At their plant in Vernon in Normandy, within a stone’s throw from Claude Monet’s inspiring garden in Giverny, ArianeGroup is working on the design and construction of the latest generation of rocket engines. They are at an important turning point in their development, completing the construction of the last of the family of Ariane V…
The European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee says the EU must push back against Russia’s aggressive policies while laying groundwork for cooperation with a future democratic country. In a new assessment of the direction of EU-Russia political relations, MEPs made clear the Parliament distinguishes between the Russian people and President Vladimir Putin’s regime. The latter is,…
The European Parliament has criticised Pakistan’s controversial Blasphemy Laws and called for a review of the status quo, writes Philippe Jeune. Pakistan is a major beneficiary of the trading opportunities offered by the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP). From January 1st 2014 Pakistan has benefited from generous tariff preferences (mostly zero duties on two…
Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita Speaking at a High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened by the UN Economic and Social Council, Nasser Bourita the Foreign Minister of Morocco stressed the importance of continuing the implementation of the Marrakesh Compact. The Marrakesh Compact represents an open informal group…
EU foreign affairs Josep Borrell has urged China to do more to combat malicious cyber activities originating from the country. The Spaniard said, “Today, the EU and its Member States, together with partners, expose malicious cyber activities that significantly affected our economy, security, democracy and society at large.” He added, “The EU and its Member…
Ensuring access to safe and affordable COVID-19 vaccines around the world, and notably for low and middle-income countries, is a priority for the bloc, says the EU. At the health summit in Rome, on 21 May 2021, President von der Leyen announced that ‘Team Europe’ would share with low and middle-income countries at least 100 million doses…
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved EUR 10.2 billion of new financing to support business investment and strengthen economic resilience to COVID-19, accelerate the green energy transition, expand sustainable transport and improve health, education, social housing and urban development. “The COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, and economic consequences continue to be felt around…
Nuclear energy is an issue like few others, dividing opinion in the extreme over its safety and role in the energy mix. But construction work on new nuclear plants continues apace, with the latest being in Belarus with the Astravets nuclear power plant (NPP). Building work on the twin-reactor plant is coming to an end…
The Czech Senate has voted on a bill that recognises and foresees financial compensation for the forced sterilisation of Roma women in Czechia which took place for decades. The European Green Party and Zelení, the Czech Green Party, said they welcome this important step in fighting discrimination against Roma communities in Czechia. …
Has indoor air quality worsened during the pandemic and what factors such as potential health risks from mineral wool insulation can be addressed? The recent Clean Air Day had the aim of increasing awareness and understanding of air pollution, its effects on both climate change and public health and what needs to be done to…
