EU

Thousands attended a lavish celebration in Brussels, organised by the US Embassy to mark 250 years of US independence. The event featured activities like baseball and line dancing, alongside performances and a drone show. However, it faced criticism for the privatisation of public space, sparking protests from local residents and activist groups.

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The European Commission has mobilised emergency assistance to Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that have claimed at least 1,430 lives and left over 50,000 missing. Responders from eight EU Member States, including Italy and Spain, are on the ground, with aid efforts coordinated through the EU’s civil protection mechanism.

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, warned that proposed reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights regarding migration could threaten broader human rights protections. His comments follow an open letter from nine EU countries advocating for changes by May 2025.

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski stated that the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine will significantly affect global perceptions of Western resolve. He emphasised the need for a peace agreement reflecting Ukrainian priorities and warned against initiatives perceived as rewarding Russian aggression.

European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño urged European Council President António Costa to prioritise the Savings and Investments Union, stressing the need for new frameworks to redirect savings into innovative businesses, aiming to enhance Europe’s competitiveness ahead of the informal European Council on 12 February.

Council of Europe chief Alain Berset urged European nations to provide budgetary support for a special tribunal to prosecute crimes of aggression in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for accountability amid ongoing peace talks and highlighting financial challenges in establishing the court.

The European Union is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the United States and Japan to enhance critical minerals supply chain security within 30 days, according to Stéphane Séjourné, the EU’s industry chief. This partnership addresses urgent supply dependencies revealed in a recent EU audit.

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