Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.EU green label for gas and nuclear: European parliament votes on Wednesday
Brussels (AFP) – To award gas and nuclear power the green label has been widely accepted by the member states, but could be challenged by the European parliamentarians on Wednesday.
Classifying investments in nuclear or gas power plants for electricity generation as sustainable would facilitate the financing of these infrastructures. But the recognition of their contribution to the mitigation of climate change has provoked the anger of environmental organizations, who have denounced this as greenwashing. The initiative is also contested in the world of finance. The green label has so far been reserved for renewable energies. (July 1)
European Parliament debates about the deaths of migrants on the border at Melilla
Strasbourg (EFE) – The debate on the events that occurred on the border between Morocco and Melilla last week took on a European dimension. A majority of parliamentary groups agreed to include debate on the incident in the plenary session of the European Parliament. At least 23 people died and more than 200 were injured.
The initiative to hold this debate originated with the left group in the European parliament, which has among its ranks deputies from Podemos, Izquierda Unida and Bildu. They have also suggested to the European Commission to investigate and determine the responsibilities for the deaths and to review all agreements with Morocco on migration control. (July 4)
President of North Macedonia: New French proposal on EU accession talks is acceptable
Skopje (MIA) – The modified French proposal is a transitional compromise for one of the phases of North Macedonia’s European integration, and therefore acceptable, President Stevo Pendarovski said.
The government of North Macedonia is in the process of consultation with political parties and civil society to gather support for the French presidency’s proposal to start negotiations with the EU. The proposal includes an amendment of the North Macedonian constitution to integrate Bulgarian minority rights. President Pendarovski showed moderate support for the proposal:
“By doing so, we lift the Bulgarian blockade that lasted more than two years, and permit the formal opening of negotiations. We remain on the European track, which is long, and we lose nothing. Now it is time to open the strategic dialogue here,”
said Pendarovski.
Pendarovski believes that by accepting the modified French proposal, a decision would be taken to open negotiations with the EU. The biggest opposition party has rejected the proposal. Thousands of citizens have been protesting in front of the government building. (July 3)
Prague takes over the EU presidency
Brussels (ANSA) – Paris passes the baton on to Prague and, due to the war in Ukraine, the EU’s priorities for the second half of 2022 change. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala will present the priorities at the plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday. European energy security climbs to the top of the list, with Moscow threatening to further cut supply. This is an issue of particular note for the Czech Republic, a landlocked country with a heavy dependence on Russian gas. So far that Prague says it is prepared to call an extraordinary energy summit in July, if necessary. (June 30)
Slovenia’s Prime Minister Golob criticizes Schengen’s functionality but supports Croatia’s accession
Madrid (STA) – Slovenia is in favor of Croatia acceding to the Schengen area as soon as possible, but they considered it to be dysfunctional at present. This statement was made by Prime Minister Robert Golob on the sidelines of the Nato summit in Madrid on Thursday. In his view, there were a lot of dilemmas linked to the refugee crisis in the Schengen area.
The prime minister expressed hope that these dilemmas would be resolved by talks in the coming months. He added that if Slovenia could gauge the overall dynamic with regard to the enlargement of the Schengen area after these talks, his government would also have more definite answers regarding an expansion to include Croatia. Last Wednesday, the Council of the EU, in which the member states are represented, had asked the European Parliament for an opinion on the extension of the Schengen area to include Croatia. Once the MEPs have given their position, the final decision will be taken by the member states. (June 30)
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