European Union

Dear readers, Welcome to EU Politics Decoded where Benjamin Fox and Eleonora Vasques will bring you a round-up of the latest political news in Europe and beyond every Thursday. In this edition, we look at how economics trumped a series...

Skills shortages have become a critical challenge for the entire economy, one that will likely worsen with the digital and green transitions. In the agency work sector, employers and unions are joining forces to equip workers with sustainable skills.

Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton renewed his call for a broad European Sovereignty Fund to finance companies in strategic sectors, and help buy specific firms of “systemic importance” at a French parliamentary hearing on Thursday (1 June).

Farmers and green groups both turned out in force outside the European Parliament on Thursday (1 June) because of the EU’s proposed nature restoration law as tensions continued to mount over the future shape of the EU’s green ambitions. 

A powder made of yellow mealworms could be the next insect-based foodstuff to hit EU supermarket shelves after winning the approval of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) who concluded it raised ‘no safety concerns’.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Thursday (1 June) it had uncovered a US National Security Agency (NSA) plot using previously unknown malware to access specially made so-called backdoor vulnerabilities in Apple phones.

On Thursday, MEPs endorsed Hungary’s nomination of Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz for a second mandate as a member of the European Court of Auditors (ECA).
Committee on Budgetary Control

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

On Thursday, MEPs endorsed Hungary’s nomination of Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz for a second mandate as a member of the European Court of Auditors (ECA).
Committee on Budgetary Control

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

MEPs doubled down on their criticism of Hungary on Thursday (1 June), backing a motion that threatens to use blocking tactics to disrupt Hungary’s EU presidency next year. 

The European Parliament on Thursday (1 June) endorsed a report on countering foreign interference and information manipulation, calling for a whole-of-society approach to tackling the issue. 

MEPs have adopted a non-binding resolution that "questions" if Hungary is fit to hold the EU's presidency in the second half of 2024, given persistent concerns over the country's democratic backsliding.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy upped the pressure on Western allies on Thursday (1 June) as the debate about what form of potential 'security guarantees' for Kyiv could take gained traction.

The global energy crisis has become a driving force behind the rapid growth of solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power, according to a report by the International Energy Agency.

EU scientists are exploring how electric cars and smart grids across Europe can better communicate, in a bid to prevent power outages caused by millions of vehicles charging simultaneously.

Finland may now officially be a member of the Western military alliance, but the full integration process will still take some time, officials told EURACTIV.

Parliament calls for a coordinated strategy to increase the EU’s resilience to foreign interference and information manipulation and protect the 2024 European elections .
Special Committee on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation, and the strengthening of integrity, transparency and accountability in the European Parliament

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Parliament calls for a coordinated strategy to increase the EU’s resilience to foreign interference and information manipulation and protect the 2024 European elections .
Special Committee on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation, and the strengthening of integrity, transparency and accountability in the European Parliament

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

In its latest resolution, Parliament raises serious concerns over developments in Hungary, in light of the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Committee on Budgetary Control
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

In its latest resolution, Parliament raises serious concerns over developments in Hungary, in light of the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Committee on Budgetary Control
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Parliament adopted its recommendations on Thursday for a coordinated EU response to health threats posed by antimicrobial resistance.
Subcommittee on Public Health

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP