Photo by Matheus Frade on Unsplash MEPs have demanded dedicated EU funding to strengthen infrastructure, connectivity and resilience across the Three Seas region, a forum of thirteen states, in the European Union, running along a north–south axis from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic and Black Seas in Central and Eastern Europe. This comes just…
Year: 2025
Ukraine Builds, Europe Gains
Photo by CrowN on Unsplash As Europe navigates an increasingly unstable security environment, Ukraine is undergoing a profound transformation. No longer just a frontline state, Ukraine is becoming one of the fastest-growing defence manufacturing powers in Europe. Over three years of full-scale war, Ukraine has rapidly expanded its defence production capacity, developing into a strategic…
Damning Report by ECA on NGO Funding
Photo by Eduard Delputte on Unsplash EU funding granted to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) suffers from a lack of transparency, according to a new report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA). Despite improvements, information on EU funding awarded to NGOs that are active in the bloc’s internal policies remains inaccurate and incomplete. The European Commission…
EU Crackdown on Toy Safety Welcomed by MEPs
Photo by Austrian National Library on Unsplash All toys sold in the EU will in future have to bear a clearly visible digital product passport (DPP) showing compliance with the relevant safety rules. The DPP aims to enhance the traceability of toys and make market surveillance and customs checks simpler and more efficient. It also…
Tour and Taxis Buzzing
Photo by G-R Mottez on Unsplash Spring is in the air, and you can feel it in every corner of Tour & Taxis, the well-known Brussels venue for events. This month, the place is positively buzzing with activities. These range from top-level sports, a major photo exhibition, markets, design and urban culture. From April 22…
Landmark Deal Agreed on Global Shipping
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash The European Commission has welcomed a landmark deal which aims to cut maritime pollution. The agreement, with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), is hailed as a meaningful step towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global shipping by 2050. The EU said it was a historic deal in…
A Russian View of Peace
Photo by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine On April 13, while families across Ukraine were marking Palm Sunday, Russia once again showed the world what its idea of peace looks like. Ballistic missiles and guided aerial bombs hit central Sumy in broad daylight, killing and injuring civilians who were simply going about their day…
Wine Intergroup Calls for Dialogue after Trump’s Tariffs
Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash The EU should demonstrate unity in responding to Donald Trump’s controversial tariffs. So says the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Wine, Quality Foodstuff and Spirits after it analysed the consequences of the 20% tariffs. The new additional taxes will be applied to all EU products starting from April 9. During a…
European Supergrid is Within Reach
Photo by Michael Pointner on Unsplash Europe is at a turning point in its energy future. In recent years, the war in Ukraine has cruelly exposed our dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly Russian gas. It seems as though to placate President Donald Trump’s wish for a trade war, Europe will be purchasing more LNG…
Bright Future for HORECA
Horeca has a bright future, says head of top hospitality brand The head of a leading hospitality brand says the industry still faces difficulties after the coronavirus pandemic but will not only survive but flourish in the coming years. Laurent Gardinier, the new president of Relais & Chateaux, voiced optimism that the industry can withstand…