EU heads into 2023 in crisis mode
Preoccupied by multiple crises, the EU has seen a restless year. Many of the calamities which shook the EU in 2022 will still be around in 2023.
Europe in brief: Alleged corruption in the EU Parliament, hydrogen pipeline between Spain and France, EU-US subsidies dispute and can Bosnia and Herzegovina expect EU candidacy?
The European Parliament has been in the eye of the storm since it was announced that a large-scale corruption case is under investigation. Other news: A green hydrogen pipeline to be built between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe, subsidy dispute between the EU and the US, and potential EU enlargement in the Western Balkans.
Europe in brief: France keeps tough stance on migration, French President Macron to ask US to exempt EU manufacturers, Spain and EU propose removal of the “fence of Gibraltar”
At an emergency meeting about increasing migration figures, opinions of the Member States on the situation differed. On his upcoming trip to the US, French President Emmanuel Macron wants to ask for exemptions for European manufacturers penalized by US law. Spain and the EU propose to the UK to eliminate “the fence” between Spain and the British territory Gibraltar.
Why is the renewal of the judiciary in Spain blocked?
The renewal of the Spanish General Council of the Judiciary has been blocked for four years now. As Spain will hold the EU Council presidency in the second half of 2023, Brussels is urging the country to end the deadlock in the appointment of new incumbents to important judicial positions.
Europe’s reaction to the ongoing energy crisis
EU countries are scrambling to face up to a challenging winter ahead, with consumers facing skyrocketing energy prices. Brussels plans a series of measures aimed at shielding households and businesses from high energy costs.