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Dr. Elseddik Haftar in Europe, A Diplomatic Offensive Focused on the Fight Against Terrorism

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Dr. Elseddik Haftar, a fervent defender of the “fight against terrorism,” deploys a communications strategy to establish his political influence on an international scale. After a stopover in Paris on September 10, he headed to the European Parliament in Strasbourg where he gave a speech. He also met personalities and European deputies. Subsequently, on September 12, he flew to Brussels.

Commitment against illegal immigration and terrorism:

Dr. Elseddik Haftar takes a firm position on the crucial issues of the fight against illegal immigration and terrorism, subjects of major concern for the European Union. In this capacity, he speaks at the Press Club Brussels Europe during a conference on these themes.

Following the disaster linked to the floods in Libya which left thousands dead and missing, Dr. Elseddik Haftar left Belgium during the press conference to return to his country.

Mediterranean Storm Daniel caused severe flooding in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar region in eastern Libya. The authorities in the east of the country announce thousands of victims and missing people, including at least 2,000 dead. The toll only grows heavier by the hour. Dr. Elseddik Haftar’s tour in Europe demonstrates his desire to consolidate his political weight by highlighting his commitment to the fight against terrorism. His exchanges with influential figures in Europe underline the importance of cooperation between Libya and the European Union to face these crucial challenges.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

From Prompt to Perfection, Navigating College Assignments with Confidence

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Your smart planning to do the academic assignments is important. It plays a key role in ensuring success for you in school and college. The college experience often confronts students with various external factors. This complicates your ability to maintain focus. And when you face demanding schedules of various courses, you might feel like giving up.

Using strategic planning increases the likelihood of achieving commendable grades. It also empowers you to boost your overall academic performance. This allows you to shine among your peers and get the admiration of your educators.

Carefully set deadlines

Upon receiving your syllabus, start a systematic exploration, week by week. Record all your pending assignments and exams. Note the dates within your trusty calendar or planner.

Juggling various courses alongside external commitments such as work or internships becomes a manageable task when you consolidate all the information in one source. This foresight enables you to plan ahead. With it, you can undertake the necessary preparations for success in each academic task. And if you see things going out of hand and wonder ‘Who can do my assignment’, worry not. Get an assignment online from a college essay writer. The assignment maker services are popular with college students. They allow them to spend study time to learn new things and read books. So whenever you need to get an assignment done by a tight deadline, seek external help.

Break down large projects into manageable small tasks

Throughout your college time, you will face substantial projects spanning the semester. Relying on last-minute cramming for these complex assignments is a wrong approach. Successful students commence these assignments weeks in advance.

Survey your syllabus for sizable projects and their respective due dates. Then set your own deadlines to ease these monumental tasks into more manageable chunks. Not everyone is capable of working in the same capacity as top students. So work as per your strengths and you will always get better results with that.

Make daily task lists and build a routine

We talk a lot about habit-building apps and to-do list apps. Using them actually changes your way of working forever. And when you are in school or college, habits and smart planning play a big role. To maintain a steady course in academics, creating a standard routine is important. Your schedule should strike a healthy balance. You should dedicate ample time to daily objectives and also have intervals for relaxation.

Additionally, daily to-do lists prove invaluable in monitoring and managing your tasks efficiently. Prioritizing the most significant items on your list improves productivity and keeps you on track.

Identify optimal study times

As you build your study calendar, remember that every individual has a distinct study period. Consider your schedule and build habits when finding the most suitable time for your studies. Experimentation may be necessary.

Once you’ve identified your optimal study hours, use this insight into both your calendar and daily task list. For example, some students prefer studying during the night while some during the day. So it really does not matter what time of the day you choose to do your college tasks. The main thing is that the time you pick up should be comfortable for you.

assignment
From Prompt to Perfection, Navigating College Assignments with Confidence 2

Build a study environment to concentrate better

Efficiency in completing your assignments depends on your capacity to work effectively. Evaluate the environment that best suits your productivity. Then fashion a workspace conducive to your scholarly tasks.

For instance, when setting out a study space at home, consider a dedicated desk or table with organized shelves to manage your books. A serene, noise-free setting away from high-traffic areas maximizes your potential for focus.

Seek professorial or mentor guidance

Entering your program with aspirations to excel in a specific field can be exciting. Yet the rigors of coursework can be overwhelming. In such moments, professors or mentors can offer invaluable advice as you navigate your academic journey. They help you improve your performance in the class. They provide guidance when challenges arise.

Join study groups

Engaging in study groups is an excellent means of staying on course with your assignments. Connecting with peers in your program builds relationships that bear fruit in academic tasks. Collaborative study sessions give you fresh insights into the subject matter. You should also try social media platforms to find groups that interest you the most. You can meet mentees and guides there.

Conclusion

Research reveals a direct correlation between students’ organizational skills and their academic performance. Mastering self-organization and smart assignment planning reduces stress levels. It yields positive outcomes in your pursuit of knowledge.

Author’s Bio

Karl Bowman is an academic writer who has spent many years in the field. The time spent with him has made him very sharp in doing assignments that many other writers usually turn down seeing the complexity level. He is someone who is always keen to take up challenges and deliver the best. This attitude has made him the number one essay writer.

PES says at State of the European Union, Putin is a criminal

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Iratxe Garcia

In the final State of the European Union debate, MEP Iratxe Garcia, from the Socialists and Democrats, commended the collaborative efforts of President von der Leyen and the commissioners. Garcia highlighted the unity and solidarity demonstrated in response to the 2008 financial crisis and recent global events including the pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine. The leader of the Socialists at the European Parliament emphasized the need for reindustrialization, ecological transition, and the reform of the electricity market. She also called for more commitment to the social pillar, addressing issues like inflation, high interest rates, gender-based violence, and social justice.

Full transcript:

Thank you, Madam President. We are attending the last debate of the Legislature on the Union, which is taking place at a time of profound change.

President von der Leyen, Commissioners, thank you for your capacity for dialogue in order to reach a consensus. We in the Socialists and Democrats Group are very proud to have contributed and to have led historic decisions that have put Europe back at the heart of our citizens.

The response to the financial crisis in 2008, weighed down by the austerity policy imposed by the right, the response to the pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine, led by social democracy, has been marked by unity and solidarity. Our main priority now must be to push for re-industrialisation to ensure open strategic autonomy, with an eye on Africa and Latin America.

Alongside reindustrialisation, we must make progress in the ecological transition. Curbing the effects of climate change is a legal obligation and a moral obligation. We must promote the reform of the electricity market to accelerate the deployment of renewable energies and reduce electricity prices.

Mrs Von der Leyen, in the face of climate denialists, it is crucial that today you have broken your silence with a clear message of support for the Green Pact, committing to push for laws to restore nature and air quality. We will pay close attention to seeing that these statements are delivered.

But to create wealth and new opportunities, we need to consolidate the social pillar and on that, Mrs von der Leyen, I would have liked to hear more commitment. Inflation, high-interest rates, rising mortgage rates making it difficult to make a fair living, public housing as a right and not as a commodity for speculation, parity in employment, a ban on unpaid internships, a minimum living income and an anti-poverty strategy with binding targets must become a reality.

And we must also protect women who suffer gender-based violence. Mrs von der Leyen, I agree with your statement about “No is No”, of course I do. And now it is time to take a step forward and include violence against women in the list of crimes in the European Union. Our fight for justice is unwavering because social cohesion not only dignifies people but allows us to act with weight and a voice in the world.

Today we are united in the face of the aggressor. Putin is a criminal who will spend his last days in an international court and the Commission must come forward without further delay with a proposal to invest the frozen Russian assets in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

We are united, but let us not become complacent. It is time to strengthen the unity of the European Union. We must speed up decision-making towards a qualified majority and we must also continue to support the other countries in our neighbourhood that want to unite their destiny with that of the European Union.

And while we face the main challenges, we need to solve other challenges that will mark the future of Europe: the Migration and Asylum Pact to prevent the loss of lives in the Mediterranean. And let me say one thing here, Mrs von der Leyen, European taxpayers’ money cannot end up in the pockets of governments that are attacking people’s fundamental rights.

We need a permanent fiscal capacity to deal with future crises, reform of fiscal rules, and more social justice….

We need an economy that is not only more competitive. It is not enough just to grow economically. That economic growth has to translate into people living better, into benefits being distributed for all and not privileges for a few.

Ladies and gentlemen, in the European Union we are living a life project that has built the best place for democracy, rights, equality and solidarity, and today the alliance of the right and the extreme right represents a complete failure that is heading towards regression.

Mr Weber, in politics it is essential to be coherent, and being coherent means matching words with deeds. You cannot appeal to and refer to the Von der Leyen majority and then add your votes to those of the extreme right in order to form governments and to form majorities in this Parliament. That cannot be done.

But there is no going back. There is no turning back. We will continue to build a prosperous, open and inclusive union. A union proud in its plurality and diversity, a union that embraces the rule of law, steadfast in the fight for equality and social justice, a union of tolerance and progress.

There is always time for a dream. Seventy years ago, Europe dreamt its best destiny and made it a reality. Today, another year on, we live that dream. Let us continue to make it a reality. Thank you very much.

Leuven, cradle of Belgian beer: discover the best breweries and bars in the city

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Leuven, cradle of Belgian beer: discover the best breweries and bars in the city

Belgium is known worldwide for its brewing tradition and its quality beer. Among the Belgian cities that stand out for their passion for beer, Leuven is certainly one of the most remarkable. Located in the Flemish region, this charming town is a true paradise for beer lovers who want to discover local breweries and taste unique brews.

Leuven is often considered the birthplace of Belgian beer, thanks in large part to its famous Stella Artois brewery. Founded in 1366, the brewery has gained international fame and is today one of the most popular beer brands worldwide. Beer lovers can visit the Stella Artois Brewery to learn about its fascinating history and discover the secrets of making this iconic beer.

Besides Stella Artois, Leuven is home to many other craft breweries worth discovering. One of the most popular is the Domus brewery, located in the historic center of the city. Founded in 1985, this brewery offers a wide selection of house beers, all brewed using traditional methods. Visitors can sample a variety of beers, from light lagers to full-flavored browns, while enjoying the bar’s friendly atmosphere.

Another must-visit brewery in Leuven is the De Kroon Brewery, founded in 1909. Known for its specialty De Kroon beer, this brewery also offers seasonal beers and collaborations with other craft breweries. Beer lovers can visit the brewery for a guided tour and tasting, or simply relax in the adjoining bar and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

In addition to breweries, Leuven is also full of numerous beer bars where visitors can discover a wide selection of Belgian and international beers. One of the most popular bars is the famous Café Belge, located on the Old Market Square. This iconic bar offers over 300 different beers, ranging from Belgian classics to craft beers from around the world. With its lively atmosphere and impressive beer selection, Café Belge is an ideal place to spend a pleasant evening with friends.

Another beer bar not to be missed is Arto, located near the Stella Artois brewery. This bar offers a selection of local beers, some of which are brewed exclusively for the establishment. Visitors can sit inside the comfortably furnished interior or take advantage of the outdoor terrace to taste their favorite beer while admiring the view of the brewery.

Finally, for those who want to learn more about the history of Belgian beer, a visit to the Beer Museum is essential. Located in a former brewery, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of beer in Belgium, its traditional production and its cultural significance. Visitors can admire an impressive collection of old beer bottles, labels and brewery-related items, and learn about the different stages of beer making.

In conclusion, Leuven is a true paradise for beer lovers who want to discover the best breweries and bars in the city. Whether you are interested in visiting historic breweries or tasting craft beers, Leuven offers a unique experience for every beer lover. So, don’t hesitate to come and discover this charming Flemish town and taste a good Belgian beer in one of its many specialized establishments. Health !

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Parliament strengthens rules on integrity, transparency and accountability | News

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Parliament strengthens rules on integrity, transparency and accountability | News

The changes to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure were adopted in plenary today with 505 votes in favour, 93 against, and 52 abstentions.

MEPs adopted a reinforced ban on all MEP activities that would constitute lobbying, the obligation for MEPs to submit declarations of input on ideas or suggestions received from external actors to be annexed to all reports and opinions, and harsher penalties for breaches of the code of conduct. Other changes introduced include:

  • broader rules on the publication of meetings so they apply to all MEPs (not just those who hold official positions) and cover meetings with third country representatives;
  • stronger rules on ‘revolving doors’, introducing a ban on MEPs from engaging with former MEPs who have left Parliament in the previous six months – complementary to the ban on such activities for former MEPs for the same period;
  • an expanded definition of conflicts of interest, better rules on relevant public declarations, and decision-making powers for competent bodies on whether MEPs with conflicts of interest should hold specific positions;
  • lower thresholds to declare remunerated activities;
  • declarations of assets at the beginning and end of every term of office;
  • stronger rules on accepting gifts and declaring travel/subsistence costs paid by third parties, as an MEP as well as a representative of Parliament;
  • a stronger role for the competent Advisory Committee and its expansion to include eight MEPs (up from five); and
  • specific rules to regulate activities by unofficial groupings of MEPs.

The revisions of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure took place in parallel with actions taken by Parliament’s Bureau on parts of the 14-point plan that could already be implemented.

Next steps

These changes will come into force on 1 November 2023, except where changes empower the Bureau and the Quaestors to adopt implementing measures, which will apply immediately. Declarations of interests submitted prior to these changes will remain valid until the end of the year.

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Svietlana Tsikhanouskaya to MEPs: support Belarusians’ European aspirations | News

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Svietlana Tsikhanouskaya to MEPs: support Belarusians’ European aspirations | News

Addressing the plenary, the leader of Belarus’ democratic forces Svietlana Tsikhanouskaya called on MEPs to support Belarus’ European perspective and urged Parliament to take its relationship with democratic Belarus to a new level, She proposed the signing of a memorandum before the 2024 EP elections as the basis of cooperation between the European Parliament and democratic Belarus. “Belarusians want to hear that our country will not be given to Putin as a consolation prize,” she said.

Ms Tsikhanouskaya said they would need help in their fight to bring democracy to Belarus. Lukashenka does not deserve place in the international community, but a ticket to the international court in Hague, she said. Next year Belarusian democratic forces should start issuing their own passports that would confirm Belarusian citizenship, Ms Tsikhanouskaya announced, which will serve as a travel document for exiled Belarusians. ,.Soon she will ask EU governments to recognise this new travel document.

You can watch her speech again here. (13.09.2023)

EP President Metsola said: “The people of Belarus must be able to live in freedom. Free from autocracy. Free from oppression. It is what they want. It is what they chose. It is what they deserve. We will continue to support Belarusian democratic forces and to play an active role in shaping the European Union’s response to the on-going political crisis in Belarus. It is critical that we further expand European Union sanctions against the regime and do not lose sight of what they have done.”

Prize for EP President Metsola

During a bilateral meeting, EP President Roberta Metsola received the “Cross of good neighbourhood”, awarded to outstanding individuals who have significantly helped the cause of Belarusians, from Ms Tsikhanouskaya

MEPs alarmed over the situation in Belarus

On Wednesday, Parliament also adopted a new report on EU relations with Belarus, supporting the country’s democratic political parties in their declarations about the European aspirations of Belarusians. MEPs call on the Belarusian regime to release all political prisoners and strongly condemn the Minsk regime’s role as an accomplice in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They note with great concern the rampant political, economic, military and cultural subordination of Belarus to Moscow, rendering the country a de-facto satellite state hosting tactical nuclear weapons under Russian command.

In the report, MEPs also call for tougher EU sanctions against Belarus while stressing that the recent arrival of Russian mercenary Wagner Group fighters creates new potential security risks for Ukraine as well as for Belarus’ EU neighbours and the wider EU. The text will be available in full here (13.09.2023). EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell and MEPs also discussed the new report on Tuesday afternoon (12.09.2023).

The report adopted by 453 votes in favour, 21against and 40 abstentions.

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2024 European elections: 15 additional seats divided between 12 countries | News

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2024 European elections: 15 additional seats divided between 12 countries | News

The European Council’s proposal was based on Parliament’s report of June 2023, which started the process and was prompted by demographic changes in the EU since the 2019 elections. Additional seats will be allocated as follows:

  • Belgium +1 [22]
  • Denmark +1 [15]
  • Ireland +1 [14]
  • Spain +2 [61]
  • France +2 [81]
  • Latvia +1 [9]
  • Netherlands +2 [31]
  • Austria +1 [20]
  • Poland +1 [53]
  • Finland +1 [15]
  • Slovenia +1 [9]
  • Slovakia +1 [15]

Parliament consented to the legislative decision with 515 votes in favour, 74 against, and 44 abstentions. The upcoming elections (6-9 June 2024) will take place with the new number of seats in Parliament.

During the debate that preceded the vote, MEPs criticised the European Council’s attempt to influence Parliament in its budgetary functions, and reiterated Parliament’s independence. The co-rapporteurs regretted the European Council’s failure to immediately inform Parliament it intended to deviate from the original proposal, both in terms of overall seats and on the provisions for a pan-European constituency. You can watch a recording of the debate here.

Background

Parliament’s composition is assessed before each election, in line with the principles set out in the Treaties (i.e. a maximum of 750 MEPs plus the President, no less than 6 and no more than 96 seats for any EU country, and the “degressive proportionality” principle), and based on the most recent population figures.

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Libya – Floods of ‘epic proportions’ leave thousands dead

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Libya – Floods of ‘epic proportions’ leave thousands dead
© National Meteorological Centre, Libya - Flooding has struck northeastern regions of Libya.

UN agencies and partners are responding to the disaster unfolding in eastern Libya after extreme rainfall caused devastating flooding and loss of life over the weekend, humanitarians told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday.

Latest figures as of Tuesday night, suggest there could be more than 5,000 people dead and around 10,000 have been reported missing in the massive floods triggered by Hurricane Daniel, which overwhelmed the eastern parts of the country at the weekend, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said.

We stand in solidarity with Libya: Guterres

In a statement released by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Libyan authorities and the families of those who have perished,

“At this time, our thoughts are with the thousands of people being affected there in their communities, we stand in solidarity with all people in Libya during this difficult time”, said Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.

He said the UN team on the ground is responding at the site.

“Furthermore, we are mobilizing resources and emergency teams to support those affected people and are working with local, national, and international partners to get urgently needed humanitarian assistance to people in the affected areas.”

The UN is working with Libyan authorities to assess needs and support ongoing relief efforts, he added.

Libya is in effect under the control of two rival administrations, the internationally recognized Government in Tripoli, and authorities based along with the parliament in the east. 

Neighbourhoods swept away

According to the UN weather agency WMO, two dams burst during heavy storms over the weekend, sweeping entire neighbourhoods in the city of Derna into the sea.

The floodwaters reached a peak in northeastern Libya on Sunday, with strong winds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, interrupting communications and bringing down electricity towers and trees.

Torrential rains caused flash flooding in several cities.

“The humanitarian needs are huge and much more beyond the abilities of the Libyan Red Crescent, and even beyond the abilities of the Government”, stressed Tamar Ramadan, head of the IFRC delegation in Libya, who was speaking from Tunis via videoconference.

“That’s why the Government in the east has issued an international appeal for support.”

Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said the flooding was of “epic proportions”.

“There’s not been a storm like this in the region in living memory, so it’s a great shock,” she said.

Prepositioned aid

Dr. Harris added that WHO has deployed prepositioned aid supplies to the affected areas. She estimated that torrential rain affected up to 1.8 million people and damaged and even “wiped out” some hospitals.

“The work now is really to get in supplies, sadly some of those supplies are things like body bags, but also trauma kits,” the WHO spokesperson said.

The Libyan Government has announced three days of mourning in all the affected cities, calling them ″disaster areas.″ Emergency responders, government workers and residents were digging through rubble to look for survivors.

“Our second priority is to look at the people who are displaced”, WHO’s Dr Harris said.

Already vulnerable

“There are lots of people who are already living in precarious circumstances. And we have to look at what kind of field hospitals can be set up, and what kind of mobile clinics. So there’s a great deal of work that needs to be done and is being mobilized as I speak.”

Libya has become a key springboard for migrants from over 40 countries heading for Europe, who most likely have also been severely impacted by the floods, the UN migration agency (IOM) warned.

“There are roughly 600,000 migrants in Libya at this time and we are conscious that in some of the affected areas there are migrant populations but at this early stage and [given] the many access issues that we and humanitarian responders are facing, we don’t have a clear picture about how badly they have been affected”, said IOM spokesperson Paul Dillon. 

State of the EU: Ukraine, Green Deal, Economy, China, Artificial Intelligence | News

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State of the EU: Ukraine, Green Deal, Economy, China, Artificial Intelligence | News

Opening the debate, EP President Roberta Metsola said: “The European Union today is stronger, and more united than ever before. The world is changing and Europe must adapt and change with it too. We must keep striving to make our Europe a place of equality of opportunity, of access, of prosperity – where everyone can reach their potential. We must keep reforming. We should always keep people’s concerns at the centre of all our actions.“

Commission President von der Leyen said that the EU has undergone a substantial transformation since she first presented her programme in 2019, adding: ”We have delivered over 90% of the political guidelines I presented” back then.

On the Green Deal, the decarbonisation of Europe’s industry while maintaining its competitiveness, she announced an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. ”We must defend ourselves against unfair practices” she said.

President von der Leyen stressed the importance of a fair transition for farmers, families and industry and that “Europe will do ’whatever it takes’ to keep its competitive edge.” She announced a competitiveness check by an independent board for every new legislation.

With regard to Artificial Intelligence, Ms von der Leyen said that AI will improve healthcare, boost productivity and help to address climate change. The Commission’s “number one priority is to ensure AI develops in a human-centric, transparent and responsible way” she said, also calling for an international panel of experts similar to the IPCC on climate change to steer its development.

On Ukraine, she announced that the Commission will propose the extension of the EU’s temporary protection to Ukrainians and an additional 50 billion euros over four years for investment and reforms. “Our support to Ukraine will endure.”

The Commission President also referred to the rule of law, enlargement, migration, EU-Africa relations, the Global Gateway initiative, climate change, food security, and an upcoming Social Partner Summit.

You can watch her full speech here.

Leaders of the political groups

Manfred Weber (EPP, DE), highlighted three priorities. Firstly, economic growth and competitiveness, saying “we need growth, we need jobs, we need decent incomes, we need prosperity, we need a strong industry,” and welcoming initiatives to reduce red tape, invest in innovation, and cultivate trade relationships. Secondly, he cited migration, emphasising that Europe needs to decide who can enter at its borders and highlighting the “European DNA” of protecting refugees. Thirdly, he asserted the necessity for a European Defence Union and the need for ”optimism, vision, values and the readiness for the next step to become a real European Union.”

Iratxe García (S&D, ES) said the EU’s top priority should be reindustrialising to achieve strategic autonomy, while advancing the green transition to halt the consequences of climate change. She thanked President von der Leyen for her clear message in support of the Green Deal but regretted the lack of emphasis about consolidating the Union’s social pillar. Ms García called for the inclusion of gender violence to the list of EU crimes, and to use the frozen Russian assets to help fund the rebuilding of Ukraine. She also urged the EU to secure a deal on the migration pact and stressed that “Europeans’ money cannot end in the pockets of governments abusing people’s fundamental rights”.

Stéphane Séjourné (Renew, FR) emphasised the importance of making the most of the legislature’s remaining months. He highlighted the positive steps made in response to the pandemic, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the European Green Deal. He demanded the EU focus on reindustrialising Europe and noted that the EU has now regulated the digital “wild west”. Mr Séjourné stressed the need for a lasting solution to migration issues. He also criticized the “poisonous” unanimity rule in the Council and urged Europe to heed the desperate pleas of judges in Poland and Hungary.

Philippe Lamberts (Greens/EFA, BE) criticised “those who are calling for a pause” in climate and environmental legislation, saying, “we are not above nature (…) whether we like it or not, there are limits to what our planet can take and to what it can give.” He said the ecological transition represents “the single biggest economic opportunity for Europe.” Lamberts also urged the European Commission to address housing issues and to step up its efforts against breaches of the rule of law, “and not only towards Poland or Hungary”.

“Is the EU in a better shape today than twenty years ago?” Ryszard Legutko (ECR, PL) asked. “The answer is no, as there is more than ever instability, uncertainty and the inflation is high.” “People smuggling is thriving, the Green Deal is a costly extravaganza, the cost of the EU’s common debt will be two times larger than predicted and the EU budget is in shambles”, he added. “The Commission slides towards oligarchy, meddling in national policies, and trying to topple governments they do not like, having made the rule of law a caricature.”

Marco Zanni (ID, IT) said that on the Green Deal, the EU has “a historical opportunity to be less ideological and more pragmatic,” adding that we need to tackle climate change without harming “our farmers, firms or buildings’ owners”. On the announced investigations into foreign subsidies, Mr Zanni questioned their usefulness, stressing that we already know that China is involved in unfair competition. On migration, he said that while EU fails to agree that “who has no right to be in, needs to stay out” it won’t be possible to “solve the issue”.

Martin Schirdewan (The Left, DE) said: “True political success is measured by the real-life situations of the majority of people, not by eloquent speeches.” He added that, despite lofty promises, the reality for many Europeans remains grim, with rising living costs and falling real wages. He highlighted the struggles of workers, single mothers, and retirees, accusing the Commission of fostering a Europe that increasingly serves corporations over its citizens while “95 million people in the European Union are threatened by poverty”.

You can watch the full debate here.

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Unemployment Rates Maintain Consistency Staying Below 5% for the Consecutive Month

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A Man Looking at a Message
Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels

In a remarkable demonstration of economic resilience, the unemployment rate among countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) remained steady at 4.8% in July 2023. This marks the month in a row that the rate has stayed below the threshold of 5% according to recent data.

Although the rate increased in 15 OECD countries, including Denmark, Lithuania and Austria it remained unchanged in nine others. Decreased in another nine. It is worth noting that unemployment rates reached record lows or were close to them in five countries, such as Germany and the United States.

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Unemployment Rates Maintain Consistency Staying Below 5% for the Consecutive Month 7

The total number of individuals across OECD nations experienced a slight rise to reach 32.9 million in July. However, this figure remains close to the point recorded back in April 2023.

The youth unemployment rate, which encompasses workers aged between 15 and 24 years old saw a minor increase to reach 10.5% in July compared to June’s rate of 10.3%. This upward trend was observed across fourteen OECD countries with Finland, Austria, Denmark, Israel, Mexico and the United States experiencing substantial increases.

Conversely, there was little change observed in unemployment rates, for both genders and workers aged 25 years old and above. In this context, both the European Union and the euro area managed to keep their unemployment rates at historically low levels with rates of 5.9% and 6.4% respectively. Except for Greece, Slovenia, Belgium, Ireland and Spain, all countries in the euro area experienced either increasing rates.

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Unemployment Rates Maintain Consistency Staying Below 5% for the Consecutive Month 8

Despite these trends, there are still noticeable differences among countries like Estonia, Greece, Luxembourg, and Spain as some continue to struggle with unemployment rates that remain significantly higher, than their lowest recorded levels.

In countries outside of Europe, we noticed a rise in unemployment rates in Mexico, Australia, Japan, Korea and Canada. However, Türkiye, Israel and the United States went against the trend. Experienced a decrease in their unemployment rates.

Based on the information Canada’s unemployment rate stayed steady at 5.0% during August. On the other hand, the United States witnessed an uptick in their unemployment rate from 3.5% in July to 3.8%, in August 2023.