Browsing: Roberta Metsola

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will address the European Parliament on September 17, as Canada and the EU pursue stronger ties amid escalating trade tensions with the US. This visit follows the breakdown of trade talks between Canada and the US, heightening concerns over sovereignty and tariffs.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has paid tribute to Siim Kallas, the former Estonian Prime Minister and European Commission Vice-President, who died at 77. Metsola acknowledged Kallas’s pivotal role in Estonia’s state-building and currency introduction, extending condolences to his family, including daughter Kaja Kallas.

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.

On the tenth anniversary of the UK’s Brexit vote, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s impending resignation has prompted scrutiny over future EU-UK relations. A planned summit in July may be reassessed, reflecting uncertainties within the UK’s political landscape and the need for a clear strategy going forward.

European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič is in Paris for critical discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer amid rising tensions over US tariff threats on European cars. French MEP Aurore Lalucq voiced scepticism towards US trustworthiness following a contentious trade deal, with further negotiations planned.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

This morning, Europe is calling for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Middle Eastern conflict, as crude oil prices surge over $100 per barrel, impacting economic stability across the region.

The European Parliament, led by President Roberta Metsola, has declined a request from the far-right Patriots for Europe group for a minute of silence in memory of Quentin Deranque, due to the session’s focus on the Ukraine war. This decision is significant amid rising political tensions following Deranque’s death.

The death of French far-right activist Quentin Deranque has prompted the Patriots for Europe group to request a minute of silence at the European Parliament’s next plenary session, following his fatal assault during protests in Lyon.

She has started the week positivvely frist by attacking Ursula Von der Leyen and raising the profile of EU president ( much needed) and then later she was speaking to business leaders in Brussels telling them Europe is open for business

She is in Seville today and said the EU needs: “A paradigm shift is needed on development aid”. A clash is forming with the EU, right wing are attacking EU presidency.