The European Commission has presented its Work Programme for 2025 to MEPs meeting in Strasbourg. The plan puts an emphasis on competitiveness, simplification and defence. The work programme focuses on the flagship initiatives the Commission will take in the first year of its mandate, “responding to the issues that matter most to Europeans.” The EC…
Photo by Gabriel Porras on Unsplash The modernisation of animal welfare legislation is an opportunity we should not miss, says an EU Commissioner. Olivér Várhelyi, who is responsible for Health and Animal Welfare, was speaking during an event bringing together farmers, businesses, policymakers and NGOs at the Residence Palace in Brussels on 5 February. “It…
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash The Commission has outlined how it will step up its fight to combat human trafficking. It has published its 5th report on the fight against Trafficking in Human Beings (THB), providing an analysis of data from 2021-2022. The total number of registered victims in the EU showed an increase of 41%…
Photo by dadalan real on Unsplash MEPs have been quick to respond to news of the tentative peace deal in the Middle East. On Thursday, the European Green Party (EGP) said it welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking a step that will hopefully end the cycle of violence that…
Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash As Russia’s war of aggression continues to hit Ukraine, approximately 12.7 million people are in need of urgent assistance. New European Commission funding will be used to provide life-saving support and ensure that essential aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in Ukraine. The €148 million in new funding will continue to…
Photo by Glib Albovsky on Unsplash The EU Commission says it is allocating a further €4.1 billion under its Ukraine Facility to support the functioning of Ukraine’s public administration during the ongoing bitter war with Russia. This will bring to €16.1 billion the total funds disbursed in 2024 in support of the EU’s Ukraine Plan….
Photo by Hongbin on Unsplash The former EU foreign affairs chief has been elected for a second term at the helm of the College of Europe in Bruges. Francesca Mogherini has been the Rector of the College of Europe since September 2020. She has also been director of the European Union Diplomatic Academy, implemented by…
A former MEP has taken up a senior role with the EU Commission, it has emerged. Philippe Lamberts is a former co-leader of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament. The Belgian politician has now taken up a role advising the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The main task of the 61-year-old Belgian…
Photo by Tbel Abuseridze on Unsplash The European Union says it regrets the Georgian Dream’s decision not to pursue the opening of EU accession negotiations and rejecting EU financial support until 2028. A statement from the EU said the announcement marks a shift from the policies of all previous Georgian governments and the European aspirations…
Some MEPs have signalled their strong disapproval of the new team of EU commissioners to serve under Ursula von der Leyen. MEPs voted to back the new team, or college, at the plenary in Strasbourg. The mainstream parties voted in favour of the new look commission. But the Left Group is particularly scathing, branding the…
