Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has been exploited to undermine democracies across the globe, with governments using this occasion to silence critics, enhance state surveillance and tighten their political grip while taking advantage of the state of emergency to arrest protestors. The EU neighbourhood is no exception to this tendency. Even in countries, such as Armenia,…
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), international shipping accounts for about 2.2% of global CO2 emissions. Although shipping is considered one of the most energy-efficient modes of mass transport, a global approach to improving emissions is needed. Poul Woodall, Director of Environment and Sustainability at DFDS, says that he sees companies across Europe accepting…
In the presence of Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, EESC President Luca Jahier voices full support for Commission COVID-19 recovery package on eve of make-or-break EU summit: “Let there be no backtracking” President Jahier expressed criticism for the recent EU Council proposal to give national governments the power to veto a country’s reform programmes under the package…
The Commission should update its guidelines to select priority energy projects that are fully in line with its climate policy, said the European Parliament. The revision of the TEN-E guidelines, to be proposed by the European Commission later this year, should be consistent with EU energy and climate targets for 2030, its long-term commitment on…
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution setting its position on the European chemicals strategy for sustainability, demanding a ‘health and environment-first’ approach to European legislation on chemicals With this resolution, supported by a large cross-party majority, MEPs are demanding the European Commission to deliver a chemicals strategy that prioritises health and sets the path…
The European Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee calls for more EU self- sufficiency and better-coordinated strategies to tackle medicine shortages. In a report on the shortage of medicines, adopted by 79 votes to 1 and 0 abstentions, the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee addresses the root causes of medicines shortages….
Early parliamentary elections took place in North Macedonia on 15 July, in the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a public statement Josep Borrell the EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy has commended North Macedonia’s citizens for exercising their right to vote. The EEAS reported that according to the preliminary findings and…
By Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy With its economic strength, leadership skills and commitment to the European project, Germany is in the position to accelerate the much-needed shift in EU-China relations. Will Berlin want to act? On July 1 Germany took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union. The aim, as German Foreign Minister…
The Belgian Chamber of Representatives passed a resolution on 16 July, calling on the Federal Government and the EU to support Taiwan’s democracy, strengthen bilateral relations, and encourage the country’s meaningful participation in international organisations. The resolution was adopted unanimously, by 130 votes to 0, with 13 abstentions. Introduced by members Georges Dallemagne and Els…
The lockdown has caused devastation in the horeca sector in Brussels and elsewhere. So bad has been the impact that some restaurants have, sadly, gone to the wall. One notable exception, though, is L’Orchidée Blanche, a lovely eatery that has been a mainstay on the city’s restaurant scene for over two decades. After the long…
