EU’s external borders.
German Left Party leader Gregor Gysi to head European Left
By Peter Schwarz, 23 December 2016
The recent congress elected Gysi the president of the Party of the European Left, following a strong recommendation by Syriza’s Alexis Tsipras.
Germany: SPD leader calls for cuts to child benefits for European citizens
By Dietmar Henning, 22 December 2016
As poverty levels grow in Germany the Social Democratic Party is fostering xenophobia.
EU summit lines up against Russia
By Peter Schwarz, 17 December 2016
Following the Brexit, the election of Donald Trump as US president, and the rise of right-wing nationalist forces in many European countries, the EU is paralyzed and divided.
European powers criticize Trump’s threats against China
By Alex Lantier, 17 December 2016
A month before Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president, tensions are already emerging with the European powers over his “America first” program.
UK: Labour says free movement in Europe must be curtailed post-Brexit
By Julie Hyland, 17 December 2016
Labour’s Keir Starmer called for a “national consensus on Brexit,” with freedom of movement restrictions central to negotiations with the European Union.
Spain’s Podemos aims to derail social anger through “back to the streets” campaign
By Alejandro López, 14 December 2016
If they are going “back” to the streets, it is because Podemos and the Spanish trade unions have held no significant protests for years, despite draconian austerity.
Tensions mount after EU freezes talks on Turkey’s membership
By Halil Celik, 9 December 2016
After the NATO-backed coup of July 15 and rising tensions with the European Union, the Turkish government is threatening that it might ally with Russia and China.
Italian Prime Minister Renzi officially resigns
By Marianne Arens, 8 December 2016
Italy’s Senate voted in favour of the budget and thus cleared the way for Renzi’s resignation.
UK parliament passes Labour motion calling for government to publish “Brexit plan”
By Robert Stevens, 8 December 2016
Prime Minister Theresa May originally opposed the motion, but was forced to accept it as between 20 and 40 pro-EU Tory rebels were pledged to back Labour.
Italian Prime Minister Renzi resigns after defeat in constitutional referendum
By Alex Lantier and Mark Wells, 5 December 2016
The vote on Renzi’s referendum, which was rejected by a margin of 59 to 41 percent, expresses growing opposition to the institutions of European and world capitalism.
European Union Commission plans multi-billion weapons fund
By Christoph Vandreier, 2 December 2016
In the wake of Donald Trump’s election as US president, the European powers are pushing ahead rapidly with plans for military rearmament.
Austrian presidential election: Social Democrats court the far-right Freedom Party
By Markus Salzmann, 29 November 2016
Just days before the presidential election, the Austrian Social Democratic Party has paved the way for cooperation with the Freedom Party.
Poverty on the rise in Europe
By Elisabeth Zimmermann, 29 November 2016
According to the latest study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, 118 million people live in poverty in the EU. This equates to one in four EU citizens.
Tony Blair heads new pro-European Union movement
By Chris Marsden, 26 November 2016
Support for a second referendum on the UK’s European Union membership has only minority support in Parliament but cuts across existing party divisions.
German Left Party backs European army
By Verena Nees, 22 November 2016
The Left Party has responded to Donald Trump’s election victory by shifting further to the right on domestic and foreign policy.
Trump’s election as seen from Europe
By Alex Lantier, 19 November 2016
Well before the content of Trump’s foreign policy has come into focus, it is clear that his election marks a historic shift in world affairs, raising the specter of global conflict.
Greek protests greet Obama’s last overseas tour as US president
By Alex Lantier, 16 November 2016
Obama aimed to reassure the European ruling classes that Donald Trump's election would not undermine their relations with the United States.
After Trump’s election, EU calls for more independent foreign policy
By Johannes Stern and Alex Lantier, 15 November 2016
Geostrategic, economic, and political conflicts between US and European capitalism are reasserting themselves with enormous force.
Capsized boats in Mediterranean leave 240 refugees dead
By Martin Kreickenbaum, 5 November 2016
At least 4,220 refugees have already died in the Mediterranean this year trying to reach Europe.
Speculation mounts over snap general election as UK Brexit crisis intensifies
By Robert Stevens, 5 November 2016
The High Court ruling that only parliament may trigger Britain’s exit from the EU has spurred collaboration between pro-remain forces committed to overturning the referendum vote to leave.
Polish government prepares legal action against EU council president Donald Tusk
By Clara Weiss, 31 October 2016
The Polish government is preparing legal action against the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk.
Refugee deaths surge in the Mediterranean
By Martin Kreickenbaum, 27 October 2016
According to UN data, 3,740 refugees drowned at sea in the first ten months of 2016, more than the total for all of last year.
EU crisis deepens as trade deal with Canada stalls
By Jordan Shilton, 27 October 2016
Whether or not the deal is ultimately ratified, the conflicts over CETA have again starkly exposed the advanced state of decomposition of the European Union.
Divisions grow at EU summit over trans-Atlantic trade, war drive against Russia
By Alex Lantier, 22 October 2016
The European Union is incapable not only of reaching agreement on policy, but of hiding the increasingly embittered tensions among its member states.
Police stage right-wing, law and order protest in France
By Francis Dubois, 22 October 2016
The Socialist Party government has cultivated the police as its main social base, and police are now aggressively advancing demands for more resources and powers.
Tensions rise between Poland and France after failed arms deal
By Clara Weiss, 17 October 2016
Relations between France and Poland have worsened substantially after the Polish government pulled out of an arms deal with Airbus that had been planned for years.
Vienna refugee conference reaffirms Europe’s closed-border policy
By Martin Kreikenbaum, 29 September 2016
The conference has underscored the inhumane and reactionary content of German Chancellor's Merkel’s refugee policy.
Britain attacks plans for European military union at Bratislava summit
By Johannes Stern and Alex Lantier, 28 September 2016
British officials see German and French plans to militarise the European Union as an intolerable threat to the NATO alliance and Europe's relations with the United States.
Divisions erupt at post-Brexit Bratislava summit as EU calls for military-police build-up
By Johannes Stern and Alex Lantier, 17 September 2016
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi refused to attend a joint press conference after the summit and publicly attacked EU proposals on economic and refugee policy.
European Commission President Juncker calls for state-build up and war
By Johannes Stern, 15 September 2016
Two days before Friday's post-Brexit summit in Bratislava, Jean-Claude Juncker warned that the EU faces “an existential crisis” and called for police-state build-up and war.
Polish and British governments exploit attacks on Polish immigrants
By Clara Weiss, 15 September 2016
Attacks on Polish immigrants in the UK are being exploited by the Polish and British ruling class to strengthen their alliance, amid deepening divisions within the EU.
European Council president backs demands for EU military buildup
By Alex Lantier, 14 September 2016
Donald Tusk warned that the British exit from the European Union had unleashed a historic crisis of the EU threatening the survival of democracy in Europe.
Germany, France propose EU military alliance before post-Brexit summit
By Alex Lantier, 13 September 2016
In response to Brexit, Berlin and Paris aim to transform the EU into a military alliance capable of waging major wars abroad and large-scale repression at home.
The reasons behind the failure to form a government in Spain
By Alejandro López, 10 September 2016
The failure to form a government is not based on deep political differences, as all the contending parties are committed to austerity, the EU and NATO.
Earthquake disaster aggravates social crisis in Italy
By Marianne Arens, 10 September 2016
Two weeks after the earthquake in central Italy on August 24, it is clear that the devastation and loss of life was not due to a “natural disaster” but corruption and government indifference.
US and Japan attack plans for post-Brexit Britain
By Julie Hyland, 5 September 2016
President Obama made plain Washington’s opposition to the UK leaving the EU, while Tokyo warned that Japanese corporations would leave the UK if it went ahead with the move.
Irish government to appeal European Commission ruling on Apple’s tax bill
By Steve James, 5 September 2016
Ireland, a centre for tax dodging by leading US-based transnational corporations, is uniquely vulnerable to the deepening divisions between the US and the European Union.
Third election looms as Spanish right fails to form a government
By Alejandro López, 1 September 2016
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy failed to receive the necessary 176 votes in the 350-seat parliament.
Merkel seeks to reorganise Europe
By Peter Schwarz, 27 August 2016
This week the German chancellor met with 15 of the 27 EU leaders to set out the EU’s future course and ensure that Germany dictates the proceedings.
Divisions rise inside EU at summit between Germany, France and Italy
By Alex Lantier, 23 August 2016
Amid the escalating crisis unleashed by the Brexit vote, the remaining major EU powers barely succeeded in papering over the divisions between them.
A year in the plight of Berlin’s refugees
By Verena Nees, 8 August 2016
The Berlin Senate wants the distressing images of refugees on city’s streets to be forgotten ahead of the state election.
UK: Labour leader Corbyn calls debate with coup plotter Owen Smith “comradely”
By Robert Stevens, 6 August 2016
Denying that a split is in the cards has become the central theme of Corbyn’s leadership campaign, even as the Blairite wing of the party continues to seek his removal.
Germany’s Chancellor Merkel announces drastic increase in state powers
By Ulrich Rippert, 30 July 2016
In a press conference, Merkel proclaimed a “war on terrorism” and a sweeping increase in state powers.
French president, British prime minister meet to discuss Brexit crisis
By Alex Lantier, 23 July 2016
Hollande shifted towards a more accommodating position, giving Britain more time to negotiate the exit and reaffirming Britain’s role as a key military ally of France.
US and Germany livid over failure of Turkish coup
By Peter Schwarz, 19 July 2016
The angry denunciations of the Erdogan government by the United States and Germany make clear that they had hoped for the success of the military coup.
One year since Syriza’s betrayal in Greece
By Bill Van Auken, 15 July 2016
Syriza’s ceaseless collaboration in the implementation of brutal austerity measures has vindicated the warnings made by the WSWS even before the pseudo-left party came to power.
Despite South China Sea crisis, EU deepens relations with China
By Alex Lantier, 14 July 2016
EU officials are pointedly refusing to endorse US and Filipino claims against China in the South China Sea, as laid out in Tuesday’s court ruling in The Hague.
Hague court decision sets stage for US confrontation with China
By Peter Symonds, 13 July 2016
Yesterday’s tribunal ruling branding China’s actions in the South China Sea as “illegal” provides another pretext for the US to ramp up its military expansion in Asia.
German militarism on display at NATO summit
By Johannes Stern, 13 July 2016
Two years after German officials announced plans to remilitarise the country, media outlets are warning of preparations for “total war.”
Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon ignored in Europe
By Steve James, 12 July 2016
While the Brexit crisis centres on British relations with the EU, the unanticipated debacle is also threatening to destabilise relations between and within all the EU’s component countries.
NATO summit plans escalation against Russia in Eastern Europe, Middle East
By Alex Lantier, 11 July 2016
NATO is planning a major military escalation, based on plans for a perpetual state of war in the Middle East and preparations for all-out war with Russia in Europe.
European Union working with African despots to deter refugees
By Martin Kreickenbaum, 11 July 2016
At their latest meeting in the Slovakian capital Bratislava, EU interior ministers agreed on speedier deportation of refugees and closer cooperation with African dictatorships.
IMF chief points to war danger
By Nick Beams, 8 July 2016
International Monetary Fund head Christine Lagarde warned against the dangers posed by the prospect of a “wave of protectionism.”
Britain’s right-wing media call for creation of new pro-European Union party
By Robert Stevens, 6 July 2016
Leading commentators in the financial press view the founding of a new party as a means of reversing a strategic setback for the dominant sections of British capital.
Brexit and the return of European militarism
By Johannes Stern, 5 July 2016
The European Union has reacted to the outcome of the referendum on UK membership of the European Union by calling for the militarization of the continent.
Brexit financial fallout widens
By Nick Beams, 4 July 2016
Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has warned of “economic post-traumatic stress” hitting financial markets, businesses and households.
Europe and US continue anti-Russian sanctions
By Andrea Peters, 4 July 2016
On the same day the EU extended asset freezes, travel bans, and trade embargoes targeting Russia, the US announced new sanctions directed against the Russian defense industry.
Brexit vote heightens tensions in Europe
By Peter Schwarz, 1 July 2016
Last week’s vote by the United Kingdom has been met by an intensified drive by Germany to exert dominance over the European continent.
The anti-Corbyn coup and calls for a second referendum on Brexit
Statement of the Socialist Equality Party (Britain), 1 July 2016
The strategic interests of the ruling elite in Britain and the US—especially as regards NATO and its military provocations against Russia—require that the referendum result be rescinded.
EU maintains hard line toward UK over Brexit
By Johannes Stern, 30 June 2016
While officially expressing dismay over the result of the Brexit referendum, EU leaders now see it as an opportunity to turn the EU into an aggressive military power.
UK Labour right wing mounts leadership challenge against Corbyn
By Chris Marsden, 30 June 2016
The coup against Corbyn is considered vital to the ability of the British ruling class to safeguard its interests globally.
Thousands turn up for cancelled “Remain in EU” rallies throughout the UK
By our reporters, 30 June 2016
The purpose of those addressing the rally was to exploit the frustration and anger of young people at the referendum result and its consequences.
Tensions erupt at Brussels summit on British exit from EU
By Johannes Stern and Alex Lantier, 29 June 2016
The European Union is aggressively pressing for Britain to speed up the process of withdrawal and renegotiation of treaties and trade relations with the 27-member bloc.
EU leaders call for rapid British exit and European military buildup
By Alex Lantier, 28 June 2016
The European Union is making plans for increased austerity and an independent military policy, setting the stage for explosive international conflicts, including with the US.
Financial market turmoil continues in wake of Brexit vote
By Nick Beams, 28 June 2016
British government leaders have issued statements claiming they have the situation under control, but to no avail as financial markets continue to plummet.
After Brexit, mounting warnings of global slump and financial panic
By Andre Damon, 27 June 2016
The ongoing sell-off in global financial markets comes amid a chorus of warnings by international institutions that the world economy faces a deepening crisis.
The way forward after the Brexit referendum
By Statement by the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 27 June 2016
The only certainty in the aftermath of the Leave vote is that the assault on the working class will be intensified, as the ruling elite demand greater sacrifices in the “national interest.”
Amid mass abstention, right-wing PP wins Spanish elections
By Alejandro López, 27 June 2016
The result is particularly humiliating for the Unidos Podemos led by Pablo Iglesias, the coalition put together by the Stalinist-led United Left and Podemos.
Brexit vote intensifies conflicts within European Union
By Alex Lantier, 25 June 2016
The process of European integration begun just after World War II, intended to build political institutions that would make a new world war impossible, is unraveling.
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition make nationalist case for Brexit
By Robert Stevens, 23 June 2016
The Socialist Party and Socialist Workers Party serve to blind the working class to the dangers posed by the strengthening of the most right-wing sections of the bourgeoisie through the referendum campaign.
Belgian authorities mount large-scale anti-terror raid
By Kumaran Ira, 20 June 2016
Three suspects were charged with preparing terror attacks on gatherings of football fans after police raided over 100 locations across Belgium.
The EU referendum and the murder of British MP Jo Cox
By Julie Hyland, 18 June 2016
The murder of Cox has starkly revealed the fascistic character of the forces being whipped up around this week’s referendum on British membership in the EU, particularly by the Leave campaign.
The significance of the Brexit referendum for the European working class
By Peter Schwarz, 18 June 2016
Peter Schwarz, secretary of the International Committee of the Fourth International, delivered the following speech in London to a June 14 public meeting sponsored by the SEP (UK).
Greece’s Syriza government presses ahead with privatisations
By Katerina Selin, 17 June 2016
The Syriza-led government, elected on a wave of opposition to austerity, is presiding over a sweeping sell-off of state assets for the benefit of the Greek and European financial elites.
European Court of Justice upholds UK ban on migrant benefits
By Robert Stevens, 16 June 2016
The judgment states the British government can withhold family welfare benefits to EU migrants who are not working if they do not have the “right to reside” in the UK.
European Union seeks agreements with African dictators to deter refugees
By Martin Kreickenbaum, 16 June 2016
In exchange for financial assistance, despotic regimes in Africa are to seal off escape routes and detain and deport refugees.
The Brexit referendum from a European perspective
By Peter Schwarz, 13 June 2016
Reading the commentary in the international press concerning the referendum on a British exit from the European Union, one gets a sense of a ruling class that has lost its bearings.
The return of German militarism to Eastern Europe
By Johannes Stern, 11 June 2016
Germany’s Armed Forces are playing an increasingly prominent role in the NATO deployment in Eastern Europe, which serves to openly prepare a war against Russia.
Bond yields fall as fears rise over global economic growth
By Nick Beams, 11 June 2016
As the pile of negative yielding government debt passes the $10 trillion mark, it has been described as a “supernova that will explode one day.”
French government threatens to crush strikes as Euro 2016 football cup starts
By Alex Lantier, 11 June 2016
Workers also faced criticism from union officials, who pushed for an end to the strike with claims that striking during the Euro cup would reflect badly on their image.
UK trade union federation calls for Britain to remain in EU
By Robert Stevens, 11 June 2016
The Trades Union Congress is backing the Remain campaign on the cynical basis that it is necessary to protect workers from the attacks of the Conservative government.
Croatian government collapses after four months
By Markus Salzmann, 11 June 2016
The collapse of the Oreskovic government has provoked a serious political crisis in the country.
Public meeting at Humboldt University in Berlin
The referendum on Brexit: Why the SEP rejects both camps
By , 11 June 2016
On Friday, June 17, Chris Marsden, a member of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site from Britain, will speak in Berlin at Humboldt University on the referendum for British withdrawal from the EU, and on the party’s campaign for an active boycott.
The case for an active boycott of the Brexit referendum
By Chris Marsden, 7 June 2016
The struggle for a socialist Britain within a United Socialist States of Europe is a burning necessity for workers who, in every country, face the same class enemy and the same problems of austerity and war.
UK: The political fraud of the Another Europe is Possible campaign
By Julie Hyland, 7 June 2016
The campaign makes no mention of the Cameron government’s austerity agenda that has seen millions of jobs destroyed, wages cut, welfare slashed to the bone and migrants denied entry to the UK.
UK Labour leader Corbyn stakes his future on vote to remain in EU
By Chris Marsden, 6 June 2016
Corbyn is towing the line dictated by the dominant sections of British imperialism, which see membership of the EU as essential for securing Britain’s economic interests.
Anti-migrant propaganda dominates UK Brexit referendum
By Chris Marsden, 3 June 2016
Both the Remain and Leave campaigns for the June 23 referendum on UK membership of the European Union are pushing anti-migrant measures.
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