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 […]
Coming up: election of Commission president, humanitarian issues
The election of the new president of the European Commission will be the highlight of the upcoming plenary session in Strasbourg on 15-18 July. Vote on the president of the European Commission On Tuesday morning, Ursula von der Leyen (Germany, EPP), the candidate nominated by the European Council, will outline her vision and plans for […]
Chief Counsel in the European Anti-fraud Office
The role of the Chief Counsel is to provide the OLAF Director General with comprehensive strategic advice on the conceptualization, design, implementation and quality assurance of OLAF’s research activities and policies within the framework defined by the mission statement and the work program Annual Report of the General Directorate. It shall ensure that the activities […]
Who’s who: overview of Parliament’s leadership at the start of 2019-2024 term
MEPs elected the Parliament president as well as vice-presidents and quaestors in July 2019. Find out from our infographic who was chosen for Parliament’s key posts. Together with the Parliament president, vice-presidents and quaestors make up the bureau, which takes decisions on matters of internal organisation for the institution. While the president oversees all Parliament’s […]
Parliament starts new term with seven political groups
Ever since the results of the European elections have been in, newly-elected MEPs have been organising themselves into political groups, which bring together representatives from different EU countries based on their political affinities. According to Parliament rules, a political group must be composed of at least 25 MEPs from at least one-quarter of member states […]
New EU leaders appointed
The European Council has agreed on the future leadership of the EU institutions. EU leaders have elected Charles Michel as the new President of the European Council and proposed Ursula von der Leyen as candidate for the President of the European Commission. They have also nominated Josep Borell Fontelles as candidate for the EU’s High […]