The European anthem “Ode to Joy” resounded as newly-elected President Emmanuel Macron walked into the Louvre courtyard to address his supporters. In Brussels, this election result was greeted with huge relief.
It is Pope Francis, a non-European, who bluntly states that there is a clear European identity. This is an affirmation that will surprise more than one European! At a time when Europe is looking for a new lease of life, it may be worthwhile to be inspired by what an outsider detects in our own history.
June marks the first anniversary since the murder of the gifted social justice campaigner and British MP, Jo Cox. A series of events are planned to celebrate what unites communities.
The European Pillar of Social Rights aims to address the growing social and economic divergence in the EU. The European Commission presented its recommendations at the end of April and is now hoping for support at the highest political level.
How can the EU contribute more proactively to the development of nonviolent strategies? Can it help forge an alternative style of politics when responding to conflicts and violence?
>17 July The Commission will present its 2017 review of Employment and Social Developments in Europe. This year's edition will focus on the issue of intergenerational fairness.
>24 July The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) will bring together economic and financial ministers from all EU member states in order to review EU economic policies, taxation issues and the regulation of financial services.
>17-18 July The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will be held in Brussels. Member States’ ministers responsible for fisheries and agriculture will participate in order to discuss issues relating to agriculture and fisheries, including food safety, animal health, animal welfare and plant health.
>31 July – 11 August COMECE headquarter in Brussels will be closed.
28 – 31 August The European Parliament’s Committees will take place in order to prepare the legislative work for Parliament's plenary.
