By Martin Banks The EU has announced it is taking urgent action to combat what it calls a “clear cross border health threat.” The European Commission says it wants to tackle diphtheria “in a timely manner.” The Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has signed a joint procurement framework contract on behalf of EU […]
By Martin Banks Had enough of mass tourism of the anonymous large-scale travel companies? If so you will have joined a growing band of travellers who, increasingly, are looking for something a bit different to the usual tourism offerings. The thirst for travel has increased hugely since the end of the health pandemic and lockdowns. […]
By Martin Banks A major campaign has been launched to restore Eurostar services in the south east of England to Belgium and the rest of mainland Europe. The recent election of a new government at Westminster has prompted leading figures in Kent to urge the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his cabinet to […]
By Martin Banks The European Commission is inviting applications for grant aid under an innovative culture scheme. It has launched the 3rd call for individual mobility action of the “Culgture Moves Europe” mobility initiative. The project provides mobility grants to artists and cultural professionals in various fields such as architecture, cultural heritage, design, fashion, literature, […]
By Martin Banks A new survey indicates broad support among EU citizens for maintaining the ban on seal products derived from commercial hunting. The survey, which assessed public opinion on the EU Seal Trade Regulation, was published on 2 August. Its authors say it underscores the continued importance of protecting animal welfare and upholding ethical […]
By Martin Banks The number of attacks on Sinti and Roma registered in Germany nearly doubled in 2023, according to a new report. The Antiziganism Reporting and Information Center (MIA), a federal data tracking agency in Germany, recorded 1,233 such cases — up from 621 in 2022. In all, authorities recorded 50 violent attacks, 10 […]
By Martin Banks The EU says “systematic concerns” remain about the rule of law in some countries. It goes on to warn that the situation has “further deteriorated.” The concerns are addressed in the recommendations of this year’s “Rule of Law Report”. The report covers four areas: national justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media freedom and […]
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 […]
