Feature archive

Iran's 'Islamicisation' programme threatens civil society
Since President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took office in 2005 - authorities have forced professors to retire, eliminated social science courses and imprisoned student activists – write Liesl Gerntholtz and Faraz Sanei

Time for a UK referendum on EU membership?
For now, Europe is a club to which Britain should belong but public pressure for a referendum on membership should be acknowledged - writes Julie Girling MEP

French tax-grab on 'foreigners' could be replicated across EU
Brussels is to let the French impose new taxes on non-resident homeowners. By doing nothing about a discriminatory law, the European Commission has once again allowed a member state to clamp down on 'foreigners' from within the EU, writes Justin Stares

Europe must slam the door shut on shale gas - campaigner
Problems with shale gas include drinking water contamination, air pollution, land grabs, heavy water-use, noise pollution and traffic disturbance - claims Antoine Simon

Is 'institutionalised sexism' to blame for decline of unions?
It is conceivable that chauvinism has played a significant part in lessening the appeal of trade unions and, as a consequence, eroding their power - writes Dr Getinet Haile

European citizens do not want privatised water services
The austerity packages imposed on the countries of southern Europe have become a new driver for the privatisation of public services - warns Jan Willem Goudriaan

Political parties must nominate European Commission president
Let us seize the moment to create a genuine European public space - the EU will never succeed if it does not become a truly democratic union – writes Wilfried Martens

Claims justice 'prevailed' as PMOI/MEK removed from terror lists
The presence of the dissident People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran on US, UK and EU terrorist lists provided the Iranian government with a platform to massacre and torture anyone opposing its 'fascist regime' – claims Struan Stevenson MEP

EU budget negotiations: a zero-sum game?
The seven-year EU budget could unlock investment and jobs, but only if the shadow-boxing around the negotiating table ends now - writes Markus Trilling

Young entrepreneurs can overcome gloomy 'Euro-pessimism'
Society must battle against those who say Europe is history as an economic power and fight against the increasing unemployment that blights the lives of young people – writes M&C Saatchi chief executive Moray MacLennan

The hidden cost of upgrading your iPhone
The upgrade process has always been fairly straightforward for individuals but what about businesses whose employees use their iPhone, or any personal device, for work – asks Andy Kemshall

Reforming the British education system - a new approach
If qualifications are to regain, and then maintain, the public's confidence - then their design and administration must be wrested of government control – claim James Croft and Anton Howes

Europe's reaction to the Arab Spring - could do better
The European Union's focus on the European Neighbourhood Policy as the main vehicle for its response looks increasingly like displacement activity before normal politics are resumed – claim Nick Witney and Anthony Dworkin

The new Silk Road: a highway for radical Islam?
As the EU's trade with China grows, a new land route through central Asia is being developed – but there is a danger it might be exploited by radical Islam, Francesco Guarascio reports from Kazakhstan

Trade frictions cast shadow over EU-China business summit
Politicians played down trade frictions while executives talked of bribes and basketball at this year's surreal EU-China business summit, reports Justin Stares