Photo by noaa on Unsplash The European Parliament has approved the appointment of Iliana Ivanova (Bulgaria) as Commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth. She was voted in by 522 MEPs voting in favour with 27 against and 51 abstained. On 5 September, the Industry, Research and Energy Committee and the Culture and Education…
Photo by Ying Wu on Unsplash The EU and China have both said that they wish to pursue “stable and constructive relations”. The pledge comes amidst growing tensions surrounding China’s policy towards its near neighbour, Taiwan, and other issues. European Council President Charles Michel met with China’s Prime Minister LI Qiang in the margins of…
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash The €500 million Spotlight Initiative has been an ambitious attempt by the European Commission, together with the UN, to ensure that women and girls around the world live free from violence and harmful practices. However, according to a new report by the European Court of Auditors, this flagship EU…
Photo by Random Institute on Unsplash MEPs have voiced concern at the “alarming” situation in west and central Africa for democracy. On 30 August, immediately after ballots closed in Gabon and President Ali Bongo was officially elected for a third term, a group of military officers announced his removal from office, his arrest and the…
Photo by Chermiti Mohamed on Unsplash MEPs have condemned Tunisia’s decision to deny entry to the official delegation of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee. Criticism was led by by the Left Group in the European Parliament A statement read, “In an unprecedented move since the revolution in 2011, the Tunisian authorities show no respect…
Photo by Craig Melville on Unsplash MEPs have paid tribute to the “brave, defiant women and men” in Iran. The move comes one year after murder of Mahsa Amini in Iran. On 16 September 2022, the 22-year-old Iranian woman in a hospital in Tehran under suspicious circumstances. The have been allegations of police brutality, denied by the Iranian…
Photo by Yellow Cactus on Unsplash MEPs will vote this week on the composition of the European Parliament for the 2024-2029 parliamentary term. Taking into account demographic changes in the Member States, Parliament initially proposed an updated distribution that would provide for a minimum of additional seats. This is also said to respect the principle of “degressive proportionality” without…
Photo by Lukáš Lehotský on Unsplash The European Union says it “strongly condemns” the holding of local elections in the territories of Ukraine that Russia has “temporarily” occupied. A strongly worded statement issued on Monday called the elections “illegitimate”. They were held at the weekend in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol and in…
Photo by K8 on Unsplash Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and wider geopolitical tensions continue to pose risks and remain a source of uncertainty, says the EC. Furthermore, monetary tightening may weigh on economic activity more heavily than expected, but could also lead to a faster decline in inflation that would accelerate the restoration of real incomes. By…
Photo by Lenstravelier on Unsplash A senior opposition political leader in India has warned of “consequences” if the “attack” on democracy in his country continues. Speaking in Brussels on Friday, Rahul Gandhi told reporters: “There is a sense in India that the democratic structure of the country and its institutions is under attack by the group running India….
