MEPs are urging the European Commission to take immediate action over the deteriorating rule of law in Poland, especially with regard to the independence of the Polish judiciary, as the PiS-led government continues to undermine and attack judges. “For many years, we have witnessed the ruling coalition undermining the whole structure of the state, including…
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted the opinion “From Farm to Fork” at its September Plenary session, following the European Commission’s communication on the Farm to Fork Strategy – for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system. As an integral part of the European Green Deal, this is the first EU strategy claiming to encompass the…
The latest EU SME Barometer presented shows an unprecedented drop in the Business Climate for SMEs caused by the COVID-19 crisis. This is mainly due to very negative results for the past semester, but also the expectations from the second semester are subdued. As a consequence, the SME Climate Index fell by 18.8, reaching 54.6…
The mobile laboratory at Brussels Airport is now open. With this lab, the samples taken in the Test Centre can be analysed immediately on site, and therefore faster than before. Rapid tests are now possible as well, enabling passengers to receive their tests results within 4 hours. Since the opening of the Test Centre on…
COVID-19 has been a tsunami for SMEs. The EU’s proposed new SME strategy, which predates the crisis, fails to cope with the huge challenges that have since jumped to the fore, says the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in a recently adopted opinion. COVID-19 has dealt a very serious blow to SMEs across Europe,…
The Commission has adopted three new initiatives in education, research and innovation, to accelerate the twin green and digital transitions, support Europe’s recovery from the societal and economic impact of the coronavirus crisis, and strengthen its resilience against future crises. With the aim of achieving a European Education Area by 2025, the Commission is proposing new initiatives, more…
Much ink has been spilled on the topic of the relationship between the European Union and the People’s Republic of China over recent weeks; from imbalanced trade to values and principles, writes Ming-Yen Tsai. As the EU recalibrates its policy towards China, it is worth remembering the position of strength the EU finds itself in…
In light of increasing cases of COVID-19 across Europe and the European Green Deal being discussed this month activists and campaigners including the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), the European Roma Grassroots Organizations Network (ERGO), the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), the Partners For Democratic Change Hungary, the PAD Foundation, the Slovak Academy of Science, the Association of Roma Women of Dendropotamos, the Desire…
COVID-19 is a ticking time bomb for Europe’s tourism industry, says the EESC The Coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on Europe’s tourism sector. In six months’ time half of the businesses may be gone unless the EU steps in quickly, says the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in a new opinion. On world tourism…
EU competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has decided to appeal the July EU General Court ruling annulling her 2016 decision ordering Ireland to recover €13 billion in state aid paid to Apple. Pedro Marques, S&D spokesperson on tax matters, commented: “We applaud Vestager for her willingness to push for more fairness in corporate taxation. We hope she…
