In June 2018, the transformation of the political system from a parliamentary to a presidential one has become effective. The Turkish Parliament has been weakened and the political hierarchy with the President as the highest standing has been further strenghtened. But suspending accession talks would also suspend European support for more democracy.
The Dutch parliamentary election results were discussed with Dutch politicians and journalists as the beginning of the European election year. We analysed potential coalition governments, the international media coverage, the influence of populism during the elections as well as the impact of Brexit and Trump on the election campaign.