NextGenerationEU

The European Commission has set out strategic guidance for the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility in its 2021 Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy (ASGS). The Facility is the key recovery instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU which will help the EU emerge stronger and more resilient from the current crisis. The Facility will provide…

EP’s Own Resources Decision

MEPs have fast-tracked and voted already during the September plenary session on their legislative opinion on the Own Resources Decision (ORD). This removes an important barrier and speeds up the procedure to implement the key EU law to restart the economy, allowing the Commission to raise €750 billion on the markets for the recovery fund….

Time to Reform EU’s Revenues

The EPP group says that the time is ripe for changes to the way the EU is funded. “José Manuel Fernandes, the EPP Group MEP responsible for the EU own resources reform, said, “It’s time to reform the EU’s revenue system.  “This is urgent. It is crucial to set up the new Recovery Fund to…

EP To Vote on Recovery Plan

MEPs are set to demand the European recovery plan dedicates billions to large-scale energy efficiency programmes to lift millions out of energy poverty, in a vote in the European Parliament on Wednesday (16 September).  As energy poverty rates soar due to Covid-19, energy savings and building renovations could finally get the attention they deserve, says…

G7 Speakers Meeting

David Sassoli the European Parliament President will attend a virtual meeting of G7 leaders of Parliaments hosted by US Speaker Nancy Pelosi this afternoon. Sassoli will participate in the G7 meeting of Presidents and Speakers of Parliaments on Saturday 12 September from 13.00 to 20.15. The meeting will be held remotely and hosted by Speaker…

EU Recovery Fund

Europe “limping off the pitch has never been on the cards”, declared Christian Ehler, the EPP Group Spokesman in the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. He was reacting to the recent EU Council Summit deal on the EU long-term Budget and Recovery Fund. “The announced severe cuts on research, innovation, health and climate…

Commission Revamps Erasmus+

The Commission has proposed Erasmus+ funding for five new platforms of Centres of Vocational Excellence, to meet the needs of an innovative, inclusive and sustainable economy. Funded through Erasmus+ for a maximum budget of €4 million each, the platforms will be active in sectors such as green innovation and urban greening, microelectronics, and the furniture…

Jobs For Europe’s Youth

The European Commission says it is taking action to give young people all possible opportunities to develop their full potential to shape the future of the EU, and thrive in the green and digital transitions. The coronavirus pandemic has emphasised the often difficult start many young people face in the labour market. We need to…

Transition to a Climate-Neutral Economy

The EU must transition towards a climate-neutral economy without letting disparities between regions grow any further, say regional development MEPs.  On Monday 6 July, the Regional Development Committee requested a significant increase in the budget allocated from the 2021-2027 financial framework (from EUR 11 270 459 000 in current prices to EUR 25 358 532…