EUROPE DIPLOMATIC

ECI: citizen’s initiative as EU failed policy

Brussels 04.06.2024 The European Commission spokesperson denied the Members of the European Parliament sharp criticism of the failure to implement the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) as an instrument of participatory democracy. This policy tool was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty enabling in 2009 the EU citizens to directly demand the Commission for legislative proposals on…

NATO push to extend military operations

Brussels 30.05.2024 Today NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg insisted at the opening of a meeting of the Alliance’s foreign ministers to let Ukraine use Western weapons to strike military targets inside Russian territory, a position appreciated by Kyiv but opposed by Biden administration so far. The two-day meeting in Czech capital, Prague, was organised to…

Three European countries upgraded Palestine to statehood

Brussels 29.05.2024 Spain, Ireland and Norway have formally recognised a Palestinian state, in an attempt to find a political solution to the war in the Middle East. Together they presume they will encourage other European countries to follow suit, in a diplomatic push that could help secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of…

EU Council five defense priorities

Brussels 28.05.2024 The Council today approved conclusions on EU security and defence in a context of an unprecedented combination of threats and challenges, such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and increased tensions in the Middle East, the Sahel and other areas of the world. Since the start of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war…

Israeli hostages families visit Brussels

Brussels 27.05.2024 Families of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 came to Brussels in search of support from the EU politicians and diplomats, hoping for safe return of Noa Argami, Ofer Kalderon, Bar Kuperman and Shai Levinson among the other 125 persons from Hamas captivity. However their fate remains unknown, and the chances…

EU extends Russia sanctions list

Brussels 27.05.2024 The Council today established a new framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia. The decision to establish this new sanctions’ regime is part of the EU’s response to the…

EU diplomats engage in discussion on Middle East

Brussels 26.05.2024 The Foreign Affairs Council will take place on Monday May 27, it will be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The top priority issue will remain the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will discuss the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after an…

Eurovision debate: aspirants for Commission presidency

Brussels 23.05.2024 Today the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency has taken place in the European Parliament, Brussels. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is organising the debate, has hosted Walter Baier (Austria, European Left), Sandro Gozi (Italy, Renew Europe Now), Ursula von der Leyen – incumbent president of the EU…

Borrell “takes note” of State of Palestine recognition

Brussels 22.05.2024 In the end of a long and turbulent day, the head of the European diplomacy “I take note of today’s announcement by 2 EU Member States -Ireland and Spain- and by Norway on the recognition of the State of Palestine” wrote Josep Borrell on his Twitter page, commenting the other Tweet of his…

EU Council approves use of Russian assets

Brussels 21.05.2024 Extraordinary revenues generated by immobilised Russian assets: Council greenlights the use of net windfall profits to support Ukraine’s self-defence and reconstruction. (Image above: illustration) In the light of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council today adopted a set of legal acts ensuring that the net profits stemming from unexpected and…