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How has the significance of democracy changed, and why do elections not stimulate the same pre-vote frenzy and post-result calm that they use to, and are supposed to?

Between Brexit and the rise of illiberal democracies the pressure to reorient the European project has never been more intense.

Since 2015, more than one million asylum seekers have entered Europe. Of these, roughly 250,000 have come to the Nordic countries, prompting them to reassess their immigration systems and services.

The idea of a free interrail pass for every EU citizen on their 18th birthday to explore Europe’s diversity is enticing. However the EU’s emphasis on liberalisation is leading to the loss of night trains.

A broad coalition seems to be gathering pace in Ireland, and extending far beyond the country’s borders, calling for a reform of Ireland’s abortion laws – the most stringent in Europe. A courageous campaign combined with a shift in public attitudes could mean real change is finally on the horizon.

The anti-government protests in Poland seem quite disconnected from the legacy of Solidarity, which seems to have been left behind, while it remains to be seen whether the emergence of new political actors signals a genuine shift in the political landscape. An interview with Sociologist Jan Sowa by Claudia Ciobanu.

Brexit was a wakeup call that something about the EU’s relationship to its citizens needs to change. Forcing more integration would push people away – instead, giving citizens a say and a stake in the EU’s future through regional citizen assemblies may be a path towards a truly representative and interactive EU.

Despite high hopes for Croatia’s multifarious small parties, and disappointment for the centre-left Social Democrats, Croatia’s September elections have revealed a relative return to stability with the two main established parties retaining most of the seats and leverage in the parliament.

Slightly over two months ago, the ‘Brexit’ vote took place, leaving a lot of us in horror, lethargy, or at least confusion. If our confusion has receded as time has gone by, it is because we have become used to this new reality, not because it started making sense.

After the failed coup d’état in July this year the EU has to re-position itself vis à vis post-coup Turkey. Finding a formulation that satisfies the EU and is acceptable to Turkey will not be easy.