05 Jul 21
Health & Wellbeing: A European mental health strategy
The Coronavirus crisis has highlighted that many of our existing support structures are no longer fit for purpose; we should plan to address this now, writes Cyrus Engerer.
05 Jul 21
Health & Wellbeing: Meeting demand for mental health support
We must recognise and plan for the growing demand for access to mental health services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, says Alviina Alametsa.
02 Jul 21
Thousands of Britons living in Europe facing urgent race to keep their rights
It is estimated there are tens of thousands of British nationals in some EU Member States who have yet to apply for post-Brexit residence.
01 Jul 21
Portugal bids EU presidency ‘adeus’ as Slovenia takes the helm
As Portugal hands over the reins of the EU’s rotating presidency, Martin Banks assesses the highs and lows of its term in office - and looks ahead to Slovenia’s tenure.
01 Jul 21
Policymakers decry Turkey’s formal withdrawal from violence against women treaty
MEPs and rights groups have denounced Turkey’s decision to quit the groundbreaking Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, calling it “a dark day for women.”
30 Jun 21
“A historic day for animal welfare in Europe” as Commission announces cage phase-out
The executive, responding to the ‘End the Cage Age’ European Citizens’ Initiative, said it would present legislative proposals to phase out and eventually prohibit cages for all farm animals listed in the ECI.
30 Jun 21
Brexit: So close, yet so far…
Despite current difficulties, the UK and the EU will, in the long run, forge closer economic and security ties, predicts Charles Grant.
30 Jun 21
Conference on the Future of Europe: Advancing EU citizenship
Concept of EU citizenship must be included in CoFoE debate, argues Suzana Carp.
29 Jun 21
European Parliament row over MEP's refusal to wear face mask escalates
Right-wing German deputy Christine Anderson says she’s being wrongly targeted in a ‘pointless abuse of power’.
29 Jun 21
Media Action Plan: The power of local
A strong and independent local media is essential to the democratic process, but this is in danger of withering away. The EU must ensure it gets the support it needs, argues Jan Trei.
28 Jun 21
Hate Speech: On the cyberviolence frontline
With over 80 percent of female politicians having suffered cyberviolence, intimidation and harassment, MEPs are calling on the Commission to introduce legislation to curb online hate. Lorna Hutchinson reports.
28 Jun 21
Hate Speech: A milestone for the LGBTI community
The extension of the list of EU crimes to cover hate speech and hate crimes, including when targeted at LGBTI people, will be one of the most important acts of this legislative term, argues Marc Angel.
28 Jun 21
European Parliament's centrist groups accused of a ‘smash and grab’ raid over committee chair election
Row centres on election of Lucia Nicholsonová as the new chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee.
28 Jun 21
Hate Speech: Don’t stand for hate
The European Commission’s initiative to add hate crime and hate speech to the list of EU crimes should be applauded as an important step in protecting Europe’s citizens, argues Alice Kuhnke.
24 Jun 21
“The first real resistance to a regressive agenda”: Parliament adopts SRHR report
Predrag Fred Matić’s report on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights was adopted on Thursday, with 378 votes in favour, 255 against and 42 abstentions.
24 Jun 21
European Parliament gives green light to EU Climate Law
The law enshrines the bloc’s commitment to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
24 Jun 21
Rural Areas: Smart Villages are the future
Following the pandemic, we have the opportunity to make the most of rural life, if we choose to do so; let’s make this a privilege says Franc Bogovič.
24 Jun 21
Rural Areas: A faster Europe
The impact of the pandemic has focused on cities, but it has also highlighted the differences between rural areas; we need to bridge these gaps as part of our recovery, urges Niklas Nienass.
24 Jun 21
Urban Areas: The engines of recovery
For all its tragedies and challenges, COVID-19 has highlighted the potential for a better future for our urban centres, writes Idoia Villanueva Ruiz.
23 Jun 21
ECR group wants SRHR debate to be scrapped; says issue "overreaches" EU's competence
The European Parliament is due to debate and vote on a controversial report urging Member States to protect and further enhance women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.
23 Jun 21
“My body, my rights”: MEPs stand up for women’s sexual and reproductive rights
Ahead of the vote on rapporteur Predrag Fred Matić’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) report on Thursday, MEPs demonstrated in front of the European Parliament.
23 Jun 21
Greens MEPs welcome pardon of Catalan separatist leaders
The nine leaders were jailed for their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid.
23 Jun 21
Life-Cycle Assessment: Regulating in times of environmental challenges
Life-Cycle Assessment can help provide transparent and evidence-based decisions that are key to achieving Europe’s climate ambitions, argues Klemen Grošelj.
23 Jun 21
Medical Device Regulation: a lack of clarity and too much freedom of interpretation
As breakthrough innovations for wellness-related applications become increasingly ubiquitous, the path for the future regulation of innovation in Europe must be planned carefully, says Susana Solís.