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Pro-Russian association ‘aiding’ Ukrainians in Setúbal

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Embarrassment: allegedly pro-Putin association aiding the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees in Portugal

In the Municipality of Setúbal, a city on the outskirts of Lisbon, Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war, and being welcomed in Portugal, were being attended to by Russian citizens, who spoke Russian with them and asked the women where their husbands were located. The refugees mentioned “fear” as all the documents were copied by these Russian citizens. One of these Russian citizens was Igor Khashin, former President of the House of Russia and of the Council for the Coordination of Russian Compatriots. These associations have a dangerously close relationship with the Russian Embassy and so, the Kremlin, so it is clear to all that the refugees’ personal information was being put in danger by the municipality, which has denied these accusations and guarantees total secrecy in the handling of the refugees’ data.

Yet there is another layer to this scandal, the fact that the Municipality of Setúbal is chaired by the CDU (Unitary Democratic Coalition – Coligação Democrática Unitária), a coalition between the Ecologist Party–”The Greens” and the Portuguese Communist Party. Why is that important to the story? It is important because the PCP has an opposing “view” on the Ukraine war in relation to all the other Portuguese political parties. The PCP hasn’t yet called the Ukraine war an ‘invasion’, and affirms that NATO is equally responsible for the conflict as Putin. The party further states that the ‘Russo-Maydan’ popular revolution was a “coup” taken part in by the “most reactionary sectors of Ukrainian society”, along with other false and/or controversial statements. 

The party has received backlash from all Portuguese political parties, and is facing heavy criticism from the Ukrainian community in Portugal regarding its position. The party has responded to the criticism by accusing the critics of pure “anti-communism” and “fascist hate”.

Searches have occurred in the Municipality of Setúbal, the Helpline for Refugees LIMAR (Linha de Apoio a Refugiados), and the Emigrants of the East Association, by the Judiciary Police, to investigate an eventual personal data breach.

This scandal stains the Portuguese image on the international scene and is another example of the incompetence of Portuguese authorities regarding the Ukrainian community in the country. In March 2020, Ihor Homeniuk, a Ukrainian immigrant, died at the Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon. Ihor died after being continually assaulted by three officers from the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF–Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). The three men were sentenced to nine years in prison in December 2021, being charged with a “crime of offense to qualified serious physical integrity”.

UN spotlights plant health, crucial for boosting food security worldwide

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UN spotlights plant health, crucial for boosting food security worldwide
On the very first International Day of Plant Health, marked on Thursday, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called for more investment in innovation to boost food security, especially for the billions worldwide living close to the bread line.

Plants under threat

Healthy plants have the power to help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development. But even though plants make up 80 per cent of the food we eat, and provide 98 per cent of the oxygen we breathe, threats to their survival in many cases, are piling up.

According to recent data, up to 40 per cent of food crops are lost due to plant pests and diseases every year, and this affects both food security and agriculture, the main source of income for vulnerable rural communities.

Climate change and human activities are also altering ecosystems and damaging biodiversity while creating new niches for pests to thrive in. 

Furthermore, FAO says that protecting plants from pests and diseases is far more cost effective than dealing with plant health emergencies. That is because once established, plant pests and diseases are often difficult to eradicate, and need to be controlled through sustainable pest and pesticides management.

Human health depends on plants

“On this very first International Day of Plant Health, we reflect on plant health innovations for food security,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, adding that investments are needed in research to find more resilient and sustainable additions to the human diet.

“We need to continue raising the global profile of plant health to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable”, he continued.

The protection of plants is essential for people and for the planet, and that is why the UN Food and Agriculture Organization has mapped several priorities for plant health, coinciding with the inaugural Day.

Focusing on sustainable pest management and pesticides through promotion of green and digital plant protection; and creating enabling surroundings for plant health by enhancing the health of soils, seeds, and pollinators, are among the main priorities.

FAO is calling on governments to prioritize plant health and its sustainable management in formulating policies and legislation, and on academia and research institutions to deliver science-based solutions.

Why an International Day?

Having been established as a key legacy of the International Year of Plant Health 2020, the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) was designated to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.

Championed by Zambia, it was unanimously adopted in a General-Assembly resolution co-signed by Bolivia, Finland, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tanzania.

Following the first IDPH this year, FAO will organize celebrations for the Day every 12 May at global, regional, national levels, and even potentially, down on a farm, near you.

Foreign interference committee resumes its work

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democratic
Photo by succo

The second Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the EU elected Raphaël Glucksmann as its Chair at its constitutive session on Thursday.

Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D, FR) said:

“Our democracies are under continuous attack and we have to defend them against ever more forceful and sophisticated foreign interference. The mission of this special committee is to evaluate the implementation of the recommendations of its predecessor, continue to analyse the threats and ensure that the 2024 European elections are shielded from these types of attacks.”

Protecting democracy

The “Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation II”, or INGE 2 , builds and follows up on the work done by its homonymous predecessor, which ended its work on 23 March. It will also screen existing and planned EU legislation in a range of areas for loopholes that could be exploited by third countries for malicious purposes.

The 33-member committee will summarise its findings in a report to be adopted by the end of its one-year mandate.

Vice-chairs

The committee also elected its vice-chairs, who, together with the chair, make up the bureau of the committee.

First Vice-Chair: Javier Zarzalejos (EPP, ES)

Second Vice-Chair: Morten Løkkegaard (Renew Europe, DK)

Third Vice-Chair: Dace Melbārde (ECR, LV)

Fourth Vice-Chair: Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz (S&D, PL)

Coordinators

At the constitutive meeting, political groups named their coordinators, who act as speakers for their groups:

Next steps

The first regular meeting of the newly constituted committee will be held on 17 May on Russian disinformation and propaganda in relation to its war against Ukraine, jointly with the Subcommittee on Security and Defence. The following week the committee travels to the Riga Stratcom Dialogue on 24-25 May to meet, among others, with officials of NATO StratCom Centre of Excellence.

EU: 2030 policy programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’

2030 policy programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’

2030 policy programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’: the Council adopts its position

To ensure that the EU meets its objectives for a digital transformation in line with EU values, member states today agreed on a negotiating mandate for the 2030 policy programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’.

This text aims to strengthen the EU’s digital leadership by promoting inclusive and sustainable digital policies that serve citizens and businesses. To this end, it sets out the concrete digital targets, including for industry which the Union as a whole must achieve by the end of the decade and a novel form of governance with the member states, through a mechanism of cooperation between the Commission and the member states to ensure that the Union jointly achieves its ambition.

Governance

The Council text changed the frequency of interactions to move to a biennial cycle of cooperation between member states and the Commission while maintaining the annual frequency of the ‘State of the Digital Decade’ report. In this regard, a stronger link with the legal basis of the decision has been established.

Alignment with other digital files

The Council text is fully in line with the Commission Communication of March 2021 on the 2030 Digital Compass and underlines the importance of fundamental rights.

Next steps

Today’s mandate was approved by the Council’s Permanent Representative’s Committee (Coreper), so the Council presidency can start negotiations with the European Parliament as soon as the European Parliament has agreed its position.

Background

The Commission communication ‘2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade’ of 9 March 2021 set out a vision of the EU successfully achieving a digital transition by 2030. The EU’s ambition is to be digitally sovereign in an open and interconnected world, and to pursue digital policies that allow people and businesses to have a human centred, inclusive, sustainable and prosperous digital future.

In its conclusions of 25 March 2021, the European Council stressed the importance of the digital transformation for the Union’s recovery, prosperity, security and competitiveness and for the well-being of our societies. It identified the digital compass communication as a step towards mapping Europe’s digital development for the next decade. It called on the Commission to use all available instruments in the field of industrial, trade and competition policy. In light of these ambitions and challenges, the Commission proposed on 15 September 2021 a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Digital Policy Programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’.

UNODC supported Pilot Initiative for Mexico UNTOC review process begins its activities

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UNODC supported Pilot Initiative for Mexico UNTOC review process begins its activities

Mexico City (Mexico), 12 May 2022 – Transnational organized crime – whether it be drug trafficking, human trafficking, money-laundering, migrant smuggling, etc. – can devastate societies. It can compromise the ability of states to effectively govern their populations and provide services. It may widen gaps between genders, ethnic groups, economic classes, and more, and overwhelming affects the most vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, allowing organized criminal groups to exploit the gaps left by governments’ reallocation of resources.

Moreover, they threaten the ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, under which Member States committed to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Tackling such a complex problem requires the coordinated efforts of many actors, including the private sector, academia, and civil society. While the public sector leads crime prevention and criminal justice efforts, private sector enterprises can leverage their resources and networks to build sustainable and responsible businesses, raise awareness among employees, partners and clients in their companies, and contribute tools, critical data and instruments to help governments tackle organized crime. On the other hand, civil society and academia provide unique on-the-ground perspectives, highlighting the needs of organized crime victims and delivering much needed services – sometimes in place of governments. Moreover, these actors develop rigorous research that inform interventions from governments, other stakeholders and international organizations such as UNODC. 

To help states tackle transnational organized crime, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) uses a review process whereby states identify country-specific priorities to combat transnational organized crime. However, civil society participation in the review process has at times been limited, although Resolution 9/1 of the Conference of the Parties to UN Convention against Transnational Crime (UNTOC) provides for the participation of non-governmental stakeholders in the review process.

On 27 April, UNODC and the Government of Mexico launched the first-ever Pilot Initiative , aiming to bring together representatives from government, civil society, academia and the private sector to ensure that their perspectives and expertise are included in the review process.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== UNODC supported Pilot Initiative for Mexico UNTOC review process begins its activities
© UNODC

“This Pilot Initiative has a special role because it will help us to enhance our engagement with civil society in fostering inclusive societies in the promotion of SDG16.” – emphasized Eduardo Jaramillo Navarrete, Director General for the United Nations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. “The UNTOC and its Review Mechanism will provide the basis for this exchange of ideas about the processes involved in the daily fight against crime and violence.” 

At Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stakeholders identified key priorities on preventing transnational organized crime, including the creation of a database for open and reliable data to inform Government policies on crime prevention; the establishment of a mechanism for coordination with the Government to create strategies and action plans and ensuring that the review process is transparent and open to non-governmental stakeholders; and making civil society trainings available to the police.

Stacy de la Torre, Head of Programmes at UNODC Mexico office, emphasized UNODC’s role in supporting States in the fight against transnational organized crime through the implementation of the Convention and its Review Mechanism. “The engagement between Member States and civil society in this review process is a reflection that no single government can tackle transnational organized crime on its own”.

As the next step, the Government will convene a follow-up meeting in late 2022 to review the progress made in the implementation of UNTOC, as well as how the Government is incorporating the priorities submitted by the stakeholders.

As Norma Sanchez, an independent expert on transnational organized crime, noted, “the Pilot Initiative has been a very fruitful and inspiring experience that motivates me to continue contributing, with an anti-corruption and transparency approach, to prevention policies against organized crime, especially for the most vulnerable people, children and adolescents.”

UNODC will continue to support the Government of Mexico in the activities related to the Pilot Initiative and hopes that other countries will be inspired to take similar actions in line with their national realities.

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The project of Stakeholder Engagement for the UNTOC, its Review Mechanism and Related Activities (SE4U) is made possible by the generous financial support of the Government of the United States.

Unveiling Europe’s Rich Artistic Tapestry: A Journey Through the Continent’s Cultural Masterpieces

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Vincent Van Gogh self portrait painting on wall
Photo by Alina Grubnyak on Unsplash

Europe, a continent steeped in history and culture, is renowned for its rich artistic tapestry. From the Renaissance masterpieces of Italy to the avant-garde artworks of France, Europe’s cultural heritage is a sight to behold. Embark on a journey through the continent’s artistic treasures and uncover a world of beauty, creativity, and inspiration. Get ready to be captivated by the diverse and awe-inspiring masterpieces that await you!

Exploring Europe’s Vast Artistic Tapestry: A Cultural Journey Awaits!

As you set foot in Europe, you are instantly transported into a realm of artistic wonders. Each country boasts its own unique artistic style, reflecting centuries of history and cultural influences. From the imposing architecture of ancient Greece to the intricate tapestries of medieval France, Europe’s artistic tapestry is as diverse as it is captivating.

In Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, you can immerse yourself in the works of legendary artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. The magnificent frescoes adorning the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and the iconic sculpture of David in Florence are just a glimpse of the artistic treasures that await you.

Europe’s artistic tapestry is an unparalleled visual feast that spans across centuries and genres. From classical paintings to modern installations, the continent offers a myriad of artistic experiences that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Europe’s cultural masterpieces are sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey through Europe’s artistic wonders. Follow in the footsteps of the great masters, explore hidden galleries, and marvel at the breathtaking architecture that dots the continent. Unveil the rich artistic tapestry that Europe has to offer and let yourself be enchanted by the boundless creativity that has shaped the continent’s cultural heritage. Prepare to be inspired like never before!

Another European war ‘not an impossibility’; Unity crucial in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Another European war ‘not an impossibility’; Unity crucial in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Amidst rising tensions, a months-long political stalemate and increasing speculation about yet another conflict in Europe, the international community must stand firm behind a peaceful, unified Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country’s UN envoy told the Security Council on Wednesday.

High Representative Christian Schmidt said that more than 26 years after the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace – known as the Dayton Accords – citizens are once again talking about the possibility of another conflict, posing the risk of inflammatory incidents. 

“The conflict in Ukraine, not so far away, is a sobering reminder that even in the 21st century, another war on European soil is not an impossibility,” he stressed.

Undermining national laws

Outlining the main challenges, Mr. Schmidt said that authorities in the ethnic Serb-dominated Republika Srpska – one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s two entities, alongside the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina – have increasingly embraced rhetoric and actions that could undermine the constitutional framework.

They include attempts to render national laws inapplicable, which would likely mean the Republika’s withdrawal from the country’s unified forces. 

Emphasizing that such constitutional changes cannot be made unilaterally, they would threaten the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he stressed the international community has a responsibility to defend the Dayton Accord and the rights of the country’s three constituent peoples. 

European integration

The High Representative praised international support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unity, including through targeted sanctions by many Governments.

“We will not sit still while other seek to dismantle 26 years of peace, stability and progress,” he said.

Turning to the country’s potential membership in the European Union (EU) – a path that would help resolve grievances and foster peace and stability – he urged the bloc to keep its doors open to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rest of the Western Balkan nations. 

Meanwhile, fulfilling Agenda 5+2 and the European Council’s recommendations before membership can be considered, would help resolve grievances and foster lasting peace and stability, thereby improving the lives of every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

It would also help stem the ever-increasing flow of young people out of the country and provide hope for a brighter future, he said.

‘Secessionist threats’

Šefik Džaferović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, joined the Council meeting on behalf of his country.

Describing the High Representative’s report on the situation as an objective account, he agreed that for over 10 months, his country has been in a deep political crisis caused by the secessionist threats, blockade of institutions and other actions by Republika Srpska.

Noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina lacks a fully developed mechanism to prevent such secessionist activities, he called for the international community’s full support.

Considering the current geopolitical situation – “we feel the strong consequences of the aggression on Ukraine” – he echoed calls on the EU to respond positively to the nation’s request for candidate status. 

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== Another European war ‘not an impossibility’; Unity crucial in Bosnia and Herzegovina
UN Photo/Loey Felipe – Security Council meets on Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Challenges to High Representative

At the meeting’s outset, several delegates expressed their reservations on hearing Mr. Schmidt brief in his capacity as High Representative.

Anna M. Evstigneeva, the Russian delegate, said Mr. Schmidt is a German citizen whose appointment was never authorized by the Council. 

Echoing similar misgivings, China’s representative, Dai Bing said that while the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina features a profound deadlock, all members of society – including Republika Srpska – have pledged to uphold the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Describing the High Representative system as a relic from another time, he declared: “Picking sides by external forces will not help resolve differences between ethnic groups.” 

He also warned against the imposition of unilateral sanctions, emphasizing the serious humanitarian impacts that the conflict in Ukraine is having on food security as well as lingering challenges caused by the COVID pandemic.

Click here to watch the debate in its entirety.

MEPs: achieving zero-emission road mobility by 2035

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MEPs back CO2 emission standards for cars and vans

Environment Committee MEPs are in favour of a pathway towards zero-emission road mobility in 2035 for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted on Wednesday, with 46 votes in favour, 40 against and two abstentions, its position on proposed rules to revise the CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans in line with the EU’s increased climate ambition.

In the report, MEPs expressed their support for the Commission proposal to reach zero-emission road mobility by 2035.

Proposed measures include:

– removing the incentive mechanism for zero- and low-emission vehicles (‘ZLEV’), as it no longer serves its original purpose;

– a report by the Commission on the progress towards zero-emission road mobility by the end of 2025 and on a yearly basis thereafter, covering the impact on consumers and employment, the level of renewable energy use as well as information on the market for second-hand vehicles;

– gradually reducing the cap for eco-innovation, in line with the proposed stricter targets (the existing 7g CO2/km limit should remain until 2024, followed by 5g from 2025, 4g from 2027 and 2g until the end of 2034);

– a report by the Commission, by the end of 2023, detailing the need for targeted funding to ensure a just transition in the automotive sector, to mitigate negative employment and other economic impacts;

– a common EU methodology by the Commission, by 2023, for assessing the full life cycle of CO2 emissions of cars and vans placed on the EU market, as well as for the fuels and energy consumed by these vehicles.

Quote

Rapporteur Jan Huitema (Renew, NL) said: “This regulation encourages the production of zero- and low-emission vehicles. With CO2 standards, we create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers. In addition, purchasing and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers. This is especially important now that the prices of diesel and petrol continue to rise. This regulation makes sustainable driving accessible to everyone!”

Next steps

The report is scheduled to be adopted during the June plenary sitting and will constitute Parliament’s negotiating position with EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.

Background

On 14 July 2021, as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, the Commission presented a legislative proposal for a revision of the CO2 emission performance standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The proposal aims to contribute to the EU 2030 and 2050 climate objectives, to deliver benefits to citizens by deploying zero-emission vehicles more broadly (better air quality, energy savings and lower cost for owning a vehicle), as well as to stimulate innovation in zero-emission technologies.

Preparing your business for worldwide operations

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business people in coachs
Photo by Trang Doan from Pexels

From a legal standpoint, it’s essential to think about how your business will operate in the global marketplace. Depending on where you plan to sell your goods and services, you should consider how and where you plan to operate legally. This article covers the basics of what you need to consider when looking at integration expansion and how to approach this from a legal standpoint to ensure full compliance regardless of where you operate.

What Real Estate Will You Need In Your New Location?

If you plan to operate your business overseas, you need to consider if you need a physical location and what finding the right place entails. Arranging business premises, be it retail, warehouses, or offices, can vary significantly if you are doing so from another country and cannot be there in person to oversee the process. 

You’ll also want to look into real estate laws in your new location carefully. Read the small print carefully to thoroughly understand all the differences compared to your home country. Many countries have their way of doing things and laws applicable to leasing or purchasing commercial properties.

Will You Require A Name Change or New Branding?

There are a few different ways to change your business’s name when operating overseas. The most common way of doing this is by filing a name change with the appropriate government authority. This may be the same authority that issues your business’s license or a separate office that regulates trademarks. This can help you avoid any cultural faux pas or even ensure that your branding is globally recognized to incorporate new values or a new direction.

Are You Aware Of All Employment Laws In The New Countries You Are Expanding In?

Ensuring you know all employment laws in the new countries you are expanding in is crucial. Depending on where you plan to grow your business, the employment laws may differ in the new country. If you don’t follow all the employment laws in the new countries, you risk running afoul of local laws and violating local employment rules. For example, if you operate a business in the US, you must provide health insurance for your employees. This is a law in every state and one that you must follow if you expand to other countries. You must also follow all the laws and regulations concerning taxes and other financial issues. For example, you must follow local financial rules and laws concerning paying taxes in the new countries you are expanding to. Additionally, you must follow all the rules regarding hiring employees. For example, you must follow all the rules if you hire someone as an independent contractor vs. an employee.

Do You Have The Correct Business Registration?

Depending on the country you’re planning to operate your business in, you must apply for business registration. This can include applying for a business name, filing taxes, and obtaining a business license or an LEI if applicable. Depending on the country you’re expanding to and the type of business you plan on operating, you may need a business registration. Some countries require a business registration to run a business, while others don’t. If you don’t have the correct business registration, you could face significant violations and penalties. This includes fines and having your business shut down by authorities. Ensure you register your business in the new country you are expanding to. Depending on your growing country, you may need a different registration. You can do this through your phone, business contact, or the internet. Make sure you register the correct information to avoid any issues.

ESMA appoints new member to its Management Board

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Edward Muller - ESMA
Edward Muller (2019)
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s securities markets regulator, has elected a new member to its Management Board to replace an outgoing member who has stepped down from her position.
The election took place at the Board of Supervisors meeting in Paris on 12 May and the successful candidate, who will serve the remainder of the outgoing member’s term until 30 September 2024, is:

  • Eduard Müller, Finanzmarktaufsicht (FMA), Austria

The outgoing member is Magdalena Łapsa-Parczewska, Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego (KNF), Poland.

The Management Board, chaired by Verena Ross, Chair of ESMA, is responsible for ensuring that the Authority carries out its mission and performs the tasks assigned to it under its founding Regulation. The Management Board now consists of:

  • Verena Ross, European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA);
  • Vojtech Belling, Česká národní banka (CNB), Czechia;
  • Thorsten Pötzsch, Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin), Germany;
  • Derville Rowland, Central Bank of Ireland;
  • Vasiliki Lazarakou, Ελληνική Επιτροπή Κεφαλαιαγοράς (HCMC), Greece;
  • Rodrigo Buenaventura, Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), Spain;
  • Eduard Müller, Finanzmarktaufsicht (FMA), Austria
  • Natasha Cazenave, European Securities and Markets Authority (non-voting); and
  • A European Commission representative (non-voting).
Further information:

David Cliffe
Team Leader – Communications
✆ Tel: +33 (0)1 58 36 43 24
✆ Mob: +33 (0)6 42 48 29 06
@ Email: [email protected]