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…
Photo by Maxim Ilyahov on Unsplash For preparedness for future crises, such as another pandemic, to be truly effective, SMEs must be fully engaged because Europe’s security and crisis response depends on strong, resilient businesses. That is the message from SMEunited, the body representing SME’s at EU level, in their reaction to the launch of…
Photo by Mads Eneqvist on Unsplash The European Commission has presented its long awaited Steel and Metals Action Plan – the EU’s proposal to ensure the future of the European steel industry. The Commission says the plan will support the steel sector face current challenges in the short to medium term. The sector-specific priority measures are the result of an inclusive and collaborative process, which involved multiple…
EU plans to beef up its defence sector have been welcomed. The White Paper on defence states that “Europe faces an acute and growing threat.” It says, “The only way we can ensure peace is to have the readiness to deter those who would do us harm.” “We have many strong foundations such as our…
Photo by Nomadic Julien on Unsplash A seminar held in Warsaw has stressed the need to provide all European people with access to decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Housing for all was the watchword highlighted at the seminar organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in cooperation with Poland’s European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)…
Photo by D R on Unsplash EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has convened key European industry leaders, social partners, and stakeholders for the launch of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Steel sector. This marks the start of a collaborative process to address critical challenges faced by the sector and ensure its continued success as…
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash Some MEPs say the EU’s new Omnibus business simplification initiative is a crucial step and will push for its success with full force. This follows the European Commission tabling its first so-called Omnibus law package. The scheme aims to simplify obligations such as due diligence and sustainability reporting at …
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%…
