The images of bodies strewn across the streets of Bucha, killed execution-style, show the true face of Putin’s Russia. These images speak louder than words about the nature and aims of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Still, the pro-Kremlin media bolstered by Russian diplomatic social media accounts are speaking, in an attempt to distract and obfuscate […]
Charles Michel: Europe’s values, freedom and democracy will prevail
Just two weeks ago in this parliament, we expressed our shock and horror. The martyrdom of Mariupol, crimes against the city, crimes against its people. And today we express our outrage at crimes against humanity – against innocent civilians – in Bucha and in many other cities. Yet more proof that Russian brutality against the […]
Benefits and dangers of cryptocurrencies from new EU legislation
Why and how should the EU build crypto-regulation to foster innovation and protect users? The use of crypto-assets and the technology behind them has provdn to be both immensely promising and problematic. The EU wants to help boost the development of these technologies and their use in the EU, while protecting users. Risks of crypto-assets […]
The EU will have to act to intensify its support for Moldova in the wake of the war in Ukraine
A European Parliament delegation, which travelled to the Republic of Moldova against the backdrop of the worsening security situation in Europe, ended its visit on Saturday 2 April. In Chișinău, seven members from the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and Subcommittee on Security and Defence, led by Urmas Paet (Renew Europe, Estonia) and Nathalie Loiseau (Renew Europe, France), met […]
Council updates EU fishing rights for 2022 to reflect agreement with UK
The Council has adopted a regulation updating the EU’s fishing rights for 2022 to incorporate the agreement reached with the UK in December 2021. The regulation sets out the final total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for member states in the Atlantic and North Sea, taking into account fish stocks subject to bilateral consultations. Changes to the previous year’s TACs […]
Disinformation: The harder you push, the harder they resist
Its more than one month since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That is a second month of what was supposed to be a quick “special military operation” “aimed only at military targets”. The reality couldn’t be more grossly different. Instead – and due to an undeniable lack of the expected progress – Russia is resorting […]
EU statements on trials and sentences in Cuba
The European Union is following with deep concern the prison sentences that are being handed down in Cuba to those involved in the events of 11 and 12 July 2021. The spontaneous protests that took place across the island reflected legitimate grievances on the part of the population but were met with repression, with over […]
Council agrees on 8th environmental action programme
The Council adopted its position on the 8th Environmental Action Programme (EAP). This programme will guide the development and implementation of environmental policy until 2030. The adoption of the Council’s position follows a provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament in December 2021 and is the final step in the adoption procedure. The 8th EAP […]
EU will import 58% of its energy by 2020
By 2020, 58% of the energy consumed in the EU will be imported, while its own production will cover only 42% of demand. The EU’s energy mix by 2020 will consist of 35% oil and oil derivatives, 24% natural gas, 17% renewables, 13% nuclear energy and 11% solid fossil fuels. Russia is the main supplier […]