EU

On 29 August, a majority of Icelanders rejected the reopening of EU accession talks, which have been stalled since 2013. The advisory referendum result means no new negotiations with Brussels, preserving Iceland’s current EEA benefits while maintaining control over its fishing waters.

The new academic year in France commenced on Tuesday, introducing significant measures including a mobile phone ban in schools and a revised bullying questionnaire incorporating sexual violence queries. Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced around 10 million pupils will participate, with findings expected to highlight serious issues in child safety.

MEPs Dirk Gotink and Maria Ohisalo confronted each other in The Ring, broadcast from the European Parliament in Brussels, discussing the escalating housing crisis in Europe. Their debate addressed critical policy implications and potential solutions to the pressing issue affecting citizens across the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected the notion of partial EU membership during discussions at an informal summit in Cyprus, asserting that Ukraine deserves full membership. Following the unblocking of a €90 billion loan and new sanctions against Russia, focus shifts to Hungary’s ongoing veto of Ukraine’s EU accession.

Scandinavian Airlines has cancelled around 1,000 flights, while Lufthansa has eliminated 20,000 routes amid soaring jet fuel prices, attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The European Commission contends these cancellations stem from airline profitability issues, not fuel shortages.

From our sponsors
Advertisement
Advertisement