Estonia tests water for own virtual currency
Following the success of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, some in the Baltic nation propose introducing their own version for their e-residents. But what about the euro?
Estonia wants e-residents to pump money into its economy
Estonia's e-residency programme is attracting attention from Ukraine and Russia, and provides an option for British businesses who want to remain active in the EU post-Brexit.
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News in Brief
- Greece expects first migrant returns next month
- Migrant surge noted on Greek islands
- EU and Poland lock horns on migrant quotas
- Net migration to UK drops 25%
- Germany asks EU to strengthen foreign takeover rules
- Poll shows tight race in Norway's upcoming elections
- Macron slams EU posted workers rules
- Air Berlin insolvency talks begin amid 'stitch-up' accusation
Investigation
Fines on open internet vary greatly in EU
The fine for violating the EU principle of net neutrality is €9,600 in Estonia, while it can be up to €1 million in Bulgaria, Luxembourg, and Belgium.
Estonia picks Luxembourg for 'ultimate backup'
Estonia calls the out-of-border backup, which will include copies of its citizens' health data, population data, and business registries, a data embassy.
'USB condoms' and migration on Estonia's EU agenda
Baltic nation of 1.3 million inhabitants plans to use its EU presidency to showcase its status as a digital frontrunner.
Opinion
Macron goes east to test appetite for EU integration
The next few months will be decisive in selecting who stays in the core of the EU and who stays behind, writes Tomas Prouza, a former state secretary for European Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Italian ports left alone to handle EU migrants
EU countries have declined to help Italy by opening their ports to migrants, but aim to expel more people and impose “rules” on NGO rescues.
Estonians treat Juncker and Tusk to 'noisy' heavy metal act
The official opening of the EU presidency takes a surprising twist.
Build trust before you introduce e-voting, says Estonian president
President Kersti Kaljulaid said countries should start small with digital changes in society: "I would never advise using e-voting as the first digital service".
Offshore leaks fail to harm Maltese PM
Maltese leader Muscat was sworn in for five more years on Monday despite “aggressive” revelations about offshore firms.
Maltese election to test faith in ruling party
Corruption allegations could still sink the Maltese government in elections on Saturday that take place in a "tribal" atmosphere.
Feature
Malta unable to solve EU organic conundrum
Complexities in the organic sector in the country holding the EU presidency illustrate difficulties of agreeing new rules at EU level.
Opinion
Cyber threats are inevitable, paralysing impact is not
Following the recent devastating WannaCry cyberattack, which affected over 200,000 people globally, there needs to be a joint effort to ensure Europe's systems are secure.
Malta chairs 'awkward' EU talks on tax dodging
Maltese finance minister Scicluna claimed there were "no offshore companies in the EU", rejecting what he called media "lynching" of his country on tax dodging.
Malta surprised by sudden interest in its tax regime
The smallest EU nation has come under extra public scrutiny because of leaked documents dubbed "the Malta Files".
Lack of solidarity dogs EU asylum reform
Malta's latest ideas on solidarity in the Dublin asylum reforms failed to convince fellow EU states at Thursday's meeting.
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Latest News
- Russia targets UK activist via Interpol
- EU probe into VW loan remains opaque
- Estonia tests water for own virtual currency
- Terrorists do not sit still, and nor should we
- You can't escape that 'The Future is Europe'
- Poland vows legal battle on migrant quotas
- Refugees in limbo on Greek island
- UK to 'align' with EU on data protection
Malta PM calls snap election over offshore scandal
Joseph Muscat said he would resign if an inquiry links him or his wife to an offshore firm in Panama.
The heated life of Malta's politics
While the smallest EU state has been commended in Brussels for its smooth presidency of the Council, domestic politics are characterised by heated polarisation with accusations and insults often being traded.
Thirteen states join EU prosecutor's office
Justice ministers from 13 EU member states have confirmed they will take part in the European Public Prosecutor's Office with another three set to join in the next few days.
Interview
Malta's fight against childhood obesity
Despite ambitious plans and a top political priority to fight childhood obesity, Malta has only managed to halt the rise of obese and overweight children.
EU backs setting up prosecutor's office
Heads of state and government have agreed to allow a core group of EU states to set up a European Public Prosecutor Office to probe VAT fraud and crimes against the EU budget.
EU leaders discuss Libya migrant plans
A letter by Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat, which will be discussed at the EU summit, provides an overview of plans to keep migrants in Libya.
EU looking for ways to manage southern 'ring of fire'
A recent conference highlighted the opportunities and challenges the EU faces in its neighbourhood south of the Mediterranean.
Maltese PM hails pope, calls for multispeed EU
Malta's prime minister Joseph Muscat said that Pope Francis has "the skills and vision" to inspire the EU and that some EU countries should integrate more to be able to act.
Column / Health Matters
The yin and yang of Chinese medicine
Can traditional Chinese medicine help the modern European patient? Malta thinks so, in a new agreement with China.
Malta to push for LGBTI rights in troubled times
Activists hope the EU presidency of Malta, a recent LGBTIQ champion, will help to put their rights higher on the EU agenda.
Maltese minister: 'We're not censoring the internet'
Opposition claims that a new defamation bill would end freedom of expression online are “a complete untruth”, Owen Bonnici tells EUobserver.
EU commissioner condemns 'delay' in post-Dieselgate reform
'There is no time to lose,' Elzbieta Bienkowska told member states. 'There is systematic failure in the type approval system in Europe.'
Malta anger over plans for web crackdown
Malta's government proposes widening libel laws to include all sorts of material published online.
EU leaders to push migration issue outside of Europe
EU leaders endorsed an Italian deal with Libya to help the North African country stem the flow of people, and pledged €200 million to help its coastguard patrol the seas in an effort to curb migration.
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- EJC Concerned by Normalisation of Antisemitic Tropes in Hungary
- Out for Summer Ep. 1: How the EIB Sweeps a Development Fiasco Under the Rug
- CESI to Participate in Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee on Postal Services
- Malta Keeps on Rocking: Marriage Equality on Its Way
- EuFoA Director and MEPs Comment on the Recent Conflict Escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh
- EP Support for Corporate Tax Transparency Principle Unlikely to Pass Reality Check