Browsing: featured-eu

The Right Livelihood Award has honoured this year four women and women-led organisations for confronting authoritarianism, patriarchal violence, and unregulated AI development. Among them are Jalila Haider from Pakistan and Timnit Gebru, an Ethiopian-born computer scientist, with the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 December in Stockholm.

European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius emphasised that the European response to Russian hybrid attacks must be proportionate and severe. He warned that Russia aims to influence European populations and called for a robust hybrid defence strategy, rejecting diplomatic engagement as a viable solution to the ongoing conflict.

European Union Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen reported that while the EU is not facing an imminent energy-supply crisis, high energy prices are already impacting nearly 50 million Europeans struggling to heat their homes. He emphasised the need for flexible rules and increasing renewable energy investments.

Russia’s relentless airstrikes are exacerbating Ukraine’s financial crisis, driving up costs and increasing the deficit. In response, Ukraine is urgently urging European allies to access immobilised Russian assets to alleviate financial pressures.

The European Parliament’s proposed digital levy could generate up to €25.2 billion yearly, significantly exceeding the European Commission’s prior estimates. MEP Danuše Nerudová highlighted the broader tax base considered, which includes online gambling and digital services, amid ongoing negotiations for the EU’s long-term budget.

Pope Francis visited Metz on Monday, where he was escorted to the airport by President Emmanuel Macron. This visit marks a significant engagement between the papacy and French leadership, highlighting ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

Sweden’s Social Democrat leader, Magdalena Andersson, announced she cannot form a government following the recent elections, returning her mandate to parliament. Speaker Andreas Norlén will consult with party leaders to identify a new candidate, with outgoing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson likely to be reconsidered for the role.

Three people died, including a child, after a migrant boat capsized in the English Channel on Monday. French authorities reported that 102 others were rescued from the vessel, which had set sail from Blériot beach. Officials blamed smuggling networks for the tragedy.

European defence ministers convened in Brussels to bolster support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression, which is impacting the region. Discussions will focus on enhancing the EU’s emergency protocols against hybrid threats and addressing financial aid needs for Ukraine’s military, as President Zelenskyy seeks €23.5 billion.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged urgent action on housing following a public appeal from 87-year-old Maricarmen, recently evicted from her home. Speaking at a PSOE rally, Sánchez announced plans to introduce a housing decree at Tuesday’s Council of Ministers meeting amid widespread protests over the housing crisis.