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Using the example of Greece, Anna Visvizi illustrates what kind of growth European countries need. She points out, that the strategy of the EU can not only focus on promoting economic growth per se but must be aimed at the fundamental factors for a sustainable socio-economic growth.

Some sort of fiscal and political union is feasible. Yet does it make sense for Germany to be in such a union? Isn't is about time that German consumers had their day in the sun? That, amongst other things, is what a euro break-up would deliver. 

The Euroblogosphere can be seen as a tool towards greater democratisation as i tconstitutes a community of individual citizens sharing information and ideas. Eurobloggers have the potential to become something like a popular lobby, giving voice to the interests and grievances of common Europeans.

Ramil Safarov’s surprise extradition on 31 August 2012 and his immediate pardoning upon arrival to Baku has raised a few intriguing questions not only outside Hungary but inside the country. It shows that Hungary’s current government is prepared to go a long way – if necessary, against fundamental human rights – in order to secure its economic interests.

Will the euro crisis end up in a historic tragedy? Europe’s destiny today, as so often throughout history, lies with Germany. In particular the German Left has a historic responsibility to take an active role in saving the eurozone.

A chain of rapid and unprecedented changes in Hungary’s Higher Education Act have been adopted and implemented recently by the government of Viktor Orbán. The changes share the intention of centralising power and establishing supreme control over all levels of education.

The aspect of learning is central to the Jewish culture. David Solomon, scholar, publicist, translator and kabbalist, gives an insight into Jewish history. Internationally known for his innovative, inspiring and dynamic way of teaching, he presents within just one hour the whole history of the Jewish people - from its origins until today and beyond.  

With conventional oil production in decline, the global oil industry is investing heavily in dirtier and riskier forms of oil and also in unconventional resources, such as tar sands, and oil shale. All are difficult and costly to produce, usually more carbon intensive than conventional oil and may have calamitous long-term impacts on the local environment.

The EU is facing a crisis. But this crisis is not only about a currency. When Europe’s citizens are only spectators while governments are taking decisions, democracy is in danger. To reduce this lack of democracy we do need a better election system, effective participation instruments for EU citizens and European referenda. 

Europe finds itself in a crisis. For everyone involved it is clear that a solution to the crisis requires the reduction of economic imbalances. However, it is impossible for the EU to legitimate itself only by its economic value these days. The EU’s economic crisis must be politicized and the EU citizens have to be encouraged to take an active part in a solution.