European Union

Malta's prime minister on Thursday (20 September) signalled unexpected support from EU leaders for a second referendum on Brexit in Britain, boosting a growing campaign for a new poll despite the British government's trenchant opposition.

Lawmakers must take the chance to strengthen the EU's investment in treatments for poverty related diseases and make the EU a hub for research excellence, writes José Inácio Faria MEP.

Written by Frederik Scholaert (1st edition),

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As part of the next EU budget framework for the 2021-2027 period, the European Commission published its proposal for a regulation on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) on 12 June 2018. The new fund will continue to support the EU common fisheries policy and the Union’s maritime policy. The proposal aims to simplify the delivery of the fund compared to the very complex legal framework in use for the current EMFF. It therefore presents a more flexible architecture: this would allow Member States to use the funds where they see the greatest need, instead of being bound to a list of pre-defined measures and eligibility rules. Small-scale coastal fisheries and outermost regions would receive an increased preferential treatment. It further proposes increased support for international ocean governance and stronger synergies with other EU policies. The fund is also expected to contribute to the development of the blue economy and support the EU’s climate objectives.

Versions

• September 2018: ‘European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2021-2027‘ (1st edition)

Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council Committee responsible: Fisheries (PECH) COM(2018) 390
12.6.2018 Rapporteur: Gabriel Mato (EPP, Spain) 2018/0210 (COD) Shadow rapporteurs:

 

  Ulrike Rodust (S&D, Germany)
Czesław Hoc (ECR, Poland)
Nils Torvalds (ALDE, Finland)
Liadh Ní Riada (GUE/NGL, Ireland)
Marco Affronte (Greens/EFA, Italy)
Rosa d’Amato (EFDD, Italy) Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’) Next steps expected: Discussion of draft report in committee

 

The expected benefits of electrified and shared vehicles are real and quantified. Yet, they are not guaranteed. There is another, darker, pathway that we could inadvertently slip into, called the “Hell Scenario” of autonomous mobility.  

US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs to the tune of 200 billion dollars on Chinese goods, further escalating the trade dispute. The move means around half of all imports from China will be subject to tariffs. While some media say Trump could be successful with his hard line others believe he is shooting an own goal.

Polish President Andrzej Duda has proposed the establishment of a permanent US military base in Poland to US President Donald Trump. During his visit to Washington Duda said this would deter "aggressive Russian behaviour". He suggested that the base could be called Fort Trump. Commentators examine whether the proposal is realistic and what consequences it would have.

The boss of Denmark's Danske Bank, Thomas Borgen, has resigned over the money-laundering scandal. A whistleblower's report showed that the bank's Estonian branch had laundered billions of euros, most of which came from Russia. Commentators call for far-reaching measures to restore trust in the banking sector.

France's Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer has proposed plans for schools to offer more voluntary classes in the Arabic language, saying that among other things this could "restore its prestige". The proposal has drawn harsh criticism from conservatives and the far right. French commentators explain why they believe this is a sensible plan.