EUROPE DIPLOMATIC

Salvini concerned by vd Leyen election

Italy Deputy Prime minister Matteo Salvini has expressed his concern about the election by the European Parliament of Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission president. “We saw a president of the European Commission indicated by Merkel and backed by Macron, Renzi and Berlusconi and the 5-Stars, leaning very far to the left on some issues…

Lavrov: journalist Vyshinky case “absurd”

Russian Minister of Foreign affairs Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow demands of respect of his human rights and immediate liberation of journalist Kirill Vyshinky (pictured) arrested in Ukraine. FM #Lavrov: The trial against Kirill #Vyshinsky in #Ukraine is absurd. The journalist was arrested illegally, only because he worked for a Russian media outlet and honestly covered current…

Von der Leyen endorsed by MEPs as Commission president

Today MEPs voted on the candidate for the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, put forward by the European Council. Her candidacy was endorsed with with 383 votes in favour. 🔴 LIVE: Members of the European Parliament vote on the candidate for the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Stay tuned as…

JCPOA: More EU states willing to join INSTEX

“We had unanimity among Member States on the need to, on the one side, make the instrument we have put in place – INSTEX (the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges) – faster and more operational to have legitimate trade with Iran. A number of Member States have shown their willingness to become shareholders of this instrument…

EU Foreign ministers discuss Iran nuclear deal

Today in Brussels EU Foreign ministers discuss Iran in light of the recent developments concerning the nuclear deal, (JCPOA). The discussion follows the meeting of the Joint Commission on 28 June and the recent announcements by Tehran on the JCPOA. #EU Foreign Affairs Council discusses #Iran nuclear deal: arrivals #JCPOA LIVE: https://t.co/cj0Y1sMix3 pic.twitter.com/uhfUC0ggX7 — Ruptly (@Ruptly)…

Mogherini meets disgraced Borrell with open arms

Today the Foreign Affairs Council started with a discussion on current affairs, allowing ministers to review pressing issues on the international agenda. #migration @FedericaMog I’ll ask Member States to be consistent and put money on their political priorities. €4.5 bln already used for projects on the ground with good results; now risk of a gap….

Von der Leyen debates with MEPs

On July 10 Ursula von der Leyen, the ultimate candidate for the European Commission presidency, had an exchange of views with MEPs in the European Parliament Brussels, a crucial test before the vote in Strasbourg Plenary next week. A short break after two exciting debates with @TheProgressives and @RenewEurope. Thank you to @IratxeGarper and @CiolosDacian for…

Cyprus: EU “gravely concerned”over Turkey drilling

“Turkey’s declared intention to illegally conduct a new drilling operation northeast of Cyprus is of grave concern. This second planned drilling operation, two months after the start of the ongoing drilling operations west of Cyprus, is a further unacceptable escalation which violates the sovereignty of Cyprus” says the text of the statement by EU top diplomat…

EU allocates €119M to Ukraine

The EU provides additional million for accountable and efficient governance in Ukraine and to step up its support to the Sea of Azov region. Additional EU support to Ukraine worth €109 million will help implement key reforms.Support will focus on decentralisation, fighting corruption, empowering civil society and accountable governance → https://t.co/aCJeKYck7U #EUUkraine pic.twitter.com/Y0gbopj3YO — European…

Licence to kill last wolf in Meurthe-et-Moselle

In in the coming weeks the prefecture of Meurthe-et-Moselle (France) will authorize shooting of the wolf, accused of a multitude of herd attacks, especially in the south of the department. the decision announced on July 4th. The licence to kill the last surviving wolf is considered as pro-hunting lobby success, phrasing the understanding and sympathy of…