The European Parliament’s vote on Tuesday to demand a seven‑year EU budget 10 percent higher than the European Commission’s proposal is more than a routine skirmish in the annual Brussels budget ritual. It is a statement of political intent, a test of institutional confidence, and a reminder that the Parliament—often underestimated in budgetary debates—still knows…
Photo by Brian Wangenheim on Unsplash The International Press Association (API-IPA) has expresses deep concern at what it calls the abrupt dismissal of journalist Gabriele Nunziati following a question he posed during the European Commission’s midday press briefing on 13 October. “Journalists ask difficult and inconvenient questions. That’s our job. It’s also still happens to…
Photo by Peter Stawowy on Unsplash The financial management of the EU’s 43 agencies was better in 2024 than in previous years, according to the annual audit report issued today by the European Court of Auditors (ECA). However, the auditors have once again detected issues with budgetary management, public procurement procedures, and management and control…
Photo by Andrew Lvov on Unsplash The new EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) has entered into force. As of 29 October, the EU and Ukraine will benefit from an enhanced, stable, fair and permanent trade framework. The EU also says the upgraded DCFTA delivers additional, mutually beneficial trade liberalisation, while taking fully into account…
Photo by Roberta Sorge on Unsplash The European Commission has approved the addition of Olive taggiasche liguri and Carne Salada del Trentino from Italy to the register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and Tharsys from Spain as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Olive taggiasche liguri are table olives and olive paste made from olives…
Photo by Atilla Bingöl on Unsplash From flooding in northern Italy to torrential rain in Slovenia and submerged subway stations in Paris, extreme weather events have become a reality in EU member states. Increasingly, heavy rainfall is causing flooded streets, evacuations, and billions in damage, placing enormous strain on cities and municipalities across the continent….
Photo by Breno Assis on Unsplash The European Parliament’s special committee on the housing crisis in the EU has discussed its first draft report. The committee has spent months consulting experts and stakeholders in interesting hearings, and missions to EU member states. Members received a lot of valuable input and ideas. But S&D MEPs says…
Photo by Alexander Ramsey on Unsplash The EU says the 27-strong bloc can do more and this would send a strong signal to the world. Ursula von der Leyen was speaking following her meeting on Wednesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang The EC president said she had a good and frank exchange with Chinese Premier…
Photo by LexScope on Unsplash The European Commission has promoted its overhaul of tobacco rules for the EU. These are contained in revision of the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED) and the new Tobacco Excise Duty on Raw Tobacco (TEDOR). Both are measures specifically designed to improve public health and curb illicit trade. The EU says…
Photo by Evgeny Opanasenko on Unsplash The European Commission says it is allocating an extra €40 million in humanitarian funding to help Ukrainians endure a fourth winter of Russia’s war of aggression. This new support will strengthen the country’s preparedness for winter and protect civilians against extreme cold. Comment came from Hadja Lahbib, who is…
