Coronavirus crisis offers chance to ‘transform’ society, says EU Commissioner
24 Apr
Coronavirus crisis offers chance to ‘transform’ society, says EU Commissioner
Mariya Gabriel told MEPs that public disaffection was one of the reasons the European Commission is launching a pan-European “hackathon.”
Michel Barnier accuses UK of running down the clock on Brexit talks
24 Apr
Michel Barnier accuses UK of running down the clock on Brexit talks
EU’s chief negotiator says ‘serious difficulties lie ahead’ if UK’ continues to disengage on key issues.
Parliament President hopes EU can emerge from Coronavirus crisis with ‘stronger sense of community’
24 Apr
Parliament President hopes EU can emerge from Coronavirus crisis with ‘stronger sense of community’
David Sassoli said the extent to which the Coronavirus crisis is devastating economies and citizens’ lives is becoming clear. 
EU leaders sign off on €540bn Coronavirus rescue scheme
24 Apr
EU leaders sign off on €540bn Coronavirus rescue scheme
Beyond the immediate aid, disputes remain over the structure and funding of a long-term recovery plan for Europe’s Coronavirus-battered economies.
Didier Reynders: Commission considering action against Poland for rule of law breaches
23 Apr
Didier Reynders: Commission considering action against Poland for rule of law breaches
Earlier this month the European Court of Justice suspended the disciplinary chamber of Poland’s Supreme Court over questions about its independence.
Coronavirus: Homeless groups in Brussels say practical help offered by the European parliament has been a ‘Godsend’
23 Apr
Coronavirus: Homeless groups in Brussels say practical help offered by the European parliament has been a ‘Godsend’
Use of EP buildings, chauffeur service and meal provision and distribution has helped city maintain services for the most vulnerable during the Coronavirus crisis.
EU's ‘North versus South’ battle gears up over how to tackle economic fallout of Coronavirus
23 Apr
EU's ‘North versus South’ battle gears up over how to tackle economic fallout of Coronavirus
A video summit of EU leaders is expected to focus on disagreements over calls to introduce jointly issued debt - known as coronabonds - as a way of financing measures to counter the economic impact of the crisis.
EU Trade Commissioner: Solidarity in tackling Coronavirus must not be restricted to EU
22 Apr
EU Trade Commissioner: Solidarity in tackling Coronavirus must not be restricted to EU
In a debate with members of Parliament’s International Trade Committee, Phil Hogan admitted that the EU would “need to review” its trade policy after the pandemic is over.
European Commission accepts that ‘lessons must be learned’ from Coronavirus crisis
21 Apr
European Commission accepts that ‘lessons must be learned’ from Coronavirus crisis
In response to a question from this website, the executive said it was too early to assess where its approach might differ in the event of a second, or even third, wave of the outbreak.
Europe’s tourist industry faces ‘disaster’ this summer, says senior MEP
21 Apr
Europe’s tourist industry faces ‘disaster’ this summer, says senior MEP
Younous Omarjee has warned that the tourist season in Europe is shaping up to be a disaster, particularly in southern Member States that are heavily dependent on tourism.
Commission warns EU ‘will have to live with’ COVID-19 until vaccine found
21 Apr
Commission warns EU ‘will have to live with’ COVID-19 until vaccine found
Addressing a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said, “Right now, we are in the middle of a war.”
MEPs vote by overwhelming majority for fresh fiscal efforts to tackle Coronavirus
20 Apr
MEPs vote by overwhelming majority for fresh fiscal efforts to tackle Coronavirus
The EU has already announced huge investment in addressing the crisis but MEPs want further action.
EU accused of initially ‘not being up to the task’ of tackling COVID-19
20 Apr
EU accused of initially ‘not being up to the task’ of tackling COVID-19
S&D leader Iratxe García’s remarks come ahead of an EU summit this week and follows an apology last week to Italy and other states by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about how the EU first reacted to the crisis.
Donald Trump under fire for suspending funding to WHO
16 Apr
Donald Trump under fire for suspending funding to WHO
EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has joined others in saying he “deeply regrets” the US decision to freeze funding to the World Health Organization amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
Von der Leyen apologises for EU’s initial lack of Coronavirus preparedness
16 Apr
Von der Leyen apologises for EU’s initial lack of Coronavirus preparedness
The President of the European Commission has offered a “heartfelt apology” for the EU’s initial response to the Coronavirus crisis, which has been widely criticised for being too slow.
WEBINAR: Disease outbreaks and the EU’s precautionary measures Partner Content
16 Apr
WEBINAR: Disease outbreaks and the EU’s precautionary measures
An online event brought to you by PA International that will look at the listeriosis victims’ perspective
Letter from Italy: A snapshot of solidarity and fortitude
15 Apr
Letter from Italy: A snapshot of solidarity and fortitude
Italy has been in the grip of the Coronavirus pandemic for weeks on end – a country pushed to its limits. But amid the pain Italians have shown remarkable resilience and unity, writes Roger Casale.
Member States hope to start easing Coronavirus restrictions
14 Apr
Member States hope to start easing Coronavirus restrictions
The European Commission is set to announce a “roadmap to exit” the Coronavirus lockdown across the EU.
Extension to Brexit deadline ‘virtually inevitable’ amid Coronavirus crisis, say MEPs
10 Apr
Extension to Brexit deadline ‘virtually inevitable’ amid Coronavirus crisis, say MEPs
MEPs from across the political divide insist that the UK should agree to a delay in order to avoid a possible no-deal Brexit.
Member States must tackle rise in domestic violence, says senior MEP
09 Apr
Member States must tackle rise in domestic violence, says senior MEP
Evelyn Regner, chair of Parliament’s FEMM committee, has joined others in urging the EU and Member States to increase support for the growing number of domestic violence victims during the COVID-19 crisis.
MEP letter highlights “alarming” lack of funding for disability care and support services
09 Apr
MEP letter highlights “alarming” lack of funding for disability care and support services
The letter calls for the EU’s Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to finance support and care services for persons with disabilities during the crisis.
Movers and Shakers | 9 April 2020
09 Apr
Movers and Shakers | 9 April 2020
Keep track of developments in the European institutions and public affairs with our Movers and Shakers column. 
Pressure mounts on EU to take “swift” action against Hungary
08 Apr
Pressure mounts on EU to take “swift” action against Hungary
MEPs and rights groups have heavily criticised the government of Viktor Orbán for passing an emergency bill that grants the government the power to rule by decree indefinitely.
EU acts to ease concerns European Parliament is being excluded from COVID-19 discussions
08 Apr
EU acts to ease concerns European Parliament is being excluded from COVID-19 discussions
Spanish newspaper claims Parliament’s President David Sassoli being excluded from talks on EU’s response