By Brian Beary, Contributing Editor European Affairs
“Jean-Luc was not only a friend but a terrific colleague,” said Institute President Joelle Attinger, speaking of Jean-Luc Robert, who died recently. “He fully believed in the European Project, and even more so, in the pivotal role that the Parliament plays in bridging the democratic deficit between the European electorate and the EU's institutions. To that end, he paid political ideology little mind. What mattered to Jean-Luc was getting the best of the Parliament before policymakers in Washington so the latter could better appreciate the caliber of the EU's legislative branch and gain fuller understanding of how and why it was approaching policy issues in the manner it was.”
By Ben Antenore, European Affairs
As international sanctions are lifted in the wake of the nuclear deal, European companies are rushing to have first access to the lucrative, almost 80-million-person strong Iranian economy. Because of U.S. imposed sanctions unrelated to the nuclear deal, dating back to 1979, U.S. companies are mostly on the sidelines.
By Geoffrey Lewis, Resident of Duddenhoe End in Essex, UK
Duddenhoe End village hall was crowded and noisy with chatter on Friday evening. The local Conservatives were gathered to debate Europe - in or out. This is a Tory family matter and a family row. Neither Labour nor Lib Dems seem split on the question, although they have plenty of other things to worry about. Everyone in the hall was wearing the casual uniform of the Home Counties: check shirts, blazers or tweed jackets, and they were raring to go. There were tables in two rows laid for supper. This was free with wine, all the gift of the lady organizers, and so a full house was guaranteed.
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