European Politics

Eurosceptic MEP Nigel Farage is remaining defiant following a meeting with European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek during which he was asked to apologise for remarks made in the Plenary Chamber last week.
But whatever the fallout from this latest development, Farage has at the very least raised a serious question for his enemies and allies alike to ponder: what are the limits of free speech in a parliamentary chamber?

Following the compromise reached with the Council on the Telecoms Package, the emphasis in the debate is now shifting from consumer to civil rights following the Parliament gaining new powers under the Lisbon Treaty.

The compromise, which is set to pave the way for a single telecoms market, saw bitter disagreements emerge between all parties.

The European Parliament is to challenge the Belgian government over its decision to appoint Louis Michel as its official candidate for chair of the United Nations General Assembly.

As the European left looks set to suffer a defeat with the confirmation of Jose Manuel Barroso as President of the Commission for a second term, MEPs are still insisting that they can shape the future political direction of the EU.