Photo by Kuzzat Altay on Unsplash MEPs in Strasbourg have adopted three resolutions on alleged human rights violations in three countries: Türkiye, China and Iraq. They voiced “deep concern” about the ongoing “deterioration of democratic standards” in Türkiye, and the targeting of independent journalists, activists and opposition members. The sentence against Bülent Mumay…
Year: 2024
Andrew Watt to Head ETUC
Photo by Timothy Hales Bennett on Unsplash A top economist has returned to Brussels to take up a new post. Andrew Watt has officially taken up his new post as General Director of European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). Watt is an advisor to numerous bodies including the European Commission and the European Economic…
The Best Croquettes Aux Crevettes in Brussels
Photo by Poul Hoang on Unsplash It’s official …. food critics have crowned “Bouillon” for creating the best croquette in Brussels. The fifth edition of the Brussels competition that celebrates that gem of Belgian cuisine, the delicious shrimp croquette, was recently held. After a blind taste test, the jury made up of food…
Tamaz Somkhishvili, British Investor
EU Political Report has been privileged to hold an exclusive meeting with the successful British investor and international businessman from Georgia, Tamaz Somkhishvili, and this is part two of our interview that faithfully records a description of his career. PART TWO – The Development of a Career in Energy In 1991 Tamaz Somkhishvili had a…
Russia Intensifies Hybrid War Against EU
The EU has voiced fresh concern about what it says is Russia’s intensifying campaign of hybrid activities against the EU, its Member States and partners. The warning comes on the same day that the head of MI5 in the UK warned the UK faces the most complex and interconnected threat it has ever seen. Its…
Combatting Deforestation
Photo by kazuend on Unsplash The European Commission’s decision to delay introducing a key new law has met with a drastically different response. It comes after the EC announced a postponement of the implementation of the EU regulation to combat deforestation by 12 months. The regulation, which lays down due diligence obligations for companies importing…
Russia Attacks Ukrainian Ports
On 7 October Russia once again demonstrated complete disregard for international norms by striking civilian vessels transporting food. This time, Russian forces attacked port infrastructure in Odessa using ballistic missiles, damaging a Palauan-flagged ship, “OPTIMA,” which was waiting to load agricultural products. As a result of the attack, a 60-year-old Ukrainian was killed, and five…
Public Opinion May Force UK Change on Europe
The new UK government’s goals are modest. But economic reality may force it to follow changing public opinion, writes Richard Corbett. In its campaign for the general election in the United Kingdom in July, Labour generally kept a low profile on the UK’s departure in 2020 from the European Union. In government, the party said,…
Ensuring Peace and Security in Europe
On the night of 7 October Ukrainian drones struck an oil depot in occupied Feodosia, the largest oil transfer facility in Crimea. This attack, which caused a massive fire and forced the occupying authorities to declare a state of emergency, underscores that Ukraine is not only successfully holding its ground but also actively targeting critical…
EP Hearings for New Commissioners
MEPs have agreed on the calendar for the hearings of the EU commissioners-designate. The hearings will start on 4 November and take place until 12 November. The Conference of Presidents also decided on a division of duties among committees for the confirmation hearings. The detailed schedule of which Commissioner-designate will be heard and at what time…