By Martin Banks EU member states have rubberstamped a new round of restrictive measures against four persons and two entities under the European Union’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. The listed individuals and entities are responsible for serious human rights abuses worldwide, including torture and systematic and widespread sexual and gender-based violence. The EU says […]
By Martin Banks MEPs have broadly supported the re-election of Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola as president of the European Parliament. Some 562 deputies backed her and Metsola’s new term will run until 2027. She was one of two candidates and received an absolute majority of votes cast out of 699 by secret paper ballot. The […]
By Martin Banks Some MEPs are angry that the EU will be “represented” at the swearing in this week of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkia. European External Action Service political director, Enrique Mora, is due to attend the event in Tehran on Tuesday. The EEAS insists that the EU is not be represented at political […]
By Martin Banks It’s that time of year again: the quest to find the best shrimp croquettes in Belgium. This has become an annual competition for what is called the “little superstar of Belgian gastronomy.” From now until 20 August culinary establishments wishing to take part in the 5th edition of the competition to find […]
By Martin Banks Russia’s war against Ukraine and the need for continuous EU support for Ukraine has again come under the spotlight for MEPs. The topic was debated by the European Parliament. S&D leader Iratxe García reaffirmed the EU’s “full support for Ukraine, denounced Russia’s violation of international law and the UN Charter, and condemned […]
By Martin Banks With Russia’s war against Ukraine raging on, MEPs have reconfirmed their view that the EU must continue to support Kyiv “for as long as it takes until victory.” A new resolution sets out the newly-elected European Parliament’s first official position on Russia’s “war of aggression” against Ukraine. It restates the continued support […]
By Martin Banks The European parliament has voted on the leadership of two of its most important committees. MEPs decided on who will steer the two committees – Internal Market and Consumer Protection and committee on Budgets – for the next few years. The two committees are among the most influential in the assembly and […]
By Martin Banks With 401 votes in favor, von der Leyen (VDL) will serve once more as the head of the EU’s executive. She was re-elected by MEPs in Strasbourg a secret ballot on 18 July. A majority of MEPs at the parliamentary plenary in France voted for her un the four mainstream groups: the […]
By Martin Banks MEPs will vote on Thursday to decide if Ursula von der Leyen serves another term as EC president. The former German defence minister has served as head of the Commission since 2019. The result of the keenly awaited vote by MEPs will be known later on Thursday. She faces competition from other […]
By Walid Ellafi, Mnister of State for Communication and Political Affairs of the Government of National Unity (GUN) of Libya based in Tripoli Irregular migration remains one of the most formidable challenges confronting even the most advanced and powerful nations globally. Despite ongoing international initiatives, substantial resources dedicated to addressing this issue, and significant advancements […]
