About 100 delegations from the European Union, its Member States and partners, including international organisations and civil society gathered in Brussels at the International Donors’ Conference to mobilise support for Albania after the devastating earthquake of 26 November 2019. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen hosting the event said: “Today the international community stood…
Year: 2020
The EU Needs to be More Outspoken
Giles Merritt calls on the EU’s new leadership to level with national electorates and come clean on the true costs of the ‘Green Deal’ The EU doesn’t often tell it like it is. Even its direst warnings tend to be wrapped in lengthy and impenetrable reports that scarcely dent public opinion. But there are signs the…
Russia’s War Against Ukraine
The obscenity of Russia’s war of occupation and aggression against Ukraine is now in its 6th year. The callous and ruthless behaviour of the Russian army and their hired guns continues with a machine like malice that holds human life in contempt. This morning (18 February) Russian occupying forces attacked Ukrainian positions in Donbass near…
EESC Urges Parliament To Push For Strong EU Budget
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has forcefully reiterated its call for a Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of 1.3% of EU-27 gross national income (GNI) for the period of 2021-2027. The Committee called on the European Parliament to insist on a strong budget in its negotiations with the Council. This call comes at a…
OLAF Busts Smugglers
One of the biggest seizures in the EU involving fake spirits took place just two days before Christmas, it has emerged. A well-coordinated action in the Netherlands between OLAF and the Dutch customs authorities led to the seizure of more than 147,000 bottles of counterfeit rum, an equivalent of 10 containers. The final destination of…
MFF: Heading for the Worst Budget Ever?
Statement by Luca Jahier, President of the European Economic and Social Committee: For weeks, I have been seriously concerned about the news filtering on the preparation of the Extraordinary European Council, which is expected to discuss the Multi-Annual Financial Framework on 20 February. Today EP plenary debate in Strasbourg has fully confirmed my long-standing concerns….
Vision of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
Located in Ben Guerir in Morocco’s central Rehamna Province, the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University’s modern campus houses some 1400 students, of whom 200 are studying for a Master’s Degree. About 120 undergraduates and postgraduates come from neighbouring African countries, with a particular interest in agricultural studies. Although it is only 3 years old, the University…
Mission 1.5
Earlier today (Friday, 14 February), celebrities and youth activists met with UN officials, governments and civil society to launch Mission 1.5, a campaign that aims to bridge the gap between people and governments on ambitious climate action. Mission 1.5 aims to give 20 million people around the world the opportunity to have their say on…
Calls for ECB to Combat Financial Crimes
MEPs on Wednesday asked the European Central Bank to step up its green credentials and address growing financial technology challenges. The resolution, setting out Parliament’s priorities on the European Central Bank‘s (ECB) future policies, spearheaded by Kostas Mavrides (S&D, CY), was approved on Wednesday by 452 votes in favour, 142 against and 33 abstentions following…
MEPs Take Action on Animal welfare
To protect animal welfare, pet owners and public health, MEPs have called for an EU Action Plan to end illegal trade in companion animals. With 607 votes for, 3 votes against and 19 abstentions, MEPs on Wednesday adopted a non-binding resolution demanding action against illegal trade in pets that causes animal to suffer, spreads diseases,…