The European Court of Justice has ruled that the Polish ‘Law on the Supreme Court’, lowering the retirement age of judges of the Supreme Court, is contrary to EU law and breaches the principle of the irremovability of judges and thus that of judicial independence. In response to the judgment of the Court, the European […]
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EU set to sign trade and investment agreements with Vietnam on Sunday
The Council of Ministers today approved the EU-Vietnam trade and investment agreements, paving the way for their signature and conclusion. EU Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström and Romanian Minister for Business, Trade and Entrepreneurship Ștefan-Radu Oprea will sign the agreement on the EU’s behalf in Hanoi on Sunday 30 June. The agreements are set to bring unprecedented […]
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How can schools support the development of our democracies?
The last article issued by Eurydice tells us about the importance of democratic, respectful and committed dialogue, which, although not usual, is a key element in education for citizenship, speciallly if it is supported by schools. In many countries, political debate is becoming ever more polarised. Fuelled by amoral media seeking out scandal and dispute, […]
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Globalisation: how the EU’s trade policy helps to promote human rights
International trade and globalisation have great potential to create jobs in the EU and beyond. Yet, growing global competition can endanger human rights by for example leading to worker exploitation. As human rights are a priority of its foreign policy, the EU uses its trade policy to promote and protect human rights in non-EU countries […]
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Illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol: EU extends sanctions by one year
On 20 June 2019, the Council prolonged the restrictive measures introduced in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia until 23 June 2020. The measures apply to EU persons and EU based companies. They are limited to the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol. The sanctions include prohibitions on: imports of products […]
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Member States agree to Commission proposal to support Irish beef producers impacted by market uncertainty
EU Member States last week agreed to a proposal from the European Commission to make €50 million available to Irish beef farmers, which can be matched by national funds to reach a maximum of €100 million. The establishment of the fund reflects the Commission recognition of the particular challenges facing the Irish beef and veal […]
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EPSCO: conclusions on areas related to health
On June 14, the Council, in its Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers (EPSCO) training, met to discuss the issues in a series of legislative areas related to health. Ministers adopted the conclusions of the Council on the fight against antimicrobial resistance. On the other hand, the ministers exchanged views on the most effective ways to […]
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South Sudan: €48.5 million in additional EU humanitarian aid
Despite a recent peace deal, humanitarian needs remain high in South Sudan with nearly two million people internally displaced and almost seven million in need of emergency food aid. To help the most vulnerable in the country, the European Commission today announces €48.5 million in humanitarian assistance. This comes on top of last week’s €1 […]
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Education and climate change
“We can create transformational action that will safeguard the living conditions for future generations.” – Greta Thunberg Climate change is a topic unlike any other. While the prospect of human-induced global destruction may sometimes seem too overwhelming to address, everyone has a part to play in halting it. This is the message of a major […]
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