Brussels 08.03.2024 China has decided to expand the scope of visa-free countries and implement a pilot visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries: Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. This ‘trial period’ starts on March 14 and ends on November 30, 2024. Ordinary passport holders can enter China without a visa if…
Category: International
EU exchanges views with Chinese envoy
Brussels 05.04.2024 The European External Action Service (EEAS) Managing Directors for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Michael Siebert, and for Asia and the Pacific, Niclas Kvarnström, met the Special Envoy of the Chinese Government for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, in Brussels on 4 March, Monday. Li Hui serves as the Chinese Special Representative for Eurasian…
Commission welcomes XIII Russia sanctions package
Brussels 23.02.2024 “The Commission welcomes the Council’s (pictured) adoption of a 13th package of sanctions against Russia. Two years since Russia brutally invaded Ukraine, EU’s support for Ukraine and its people remains as strong as ever, – the European Commission press-release reads. Europe is united and determined to continue defending its values and founding principles….
EU: “Navalny HR sanctions regime”
Brussels 19.02.2024 “The sad news of the passing of [Alexei] Navalny came to Munich where the Security Conference was taking place” said the EU top diplomat Josep Borrell at the doorstep of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. “Today, we will have here with us his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, who will send a message, a political message, about how…
EU: launches ASPIDES operation in Red Sea
Brussels 31.01.2024 “…We discussed two regions of common interest: the Red Sea and the Sahel. We did that in presence of our partners from the United Nations, NATO and also invited the European Parliament” said the EU High Representative Josep Borrell, after the Informal Defence Ministers meeting. “You know that the maritime security in the…
EU continues to fund UNRWA?
Brussels 28.01.2024 “We are extremely concerned by allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in the 7th October terrorist attacks in Israel” reads the Statement by the Commission and High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in the 7th October attacks. (Image above: UN building, NYC) “The EU reiterates its strongest condemnation of the attacks…
BRAFA 2024: Delvaux art encounter
Brussels 25.01.2024 In the context of BRAFA 2024, the Paul Delvaux Foundation has embraced the opportunity to take part in the Year of Surrealism and to bring into limelight the great master’s paintings. In a dedicated space, the Foundation will be offering an insight into the artist’s world through a selection of masterpieces from its…
Turkey welcomes Sweden to NATO
Brussels 23.01.2024 Today the Turkish parliament – Grand National Assembly – voted to approve Sweden’s NATO membership bid, bringing the Nordic country one step closer to joining the military alliance after months of delays. Of the 346 members of parliament who voted, 287 were in favor of Sweden’s accession and 55 voted to reject it,…
Gaza-EU: benefiting from “martyr” fund?
Bruxelles 23.01.2024 Today the European Commission ensured that there is strict control in place to avoid situation when Hamas terrorists would be able to profit from the EU humanitarian aid, including the sinister “martyr” funds. The requests to clarify the situation was expressed by two Members of the European Parliament: Monika Hohlmeier (PPE), Niclas Herbst…
BRAFA 2024: masterpieces spectacle
Brussels 23.01.2024 The Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair – BRAFA – 2024 offers to art lovers an exquisite collection of masterpieces from 132 galleries. After a very well-received 68th edition in January, BRAFA is now preparing its 69th edition with passion and expertise. The Fair will take place from Sunday, January 28th to Sunday,…
EUROPE DIPLOMATIC 