European Union

The Greek parliament has approved a series of cutbacks and tax hikes in order to secure the release of fresh loans from the country's creditors. The measures also include an automatic debt brake and a privatisation fund that will administer and sell state property. The last measure in particular is a source of heated debate in the Greek media.

Rating agency Fitch has upgraded Hungary back to investment grade. The country's credit rating was lowered to junk status in 2011. The Hungarian media debate Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's impact on Hungary's financial standing.

OPINION on the preparation of the post-electoral revision of the MFF 2014-2020: Parliament’s input ahead of the Commission’s proposal
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Neena Gill

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

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The Council is meeting on 30-31 May 2016 in Brussels to address the role of youth policies and of the youth sector for an integrated approach to prevent and combat violent radicalisation of young people. It is also discussing the promotion of European audiovisual content.

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Following the impetus by the European Council in December 2013, emphasizing that defence investments are the key to develop, deploy and sustain military capabilities in the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy, the European Commission and the European Defence Agency, have worked on establishing a preparatory action on CSDP research. The Commission will present the relevant terms and provide an outlook on the implementation of the preparatory action at SEDE meeting on 30 May 2016.
Further information
Draft agenda and meeting documents
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Committee and political group meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

On 27 May 2016, the Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime until 1 June 2017. This decision is in line with the Council conclusions of December 2014 which affirmed that the EU would continue imposing and enforcing sanctions targeting the regime and its supporters as long as repression continues. 

The EU remains committed to finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Syria. As stated in the Council conclusions on Syria, Iraq as well as the Da'esh threat of 23 May 21016, the EU will further support the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) efforts to strengthen the implementation of the cessation of hostilities in Syria. The EU will step up its political role in support for a credible resumption of the intra-Syrian talks coordinated by UN Special Envoy de Mistura aiming at reaching an agreement on a genuine political transition in Syria in accordance with the ISSG Vienna statement of 17 May 2016. The EU will also further support the delivery of humanitarian aid to all Syrians in need in besieged and hard to reach areas.

The sanctions currently in place include notably an oil embargo, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze of the assets of the Syrian central bank within the EU, export restrictions on equipment and technology that might be used for internal repression as well as on equipment and technology for monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications. In addition, over 200 persons and 70 entities are targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze over the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria.

The legal acts are published in the Official Journal of 28 May 2016. The decision was adopted by written procedure. 

General : Always have been curious about the European Parliament? This Saturday you have the chance to visit it during the open day of the European institutions in Brussels. You have the opportunity to take part in competitions, debates and cultural activities as well as find out how the institution that represents you operates.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

General : Always have been curious about the European Parliament? This Saturday you have the chance to visit it during the open day of the European institutions in Brussels. You have the opportunity to take part in competitions, debates and cultural activities as well as find out how the institution that represents you operates.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Welcome to Friday’s edition of our daily Brussels Briefing. To receive it every morning in your email in-box, sign up here.

Britain’s administration is now in hibernation. The civil service has entered Purdah – a term derived from the Persian word for curtain and the practice of shielding a woman from prying eyes. In practice in Brussels the pre-referendum asceticism means British diplomats must doggedly stick to their pre-agreed positions, show no flexibility or original thinking and avoid socialising with foreigners. Some EU types may joke: has anything changed?

The polls are looking slightly better for the Remain side. But it is close and European leaders aren’t taking chances. As we report today, Plan B is being worked up: how should the EU respond to Brexit?

The topic has been raised at high levels in Hanover, Rome, and Brussels (all slightly different configurations). Discussions were expected on the sidelines of the G7 too (the communique has depicted Brexit as “a serious risk to growth”). A small group of leaders’ sherpas also met on Monday at the European Commission. And this wouldn’t be a crisis unless the Commission’s anti-populist Martin Selmayr had a Plan B locked in his safe – right next to the Grexit one that was never used.

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Monday 30 May 2016
Luxembourg
17.00 Speech at the event marking the 40th anniversary of European People Party (EPP)

Wednesday 1 June 2016
10.30 Meeting with Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico (photo opportunity)
17.30 Speech at the European Business Summit (Palais d'Egmont)

Preamble

We, the leaders of the G7, met in Ise-Shima on 26 and 27 May 2016 to address major global economic and political challenges. Global growth remains moderate and below potential, while risks of weak growth persist. Escalated geo-political conflicts, terrorism and refugee flows complicate the global economic environment. The rise of violent extremism, terrorist attacks and other challenges, pose serious threat to the existing rule based international order, as well as to common values and principles for all humanity.

The G7 has a special responsibility to lead international efforts to tackle these challenges. We remain bound together as a group guided by our common values and principles, including freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Furthermore, following the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) and the Paris Agreement on climate change last year, we will further make efforts to implement our commitments. Today, we have demonstrated our capacity to make tangible progress on a broad range of economic, security, and development policy issues, and we will demonstrate through our actions, a path forward in solving major issues to ensure peace, security and prosperity of the world.

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The European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the highest military body set up within the Council. It directs all EU military activities and provides the Political and Security Committee (PSC) with advice and recommendations on military matters.

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Plenary sessions : The internet is meant to give you unlimited access to knowledge, yet when you are shopping online, you could be prevented from purchasing a product or service because of where you live. The European Commission has proposed new rules to make an end to the unjustified use of the practice known as geo-blocking as well as ways to create a genuine digital single market in Europe. MEPs debated the plans in plenary on 25 May.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP