The secretary general of the 47-nation Council of Europe, Marika Pejčinović Burić, has highlighted a “clear and worrying degree of democratic backsliding” in her report on the state of democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the continent. “In many cases, the problems we are seeing predate the coronavirus pandemic but there is no doubt…
It’s back! Yes, after a hiatus that seemed to go on forever, restaurants and bars in Belgium have finally been allowed to open again, albeit on a strictly limited basis. From 8 May, such places were able to open their terraces (assuming they have one) for customers. The move comes after a period of closure…
Months of pandemic restrictions have triggered a major shift in public expectations for urban space and commuting. Europeans are crying out for a fairer share of public space for public transport, cyclists, and pedestrians, according to an online survey of 10,050 residents in 15 European cities polled by YouGov The survey was commissioned by the Clean Cities…
The Aisne local authority in France has given the green light for the establishment of a Rockwool mineral wool production plant near Soissons, despite the negative opinion of a public inquiry. According to French building publication, Batirama, the Prefect issued Rockwool, a manufacturer of mineral wool insulation, with a permit to operate in a Concerted…
MEPs say that the antitrust case against Apple is more than just another example of unfair competition. They also say it is a reason to discuss a paradigm shift in the EU’s competition enforcement, which until now has often come too late. “It is long overdue for the Commission to take a very close look…
Parliament has adopted resolutions assessing the human rights situation in Bolivia, and the COVID-19 situation in Latin America. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on the Latin American continent, MEPs say, expressing their solidarity towards all victims and their families, as well all those affected by the health, economic and social crises. The…
The Presidents of the European Council, Commission and Parliament issued this joint statement on the imposition of restrictive measures on eight EU nationals by Russia. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s decision of the Russian authorities to ban eight European Union nationals from entering the Russian territory. This includes the President of the…
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes the proposed new package of EU cybersecurity measures but points to weaknesses in addressing Europe’s huge cyber skills gap. Critical entities also need streamlining, simplification and clearer application guidelines, in the EESC’s view. Overall, the EESC hails the new EU cybersecurity strategy as a positive step towards…
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution strongly condemning Russia’s continued interference, their ever more aggressive disinformation campaigns and the gross violations of international law that threaten security and stability in Europe, particularly through their aggression and continued destabilisation of Ukraine as demonstrated by the recent military build-up. The resolution also calls for the immediate release…
The SMEunited report published last week outlines the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and of the containment measures on the labour market and on households. Particular focus is put on the negative consequences faced by self-employed. They have been disproportionately impacted by the crisis. National Recovery and Resilience Plans should provide targeted measures to allow…
