euro|topics
Updated: 5 days 22 hours ago
Fri, 04/30/2021 - 11:59
In Greece, the governing party Nea Dimokratia has decided to grant immunity from prosecution to all those dealing with and making decisions aimed at tackling the pandemic. Under the new provisions scientists, politicians and civil servants who work in committees set up to deal with coronavirus-related issues cannot be prosecuted for statements or decisions made in the course of these activities. The move has been met with fierce criticism.
Fri, 04/30/2021 - 11:59
The child benefits scandal in the Netherlands has entered a new round: the minutes of cabinet meetings show that the government deliberately withheld important information from parliament and reprimanded MPs who were critical of its conduct. Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is in the middle of complex coalition negotiations, is now under fire for his understanding of leadership and democracy.
Thu, 04/29/2021 - 12:04
The EU Parliament on Wednesday voted to ratify the EU-UK trade deal which was agreed in December 2020, shortly before the Brexit transition period ended. The Parliament had delayed ratification amid a dispute with London over customs controls in Northern Ireland. Commentators are relieved that despite persistent tensions the wrangling has now come to an end.
Thu, 04/29/2021 - 12:04
A draft institutional framework agreement between the EU and Switzerland has existed since 2018. The aim is to simplify the legal relationship between the two partners, which is currently governed by around 120 individual agreements, but the agreement has yet to be adopted. Now, for the first time, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has publicly stated that "substantial differences" stand in the way.
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