Author: Laurent Brihay

The Flash Eurobarometer survey published today shows an overwhelming support among Europeans for the measures taken over the last year to protect consumers and companies from volatility of energy prices, as well as action to foster energy security and the green transition. It also confirms a large consensus among EU citizens in favour of boosting clean tech industry for more competitiveness,...
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On Wednesday, the European Parliament is set to give its approval to the final agreement on ReFuelEU reached by the Commission, the Parliament and the Council. This law marks a crucial step toward cutting emissions in the aviation industry, and aligning the sector with EU’s climate goals. It sets strict requirements for fuel suppliers, requiring them to gradually increase their use of Sustainab...
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The European Commission has today presented the Summer 2023 Economic Forecast. The EU economy continues to grow, albeit with reduced momentum. The forecast revises growth in the EU economy down to 0.8% in 2023, from 1% projected in the Spring Forecast, and 1.4% in 2024, from 1.7%. It also revises growth in the euro area down to 0.8% in 2023 (from 1.1%) and 1.3% in 2024 (from 1.6%). Inf...
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This historic alliance marks a unique convergence between international diplomacy and citizen innovation. Abidjan, Paris - September 11, 2023 - Today, COP15 - United Nations convention to combat desertification - and ChangeNOW officially sealed a partnership, marking a key moment in the global fight against desertification, for the preservation of the environment and building of a more sustainabl...
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Thank you, Prime Minister. Good afternoon, everybody. Prime Minister, I am really glad to be here in Georgia. Last time I visited Georgia was 16 years ago. It was just before the war, and it is really moving to see how the country has changed since then. I am happy to be here again, in this responsibility [as High Representative/Vice-President]. I got to express [this] to you, Prime Mi...
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The winners of the Atomium Awards were revealed on Friday 8 September, the day of the BD Comic Strip Festival launch. For the last seven years, the festival has been rewarding comic strip authors. This year, no less than €85,000 in prize money will be shared among the eight winners. Read the press release 
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It is the start of India's G20 Presidency. Prime Minister Modi has asked a question: can the G20 go further? Can we shift our fundamental mindset for the benefit of all humanity? I believe we can. And that is why we are here, to go beyond the zero-sum mindset, to work towards mutual understanding and to make the world a fairer place for everyone, no matter where they live. So I would like first to...
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The press briefing ahead of the Eurogroup meeting will take place on Monday, 11 September at 15.00. The briefing will be "off the record" and will be given by Tuomas Saarenheimo, President of the Eurogroup Working Group. The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa bui...
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The European Union and the State of Qatar held their fifth Human Rights Dialogue in Doha on 7 September. The dialogue took place in a constructive and frank atmosphere and offered an opportunity to have detailed discussions on a wide range of topics, such as, labour rights; women’s rights; vulnerable groups; fundamental freedoms; rule of law, including death penalty; digital rights; freedom of...
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Despite strong resistance from the conservative EPP Group, Members of the constitutional affairs committee have voted to amend the European Parliament’s rules governing its Members’ conduct. Throughout the process, the Socialists and Democrats have fought for meaningful and ambitious changes to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure with a view to strengthening integrity, independence and accountabili...
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