European Union

Sweden and Finland have submitted their applications to join Nato. The ratification process could now take up to a year. Moscow has called the plans a "grave mistake" and threatened consequences. Turkey has also voiced objections. Europe's press discusses the implications of the decision.

Last week, the Greek parliament approved a five-year agreement for the expansion of US military bases in Greece. Opposition leader Alexis Tsipras of the Syriza alliance accused the Mitsotakis government of turning the country into a 'satellite state' of the US. The Greek press is divided over the issue.

Four additional cases of monkeypox were detected in the UK among men who have sex with men leading to concerns about the virus spreading in the community. 

The EU Ombudsman reviewed 100 'revolving door' cases at the European Commission — of which, the EU executive forbid a former staff member from taking on a private sector job on just two occasions.

This manifesto is industrial workers’ call to policymakers to ensure a Just Transition.

IndustriAll Europe’s Just Transition Manifesto makes clear demands to policymakers across Europe to ensure a transition to a green economy that is fair for all workers, and that preserves and creates good quality jobs. Failure to match our climate ambitions with equally strong social ambitions will otherwise be the downfall of the Green Deal.

Ryanair v Commission (Condor; aide au sauvetage)
State aid
The General Court of the European Union confirms that the German aid for the rescue of Condor is compatible with EU law

Canon v Commission
Competition
The General Court dismisses the action brought by Canon, which was fined € 28 million by the Commission for failure to comply with merger control rules in its acquisition of Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation

Wednesday, 18 May

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Wednesday, 18 May

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Minister Donohoe, in his role as President of Eurogroup, will meet the Dutch Minister for Finance and First Deputy Prime Minister, Sigrid Kaag, in The Hague on 18 May. He will then travel to Petersberg, Bonn to participate in the meeting of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors chaired by the German Presidency of the G7.

The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council will take place on 19 May 2022 at 14.00. The briefing will be "off the record".

Press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on 19 May 2022 at 13:30.