By Martin Banks The European Commission has launched a call for nominations of scientists to be shortlisted for future membership of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors. The group provides high-quality, timely and independent scientific advice to the College of European Commissioners on any subject, including on policy issues that the European Parliament and the […]
By Martin Banks The centre-right European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament has been constituted. Nicola Procaccini (Fratelli d’Italia, Italy) and Joachim Brudziński (PiS, Poland) are the new joint leaders Assita Kanko (N-VA, Belgium), Hermann Tertsch (Vox, Spain), Alexandr Vondra (ODS, Czech Republic) and Charlie Weimers (Sverigedemokraterna, Sweden) are its deputy leaders. Meanwhile, […]
By Martin Banks Malta has not escaped some criticism from the EU in its annual rule of law report. The keenly awaited report from the Commission covers all Member States and none escape some criticism over the issue. These include the Maltese government which has found itself at odds with the EU at times in […]
By Marin Banks The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, some €99.5 million support for Romanian company Nokian Tyres. The aid will support the establishment of a new zero carbon dioxide emission factory for passenger car tyres in Oradea. The measure will contribute to the EU objectives, says the EU commission. This […]
By Martin Banks The Left group in the European Parliament has decided to welcome Movimento 5 Stelle to its ranks. The Left and M5S say they have agreed to join forces with what they call “a reciprocal observer status.” A statement confirming the move said, “We are confident that we will cooperate in a constructive […]
By Martin Banks The European Union has repeated its call for a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. It says it “fully supports” the call by the leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar to “conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release deal.” The move comes after Iran dismissed calls from the UK and […]
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 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 […]
