Tax Evasion by the Global Elite

Tax evasion

New revelations, known as the Pandora Papers, were released by the International Consortium for Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and partners which reveal apparent tax evasion and money laundering by the global elite. The investigations show that tax evasion and financial crime continue on a vast scale through letterbox companies and trusts. The revelations implicate Czech Prime…

Time to Reform the EU’s Budget?

European Court of Auditors

The system used for financing the European Union’s budget has not been significantly reformed since 1988. Recently proposed changes to how the EU collects revenue, which will ensure a level playing field between Member States, are generally a step in the right direction, but there is room for improvement. That is the main conclusion of…

New EU Delegation for UK

EU UK relations

On Tuesday, a large majority of MEPs voted in favour of setting up the European Parliament’s new standing delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly. Following a proposal by the conference  of presidents (EP president and chairs of political groups), plenary set up the new standing delegation and the number of MEPs that will sit on…

New EU Strategy to Combat Anti-Semitism

Campaign against anti-Semitism

The European Commission has presented the first-ever strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life. With antisemitism worryingly on the rise, in Europe and beyond, the Strategy sets out a series of measures articulated around three pillars: to prevent all forms of antisemitism; to protect and foster Jewish life; and to promote research, education and…

EU Reviews Blacklist of Tax Havens

Pandora Papers

EU finance ministers have agreed on an updated EU list of tax havens. Despite the latest Pandora Papers revelations, the list has been shortened with Anguilla, Dominica and the Seychelles having been removed from the list. The Greens/EFA Group successfully secured a plenary debate on the Pandora Papers for October 6. Also on Thursday, MEPs will…

Protecting the Rights of the Disabled

Rights of the disabled

With up to a quarter of EU citizens declaring some degree of impairment or disability, far too many people still face barriers to education, travelling to other EU countries or finding work. This week, the S&D Group is leading the European Parliament in calling for more to be done to protect the rights of people…

Calling all 100 year olds – Brussels Restaurant wants to hear from you!

Aux Armes de Bruxelles

Aux Armes de Bruxelles has come up with a particularly innovative way to celebrate its 100th birthday.  This iconic Brussels restaurant is offering an amazing 50 per cent discount off the cost of a meal. Not only that but the restaurant owners will invite all centenarians of the Brussels Region to dine free of charge….

EU and Morocco Strategic Partnership Unshaken

EU Morocco Trade

Last week the European Court of Justice issued a decision on legal actions for annulment brought by the separatist terrorist organisation Polisario against two Council decisions concerning the conclusion of agreements between the European Union and Morocco.  The agreements concern EU imports of agricultural products originating in Morocco and sustainable fisheries. Polisario lodged the applications…