The EU’s Global Gateway initiative is the right step forward in improving connectivity with non-EU partners and like-minded developing countries. In its relevant opinion, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) underlines that civil society representatives must be included on the board that will be set up to coordinate Global Gateway investments. It also stresses…
Day: June 6, 2022
ECA Publishes Report on EU’s SME Policies
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are key to the EU’s economy. But they have not really benefited from EU action aimed at enhancing their competitiveness. That is the conclusion reached by the European Court of Auditors in a special report published today. EU funds stimulated SMEs’ willingness to invest, but their impact and effectiveness on…
The Sofa Analyst
“Politician, Kazakh entrepreneur and former owner of BTA Bank, the organiser of the DVK and the candidate for the post of Prime Minister of Kazakhstan” – such a description is flaunted on the YouTube channel of the world’s richest fugitive – fraudster Mukhtar Ablyazov, who is wanted in Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine on charges of…
Juliana Restaurant: Delicacies from Puglia in Brussels
It’s one of Belgium’s most historic sites – the final resting place of those who lost their lives in the country’s momentous revolution in 1830. But, today, the Place des Martyrs in Brussels is becoming known for something else entirely – as the venue for some rather wonderful cuisine. That is largely thanks to a…
Turkish Government Propaganda Targets Swedish MEP
The Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament said it “strongly condemns the disinformation spread by Turkish government-controlled media against EU Member States and the attacks on European politicians, including S&D MEP Evin Incir.” The accusation that they took part in an armed struggle, that they are proxies of foreign organisations and that they…
UK in a Changing Europe: Interview with Richard Corbett
Richard Corbett, former leader of the European parliamentary Labour party, says a “clearer” Remain position could have resulted in the UK not voting to leave the EU. The former long serving MEP and close aide to ex European council president Herman Van Rompuy also admitted it was “very painful” to see the UK leave the…
Poland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan
The European Commission has given a positive assessment of Poland’s recovery and resilience plan, an important step towards the EU disbursing €23.9 billion in grants and €11.5 billion in loans under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). This financing will support the implementation of the crucial investment and reform measures outlined in Poland’s recovery and…
Greens Call for Windfall Profits Tax on Oil Companies
On the agreement of the EU Heads of State and Government on a partial oil embargo and the ongoing European Council meeting Philippe Lamberts MEP, President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, comments: “The agreement to ban 90 percent of Russian oil from entering the European Union and to finally put the sixth sanctions package…
EP Backs Suspension of Duty on Ukrainian Imports
The European Parliament has backed a one-year suspension of EU import duties on all Ukrainian exports, to support the country’s economy. This temporary trade liberalisation, endorsed by 515 votes, with 32 against and 11 abstentions, is a response to the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which is hampering the country’s ability to trade. The…
Denmark Joins EU Common Defence and Security Policy
The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have congratulated the Danish people for voting in last week’s referendum to overturn their 30-year-old opt-out from the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Following on from the Swedish and Finnish applications for NATO membership, the Danish vote is yet another historic response to Russian aggression…