by AFP | 21.Nov 2023 | Fact check
On October 7, 2023, a small French far-right party called The Patriots held a demonstration in Paris, advocating for the country’s exit from the European Union and NATO. Between 1,000 and several thousand people took part, depending on the source. In Bulgaria, posts shared thousands of times displayed images of the protest claiming that it proves “the French people” want to leave both the EU and NATO. However, this claim is misleading as the images are no evidence that such a sentiment is prevalent in France. While it is true that certain parties in France endorse “Frexit” or leaving NATO or its military command, experts and polls consulted by AFP indicate that it is an exaggeration to say that majority of society are in favour.
by AFP, Agerpres, ATA, BTA, dpa, EFE, MIA, TASR | 17.Nov 2023 | Key Stories
Plans to increase EU spending to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression have stalled because of reluctance at EU level to commit to more funds. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell remains optimistic, saying it is up to member states to mobilise their industries if the EU is to keep its promise to deliver a million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine by next spring.
by STA, EFE, AFP | 17.Nov 2023 | Europe in brief
The European Commission has proposed to renew the authorisation of glyphosate in agriculture for another 10 years. Spain’s socialist leader and current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says that his country will be a driving force behind the change processes in the EU in the coming years. Jean Asselborn, a veteran of European diplomacy, leaves the stage after 20 years.
by AFP | 14.Nov 2023 | Fact check
In order to raise awareness about an abandoned metal structure in the Hungarian capital Budapest, the local chapter of a satirical political party placed a sign on the structure resembling the information boards found at EU-funded projects. The sign claims that the structure is a “tree stand for hunters with no hunter” and that it was supposedly built using 134 million forints of EU money. However, the local director of the Two-Tailed Dog Party (MKKP) confirmed to AFP that the sign was placed by them and that it is not a real EU project. There is no sign of any such project in Hungary in the database of EU funded projects. Nevertheless, some internet users believed the sign was another example of what critics call the questionable use of EU funds by the Hungarian government. Many accuse the ruling party of corruption and of diverting the funds to party-affiliated oligarchs and companies.
by Belga, dpa, STA | 10.Nov 2023 | Europe in brief
The Slovenian Interior Minister says security in Europe is being tested and called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to sign an agreement with Frontex. In other news: In the future, personal data may only be used for political advertising if citizens have given their explicit consent. The European Commission has reached a provisional agreement with SpaceX for the launch of four satellites next year.
