Macron warns of risk of ‘conflict’ over Iran nuclear deal
French President Emmanuel Macron warned of the risk of "conflict" in the standoff with Iran after Tehran announced plans to boost its uranium enrichment capacity as Europe scrambles to save a...
View ArticleThe UN is failing on all fronts to tackle the climate impact of flying
ICAO's proposed offsetting scheme for aviation emissions, known as CORSIA, will cover a mere 6% of projected CO2 emissions accumulated to 2050, writes Bill Hemmings, saying CORSIA fails the Paris...
View ArticleTop EU court rules same-sex partners have residence rights
Same-sex partners of EU citizens have the right to live in any member state whatever their nationality, even in countries that do not recognise gay marriage, the bloc's top court ruled Tuesday (5 June).
View ArticleMexico looks to Europe after slapping tariffs on US pork
Mexico will import more pork products from Europe after imposing a 20% tariff on US pork legs and shoulders in retaliation to steel tariffs, Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said on Tuesday.
View ArticleEU must engage with Azerbaijan or Putin will
Azerbaijan’s strategic yet precarious geopolitical location and situation are such that the country deserves EU support, especially in light of growing tensions with Russia and Iran, writes Jan...
View ArticleIn Austria, Putin calls for lifting sanctions, Kurz sticks by EU position
Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday (5 June) the European Union should end damaging sanctions against Moscow imposed over the Ukraine crisis and its annexation of Crimea.
View ArticleEU caps price of international phone calls in landmark telecoms overhaul
Lawmakers agreed to cap the price of phone calls and SMS messages between EU countries and sealed a deal to encourage investment in fast internet networks during a late-night meeting on Wednesday (6...
View ArticleAfrica-Europe ties need a reset – but not just because of migration
Europe and Africa need a partnership which should focus on the new realities in both regions. Europe can become the region's main partner during its transformative revolution if it listens to civil...
View ArticleAstana: 20 years of thriving evolution
Astana is celebrating its 20th anniversary as capital of Kazakhstan. A remarkable city with futuristic buildings, Astana has positioned itself as a centre that hosts many important events and is...
View ArticleEU warns UK-centered China import scam may shift to Europe’s ‘Silk Road’
European Union anti-fraud investigators suspect Greece and Hungary may have become the main EU centers of a multi-million-euro scam involving imports of Chinese clothing and footwear that uses the...
View ArticleAstana praised as the ‘capital of Central Asia’
An international conference was held in Astana on Tuesday (5 June) to mark the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan's new capital. Dubbed Tselinograd during Soviet times, it was renamed Astana (meaning...
View ArticleErasmus days bring together young people from Strasbourg to Kampala
The Erasmus Days in October are an opportunity for the European Parliament to encourage young people to vote in the upcoming European elections next May. As many as 72% of those under 25 did not vote...
View ArticleWhy Europe needs a single market for philanthropy
"Who do I call if I want to speak to Europe?" The quote is associated with Henry Kissinger but he never actually said it. He knew very well who to call if he wanted to. Similarly, European institutions...
View ArticleEU tariffs on US goods to take effect in early July
The EU is set to impose €2.8billion worth in tariffs on US exports in early July in response to duties Donald Trump's administration has levied on European steel and aluminium, the European Commission...
View ArticleHow should we regulate pesticides? Solutions for safe, transparent...
Over the past months, discussion has heated up regarding the use and safety of pesticides in Europe. All stakeholders are calling for a transparent and science-based approach. But how can policy-makers...
View ArticleThe Brief, powered by Yara – Strasbourg single seat silliness
Relocating the European Parliament to Strasbourg every month is a waste of time and money. You know it, I know it, we all know it. But France refuses to let go. Instead of holding on to it, Macron...
View ArticleStraight Outta Strasbourg: MEPs rap battle for the youth vote
The 2018 European Youth Event was home to one of the most unusual European Parliament happenings of the year - an MEP rap battle.
View ArticleDon’t leave women out of EU investment programme, Commission is told
The issue of how the EU's External Investment Plan can help empower women and girls dominated the agenda at the European Development Days on Tuesday (5 June), as some panellists voiced concern that it...
View ArticleEU should use due diligence in fisheries import
The European Parliament has adopted an initiative report this week about the conformity of fisheries products that have access to the EU market. The EU is the largest market for fish in the world and...
View ArticleGermany launches coal commission in a bid to protect climate and jobs
After being postponed three times, Germany’s government has appointed the long-awaited commission which is to define a roadmap for the country’s coal phase-out. It will have a double mandate: to...
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