EU politics

Is ACTA getting away from the point?
Cillian Donnelly
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) runs the risk of “getting away” from its primary aim, one MEP has warned.
“This is firstly an international trade issue”, says UK MEP Syed Kamall, “but this has been jumped on by others, and taken it away from this”.
A “symbolic case” for Parliament
Cillian Donnelly
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The European Parliament continues to express it opposition to the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) as six political groups join together to press the Commission to adjust its stance.
“No one from the Parliament will vote for this if no access to documents is given”, Green MEP Carl Schlyter, referring to one of the key sticking points, told EU Reporter before the issue was debated in plenary.
ACTA: Another SWIFT?
Cillian Donnelly
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Members of the European Parliament are threatening that the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) currently being negotiated between the EU and 12 other countries, including the US, will “become another SWIFT” if concerns over transparency are not satisfied.
Pets report could determine EU decision-making process
Cillian Donnelly
Monday, February 22, 2010
A seemingly innocuous report on the transportation of domestic animals due to be taken to trialogue discussions in Brussels this week (Tuesday) could set a precedent for future legislative procedures to be determined jointly by the European Parliament and Council.
The report, on the “animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals” has so-far been debated in the Parliament’s Environment Committee without much contentious debate.
Future of Telecoms Package remains uncertain
Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The future of the EU's Telecoms Package remains up in the air as the Parliament and Council meet to discuss its entry into law, amid splits in both parties. But aside form all the usual legal haggling some parties argue that the dignity of the Parliament is also under threat.

The main sticking point of the package is the controversial 'three strikes' rule, which seeks to cut-off Internet users from online access should they continue to be caught downloading certain material, including through file-sharing.
Blair's presidency chances slipping
Cillian Donnelly
Friday, October 30, 2009

Tony Blair's chances of becoming the first permanent president of the European Council appear to have been reduced significantly after European leaders met in Brussels at the European summit.
Lobby register still faced with same problems
Cillian Donnelly
Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Over one year since it was launched, the European Transparency Initiative (the EU's register of interests) continues to face problems over its ability to deal coherently with law firms and think tanks.
Political “credibility” of EU at stake over climate policy
Cillian Donnelly
Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The centre-right in Europe face “a moment of truth” in relation to climate policy ahead of this week's Council summit, according to environmental critics.
Halonen to challenge Blair?
Cillian Donnelly
Monday, October 26, 2009

 

As EU heads of state prepare to gather in Brussels this week and contemplate the Union's new structures post-Lisbon, the question of who exactly will take up the new position of President of the Council continues to be the source of much speculation.

Most of that speculation has thus far centred on former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, a man seemingly with as many enemies as friends, and who has been the front runner for quite some time.

A difficult choice: roads or government?
Cillian Donnelly
Friday, October 23, 2009

The “battle for hearts and minds” may be a priority for EU development policy, but it may find itself losing out to both the US and China as both powers compete to challenge Europe’s dominant position as the world’s biggest overseas aid donor.
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