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…

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…

EU: Copernicus EMS searches for Iran President

Brussels 19.05.2024 The European Union has responded to the request of the government of Iran, and started to search for the missing helicopter with President Ebrahim Raisi on board. “Upon Iranian request for assistance we are activating the EU’s Copernicus EMS /Copernicus Emergency Management Service/ rapid response for mapping service in view of to the…

PM Fico: President Michel expresses his shock

Brussels 15.05.2024 Today Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, 59, is in a hospital, transported by helicopter after an assassination attempt. (Image above: social media) The shooting took place after an off-site government meeting in the central Slovak town of Handlova. The suspected gunman was among a small crowd of onlookers waiting to greet the Prime…

EU Investigative Journalism Award

ANNOUNCEMENT: Tirana, May 13, 2024 – Applications are open for the EU Investigative Journalism Award 2024, which the European Union will reward the best stories created in Albania during the previous calendar year. The prize fund for our country is 10,000 euros, and the recognition is awarded within the project “Strengthening quality journalism in the…

EU regrets North Macedonia name omittance

Brussels 12.05.2024 “The EU regrets the fact that the new President of North Macedonia, President Siljanovska-Davkova, did not use the constitutional name of the country during the swearing-in ceremony today” reads the statement by the European External Action Service spokesperson on the use of the constitutional name by the new President in her address at…