Europol reforms: MEPs criticize Council and demand democratic scrutiny

On Tuesday Parliament rejected four proposals, on Europol's analysis work files, the confidentiality of its information, its exchange of personal data with partners and its agreements with third countries, arguing that Europol rules should not be amended until the EP becomes a co-legislator in this area. more »

Abroad » European Union

Published: 24/11/2009

Political weather forecast for this week’s Parliamentary session

Variable temperatures are on the horizon this week as MEPs gather in Strasbourg to prepare their position on December’s Copenhagen climate change summit and debate the next EU summit. more »

Abroad » European Union

Published: 23/11/2009

EU fills new top jobs

European leaders select Belgian premier to be the EU’s first permanent president. EU trade commissioner Catherine Ashton from the UK lands the foreign policy spot. more »

Abroad » European Union

Published: 23/11/2009

New leaders nominated for Europe

Yesterday late evening, EU heads of state and government agreed at their informal meeting in Brussels on the candidates for President of the European Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. more »

Abroad » European Union

Published: 20/11/2009

Stockholm programme: balancing liberty and security

The EU has to strike the right balance between security and fundamental rights, MEPs and MPs said at a joint meeting to discuss the EU's new 5-year “Stockholm” programme to promote citizens' rights, democratic accountability and security in Europe. more »

Abroad » European Union

Published: 20/11/2009

8 things that caught our eye during the Brussels November Plenary session

The anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall was a major theme during the two-day plenary session in Brussels last Wednesday and Thursday. more »

Abroad » European Union

Published: 17/11/2009

Eu politicians call for more active Eu engagement in democracy building

A number of high ranking EU politicians met on Monday in Brussels to discuss the ways to strengthen the EU support for democracy building processes worldwide. more »

Abroad » European Union

Published: 17/11/2009

EU and Egypt step up cooperation on employment and social affairs

Vladimír Špidla, EU Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Commissioner, will today travel to Egypt to discuss cooperation with the EU on employment and social issues. more »

Abroad » European Union

Published: 13/11/2009

The Week Ahead 16-22 November 2009

Committee meetings and political groups week – Brussels Preparing for the plenary. more »

Abroad » European Union

Published: 13/11/2009

Václav Havel and Jerzy Buzek on the 20th anniversary of political change in Europe

Two former leaders of central European states spoke with great feeling at the European Parliament on Wednesday about the political changes of 20 years ago in which they were key actors and which have now led to their countries becoming members of the European Union. more »