Interview with Vitaliy Skotsyk
Reports
Paintings From a Russian Prison
Paintings of the Ukrainian political prisoner Roman Sushchenko are being exhibited at the Brussels Press Club. A journalist of the Ukrainian state agency “Ukrinform”, based in Paris as their correspondent for France, he was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment in Russia on charges of espionage. He was arrested while travelling to Russia to visit…
Enhanced Security in Europe after Strasbourg Attack
The heinous shooting in the centre of Strasbourg was an act of terrorism. The French authorities have no doubt any more. The investigation of the incident has been taken up by the anti-terrorist unit of the prosecutor’s office in Paris. Four people were killed and at least 12 wounded as a result of the shooting…
Domansky Calls For More Press Freedom in Ukraine
Speaking on International Human Rights Day (10 December) at the Brussels Press Club, Andriy Domansky, a prominent Ukrainian lawyer, called for the freedom of speech and the rights of journalists in Ukraine. He represents a number of journalists in Ukraine who have been detained or harassed for doing nothing more than carrying out their professional duty….
Sakharov prize as a path to liberation?
For several weeks now, the portrait of Ukrainian director Oleg Sentsov decorates the facade of the European Parliament. But Europe is not Russia – where he is considered to be a terrorist. Even the prestigious Sakharov Prize “For Freedom of Thought” has not yet hastened his release from a strict regime, nor the release of…
More control for the mineral wool industry needed?
Concern is growing about the environmental and safety aspects of mineral wool products in the construction industry. The product is an efficient insulation material and affordable. But is it safe? Europe appears to be applying weaker quality and testing standards than the USA; is it time to review controls in the light of the increasing…
EU Energy Bridge
The pilot project of the “Energy Bridge” between Ukraine and the EU represents a first strategic step on the way to full synchronisation of the Ukrainian and European energy systems. This is at the heart of Ukraine’s economic integration with the EU. It is a key project in the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement
Reform of the Law and Justice System in Romania
The European Commission has been urged to do more to tackle “very serious” judicial irregularities in Romania, writes Martin Banks. A hearing in Brussels on Wednesday heard that these include “mass surveillance” of the Romanian population, collusion between the secret services and the judiciary and blackmailing of judges. The demand comes just ahead of the…