By Martin Banks The new-look European Commission has been unveiled by its president Ursula von der Leyen. Outlining the new team to MEPs in Strasbourg on Tuesday, the German official told deputies that gender balance had been uppermost in her thoughts. The college, as it is formally called, comprises 11 women, 40 per cent of […]
By Imane Belguenani (Brussels MP) The two-year postponement of the next phase of the LEZ (the low emission zone) in Brussels is not a proposal burdened with community-based issues. I am Dutch-speaking and co-submitted the proposal. So why is it, as we say in Belgium, being “played out as a community issue”? Let’s go back […]
By Martin Banks Panto preparations in September? Oh yes they are It must, surely, be too early to talk about pantomine? Oh no it isn’t. Yes, preparations for that much-loved of English traditions – the panto – are back in full swing. The panto season does not actually start until nearer Christmas but, as they […]
By Martin Banks More than 700 workers “united” on Tuesday in front of the European Parliament, Strasbourg, France, to call upon the EU institutions for urgent action to stop exploitation in subcontracting chains and labour intermediation. The European action was organised by the EFBWW (European Federation of Building and Woodworkers), EFFAT (the European Federation of […]
By Martin Banks Brussels Airport is providing a much-need boost for the local economy – while its second most popular long-haul airline is doing the same for the travelling public. Both the airport and Emirates are celebrating “success stories” – particularly welcome as the post-pandemic recovery continues. According to a new study, the airport remains […]
By Martin Banks European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has presented the proposal for the new European Commission. On Tuesday, speaking in Strasbourg to MEPs, she told MEPs her thoughts on the new line up. The former German defence minister said, “We do not have the extra layer of Vice-Presidents. Leaner structure, more interactive […]
By Martin Banks Media freedom in Italy has been steadily declining in recent years, says a new report. This, it claims, is marked by “unprecedented attacks and violations often initiated by public officials in an attempt to silence critical voices.” The claims are made by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) which has just published […]
By Martin Banks MEPs return to their work after the summer break facing a packed agenda in Strasbourg this week. One of the first tasks is the ongoing discussions about the new College of Commissioners. On this, the leader of one of the leading mainstream groups in the parliament says they will not give a […]
The Cyprus International Film Festival “Golden Aphrodite,” one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, returns for its 19th edition in Nicosia from October 21 to November 3. With a unique program, the festival is ready to welcome visitors from around the world, promising to take you on a journey. Location: Melina Merkouri […]
By Martin Banks The European rail supply industry says it “supports” a major new competition report’s recommendations. The sector says this could cut emissions, lower freight costs by 10% and “drive investment in rail.” The report on the future of European competitiveness was authored by former Italian PM Mario Draghi. It sets out the former […]
