European Union

A new Eurobarometer survey reveals that more than two-thirds of Europeans (71 percent) believe that the EU should address air-quality related problems with additional measures. The survey also states that the majority of respondents do not feel well-informed about air quality problems in their country. Air pollution causes over 400,000 premature deaths every year in the EU, according to the commissioner for environment, Karmenu Vella.

Over 40 MEPs from different parties signed a letter addressed to president Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday calling on the new commission to act as a mediator between Spain and Catalonia and to ensure that human and fundamental rights are protected in Spain. "This European internal affair should count on a solution led by Europe," it states. Former MEPs Oriol Junqueras and Raül Romeva are among the imprisoned politicians.

Disagreement on the inclusion of nuclear power in the EU’s upcoming green finance taxonomy has revived long-standing divisions between France and Germany over the energy transition. EURACTIV France reports.

MEPs approved on Wednesday a European solidarity fund aid to Greece worth €4.5m, after heavy rain and storms hit Crete in February. The resulting floods and landslides caused the loss of human life and consequences for the country's infrastructure and economic activities. The European financial assistance will mainly help to restore transport infrastructure and support clean-up operations.

The General Court of the European Union on Wednesday ruled that the EU's border and coast guard agency, known as Frontex, does not have to reveal information regarding their border operations. "The judgement takes for granted Frontex's speculation on the disadvantages of even the most simple public knowledge about its missions," said the lawyer representing the campaigners, who may now appeal.

For next year’s EU budget, MEPs have secured better support to protect the climate, boost research, infrastructure investments and help the young.
Committee on Budgets

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

For next year’s EU budget, MEPs have secured better support to protect the climate, boost research, infrastructure investments and help the young.
Committee on Budgets

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

“God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya”, by Teona Mitevska, has won the 13th LUX Film Prize, President Sassoli announced in Strasbourg on Wednesday.
Committee on Culture and Education

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

“God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya”, by Teona Mitevska, has won the 13th LUX Film Prize, President Sassoli announced in Strasbourg on Wednesday.
Committee on Culture and Education

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

The European Parliament gave the green light to Ursula von der Leyen’s college of Commissioners “for a fresh start for Europe” on Wednesday (27 November) with a comfortable 461 votes in favour, 151 against and 89 abstentions.  The first woman...

On Wednesday, MEPs said yes to EU Solidarity Fund aid worth €4.5 million to help reconstruction in western Crete, severely hit by exceptional weather in February.
Committee on Budgets

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

On Wednesday, MEPs said yes to EU Solidarity Fund aid worth €4.5 million to help reconstruction in western Crete, severely hit by exceptional weather in February.
Committee on Budgets

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Following the conclusion of the hearings process, Parliament approved the new Commissioners, presented to plenary by Commission President-elect von der Leyen on Wednesday.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Following the conclusion of the hearings process, Parliament approved the new Commissioners, presented to plenary by Commission President-elect von der Leyen on Wednesday.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

The newly elected European Commission boasts more women than ever and plenty of political experience. Check out our infographic for all the details.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

The newly elected European Commission boasts more women than ever and plenty of political experience. Check out our infographic for all the details.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

MEPs gave the green light to the entire new European Commission during the plenary session in Strasbourg - but with the abstention of the Greens and a rejection by the leftist group GUE/NGL.

The European Parliament is due to vote today on the new EU Commission, which will then in all likelihood commence its activities on December 1. Europe's press outlines the challenges von der Leyen's team faces and mulls over how they can be met.