The number of women elected as European members of Parliament in the elections of June 4th, 2009 has risen from 30 percent to 35 percent. A good result but not yet good enough. Malta failed to elect one single woman, while Finland is keeping the lead of having the most female representation in the European [...]
EU member states lag behind on energy efficiency targets
EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard has identified energy efficiency as a crucial tool in the EU’s battle to reduce carbon emissions but it is often overlooked by the EU member states, who are currently on track to only meet half of the 20 percent energy efficiency target by 2020. Biwa Kwan investigates why. [...]
European Commission should increase strictness on Environment
Nicole Cairns Countries such as Poland are not abiding by European standards on the environment. The European Commission’s follow through and enforcement of environmental legislation has shown to be a concern. Many countries have not adhered to a range of standards outlined in legalisation by the European Parliament. Poland has not been meeting a range [...]
After 100 years women still fight for equality
“In all its activities, the Union shall aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality, between men and women.” [ Article 8 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU states] Gender equality is a fundamental right also guaranteed by Article 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. After 100 years [...]
Discussion in Brussels suggest solidarity among member states
The unrest in North Africa has put the EU asylum and border policy on the agenda. The commission issued a statement encouraging member states to show solidarity. By Mette Hagedorn The European leaders gathered on Friday the 11 of March to discuss the situation in Libya and to reach agreement of possible action against Ghadaffi`s [...]
Libya: The Gordian Knot of EU’s foreign policy
By Jana Vrbková During the last ten years, only three international incidents had such a significant impact as to warrant an extraordinary meeting of the European Council: the September 11 attacks, the Iraqi war and the Georgian war. However, the recent turmoils in Middle East and North Africa – especially the revolt against Muammar [...]
EU Targets Fake Drugs on the Internet by Tanya Abu Ghazaly
Parliament protects patients from fake drugs The war against fake pharmaceutical drugs in the EU has intensified as the Parliament recently expanded their hunt for scams on the Internet. According to the new law passed on February 16, pharmaceutical drugs sold online should be traceable and approved of by the EU to be sold legally. [...]
NGOs smell something fishy about proposed discard policies
The proposed EU fisheries policy is doing little but not enough to ensure healthy fish levels for the future. By Damien Currie The current Common Fisheries Policy is due to be revised in the European Parliament in the next few months. This has lead for calls from Non Governmental Organizations, such as the World Wildlife [...]
Mackerel and cod on the European agenda!
The European Unions’ Common Fisheries Policy from 2002 is currently undergoing a reform to ensure sustainable fisheries in the EU in the future By Rose Raes Scientists estimate that in 2048 there will be no more fish for human consumption in the European seas – That is, if the current quotas and regulations are not [...]
Egyptian uprising raises the demand for Europe’s support
Europeans sympathize with Egypt’s pro-democracy revolution January 25 that overthrew President Mubarak’s 30 year reign. The European Union and the Council of Europe are ready to assist state institutions and national forces, to facilitate economic reform and youth movements. But Egypt, not Europe, must dictate outcomes and define solutions. By: Effat Mostafa France, Brussels – [...]
