Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented her plans for a sixth package of sanctions against Russia to the European Parliament on Wednesday, 4 May.
Tag: external affairs
Minute of silence in the EP for victims of Russian aggression
In the opening session of the European Parliament’s plenary meeting in April, President Roberta Metsola led a minute of silence for the victims of the war in Ukraine and around the world.
protests in brussels: ‘Nato act now!’
More than 5,000 people gathered in front of the Permanent Mission of Russia to the EU in Brussels on Saturday, 26th of February, to protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. People remained there for part of the afternoon as they were singing Ukrainian songs, giving speeches. They were shouting “Protect our sky!” or “NATO act now” together, hoping that their message would pass through the Avenue des Arts and reach the doors of the Russian representation.
MEPs condemn anti-democratic trends in Latin America
The European Union has emphasised its stance on democracy, human rights, and autocracies. The European Parliament (EP) has issued two resolutions that openly condemn several countries across the world. Among the countries interested in this offence are two Latin American countries: Cuba and Nicaragua.
EU stands with Ukraine against Russian aggression
European Union leaders have shown themselves concerned over recent reports that Russia has yet again increased its number of troops close to the Ukrainian border. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen once again pointed out the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine against Russian aggression in a video statement published on her Twitter account.
EU seeks to increase influence in the Arctic
The European Commission presented a new Arctic policy on Wednesday, 13 October, with the aim to increase influence in the region. The EU’s new policy is an update of the strategy dating back from 2016, and now focuses heavily on mitigating the effects of climate change, while also positioning the EU as a geopolitical actor in the region.
EU perplexed as US, UK and Australia announce security partnership
A new security partnership between the US, the UK and Australia came into being last Wednesday. The main goal of this trilateral cooperation is to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific to face the momentarily […]
The need for a European Army: Member States split between desire and aversion
The formation of a European army has been seen as an objective to be realised by some Member States, such as France and Germany, though others disregard this project as being unnecessary. In a changing world order where long-time allies are not as trustworthy as they used to be, achieving military independence represents a key factor to guarantee the security of the bloc.
Commission to propose EU army
ays EU High Representative Josep Borell in an interview with the AFP. He thinks the crisis created by the withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan might create the necessary base of support.
Afghanistan: a security and humanitarian dilemma for Western powers
On the night of 15 August, the Taliban entered the presidential palace in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul after Western countries withdrew their military presence and President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, leaving Afghans in despair. With the Taliban taking over Kabul and seizing control over virtually all of the country, Western powers have been evacuating their citizens and staff from Afghanistan. The only countries willing to remain in Afghanistan are non-Western nations, such as Russia and China. What does this mean practically for the European Union (EU) and its member states? And where does the EU stand? Those are the questions that have been arising in the last couple of days, but before answering them, let’s first understand why Western forces were engaged in Afghanistan.