EU Parliament is considering freezing a US trade deal in response to President Trump's threats over Greenland, amidst ongoing political tensions and discussions about EU policies and international relations.
The European Parliament approved a provisional agreement to significantly reduce sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements for companies, including raising thresholds for coverage and removing certain obligations, as part of the Omnibus I package aimed at easing compliance burdens while maintaining sustainability goals.
The EU Parliament is considering delaying the Mercosur trade agreement until 2028, as it prepares to strengthen safeguards and hold final talks with EU member states, amidst broader political developments in Europe.
France has called for a delay in the EU vote on the Mercosur trade agreement, citing unresolved issues such as protection measures for European agriculture, production standards, and import controls, which France and other EU countries believe need to be addressed before proceeding with the deal.
The EU Parliament narrowly rejected a compromise on the Omnibus I package, which aimed to modify sustainability reporting and due diligence laws, leading to a delay in negotiations and uncertainty for businesses. The vote reflects deep divisions among lawmakers over the scope of regulations, with some advocating for sharper cuts and others for minimal changes.
The European Parliament voted to ban the use of traditional meat-related terms like 'burger' and 'steak' for plant-based foods, aiming to prevent consumer confusion, though the full implementation depends on approval from the European Commission and member states. The move has received mixed reactions, with livestock and meat industries supporting it, while environmentalists and parts of the food industry criticize it as unnecessary and potentially misleading for consumers.
Ursula von der Leyen survived a no-confidence vote in the EU Parliament, but support was weak with many MEPs abstaining or absent, and in some countries, more lawmakers supported the motion to oust her than opposed it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration over German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a speech to the European Parliament. Zelenskyy criticized the dialogue, emphasizing the ongoing conflict and Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression. The call comes as the EU continues to support Ukraine amidst the war, with symbolic gestures like raising the Ukrainian flag at the European Commission headquarters.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party is poised for significant gains in the upcoming European parliamentary elections, potentially influencing EU politics. While Meloni maintains a pro-Western foreign policy, her domestic agenda focuses on right-wing cultural issues, raising concerns among opposition leaders and activists. The election results could reveal the extent of her ideological stance and impact on Italy's future policies.
Police have raided the offices of the European Parliament as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged Russian interference, dubbed 'Russiagate'. The probe aims to uncover potential corruption and influence within the EU's legislative body.
Amazon lobbyists have been banned from the European Parliament until further notice after an internal body unanimously decided to withdraw their badges, following the US firm's failure to cooperate with MEPs. The ban was supported by various political groups and civil society organizations, with the possibility of reconsideration if Amazon shows willingness to cooperate. This is not the first time such action has been taken, as in 2017, Monsanto lobbyists were also barred for similar reasons.
The EU Parliament passed a controversial nature law aimed at restoring nature on a fifth of land and sea by 2030, despite facing political backlash and protests from farmers who argue that EU green policies impose excessive bureaucracy. The law, which aims to reverse the decline of Europe's natural habitats, was approved with 329 votes in favor, 275 against, and 24 abstentions. While the final policy is weaker than originally planned, it still requires final approval from EU countries before entering into force.
Tucker Carlson confirms he’s interviewing Vladimir Putin; Germany urges Orbán to ratify Sweden’s NATO bid as ‘a matter of loyalty’; EU leaders could ask the Hungarian leader to leave the room to get approval for its budget; Latvian lawmakers say there are more Russian spies in EU Parliament; European leaders demand EU gets real about arming Ukraine.
Latvian lawmakers have raised concerns about the presence of more Russian spies in the EU Parliament, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by the European Union.
The European Parliament has voted in favor of a nonbinding resolution calling on EU countries to explore the possibility of stripping Hungary of its EU voting rights due to concerns over the country's commitment to EU values and the rule of law. This move is the latest development in a long-standing clash between the Parliament and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The resolution also demands an examination of the legality of the European Commission's decision to unfreeze funds for Hungary, and comes ahead of an EU leaders' summit where the issue is expected to be discussed.