Open primaries should be held in Europe so that voters can choose the next Party of European Socialists candidate for the presidency of the European Commission, say Michel Rocard and Pierre Moscovici. Primaries are the only way to restore democratic legitimacy of the EU and its executive in these times of  the euro crisis. More »

Martin Schulz, leader of the centre-left group in the European Parliament, announced the Socialists' intention on Thursday (2 July) to get several important portfolios in the next European Commission.

With most EU governments dominated by centre-right parties, European Socialists fear they will be under-represented in the next EU executive, sources told EurActiv.

The Council of Europe's Venice Commission, specialised in providing constitutional advice in the new democracies of Central and Eastern Europe, regrets that Ukraine's authorities neglect its opinions and push  their own agenda, Thomas Markert, commission's director, told EurActiv in an exclusive interview. More »

The Socialists in the European Parliament have come under attack from their French members, who disagree with the group's strategic direction ahead of a July plenary that could see José Manuel Barroso's re-appointment at the European Commission delayed. EurActiv France reports.

With smart meters gradually being rolled out across Europe, households are expected to gain full control over their electricity consumption, helping the fight against global warming and putting more renewable energy onto the electricity grid.   EurActiv Links:  European Commission: Smarter use of energy European Commission: Commission Recommendation on mobilising Information and Communic...

A cracking cold and deep snow did not discourage European socialists meeting in Warsaw from agreeing a strategy to elect their "winning candidate" for replacing José Manuel Barroso at the European Commission in 2014. EurActiv Poland reports.

Vicious cold and deep snow did not discourage European socialists meeting in Warsaw from agreeing a strategy to elect a "winning candidate" to replace José Manuel Barroso at the helm of the European Commission in 2014. EurActiv Poland reports.

The gas crisis exposed the vulnerability of the European Union to outside disturbances and lack of interconnection in the energy area. What is the EC Commission doing to tackle the problems? *** The Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme 2009, Acting now for a better Europe (Brussels, 5.11.2008 COM(2008) 712 final), deals with Climate Change and Sustainable Europe as the second priority...

As the European Commission pushes for greater gender balance in its own ranks, the EurActiv network takes a look at how women across Europe fare in the business world.