Author: Web Master

Press Release Brussels, 26 February 2025 – The European LGBTQIA+ Media Association (ELMA) reaffirms its unwavering support for Budapest Pride and all Pride events across Europe. ELMA calls on Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality, to take a clear stance in defending LGBTQIA+ rights. “We are deeply alarmed by increasing anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, fuel...
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Thank you, dear Dr Kadri, for the invitation. Prime Minister De Wever, Minister-President Diependaele, Dear representatives of European industries and social partners, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be back with you here in Antwerp, exactly one year after our first meeting. Last year, I came to Antwerp to listen, to listen to your worries. It was a new start for industria...
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As part of today's announcement from the European Commission on the Clean Industrial Deal, three important announcements on the funding side took also place: The 3rd Hydrogen Bank call has been confirmed to take place in Q3 2025 with a budget of €1 billion. This year will also see the launch of a €1 billion pilot auction on the decarbonisation of key industrial processes across various sec...
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The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) welcomes the recognition of the critical role of geothermal energy in the newly announced Action Plan for Affordable Energy. This ambitious plan is key to decreasing energy prices for citizens, businesses, and communities across the European Union. The plan correctly states that the “cost of inaction is higher than the cost of action’. The proposed ...
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From February 24th to April 4th, 2025, the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council will take place in Geneva. From 2023 to 2026, Belgium sits, for the third time, on this most important human rights body in the world. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot will attend the opening of the 58th session on February 25th, to...
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Thank you. Mr. Sa’ar, dear Gideon, I am glad to welcome you to Brussels today. Today marks the fifty years since the European Union signed its first trade agreement with Israel. Over these decades, our relationship has grown. We had a candid meeting today on issues of mutual concern, especially at this critical moment in the Middle East. I am glad we can do this with you. We started to...
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The Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of the 16th Russia sanctions package. As Russia's illegal aggression enters its fourth year, this package is designed to further ramp up pressure on the aggressor and is part of the EU's unwavering commitment to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The 16th package targets systemically important sectors of the Russian economy such as energy, t...
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Three years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine. A Russian war of aggression that was unprovoked, unjustified and illegal. A war that violates Ukraine’s sovereignty, its territorial integrity, its international recognised borders, and the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations’ Charter. My thoughts are with all Ukrainians. With all those wh...
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Good morning.  So, today is a very special day. First, it is Estonia’s Independence Day, where we celebrate our freedom and independence.  But, for three years, our Independence Day - a happy day - is forever tied with a very grim day which is the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine.   That is why I am also here, in Brussels, discussing with the Foreign Affairs Ministers what more can ...
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Three years ago Russia started its full-scale and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s brutal war deliberately targets civilian and critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian people have shown bravery in defending their country and the core principles of international law. We pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives and have lost loved ones for Ukraine’s independence and...
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