Europe

Brexit is a crisis that cuts deep into the ruling class and Theresa May's failures have brought to the fore the cracks in Britain's political system, argues Sean Ledwith

Seeing the EU as internationalist is a fundamental error rooted in a misdiagnosis of its aims and effects, argues Chris Nineham

The proposed merger of German banks is a disaster waiting to happen and exposes the weaknesses at the heart of European capitalism, argues Chris Bambery

Written in June 1999, John Rees explains why the war in the Balkans was not about the plight of refugees but part of Nato’s expansion. It wanted to dominate the Balkans and eastern Europe as well as control the oil rich areas of the Caspian Sea

Written in 2000, Lindsey German analyses the Serbian revolution and NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia which began 20 years ago today

Remembering the Holocaust means remembering the horrific slaughter of Jewish people, but also the resistance and solidarity, and resolving to put 'never again' into practice, writes Dana Mills

As protests across Europe are generalising, UK activists must seize the time, writes Dragan Plavšić

This government is sustained by class hatred alone.  But they are weak and we must keep up the pressure for a general election

Tory Brexit crisis, the fightback against austerity, Eurovision boycott campaign, Trump and Syria, remembering Rosa Luxemburg, Yellow Vests and protests across Europe in this month's Counterfire Freesheet

In the face of austerity and exploitation, the left must act as a counterweight to the established political order, argues Anja Ilic

Chris Bambery explores European political economy and what developments of the last twelve months can lead us to expect about the year ahead

Mass protests across Europe show that a new politics is on the horizon, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

The Yellow Vests outwitted Macron's repressive state forces to stage a surprise mobilisation in Paris and storm towns and roundabouts across France, reports Susan Ram

Dragan Plavšić looks at spreading student protest and where it could go next

We must demand a general election to resolve this crisis, argues Chris Nineham

Costas Lapavitsas makes a convincing argument why the Left should oppose the EU, writes Martin Hall

A number of contradictions are causing the Tories to lose grip; Reuben Bard-Rosenberg looks at why they have no clear way of holding on

Only a general election can break the impasse, and to make it happen we need to get out on the streets and pile the pressure on, argues Martin Hall

Newly appointed New Statesman economics commentator Grace Blakeley delivers compelling case for leaving the EU 

Even the Guardian's economics editor thinks staying in the EU is a bad idea

Theresa May and the EU are the beneficiaries of the idea that this deal is the only option - it's not. We need to oppose it and fight for a general election, argues Lindsey German

Liberals lament Britain leaving the European Union, but the politics of the bloc is increasingly right wing and nasty, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

May and her party are completely incapable of delivering a viable deal, writes Chris Nineham

Opposing the far right, people's vote, police racism, precarious workers, climate chaos, universal credit and more in this month's Counterfire freesheet

Little progress was made in the Brexit negotiations, and Tory MPs are losing patience with May, finds Martin Hall

The crisis for Theresa May and the Tories continues to deepen, their only lifeline would be a second referendum, argues Lindsey German

The failed referendum in the small Balkan state represents a major upset for the West, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

From the Benalla affair to the Hulot resignation and plunging poll ratings, there's no end in sight for the troubles of the French President, writes Susan Ram

Modern art was a way of actively willing war towards an end says Alistair Cartwright in his review of the Aftermath exhibition at the Tate

A second referendum would be a disaster for the working people the TUC are supposed to represent, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg

The far right Sweden Democrats didn't do as well as commentators anticipated, but the fascist threat must be confronted across Europe, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

A statement from Solidarity with the People of Turkey on the recent attack against the Saturday Mothers

As the far right gains energy across Europe, John Riddell reminds us of how the emergence of fascism was met by socialists

Europe's failure to deal with the refugee crisis is resulting in more deaths in the Mediterranean and the growth of the far right argues Eleftheria Kousta

Steve Bannon has gained international notoriety for his role as Trump's chief strategist. Sean Ledwith examines his role in organising the transatlantic alt-right

Following our mass condemnation of Trump, Reuben Bard-Rosenberg highlights the inherent racism of an organisation closer to home

The left should not avoid political struggle, it should actively work to shape the outcomes of political crisis argues David Bush

In Europe’s Fault Lines, Liz Fekete exposes the links between neoliberal centrism, EU economic policy, and the rise of the far and fascist right, finds Martin Hall

The gathering crisis in European Union should make it clear the EU provides no haven from racism or austerity

The European Economic Area is an extension of the EU's dominance and is not to be taken lightly, argues Martin Hall

Will the World Cup which opens today be an orgy of petty-minded nationalism? Philosophy Football’s Mark Perryman doesn’t seem to think so

A People’s Brexit that unites the left is the only way to confront an increasingly bold neoliberal mafia, argues Lindsey German

The unelected Italian President has carried out a soft coup which is highly undemocratic and which has thrown the country and the EU into mounting chaos, argues Chris Bambery

The Paris Commune only lasted from 28 March to 28 May 1871 but it inspired Karl Marx and continues to inspire and inform socialists today argues Judy Cox

One year on from Macron taking office, Susan Ram analyses what he stands for and what he's achieved

As a massive wave of strikes continues in France, what forces might propose a mass political alternative to Macron? John Mullen discusses the party being led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon

Marching on the motorways and confronting police violence, the mass movement has returned with a new defiance, reports Jack Hazeldine

As the wave of repression from the Spanish state continues, Catalonia needs our solidarity now more than ever, argues Chris Bambery

After the regime’s win, the left needs to build a movement in the working-class areas

The gains made by the far-right in Italy are worrying, but there is time to turn the tide, argues Chris Bambery

With the possibility of another far-right leader in a European government, the left needs to get its act together

As the SPD go into another 'grand coalition' with the CDU, Mark Bergfeld looks at the prospects for the left in Germany

The hatred the elite in Italy have inspired, is, for the moment, flowing rightwards, finds Chris Bambery

Westminster is stuck in a Brexit bubble. The left need to provide an alternative to the washed-up parliamentary politics argues Chris Bambery

On the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Kevin Ovenden takes on the mistaken politics of relativisation and argues that Europe must take responsibility for its history.

Things have got so bad - with Brexit and the Tories - that the establishment long for the reincarnation of another unblemished Blair argues Brian Heron

Pro-independence parties in Catalonia have won the majority of seats in yesterday's election. Jack Hazeldine explains what this means and what the movement should now be doing.

David Cesarni’s posthumous Final Solution is an essential and magisterial history on Hitler’s war against Europe’s Jewish population, argues Chris Bambery.

The formation of a right wing government in Austria shows us that the European Union is not a bulwark against racism – and that the left would do well to turn against its institutions in order to prevent a far right resurgence, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Covering the independence struggle in Catalonia from the ground, Jack Hazeldine interviewed a leading figure of what looks to be the fifth party at Thursday’s elections, the anticapitalist CUP

The political crisis in Germany presents both dangers and opportunities for the European anti-capitalist left argues Evan Sedgwick-Jell

The rollercoaster of polarisation was in full flow this year and shows no sign of relenting, writes Lindsey German

Prejudice against Muslims is high across Europe, but in Britain there are grounds for optimism thanks to a mass movement against Islamophobia

Despite dire forecasts for the economy and living standards, the Tories are continuing with more austerity. It can't go on argues Lindsey German

The national question has returned to mainland Europe and we have to choose a side, argues Dragan Plavšić   

Saturday’s stunning demonstration was the largest since the referendum, and mass disobedience and community organising lay behind it

Live updates of the fast-moving situation in Catalonia

As the Catalan government stand immobilised and imprisoned, the base of the movement has taken the lead with a “week of struggle” and general strike ahead, reports Jack Hazeldine

The victory for the Catalan people in declaring themselves an independent republic has come from working class organisation in the streets argues Jack Hazeldine

As the Madrid government threatens direct rule in Catalonia, Jack Hazeldine reports on the situation in Barcelona.

Further repression will only radicalise the situation in Catalonia further, argues Chris Bambery

Mark Bergfeld talks to Counterfire about Merkel‘s popularity and the deeper roots of the rise of the right-wing AfD

Dunkirk 1940 has always been an ideological field day for our ruling class, Chris Bambery cuts through the fog of war  

Like Diane Abbott, French left-wing politician Danièle Obono feels the sexism and racism of the right-wing establishment, writes Susan Ram

Pelz’s People’s History of Modern Europe gives an illuminating history of the class struggles and revolts which accompanied the modernisation of Europe, finds Tom Whittaker

Macron beat Le Pen to the presidency, but there is a parliamentary election still to come

With less than a week to go until the second round of the French presidential elections, John Mullen takes a look at where we are now

Prime minister Orban's attack on the Central European University has inspired strong opposition

Mainstream alarmism cannot distract us from the actual dangers of the Nazi Front National, writes John Mullen

As Theresa May signs off Article 50, Lindsey German takes a look at where we stand

As thousands march against Brexit, Reuben Bard-Rosenberg takes a look at the politics behind the protest

The election in the Netherlands didn‘t bear out the media‘s prediction of a right-wing surge, writes Alastair Stephens

The mainstream media is peddling a destructive lie that we have to crush, asserts Lindsey German

The NHS crisis, mobilising against Trump and more - Counterfire's freesheet edition 016, March 2017 - Counterfire freesheet edition 016, March 2017

Those who are trying to block Brexit, using anti-racist and pro-migrant arguments need to think again, argues Shabbir Lakha

Southeastern Europe is far from exempt from post-neoliberal global convulsions, observes Vladimir Unkovski-Korica 

The aftershocks of Franco's Spain are re-emerging and clashing with 21st-century tensions, notes Chris Bambery 

The soft left’s kowtowing to phony internationalism has to stop now, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg

Current debates around Brexit are awash with ideology, Shabbir Lakha helps us beat a path toward strategy

The NHS crisis, Durham teaching assistants and defending free movement - Counterfire's freesheet edition 015, January 2017

Chris Wickham’s analysis of the European Middle Ages is a rich introduction to the development of Europe up to the 15th Century, argues Chris Bambery

In an increasingly polarising Europe, Lindsey German argues that the left need to recognise the possibilities arising from the collapsing centre and get organising

Is the stifling pro-western consensus that has dominated Balkan and eastern European politics for the last quarter of a century finally on the wane, asks Dragan Plavšić

What does Brexit mean? What should we be demanding? Lindsey German takes on these questions in the second talk of our new series, tackling the big issues of the day

As the dust begins to settle on the result of the US presidency, Jonathan Maunders disentangles the reality from the rhetoric in Trump's nascent foreign policy   

Italy is set to vote in a constitutional referendum, but this is about much more than Renzi's reforms, argues Alastair Stephens

The closure of the Calais camp is an act of barbarity, but solidarity with refugees remains strong, argues Shabbir Lakha  

In spite of its desperate campaign, the Hungarian government failed to mobilise enough voters to support its anti-refugee policy, writes Bob Oxley

Protesting is crucial to maintain pressure on Theresa May, both to reverse policy and end the wars that create refugees, reports Jonathan Maunders 

While Owen Smith and the Labour right play political football with antisemitism, Kevin Ovenden looks at the serious rise in fascism across Europe

Alastair Stephens finds lessons for the movement in his analysis of the recent coup attempt in Turkey

Dragan Plavšić offers an alternative take on Britain’s decision to leave the EU, the rise in racist incidents, and considers parallels with Yugoslavia 

A short look at why those in the north of England mainly voted to leave the EU - from Guerrera Films

As the established order falls apart, Chris Bambery argues how the left should respond

Europe is about to be shaken by another political earthquake as Podemos is predicted to become Spain's second party writes Alastair Stephens

The government has been stunned by the strength of the strikes and protests, but what now for the movement? John Mullen investigates

The vote to leave the EU was fuelled by class divisions, argues Alastair Stephens

As the UK votes to leave the EU, let's take the fight to the Tories

The EU is has a terrible record on it's treatment of refugees, argues Shabbir Lakha

Anti-imperialists must vote leave, argues Sean Ledwith

As Euro 2016 begins Mark Perryman offers an 11-point plan finally to end England’s years of hurt

Matthew Carr’s Fortress Europe is a powerful indictment of the inhumanity of the EU’s policies towards refugees, argues Tom Griffiths

Alex Gordon, convenor of Lexit – The Left Leave Campaign and former president of the RMT trade union, talks to Counterfire about the upcoming EU referendum

We need working class solidarity in support of the refugees - John Westmoreland reports on building the convoy in Doncaster

Kevin Ovenden argues for an internationalist approach to the European crisis in the second half of a two-part series on the European question

France's working class is taking a sledgehammer to Hollande's neoliberal reforms - an echo of the European economic machine, writes Reuben Bard-Rosenberg

Class struggle is back in France, with some surprising new initiatives, reports Paris-based activist John Mullen

Many trade unionists will be voting to leave the EU in the upcoming referendum. An ASLEF, BFAWU and RMT statement explains why

Blairite MPs want to topple Jeremy Corbyn and occupy 'the middle ground'. This is the path to electoral breakdown and the ascendancy of the racist right, argues Kevin Ovenden

Activist Maz Saleem continues her frontline reporting from the refugee crisis with this insight into the Alexandreia Camp

The referendum is not a vote on whether we want to be ‘part of Europe’. It's a vote on an institution that has done far more harm than good

As the EU referendum draws closer, and the Tories split further, Chris Bambery looks at why the debate is not the orgy of racism that so many predicted

Shabbir Lakha reports from the first anti-EU meeting organised by the left. This needs to be the start of a concerted campaign

As the Tories descend into civil war, we argue that a vote to leave the EU would be a blow against the neoliberal order 

Lindsey German and Marina Prentoulis join James Butler and Aaron Bastani to discuss Britain's forthcoming referendum on EU membership

This is a Portuguese translation of the letter by trade unionists and socialists in favour of an exit from the EU

The EU referendum will be held on 23 June. There are many reasons why Britain should leave the EU. Alastair Stephens lists just five

Fire and Blood brilliantly recounts the European civil war of 1914-45, which brought the idea of capitalist progress to an end, argues Chris Bambery

The Tories' brewing civil war over Europe is not the first to divide the party

The EU is fundamentally undemocratic and cannot be reformed, argues Chris Bambery

While the War on Terror has destroyed the Middle East, it has also been the source of racism across Europe

The first day of the new parliament was one of high drama and low deals, writes Alastair Stephens

Chris Bambery takes a look at the UK's troubled relationship with the EU, both in the past and in the present

Not since the 1930s has a far right, indeed a fascist party done so well in an election in Western Europe, writes Alastair Stephens

The financial crisis and the subsequent imposition of austerity has led to a deep polarisation of European politics, writes Alastair Stephens

In so far as it was ever a reality, the era of a liberalising Europe with diminished national tensions and ethnic conflict is over, writes Kevin Ovenden

Portugal’s president, has blocked a Left-wing coalition government even though it secured an absolute majority in the Portuguese parliament on an anti austerity mandate reports Nick Wright

The political centre is shattered. Now the left needs to seize the time, argues João Camargo

A new book by Kevin Ovenden looks at Syriza’s rise to become the most important party of the European radical Left

We cannot be neutral with regard to the upcoming referendum on EU membership. If Britain votes to stay in, we will be effectively signing up to all of Europe’s neoliberal strictures for another generation

Spanish anti-austerity party Podemos have issue the following statement backing Jeremy Corbyn for Labour leader

John Westmoreland argues that the European Union cannot be reformed and calls for a ‘No’ vote in the EU referendum

The chances of the deal agreed between Greece and the 'Institutions' actually being enforced seem low - this is, by no means, over writes James Meadway

Today's strikes in Athens and Glasgow are in opposition to the neoliberal policies of the European Union argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg

If we want to fight TTIP we need to confront the undemocratic and unaccountable European Union argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg

The EU have struck at Syriza to warn the rest of Europe of the folly of electing anti-austerity representatives writes Brian Heron

We need a broad, progressive campaign against EU membership, based on internationalism and solidarity and in opposition to the British establishment. We cannot leave the anti-EU argument to the racist right

The capitulation of the Syriza government is complete. The only way a disaster can be averted is for the left and the movements to take mass action quickly and decisively argues James Meadway

The very lack of democracy at the heart of the European Union together with the way it has treated the people of Greece are reasons enough as to why the radical left should oppose the EU writes Chris Bambery

Video of the session 'Austerity’s unelected technocrats: a Marxist critique of Europe' from Dangerous Times 2015. Produced by Paul Hanes

The Greek vote heralds the last few years of neoliberalism in Europe - the Left can win this time says James Meadway

A selection of Kevin Ovenden’s live posts from the massive No protest in Athens, 3 July 2015

The forces which want to bury January's election outcome are regrouping through the Yes campaign. They may be using a democratic mechanism, but their methods go beyond it. Kevin Ovenden reports from Athens

The following is a letter to the Turkish and Kurdish organisation Day Mer by Kevin Ovenden regarding the situation in Greece and the lessons for the Left

There is a stark choice facing us all: allow the elites to ruin the lives of millions, or build mass resistance across the continent writes Lindsey German

Celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War are an opportunity for Western governments to re-write History argues Chris Bambery

We must end a foreign policy that is causing mayhem and misery across vast swathes of the globe

Syriza's leadership is walking a tightrope between the demands of the troika and the express will of its base and of the majority of the Greek electorate

Kevin Ovenden takes stock after Syriza's first two months in office

Alice Brito reports from Portugal on the state of the Left Bloc

Chris Nineham reviews Frontline Ukraine: Crisis in the Borderlands by Richard Sakwa

Thousands of demonstrators converged on Frankfurt on Wednesday to disrupt the opening ceremony of the European Central Bank. Mark Bergfeld reports

The political symbolism behind Alexis Tsipras' speech on reparations is explored by  Kevin Ovenden in his latest dispatch from Athens

The Left must ensure that the case against Europe is about transforming social and economic conditions, rather than as a basis for ultra-nationalist solutions to Europe’s malaise writes Reuben Bard-Rosenberg

How can we voice opposition to the EU without sounding like Nigel Farage? Well the obvious answer is not to stay silent about the EU’s lack of democracy writes Chris Bambery

Syriza central committee member Stathis Kouvelakis and economist James Meadway discuss the situation in Greece after the Syriza government's deal with the Eurogroup

Costas Lapavitsas was professor of economics at SOAS before his election as Syriza MP. Here he poses five urgent questions for the Syriza leadership following Friday's deal with the Eurogroup

Greek Resistance hero and Syriza MEP has issued a statement urging opposition to the deal done by the party's leadership on Friday

Greece's Syriza government must decide whether to surrender to the Troika’s demands or exit the Euro.The Nazi Golden Dawn are waiting in the wings should they fail. Joshua Tartakovsky reports from Athens

The European Central Bank's decision to cut support to Greek banks may force the Syriza-led government to default and exit rather than abandon its anti-austerity programme writes James Meadway

With the German government's austerity mania losing them friends, it's looking increasingly likely that the new Syriza government will get a deal on Greece’s debt

The Syriza government has begun to reverse austerity despite opposition from Europe's elites. James Meadway looks at the backround for the opening battle with the EU/ECB/IMF 'Troika'

A short documentary on Syriza's 22 day election campaign directed by Theopi Skarlatos and produced with funding from Unite the Union

Greek writer Sofia Tipaldou gives her reaction to Syriza's vote and those of the other political parties in last Sunday's elections

The deal between Syriza and the small right-wing party the Independent Greeks (ANEL) has been the subject of much debate. Kevin Ovenden provides some insights on what it represents

With Syriza's victory comes the potential to shake off the dead years of neoliberalism - years where the left had been ruled out of existence, which are now coming to an end

Syriza should internationalise its struggle to deprive the European elite the power to manoeuvre. John Rees on a stunning victory

A call by public figures in France to reject pressures for 'unity' with world leaders guilty of violence and repression

In central Athens the Syriza organising hub is packed with activists, campaigners and journalists. Jonathan Shafi spoke to some of the people who have been campaigning hard for a Syriza victory

Rolling coverage of the Greek General Election on 25th January by journalist Kevin Ovenden. Practical solidarity funded by Philosophy Football

James Meadway looks at the European Central Bank's proposed quantitative easing scheme and why a debt write-off may be the only alternative to permanent stagnation

Everyone agrees the Muslim community must make amends for Charlie Hebdo, right? Well, no, not really. Here’s five facts the media tends to overlook.

Danièle Obono, a leading member of the French Left, speaks about the impact of the recent attacks and the dangers of Islamophobia

Opposition to war, Islamophobia and attacks on civil liberties are all connected, says Lindsey German, and we have to campaign against all three

Kevin Ovenden makes a foray into the economic labyrinth in his ninth dispatch from Greece

Alex Snowdon compiles a selection of commentary and analysis about the contentious issues arising from the recent attacks in Paris

Kevin Ovenden's 7th dispatch from Greece turns to debates about how electoral defeat for the parties of austerity might become a chance to end austerity itself

Written by Olivier Cyran and originally published in December 2013 as 'Charlie Hebdo, not racist? If you say so…' this article attacks the magazine's 'crude racism'. Translated by Daphne Lawless

Unless the nettle of debt write-offs is grasped, we are entering a second, more serious round of the European crisis argues James Meadway

In the coming weeks expect the most unlikely of voices to claim that they were with Syriza all along, or at least prepared to give them a chance. Kevin Ovenden's third dispatch from Greece

The fight is on for an alternative to neoliberalism. In the first of a regular series of reports from Greece, Kevin Ovenden explains the significance of this month's Greek general election

In his second dispatch from Greece, Kevin Ovenden looks at the extremism of the mainstream Right

Twelve articles to read if you want thoughtful reflection, context and a refreshing alternative to banal or racist responses to the killings in Paris this week

The battle lines in Athens today are about more than the conventional politics of who will form a government, its policies and prospects, but of the transformation of politics itself

This wasn’t an attack on humour or the Western concept of freedom but an outrage designed to produce a reaction of division and hatred - an outcome that we should do everything we can to resist

Islamists were responsible for only 0.7% of terror attacks in Europe between 2006 and 2013, according to Europol statistics

The fight is on for an alternative to neoliberalism. In the first of a regular series of reports from Greece, Kevin Ovenden explains the significance of this month's Greek general election

Europe's neoliberal elite are alarmed at the prospect of a Syriza government - the left needs to be equally clear about the possibilities and limitations writes Sean Ledwith

The whole of Europe's pro-austerity elite will try and scare and intimidate the Greek people into not voting the left wing Syriza into office. We have been here before writes Chris Bambery

Greece could be about to elect the most radical government of the left in Europe since the 1930s - the outcome could shape European society for decades to come