Photo by 五玄土 ORIENTO on Unsplash MEPs in Strasbourg have discussed the need for what they call a “coherent strategy” towards China. The call comes against the backdrop of China’s continued rise as a political and economic powerhouse on the world stage. Speaking to the plenary this week, the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stressed the need…
A former senior UK government minister has hit out at “small-minded nation first politicians” who “refuse to allow the EU to shape a common foreign policy.” The attack was made by Denis MacShane who spent eight years at the UK Foreign Office as Tony Blair’s expert on European politics. He was commenting on what some…
Photo by Jorgen Hendriksen on Unsplash The members of the ECR in the European Parliament have decided to accept the application for membership of the Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset) and to admit them to its ranks. The new delegation will be made up of Teuvo Hakkarainen and Pirkko Ruohonen-Lerner, who will join the European Parliament in the coming weeks,…
Photo by Yu Kato on Unsplash A senior MEP says that China supplying weapons to Moscow “would be a slap in Europe’s face.” Reinhard Bütikofer was speaking as Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen met Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday. The two leaders sent a message of unity – even as China is said by some…
The Scouts have launched a new “Never Give Up” initiative for its members. A cloth badge, pin and neckerchief can be awarded at the discretion of a local volunteer as an encouragement or ‘well done’ to any Scout or volunteer who’s struggling with something, persevering, or making a particularly strong effort. They can be awarded to any…
Photo by Jerry Zhang on Unsplash The aviation industry is taking a “broad set of actions” to curtail carbon emissions, says the Aerospace Industries Association. Such action is urgently needed as aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of the greenhouse gas emissions driving global climate change. Flying is a highly controversial topic in climate debates and accounts…
Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash MEPs have voiced concern about allegations of democratic backsliding in Greece, Spain, and Malta. They expressed particular concern over press freedom and pluralism, and warn that journalists will continue to be at risk as long as institutions do not prosecute exposed corruption. They also voted on a resolution comprising Parliament’s assessment of…
