Turkey must step back from authoritarian reforms to remain key EU partner said Marietje Schaake, Dutch Member of the European Parliament. Schaake was responding after the adoption of the annual Turkey report in the foreign affairs committee. She said: “The text was significantly sharpened compared to the draft by S&D-rapporteur Kati Piri, who failed to address many urgent […]
TAXE – Go Slow. The Order Of The Day.
At a public hearing in the European Parliament, Brussels, United Left MEPs declared their frustration with the Special Committee on Tax Rulings (TAXE) and what they saw as a lack of any real progress by the Committee towards protection for whistle blowers and journalists. GUE/NGL MEP Fabio de Masi, TAXE shadow rapporteur, said: “The majority in […]
EU Needs Rethink On Latin America Relations
EU relations with Latin America should promote greater cooperation and socioeconomic equality with a focus on human rights, according to NGOs meeting at the second EU-CELAC Civil Society Forum held today in Brussels. The event was hosted by Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs as EU leaders prepared to meet […]
“Mobilise Global Partners On Climate Deal” Says BUSINESSEUROPE
European Environment Ministers met today in Brussels to discuss preparations for the UN Climate Change conference which will take place in Paris in December. BUSINESSEUROPE Director General Markus J. Beyrer commented: “The United Nations climate summit in December has to deliver an ambitious legally-binding agreement by committing all major economies. But as the new agreement expected […]
Schaake: “Council must adopt more ambitious Telecoms plan”
Dutch Member of the European Parliament Marietje Schaake (D66/ALDE) foresees a big fight between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers on the Telecoms Single Market. Today the Council announced that instead of abolishing roaming, it will be gradually capped. This measure will be effective in 2016 and only in 2018 they will be […]
Back To A Digitised Future For European Business
The 1989 cult movie “Back to the Future II” predicted that the year 2015 would bring with it a world of hover-boards, flying cars and self-lacing trainers, writes Carsten Bruhn, Executive Vice President, Commercial at Ricoh Europe. While few of the flashy gadgets foreseen by the film’s creators have come into existence, 1989 proved a landmark year […]
“Bulgaria Must Investigate Hate Crimes,” Says Amnesty
Bulgaria’s failure to adequately investigate and prosecute hate crimes is fuelling fear, discrimination and ultimately violence, says Amnesty International in a new report published today. Missing the point: Lack of adequate investigation of hate crimes in Bulgaria documents the severe impact of hate crimes on victims and highlights how the authorities’ failure to tackle entrenched prejudice […]
Tsipras “Optimistic” On Sustainable Greek Solution
New Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visited the European Parliament today where he was welcomed by EP President Martin Schulz. After the meeting Schulz said: “Mr Tsipras is battling for European cooperation, not only seeking a solution for Greece. He has my full support.” He also stressed the need for a framework for “constructive dialogue […]
Fish Discard Ban, Sanctions Delayed By MEPs
Fishermen will have two years to “adapt” before sanctions for failing to comply with the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) discard ban take effect, under a tentative deal struck by Parliament and Council on Thursday, with European Commission help. The agreement amends the “omnibus” regulation setting out detailed arrangements for enforcing the ban. “I am […]
Hills Says Pension Funds Could Get Two Year Clearing Exemption
The European Commission has published a report recommending granting pension funds a two-year exemption from central clearing requirements for their over-the-counter (OTC) derivative transactions. The report, which is based on an extensive study requested by the European Commission, concludes that central counterparties (CCPs) need this time to find solutions for pension funds. At the same time, […]