MEPs condemn Türkiye journalist imprisonment

Strasbourg 10.10.2024 the Parliament adopted resolution on human rights issues in Türkiye. MEPs express their deep concern about the ongoing deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye, and the targeting of independent journalists, activists and opposition members. They condemn the sentence against Bülent Mumay and call on the authorities to drop the charges against him and…

MEPs debate with PM Orban: conflicting opinions

Strasbourg 09.10.2024 The MEPs discussed Hungary’s priorities for its six-month Council Presidency, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola noted in her opening statement that the Hungarian Presidency comes at a time when the EU is taking “significant steps forward” including “supporting Ukraine, strengthening European competitiveness, and…

Middle East: EU diplomacy for dialogue

Strasbourg 08.10.2024 The EU top diplomat Josep Borrell participated in pleanary debate with the Members of the European parliament regarding the situation in the Middle East: “I anticipate that I will be speaking [in this debate] not only as Vice-President of the [European] Commission, but also as the High Representative in charge of foreign policy…

7/10: homage to victims of terrorism

Strasbourg 07.10.2024 President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola marked the one-year anniversary of terrorist attacks in Israel at the opening of the 7-10 October plenary session in Strasbourg. (Photo: illustration) Recalling the horror of that day “that will live in infamy”, president Metsola said nothing could ever justify the indiscriminate mass murder, rape, kidnapping…

MEPs debating crisis agenda

Strasbourg 06.10.2024 The European Parliament week ahead 07 – 13 October 2024: Middle East/Lebanon/Hamas terrorist attacks. On Monday at the opening of the plenary session, European parliament president Metsola will make a statement on the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023 and triggered the war in Gaza….

EU condemns Iran attack against Israel

Brussels 02.10.2024 “The EU condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s attack against Israel which constitutes a serious threat to regional security. The EU reiterates its commitment to the security of Israel” reads the Statement by the High Representative on behalf Josep Borrell of the EU on the Iranian attack against Israel. “Once again, a dangerous…

EU-Qatar VI Human Rights Dialogue

Brussels 26.09.2024 Today, the European Union and Qatar held their 6th Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, such as labour rights, women’s rights, vulnerable groups, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law – including the right to fair trial and the death penalty – digital rights, and freedom of…

Borrell supports Ukraine ‘Victory plan’

Brussels 25.09.2025 “It has been one of the shortest [informal] Foreign Affairs Council meetings, but I have to say one of the most tense, in a more challenging environment. I do not want to exaggerate, but certainly the situation [around the world] is worrisome – wherever you have a look” said the EU top diplomat…

EU: MEPs and 300+ NGOs defend wolf

Brussels 25.09.2024 Anna van Densky This week hearing on wolf protection united Members of the European parliament and more than 300 Civil Society organisations who urge European Commission to drop the proposal to degrade the status of this majestic animal, and keep it as “strictly protected”. The event was chaired by MEP Anja Hazekamp from…

Ukraine: MEPs for lifting weapons restrictions

Strasbourg 19.09.2024 Today in a resolution, MEPs express their will to lift current restrictions hindering Ukraine from using Western weapons systems against legitimate military targets in Russia. The text states that without lifting current restrictions, Ukraine cannot fully exercise its right to self-defence and remains exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure. The resolution…