Sam Morgan

Behind the Scenes: Devil makes work for idle engines

Germany's drive-by shooting in Brussels risks affecting far more than just the auto industry. It has turned us all down a dangerous road.

Behind the Scenes: 'Up and atom!'

Nuclear power might be low-carbon but it's also migraine-inducing in its complexity. The EU made it even more complicated this week.

Behind the Scenes: Don't pull at that thread

Just like Father Christmas, the EU only exists if someone believes in it. But one country's incessant pursuit of its own interests risks toppling the whole shebang.

Behind the Scenes: Hard Target

Setting targets is a simple way to make progress. But should benchmarks be hung tantalisingly out of reach or designed so that anyone can meet them? Forging a middleground is complex.

Behind the Scenes: What's in a name?

'Former Soviet republic', 'the Ukraine', 'the principality', 'British actor Paul Mescal': how we use language is important. More important than is often realised.

Behind the Scenes: Knowing when to quit

Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon should be praised for knowing when to call it a day. Other politicians should take note and learn a lesson from her.

Behind the Scenes: Drawbridges up

Keeping EU enlargement on ice and tightening up migration policies proves that 'Fortress Europe' isn't being built, it's already standing tall and foreboding

Behind the Scenes: Lament Horizon

Brussels is moving on with its grand research and innovation ambitions, adding new names to its network as former partners are left out in the cold.

Behind the Scenes: Back on track?

Train travel could enjoy a vintage year, if governments get their acts together.

Behind the Scenes: Poland's silver linings playbook

Poland was seen as just a rule of law pariah. But a big commitment to Ukraine's cause have helped rehabilitate its image somewhat.

Behind the Scenes: 2023 lies in wait

It's prediction time: what will 2023 have in store for the EU? Behind the Scenes peers into its (not necessarily accurate) crystal ball.

Behind the Scenes: A year of moments

2023 won't be all that different from 2022 (unknown unknowns aside) so here are a few things that will define its course.

Behind the Scenes: Stupid Britain

The UK made yet another stupid decision this week: it is opening a new coal mine. This particular stupidity might spread beyond British shores.

Behind the Scenes: Baguette diplomacy

Emmanuel Macron celebrated a big baguette win this week. He might also have won a trade victory for the EU while in the United States

Behind the Scenes: Bored of borders

Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania want to be in Schengen. But only one looks set to get membership, despite recent efforts to convince obstructive governments.

Behind the Scenes: Fit for 57?

The EU found a couple of extra percentage points down the back of the sofa to help meet its big climate goal. But is this kind of incremental policymaking enough?

Behind the Scenes: Enemy of the State Aid

The EU's quest for "tax fairness" has been dealt a blow. But is it all doom and gloom?

Behind the Scenes: Realistic uncertainty

The EU just agreed on new 'engine-killing' rules. So why is Brussels undermining its achievement already?

Behind the Scenes: Winning green hearts and minds

There is a narrow window for governments to sew climate action into the fabric of society. But that window won't stay open forever.

Behind the Scenes: When life gives you Meloni...

Italy has a female leader, finally. But glass-ceiling-smashing counts for little compared to the sense of foreboding about Giorgia Meloni's new government

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