War in Ukraine, rising global authoritarianism, a more assertive China and climate emergency have caused a tectonic shift in the geopolitical landscape, MEPs warn. In a report on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs called for EU to switch to qualified majority voting for foreign and security policy decisions as soon as possible. They argue that […]
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Council adds the violation of restrictive measures to the list of EU crimes
The Council unanimously adopted a decision to add the violation of restrictive measures to the list of ‘EU crimes’ included in the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Pavel Blažek, Czech Minister of Justice: The EU has responded with determination to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. It has adopted an unprecedented number […]
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Europol: European drug super-cartel smashed in six countries
Between 8-19 November, coordinated raids were carried out across Europe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), targeting both the command-and-control centre and the logistical drugs trafficking infrastructure in Europe. A total of 49 suspects have been arrested during the course of this investigation. The drugpins considered as high-value targets by Europol had come together to […]
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Throwing mud at everyone and hoping some of it sticks
Since 24 February of this year, Russia has gone all out in using its diplomatic network to push its disinformation narratives across different social media platforms. For example, last week the EU launched the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) in support of Ukraine. The aim of the mission is to boost the military capabilities […]
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European Parliament declares Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism
Following the atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin’s regime against Ukrainian civilians, MEPs have recognised Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. On Wednesday, Parliament adopted a resolution on the latest developments in Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. MEPs highlight that the deliberate attacks and atrocities committed by Russian forces and their proxies […]
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Commission proposes a new EU instrument to limit excessive gas price spikes
the Commission has continued its response to the ongoing energy crisis by proposing a Market Correction Mechanism to protect EU businesses and households from episodes of excessively high gas prices in the EU. This complements measures to reduce gas demand and ensure security of supply through diversification of energy supplies. The new mechanism aims to reduce the volatility […]
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Spanish authorities clamp down on lavish lifestyle of criminal group
Spanish authorities have arrested 10 persons suspected of being involved in drug trafficking and money laundering in the second phase of an operation supported by Europol. The Guardia Civil carried out house searches in a number of cities, which led to the disruption of a criminal network providing financial and technical support to other criminal […]
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Chemical weapons: EU imposes further restrictive measures on ten individuals and one entity
The Council decided to impose additional restrictive measures in view of the continued threat posed by the proliferation and use of chemical weapons. The new listings target ten individuals and one entity linked to the poisoning of Alexei Navalny with a Novichok-type nerve agent on 20 August 2020, and the productions of chemical weapons delivery systems in Syria. As concerns the Navalny […]
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European Council adds more people to sanctions list on serious human rights violations
The Council added 29 individuals and three entities to the list of those subject to restrictive measures in the context of the existing Iran human rights sanctions regime. This is in view of their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations in Iran. New’s designations include: the four members of the […]
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