Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash The EU’s financial watchdog has warned there is an increasing risk that EU money could be handed out twice for the same action. This is the worrying conclusion of a report published on 22 October by the European Court of Auditors. The Court said that there were unprecedented…
Year: 2024
Europe’s Economy Lagging Behind
Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash The body representing small businesses at EU level says Europe’s economy is lagging behind. SMEunited has now called for action to help address the issue and for concrete actions at all levels to improve SME competitiveness. This comes after EU heads of State and Government recently pledged…
UN to Take Part in BRICS Summit?
Photo by Eskinder Dembebe, copyright UN In October 2024, Kazan will host the 16th BRICS summit, where UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to attend, according to Kremlin sources. This visit raises concerns among political analysts, as his participation could provide legitimacy to Russia’s aggressive policies on the international stage. The BRICS bloc,…
Pie and a Pint on Clacton Pier
Brewing Nourishes the European Economy
Photo by Patrycia Jadach on Unsplash.com The beer sector helps drive the European economy, according to a new report by Europe Economics. The report, published on 16 October, says the sector creates millions of jobs and billions in government tax revenues. Despite ongoing repercussions from the pandemic closures in the hospitality sector and…
The David Downside Dossier
Destruction of Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage
Photo: Alina Bodnar / UNITED24 The recent adoption of the Declaration “Destruction of Cultural Heritage in Ukraine” by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe marks an important step in recognising the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The document notes that as a result of deliberate actions by…
Fighting Against Climate Change
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Climate campaigners have called for EU political leaders to step up the fight against global warming. The group, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, said it cautiously welcomes the conclusions of last week’s meeting of EU environment ministers. This set out the EU’s negotiating position ahead of COP29…
North Korean Boots on European Soil?
Photo by Micha Brändli on Unsplash The invasion of Ukraine has taken a new turn with Russia increasingly drawing its ally, North Korea, into the conflict. Under President Putin, Russia is forming a comprehensive strategic partnership with Pyongyang, pledging mutual military assistance in the event of attacks on either nation. This alliance bears an…
Alsace Cuisine Featured by “Wine Days”
Photo by Arvid Høidahl on Unsplash Alsace cuisine is heading to Brussels at the city’s annual “wine days” event, a month-long jamboree showcasing some of the best food and drink from France. The region, located on the west bank of the Rhine River bordering Germany, is known for the quality of its food…