European Union

In order to create a toxic-free environment and a truly circular economy, MEPs want stricter limits on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in waste.
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

On Tuesday, MEPs supported Mario Draghi’s call to reform the EU to guarantee sustainable economic growth and transition, during a “This is Europe” debate in Strasbourg.

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

On Tuesday, MEPs supported Mario Draghi’s call to reform the EU to guarantee sustainable economic growth and transition, during a “This is Europe” debate in Strasbourg.

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Ukraine needs logistical support for the export of crucial agricultural products currently impacted by Russia's aggression, German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, who wants to mobilise fellow G7 countries to help Ukraine, has said

Multiple open letters urging the German government to pressure Ukraine into a compromise with Vladimir Putin are gathering support in the country, with high-ranking politicians backing the call. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian civil society has called the move “disturbing.”

The Western Balkans has consistently struggled with issues relating to the rule of law, media freedom, and upholding human rights. But some progress has been seen in the area of media freedom in 2021, although more needs to be done, according to the recent Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.

The extraordinary courage of journalists and media workers reporting from conflict areas in Ukraine and other parts of the world reminds us once again how crucial their work is in providing timely, trusted and fact-based information, write Birgit Van Hout, Irene Khan, and Louise Haxthausen.

After weeks of speculation, the news from Brussels is that sanctions on Russian oil will be finalised today and put to member states tomorrow.

Almost 40% of Europe and Central Asia are in a “problematic” press freedom situation, according to the Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) 2022 World Press Freedom Index published on Tuesday (3 May). 

Following a meeting of EU energy ministers on Monday, the bloc has moved one step closer to an oil embargo against Russia: Germany's Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck said he believes an agreement is very likely despite the scepticism of member states such as Hungary. The oil import ban would be part of a new EU sanctions package. Commentators have mixed views on whether the measure will be effective.

As a result of tighter government regulations, almost all critical media in Russia have been blocked from the internet by the media supervisory authority Roskomnadzor and are now only accessible via VPN servers. At the same time new media projects launched by exiled journalists and news channels on Telegram and Youtube are being launched. Europe's press takes stock on International Press Freedom Day.