Romanian businessman Gabriel ‘Puiu’ Popoviciu’s lengthy legal battle has reached a final conclusion with a robust and final decision in his favour. On 15 January 2025, Romania’s High Court of Cassation and Justice, Romania’s equivalent of a Supreme Court, upheld an earlier decision by the Bucharest Court of Appeal in July 2024 to completely acquit…
Foreign Affairs
Trump Returns to the White House
Donald Trump’s return to the US White House is widely seen as a good thing for peace in the world, American influence, and dialogue between leading powers, says a new study. But it also says this feeling is not shared by some of Washington’s closest allies, including citizens from the United Kingdom, the EU and…
Middle East Peace Deal
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…
Cybersecurity
Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash On 10 January, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suggested that the recent cyberattack on Slovakia’s land registry may have originated from Ukraine. Similarly, Slovakia’s Interior Minister, Michal Š. Eštok noted that the attack could potentially involve cybercriminals operating from Ukraine, referring to a similar breach in Russia. While these…
The Defence of Europe
Photo by Arkana Bilal on Unsplash MEPs have discussed the security situation in Europe and beyond as well as defence and EU-NATO cooperation with the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. In his first public discussion with MEPs since taking office as NATO Secretary General, former Dutch PM Rutte said he is deeply concerned about…
The Battle Between Truth and Deception
Photo by Myko Makhlai on Unsplash Russia’s persistent efforts to undermine trust in Ukraine are playing out both domestically and internationally, with the Kremlin deploying a range of propaganda tactics aimed at distorting reality. From claims about Ukraine’s alleged failure to manage effective mobilisation to the unfounded fears of Western support being cut off, the…
New EU Cash Aid for War-torn Ukraine
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…
Concern for Corina Machado
MEPs have voiced concern about the fate of the opposition leader in Venezuela. The ECR Group said it stands by María Corina Machado, leader of the democratic opposition in Venezuela and winner of the 2024 Sakharov Prize. The statement last Friday comes in the light of current events in Venezuela. The ECR stated that it…
Peter Mandelson Appointed UK Ambassador to US
Photo by Harold Mendoza on Unsplash Europe finally has a heavyweight ambassador in Washington. A man who knows many of Europe’s leaders, he has devoted his adult life to arguing that the European Union needed more unity, more common purpose and can be a power for good for the world, writes Denis MacShane. Unfortunately the new…
HE King Mohammed VI of Morocco Secures Release of French Officials held by Burkina Faso
The French Directorate General of Foreign Intelligence (DGSE) announced on Thursday the release of four French officials detained for a year in Burkina Faso. Paris has thanked Morocco for its role as mediator in this case. Following the mediation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, His Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Traoré, President of the Republic of…