Latest news with #EUROPEANCOMMISSION
The Journal
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
EU unveils €2 trillion budget but Irish farmers say cuts to support payments are ‘hammer blow'
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION has proposed €2 trillion budget focused on tackling overseas competition and Russian aggression at Europe's borders – at the risk of a new showdown with farmers. Presenting the €2 trillion budget blueprint for 2028-2034 to reporters in Brussels, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said it 'will be the most ambitious ever proposed'. The plans seek to bolster Europe's security and ramp up its competitiveness, while paying off debts from a massive Covid-era loan as of 2028 – against a backdrop of soaring trade tensions with the bloc's biggest commercial partner, the United States. The European Commission put €451 billion on the table under a broad 'competitiveness' tag that encompasses defence and space. The budget plan earmarks up to €86 billion for the reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine – as well as substantial new 'flexibility' funds kept available in event of crises. But Brussels came under heavy criticism by EU lawmakers who accused it of not leaving sufficient funds for priorities including climate adaptation and the agriculture subsidies that currently make up the biggest share of the EU's budget. Budget commissioner Piotr Serafin said under the commission's plans, €300 billion would remain ring-fenced to support farmers. However, this is a 22% reduction when compared to the €387 billion of support payments under the current seven-year budget. CAP The European Commission says the difference reflects an overhaul of the massive subsidies known as the common agricultural policy (CAP) - with some funding moved to other budget columns. But the future of the CAP is headed for a fight, with farmers warning against cuts to their slice of the EU pie – and marching today in Brussels to show their resolve. Hundreds of European farmers joined a protest outside the commission building in Brussels organised by a pan-European agriculture lobby group, Copa-Cogeca. The group described it as a 'Black Wednesday' for farmers, accusing Brussels of having 'effectively decided to dismantle the 'common' nature of the CAP through concealed budget cuts'. The warning raised the spectre of another confrontation after last year's protests across Europe by farmers upset at cheap imports, low margins and the burden of environmental rules. 'Lead to food price inflation' Speaking from Brussels, Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman described the proposals as a 'hammer blow' for the sector. 'The only definitive figure for farming supports is 20% lower than the current budget,' said Gorman. He said the Commission is 'more interested in finding ways to cut payments to individual farmers rather than support them'. Gorman also warned that cutting CAP funding will 'reduce food production and lead to food price inflation'. Advertisement He called on the Irish government to secure the 'maximum funding for Irish farmers to encourage the next generation to consider farming as a career'. 'Complex' Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon described the proposals as 'complex' and remarked that the 'major changes' will be studied in detail to 'better understand the impact on Ireland'. Detailed legislative proposals are expected to be published tomorrow. He added that these proposals will form a 'key focus' when Ireland assumed the EU presidency next year. Minister Heydon will host the first meeting of Ireland's CAP Consultative Committee tomorrow on the proposals. Heydon said this Committee will play a 'crucial role in ensuring that the CAP reform process is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of various stakeholders within the agricultural and rural community.' Meanwhile, Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary remarked that CAP 'critically supports the economic, social and environmental performance of rural Ireland'. He added that its development post-2027 is a 'matter of significant importance for my department' and that he will engage closely with colleagues both in Ireland and the European Parliament to 'ensure rural Ireland is kept front and centre in all negotiations'. Elsewhere, MEP Maria Walsh said the proposed changes would 'harm our farmers and the development of rural Ireland'. 'The CAP is a lifeline to farmers across Ireland and the EU, yet this fact has been ignored by Commissioner for Budget Piotr Serafin,' said Walsh. She added that the 'fight is far from over' and that the 'real battle will play out within the Parliament's Agriculture Committee and the EU Council over the coming months.' 'Crucially, the final negotiations will take place during the Irish Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2026 meaning that Irish Ministers and MEPs will play a leading role in defining the final structure of the CAP,' said Walsh. Battle lines drawn The announcement sets the stage for two years of fraught negotiations between the European Parliament and 27 member states. Already stretched thin, some states are unwilling to contribute more to the common pot. Unlike in the previous budget, the EU has debts due from the Covid pandemic, when states teamed up to borrow €800 billion to support the bloc's economy. These are estimated to cost €25-30 billion a year from 2028. The previous 2021-2027 budget was worth around €1.2 trillion and made up from national contributions and money collected by the EU such as customs duties. National contributions will grow slightly, from 1.13% of member states' gross national income to 1.15%, plus 0.11% devoted to repaying the Covid loan. The commission will also seek to raise about €58 billion a year collecting money directly through five instruments, including its carbon border tax and a levy on electronic waste. -With additional reporting from © AFP 2025 Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faces no-confidence vote today
EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT Ursula von der Leyen faces a no-confidence vote later today. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will vote on the rare challenge pushed by a far-right faction against the European Commission president in Strasbourg. Addressing parliament this week, von der Leyen dismissed the no-confidence motion as a conspiracy theory-laden attempt to divide Europe, dismissing its supporters as 'anti-vaxxers' and Russian President Vladimir 'Putin apologists'. She urged MEPs to renew confidence in her commission arguing it was critical for Europe to show unity in the face of an array of challenges, from US trade talks to Russia's war in Ukraine. The no-confidence motion was initiated by Romanian far-right lawmaker Gheorghe Piperea. He accuses von der Leyen of a lack of transparency over text messages she sent to the head of the Pfizer pharmaceutical giant when negotiating Covid vaccines. Pipera proposed the no-confidence motion over a recently annulled commission decision that denied a journalist access to text messages between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla . Advertisement The European Union's General Court sided with The New York Times' case in May, rejecting the commission's decision to deny access to the messages. It has been alleged that texts were key to securing vaccines during the pandemic. Mainstream backing Centrist leader Valerie Hayer told parliament this week that von der Leyen's commission was 'too centralised and sclerotic' before warning that 'nothing can be taken for granted'. 'Pfizergate' aside, Romania's Piperea accuses the commission of interfering in his country's recent presidential election, in which pro-European Nicusor Dan narrowly beat EU critic and nationalist George Simion. That vote came after Romania's constitutional court scrapped an initial ballot over allegations of Russian interference and massive social media promotion of the far-right frontrunner, who was barred from standing again. Piperea's challenge is unlikely to succeed. It has support from some groups on the left and part of the far right – including the party of Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. 'Time to go,' Orban tweeted on Wednesday alongside a photo of von der Leyen. But Piperea's own group, the ECR, is split. Its largest faction, the party of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, said it would back the EU chief. The two largest groups in parliament, the centre-right EPP and the centre-left Socialists and Democrats, have also flatly rejected the challenge, which needs two-thirds of votes cast, representing a majority of all lawmakers to pass. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Ursula von der Leyen to plead her case to MEPs ahead of a no-confidence vote
EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT Ursula von der Leyen is set to travel to Strasbourg, France today to address MEPs before a no-confidence vote in the European Parliament on Thursday. If successful, the European Parliament would censure the European Commission and oust von der Leyen and her 26 commissioners. While the vote is unlikely to pass, it highlights a growing tension between politicians within Brussels. A motion for censure was agreed to and tabled by parliamentary group leaders on Thursday evening after it was proposed by right-wing MEP Gheorghe Pipera. Pipera proposed the no-confidence motion over a recently annulled commission decision that denied a journalist access to text messages between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during the Covid-19 pandemic . The European Union's General Court sided with The New York Time's case in May, rejecting the commission's decision to deny access to the messages. It has been alleged that texts were key to securing vaccines during the pandemic. A debate will take place after 4pm Irish time in the European Parliament's hemicycle in Strasbourg today, where MEPs are meeting for their monthly plenary session to thrash out and vote on new legislation. Politico reports that von der Leyen plans to bring all 26 of her commission college members, including Ireland's Michael McGrath, with her while she addresses MEPs to show unity among the EU's executive ranks. Advertisement It is likely that her address will focus on the need for stability in the current political climate of tariffs from the US, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israel's war in Gaza and economic actions in the EU, such as single market and competitiveness reform. The vote comes at a critical point for the EU, which is facing devastating tariffs from the US this week, unless a deal is reached, as it attempts to refocus spending between member states' economies to become more self-sufficient. While von der Leyen launched policies around economic reform, military spending and climate issues with relative success, the German politician's support for Israel has caused a lasting tension between herself and support from Irish members. Fine Gael, a member of von der Leyen's European People's Party, has confirmed that it will be rejecting the motion for censure. Fianna Fáil MEPs, Labour's Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and independent Michael McNamara have said they will decide after today's debate. Sinn Féin MEPs and Independent Ireland's Ciaran Mullooly have said they will accept the censure motion on Thursday. Independent Luke Ming Flanagan, who is generally opposed to von der Leyen, has yet to indicate his voting intention. Irish MEPs in July last year largely opposed a second von der Leyen term over her stance on Israel's war in Gaza, among other issues. During her speech to MEPs before her reelection last year, she called for a ceasefire in Gaza for the first time . In the same speech, she vowed to be tougher on migration and boost Europe's defence spending. She also pledged to take action to increase the EU's housing delivery through widespread changes to economic policy and spending rules. Von der Leyen will today address members for 15 minutes before hearing from the five parliamentary group leaders, who each will be given five minutes to outline their group's position. As political groupings do not operate a strict whip system, individual members will also be given an opportunity to address the parliament for one minute each. MEPs will then vote on Thursday to accept or reject the motion for censure. With reporting by Jane Matthews Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
European Commission plans to allow countries to buy their way out of missing climate targets
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION has proposed a new climate target for 2040 – but campaigners say the plan to get there contains loopholes for countries to take advantage of. The Commission has said that the new approach will give countries a 'pragmatic and flexible way' to reach the 2040 target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels. However, one climate activist said that the target is 'weakened by loopholes that risk setting back years of progress', while another said aspects of it risk 'seriously undermining the EU's credibility on climate leadership'. The EU's key milestones for climate targets up until now have been 2030 and 2050, with benchmarks for progress during the time in between left somewhat vaguer. Countries have now finally gotten a look at what progress the EU will require them to make on climate action between now and 2040. A target to reduce emissions by 90% compared to 1990 will bridge the gap between the 2030 target of 55% and the 2050 target of net zero. The Commission said that it will consider 'flexibilities' in designing future legislation and measures for achieving that 2040 target. It said these 'flexibilities' include a 'limited role for high-quality international credits starting from 2036″. Carbon credits involve an emitter of greenhouse gases, such as a country, paying for emissions reductions to be made elsewhere instead of reducing their own. It's a practice that is often criticised by activists as failing to actually lead to meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as reinforcing inequalities between developed and developing countries. Advertisement Under the Commission's proposal, countries would be able to count credits for 3% worth of reductions. The Commission also said it would allow 'greater flexibilities across sectors to help achieve targets in a cost-effective and socially fair way'. 'Concretely, this could give a Member State the possibility to compensate for the struggling land use sector with an overachievement on reducing emissions on waste and transport,' it said. The target still needs to be approved by the European Parliament and by member states before it becomes official. Climate campaigners have said that leaning on practices like carbon credits would be a step backwards for climate action in Europe. Senior Scientist at Climate Analytics Bill Hare said that the 2040 climate was meant to align EU policy with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but 'instead, it arrives weakened by loopholes that risk setting back years of progress'. 'From 2036, up to 3% of the target can be met through international carbon credits, outsourcing Europe's responsibility rather than cutting emissions at home,' Hare said. He added that the 'flexibility across sectors' could 'hand big polluters more ways to delay real action'. 'Europe's citizens expect truth and action, not paper solutions. Positive references to the cost of inaction and a fair transition remain, but they cannot mask loopholes that widen the gap between science and policy,' he said. Sven Harmeling of the Climate Action Network said that 'buying reduction credits from other countries risks seriously undermining the EU's credibility on climate leadership and sets a dangerous precedent that could weaken ambition globally'. 'This goes against the advice of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change and would only further delay urgently needed domestic climate action,' Harmeling said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
AsiaOne
12-06-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Air India plane crash: Reactions from across the world, Asia News
More than 200 people were killed when an Air India plane bound for London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from India's western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday, authorities said. Here's what world leaders have said so far: INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI, ON X: "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words." "In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected." BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER, ON X: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating." "I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time." BRITAIN'S KING CHARLES, IN A STATEMENT ON X: "My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones." US SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO, ON X: "Heartbroken to hear the news of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My prayers are with all who lost their loved ones in this horrible incident." THE VATICAN'S SECRETARY OF STATE, ON X: "Deeply saddened by the tragedy involving an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, together with the assurance of prayers for all involved in the recovery efforts.""Commending the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty, His Holiness invokes upon all affected the divine blessings of healing and peace." BANGLADESH CHIEF ADVISER MUHAMMAD YUNUS IN A MESSAGE TO MODI: "We extend our deepest condolences to all the families who lost their dear ones at this tragic incident." "We stand in solidarity with the people and Government of India, and offer our full support in any form." PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA, MARK CARNEY, ON X: "Canada is deeply saddened by the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad with 242 people on board, including one Canadian." "Canadian officials remain in close contact with counterparts in the wake of this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those affected." EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN, ON X: "My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss." "Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow." RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN TO MODI, IN AN OFFICIAL TELEGRAM PUBLISHED ON KREMLIN WEBSITE: "Please accept my deep condolences on the tragic consequences of the airliner crash at Ahmedabad airport." "Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes of a swift recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe." FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON, ON X: "We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims' loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi." AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE, ON X: "The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected." "Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely." IRISH PRIME MINISTER MICHEAL MARTIN, ON X: "My thoughts and prayers are with the people of India after the terrible plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier today. Thinking of the families of all those on board, along with the emergency services attending the scene." GENERAL SECRETARY OF BRITISH AIRLINE PILOTS' ASSOCIATION AMY LEVERSIDGE: "Pilots around the globe are deeply saddened by this news. Members of the British Airline Pilots' Association send condolences to all those affected. "It is vital a full and thorough investigation is now carried out without interference or unhelpful speculation about the contributory factors so that future tragedies can be avoided."
