European Union

An International Coalition including EU Member States is fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and has made considerable progress in the last months. However, the Islamic State is spreading its influence further in North Africa and is conducting terrorist attacks in the Muslim World and in Europe. The hearing aims to look at the situation in Iraq, Syria and North Africa, the progress of the military campaign as well as the perspectives for further engagement against the Islamic State.
Location : Paul-Henri Spaak 4B001
Programme
Draft programme
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

On 10 October 2016 the Council unanimously agreed on next year's total allowable catches (TACs) for the ten commercially most important fish stocks in the Baltic Sea. This agreement paves the way for further negotiations on TACs for the deep sea and the North Sea later this year. 

The agreement includes an increase in catches for herring (except in the Gulf of Riga), plaice, and salmon (except in the Gulf of Finland) in line with the Commission proposal. For the remaining stocks, ministers decided on a smaller increase for sprat and no increase for salmon in the main basin. 

The following reductions were also agreed: 25% for Eastern cod, 56% for Western cod including bag limit provisions for recreational fisheries, 11% for herring in the Gulf of Riga and 20% for salmon in the Gulf of Finland. 

"Today's agreement is an excellent result, both for the environment and the Baltic fishermen. It was not easy but we managed to achieve a good balance between the sustainability of our marine resources and the needs of the fisheries sector of the countries concerned, in full compliance with the new Baltic multiannual plan."

 Gabriela Matečná, Minister for agriculture and rural development of Slovakia and president of the Council.  
The agreement in detail

The quantities agreed today take into account the commitment to the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), including the achievement of maximum sustainable yield (MSY), the principles of the multiannual management plan for the Baltic sea, and scientific advice, in particular advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). 

For cod in the Baltic ministers also agreed on a number of additional support measures further aimed to improve the state of the stock.  

Thousands of young people took part in the European Youth Event (EYE2016) at the European Parliament in Strasbourg last May with the aim of producing ideas for Europe’s future. Former EYE2016 participants will have the opportunity to present some of the most impactful ideas collected during the EYE and exchange views with MEPs, with the aim of having an impact on the future agenda of the EU and make positive change.

The topics in the AFET-DEVE joint committee meeting, taking place on 8 October, will cover migration in the context of the joint AFET-DEVE Initiative report “Addressing refugees and migrants movements: the role of European external action”. The meeting will be webstreamed live on http://eye2016.eu, from 10:00-10:45.

Location : Brussels JAN 2Q2
Further information
EYE2016 website
EYE2016 ideas report
EYE2016 Ideas map
EYE2016 Twitter
EYE2016 Facebook
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

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By Arthur Beesley

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Allow me to congratulate you today as you take the oath of office as President of the Republic of Estonia.

Estonia is one of the most innovative, competitive and responsible members of the European Union. Next year, your country will take on the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union six months earlier than planned. This decision is emblematic of the can-do attitude that Estonians are known for throughout the Union.

From your tenure as a Member of the European Court of Auditors, I am aware that you know the European Union well. This will be a great advantage as you steer your country and your people through the difficult times that await as we move towards a Union of 27.

I look forward to working with you.

After the publication of a video in which Donald Trump makes disparaging comments about women, even leading Republicans have distanced themselves from their candidate. In the TV debate with his Democratic rival he apologised for the statements and then went back on the offensive. Commentators assess Trump's chances of getting the keys to the White House after this latest scandal.

Just a week ago the people of Colombia rejected his peace deal with the Farc rebels; now he has been named as the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has been distinguished for his efforts to end the civil war in his country. Is the prize going to the right person this year?

The UN Security Council concluded its meeting on Saturday without passing a resolution on Syria. Last week tensions between Washington and Moscow had already escalated over the situation in the country. The press finds the situation very worrying.

Hungary's biggest opposition newspaper Népszabadság was closed in a surprise move on Saturday. The owner announced that the paper was losing too much money, but the employees claim the closure was a putsch. The liberal daily was unflagging in its critical reporting on the Orbán government. Should Hungary fear the loss of its press freedom?