European Union

In a surprising about-face, US President Joe Biden has come out in favour of temporarily lifting patent protection on Covid vaccines. The share prices of certain pharmaceutical companies have dropped significantly as a result. Commentators highlight the pharmaceutical industry's important role in research, but also stress the need to provide poorer countries with affordable vaccines.

Bill and Melinda Gates have filed for divorce after 27 years of marriage. The billionaire couple has made headlines in recent years with their philanthropic donations, although Microsoft founder Gates is often portrayed by conspiracy theorists as an evil string-puller. The news of the divorce has sent shock waves through the media.

Invitation letter by President Charles Michel to the members of the European Council ahead of their informal meeting in Porto on 7-8 May 2021

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

Press briefing ahead of Foreign Affairs Council will take place on 7 May 2021 at 14.00.

Tensions have mounted at the Polish, Czech and German border over a coal mine in Poland that Prague says is contaminating its water supplies and has been operating illegally for over a year.

Commission v Poland (Régime disciplinaire des juges)
Principles of Community law
Advocate General Tanchev: the Court should rule that the Polish legislation concerning the disciplinary regime for judges is contrary to EU law

Prison conditions deteriorated last year, due to budget cuts and the pandemic, amid accusations of severe abuse in some EU states, says Council of Europe's anti-torture committee.

Prison conditions deteriorated last year, due to budget cuts and the pandemic, amid accusations of severe abuse in some EU states, says Council of Europe's anti-torture committee.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sent two Navy patrol vessels to Jersey over concerns that French fishermen could blockade its main port in an escalating post-Brexit row.

In today's edition of the capitals, find out more about Slovakia's Parliament deputy speaker resigning after breaching the country's COVID-19 rules, Austria's decision to reject a possible EU-wide minimum wage, and so much more.

The Conference on the Future of Europe can catalyse much-needed reflection on how to revamp the EU’s external action. But, most importantly, if the EU wants to secure its position as a top-tier geopolitical player, it should overcome self-doubt and learn by doing, writes Javier Solana.

Hungarian opposition parties Párbeszéd (Dialogue) and Momentum have filed complaints against ruling Fidesz party lawmaker Zsolt Becsó after he attended a parliamentary session last week while infected with the coronavirus.

The US administration has backed lifting patents of COVID-19 vaccines in order to speed up vaccination of those in need worldwide. Europe, until a couple of months ago, had been reluctant to this option and it is unclear if it will follow the US example.