European Parliament President David Sassoli opened the European Council in Brussels on theh 17 of october 2019. This is the first time he has attended the Council in his role as President of the European Parliament. Brexit The agreement reached with the government of the United Kingdom is welcome. The European Parliament will examine closely […]
The von der Leyen Commission: for a Union that strives for more
Today, President-elect Ursula von der Leyen presented her team and the new structure of the next European Commission. The new Commission will reflect the priorities and ambitions set out in the Political Guidelines. The Commission is structured around the objectives President-elect von der Leyen was elected on by the European Parliament. At the heart of […]
European citizens’ initiatives: Commission registers 3 new initiatives, and finds 1 inadmissible
The European Commission decided to register 3 new European citizens’ initiatives. ‘Stop corruption in Europe at its root, by cutting off funds to countries with inefficient judiciary after deadline’, ‘Actions on Climate Emergency‘ and ‘Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment.’ The Commission also decided not to register a proposed […]
ECB European Cultural Days 2019: Celebrating 20 years of the euro
Since its launch in 2003 the European Cultural Days of the ECB has featured artists from 15 EU countries. This year’s events mark the euro’s 20th anniversary and will be dedicated to Europe. Four concerts, including an open air riverside concert and a chamber music evening at the ECB, will bring a wide variety of […]
Traineeships at the General Secretariat of the Council
Each year the General Secretariat of the Council offers around 100 places for paid work experience and around 20 places for unpaid compulsory work experience. An internship contract at the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) offers: first-hand experience of the work of the GSC; knowledge about the EU: understanding of the processes and policies […]
Holding the EU executive to account: hearings of commissioner-candidates
Before the new European Commission – the EU’s executive body – can take office, Parliament will organise public hearings to assess the suitability of commissioners for the post. From 23 to 26 May, 200 million people from 28 EU countries went to the polls to elect MEPs, giving them a strong democratic mandate including voting […]
As market matures, Central Banks conclude that a formal gold agreement is no longer necessary
The European Central Bank (ECB) and 21 other central banks that are signatories of the Central Bank Gold Agreement (CBGA) have decided not to renew the Agreement upon its expiry in September 2019. Signatories of the fourth Central Bank Gold Agreement no longer see need for formal agreement as market has developed and matured. Signatory […]
European Environment Agency turns 25: Building on experience to achieve sustainability in Europe
What will Europe’s environment look like in 25 years? Will we achieve our common vision of ‘living well, within the limits of our planet’? Will we be able to limit global warming and build climate-resilient cities surrounded by healthy nature? Europeans are increasingly concerned as recent European Parliament elections showed. Europe’s next generation is also […]
What to expect from the new Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Finland took over the six-monthly presidency of the EU Council on 1 July. Finnish MEPs explained their expectations for this period. The slogan of the Finnish presidency is “sustainable Europe, sustainable future” and during the six-month term sustainability will be key. Instead of giving traditional presidency gifts, Finland will use the budget to offset greenhouse […]