The European Policy Centre (EPC) a key Brussels based think tank, has announced that Brigid Laffan will succeed Herman Van Rompuy as its president. Van Rompuy has decided to step down from his active position as the President of the EPC after serving in that capacity for seven years. However, he will continue to be involved…
The Commission has adopted a recommendation to the Council to authorise the opening of negotiations of upgraded European Border and Coast Guard Agency’s (Frontex) status agreements between the EU and Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, as well as with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Commission is also adopting a new assistance package worth €39.2 million under the Instrument for…
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has this week debated the way to improve women’s participation in the labour market with EP Vice-President Evelyn Regner. Following the debate, the EESC plenary adopted two opinions with recommendations for making EU legislation more effective in promoting women’s empowerment and supporting the societal role of family caregivers. …
Last week the plenary of the European Parliament has debated on how the EU must respond to the social and economic consequences of the war against Ukraine. The leader of the S&D Group, Iratxe García stressed the need to bring the bills down for citizens and enterprises, and proposed a series of measures including taxing…
The European Commission has announced a new emergency shelter and winterised facilities programme for Ukraine, as Russia’s war continues to destroy civilian infrastructure. Furthermore, the Commission will provide an additional €175 million in humanitarian assistance to support those most in need in Ukraine and Moldova. The announcement comes as Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is visiting…
The European Commission has presented a new emergency package aimed at combating the sharp increase in gas prices. The package was published ahead of the energy summit on Thursday and Friday this week. The Greens/EFA Group says it welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a joint gas purchase tool, but it’s uncertain if this will be enough…
A possible ban by the EU on goods from China which may have been produced or sourced from forced labour has been welcomed by a leading human rights group. The ban is thought to being considered by the European Commission as a response to growing concern about alleged rights abuses in China. Critics of the…
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has issued a strongly worded mmessage to those who threaten peace in the world. She spoke about the importance to always defend our European way of democracy, rights and liberties. Her comments came in Brussels at a conference of EU ambassadors. The Maltese MEP said, “We are facing challenges on…
The Commission said on Thursday that it welcomes the Council’s adoption of an eighth package of hard-hitting sanctions against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. The package – which has been closely coordinated with our international partners – responds to Russia’s “continued escalation and illegal war against Ukraine, including by illegally annexing Ukrainian territory based…
Socialists and Democrats in the EU parliament have urged member states to “remain united, increase their assistance to Ukraine, including military, and swiftly impose a new package of economic sanctions against Russia to cut its ability to continue the war.” At the request of the S&Ds, the EP debated Russia’s serious escalation of its aggression…
