EU member states agree on common rules to criminalise people-smuggling
EU member states have taken a step forward in establishing common penalties for the smuggling of human beings with regards to offences committed across the 27-member bloc.
EU Commission approves €200 million German aid for climate-adapted forests
The European Commission has approved a German state aid scheme aimed at fostering the implementation of sustainable forestry practices. The support will run until the end of 2026.
Former Italian prime minister Draghi sees leadership vacuum in Europe
Following the collapse of the governments in Germany and France – the European Union’s two largest member states – Mario Draghi called for optimism in the face of the power vacuum he now sees.
Hungary’s PM Viktor Orbán threatens EU budget veto in row over release of funds
Viktor Orbán has put pressure on the European Commission with veto threats several times in the past. Last Friday, in a radio interview, he again threatened to veto in a row over frozen funds for Hungary. These will only be released by Brussels when the country implements more reforms to strenghten the rule of law.
EU gives green light for German state rescue of Meyer Werft shipyard
Shipbuilder Meyer Werft is a major employer in northern Germany. It was quick to welcome the European Commission’s decision to approve a rescue package involving the German federal government and the state government of Lower Saxony.
Von der Leyen affirms ‘door to the EU remains open’ for Georgia
Georgia’s government recently decided to suspend EU accession negotiations until 2028. As protests against the decision raged in Georgia, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s openness to the country’s potential membership.