The European Elections of 2024

Edward Macmillan-Scott

I was first elected in 1984 as a pro-EU Conservative for a Yorkshire UK constituency. Since then, I fought no less than six more Euro-elections, mostly as a member of the Christian Democrat/Conservative European Peoples Party group, writes Edward McMillan-Scott. But when David Cameron, then UK premier, formed a new nationalist Conservatives and Reformists group…

European Commitment to Support Ukraine

Photo by Hristo Sahatchiev on Unsplash

Photo by Hristo Sahatchiev on Unsplash European Parliament President Roberta Metsola’s visit in Kyiv on Europe Day demonstrated, she said, the Parliament’s continued support and commitment to Ukraine and its European path. In Kyiv on 9 May, Metsola met with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, addressed the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and met…

Ethical Standards in the EU

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Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash The European Parliament has approved the creation of a new EU body to help strengthen integrity, transparency, and accountability in European decision-making. The agreement was reached between Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice, the European Central Bank, the European Court of Auditors, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the…

Defending Freedom on Victory Day

Nazi Russia

Throughout history, the pivotal role of Ukrainians in the victory over fascism during the Second World War stands as a testament to their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom. Ukrainians fought on the side of the anti-Hitler coalition, both within the ranks of the Red Army and among the armies of Western allies and…

Arms and Ammunition for Ukraine

Photo by Myko Makhlai on Unsplash

Photo by Myko Makhlai on Unsplash Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has praised the “bravery of the Ukrainian forces and people.” But he also acknowledged that “leadership and bravery alone cannot repel the Russian forces; you also need arms and ammunition.” He recognised that serious delays in support have translated to serious consequences on the battlefield.  “Ukraine has been outgunned for months… fewer…

Putin’s Inauguration

Putin’s inauguration on May 7th will be exploited by the Kremlin to portray the narrative of Putin’s supposed triumph over international isolation and the acknowledgement of his “legitimacy” by the global community. Putin is eager to ensure the high attendance of foreign leaders and heads of international organisations at the event, aiming to reinforce his…

EESC Open Day

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Photo by Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will open its doors to the public for its traditional Open Day on Saturday 4 May from 10am to 6pm. Informing and enthusing people about the EESC and the upcoming European elections, the Committee will organise a number of activities at its headquarters (the Jacques Delors building in Rue Belliard 99-101 1040…

EU-New Zealand Trade Deal

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Photo by Phill Brown on Unsplash European Council President Charles Michel’s Chief Diplomatic Adviser, Simon Mordue has been selected as Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS). He will take up his duties on 1 July.  Prior to that he will complete a short term assignment on Ukraine for the Commission.  Magdalena Grono, Senior Foreign…