The Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, visited half of the EU Member States between January and June 2024, in a ‘Democracy Tour’ in preparation of the elections for the European Parliament held on 6 to 9 June 2024. She discussed key aspects of the Commission recommendation on inclusive and resilient elections with national authorities responsible for conduct and integrity of elections and with representatives of civil society.
The ‘Democracy Tour’ focused on the resilience of the informational space online, and four key areas of particular threat emerged from the discussions with stakeholders: disinformation, foreign interference, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, and cybersecurity risks.
The Memo annexed here gathers the incidents recorded during the electoral period in connection to the four threat areas, based on data available at the time of writing. It focuses exclusively on aspects related to the information space online and does not cover other aspects such as the organisation of elections or physical threats.
It is a working document prepared to support discussions in the framework of the European Cooperation Network on Elections on 11th October 2024 on the 2024 elections for the European Parliament and closing the ‘Democracy Tour’. Prepared under the authority of the Vice-President, it is offered as input to the ongoing preparatory work on the Commission’s broader post-election report, as announced in the Defence of Democracy Package issued by the Commission in December 2023.
Based on currently available information, no major information interference operation capable of disrupting the elections was recorded. At the same time, it is widely recognised that the threat levels for information integrity during elections were high, as confirmed by the activation by the European Council of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) arrangements for addressing foreign interference.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time for raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting women battling breast cancer. A group of determined women, known as Les Amazones, recently embarked on an inspiring journey in Iceland, walking “100km-au-delà” to show solidarity with those affected by this devastating disease.
Maria, the vice-president of a volunteer cancer support group based in Brussels, emphasizes the importance of regular screenings. Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 38, Maria recalls her experience: “I was on sickness leave for a year and required heavy surgery. I was the youngest person in the hospital where I was treated – the age at which you can develop cancer is dropping dramatically.” Her story serves as a reminder that early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
The European Union is committed to fighting breast cancer through its European Health Union strategy, implementing the Beating Cancer Plan to enhance prevention, treatment, and care. In 2022, new guidelines for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening were adopted, aiming to have 90% of the eligible population screened. Breast cancer alone accounts for nearly 30% of all diagnosed cancers in women across the EU, yet participation in screening varies greatly by country.
As part of a supportive community, Valentina shares her experiences with the cancer support group that became her second family. Celebrating the power of shared experiences, Valentina affirms, “Life is made easier when you share with other people. Just a nice word from a colleague can make all the difference.” The group, consisting of 200 members, provides vital support, from assisting with treatment navigation to organizing group activities like yoga and nature walks. “I was not really sporty before cancer,” Valentina admits, “but now I’m exercising every weekend.”
Valentina’s journey led her to join the Les Amazones initiative, a local program in Belgium encouraging women to engage in physical activity post-treatment. The “Amazones” walked over 100km across the stunning landscapes of Iceland, fostering community and resilience. Valentina explains the group’s name, referencing the ancient warrior women of Greek mythology who were said to have removed their right breasts to improve archery, symbolizing strength amidst adversity.
Alice, another member of the support group, recounts her own challenging path. While working in Niger during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after finishing breastfeeding her daughter. “I had just taken the last flight back to Europe for a biopsy, and unfortunately, it was positive. In Niger, women do not have the same opportunities.” She reflects on her journey with gratitude, stating, “I’m lucky I was born in Europe.”
As Pink October encourages action and awareness, the commitment from groups like Les Amazones exemplifies how community, support, and proactive measures can significantly impact the fight against breast cancer. For more information on cancer screening and support initiatives, the EU’s #GetScreenedEU campaign offers resources on cancer screening programs across member countries.
As thousands join together in solidarity, they remind us that with awareness and action, we can make a difference in the lives of many facing the challenges of breast cancer.
European Parliament from EU, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Support includes medical evacuations, mental health services, and integration into EU health programs
In a video message addressed to the Ukrainian Ministry of Health Conference, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, underscored the European Union’s steadfast commitment to support Ukraine “in all respects, and for as long as it takes.” Joined by Ukraine’s Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, Commissioner Kyriakides highlighted the extensive assistance the EU is providing to bolster Ukraine’s healthcare sector amid ongoing challenges.
Commissioner Kyriakides announced that, to date, more than 3,500 Ukrainian patients have been transferred to hospitals across the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on Ukraine‘s healthcare facilities and ensure that patients receive the necessary medical care. “Our support to Ukraine regarding the healthcare sector includes immediate needs like medical evacuation,” she stated.
Enhancing Mental Health and Psychosocial Services
Recognizing the profound psychological impact of the conflict, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of mental health support. The EU has provided financial assistance to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to aid individuals who have fled Ukraine or have been internally displaced. Efforts are also underway to strengthen access to mental health services for children, one of the most vulnerable groups affected by the crisis. “We are helping Ukraine to strengthen access to mental health services for children,” Kyriakides noted.
Rehabilitation Programs and EU Health Integration
The European Union is assisting Ukraine in improving rehabilitation services for wounded civilians and veterans. Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU4Health funding program has opened numerous opportunities for collaboration in the health sector. In June of the previous year, the EU concluded further arrangements for deeper cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. “Ukraine’s work with our European Reference Networks enabled additional financial support for the Ukrainian Hub for Rare Diseases at the Children’s Hospital in Kyiv,” the Commissioner highlighted.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Response
Commissioner Kyriakides praised Ukraine’s participation in the board of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in health emergency preparedness. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, a project has been launched to enhance Ukraine’s capacity to address chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. “Together with WHO Europe, we have launched a project to build capacity in Ukraine to address CBRN threats—an area where we must continue to work and prepare together,” she asserted.
Pathway Towards EU Integration
Affirming the European Union’s support for Ukraine’s future within the EU, Commissioner Kyriakides stressed the ongoing efforts to assist Ukrainian authorities in meeting accession requirements. “Ukraine’s alignment with EU standards will improve economic resilience, create new supply chains, and strengthen sectors such as pharmaceuticals,” she stated. The Commissioner underscored that the negotiations will require leadership, determination, and focus, with successful reforms being key to progress. “Getting reforms right will be key. Our support for Ukraine in this process is a given,” she added.
Solidarity and Shared Future
Concluding her message, Commissioner Kyriakides reaffirmed the EU’s profound commitment to supporting Ukraine. “We stand together in your fight for freedom and democracy, and we will work together towards a future of stability, resilience, and partnership,” she declared. She extended her wishes for a fruitful conference discussing the integration of Ukrainian and EU healthcare systems. “I wish you a fruitful day discussing the integration of Ukrainian and EU healthcare,” she said.
“Don’t miss a single screening – not even by a month,” says Maria, vice-president of a volunteer cancer support group in her workplace in Brussels. Maria was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 at the age of 38 through a routine check. “I was on sickness leave for a year and required heavy surgery. I was the youngest person in the hospital where I was treated – the age at which you can develop cancer is dropping dramatically.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease, provide support to women with breast cancer and to highlight how early screening can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.
The EU plays an active part in this battle to beat breast cancer. As part of its European Health Union strategy, it has put in place a Beating Cancer Plan. Through it, itis working on meaningful change in EU countries to achieve better cancer prevention, treatment, care and quality of life for all EU citizens. In 2022, new updated screening guidelines were adopted based on the latest scientific evidence for breast, colorectal and cervical cancer. The EU’s goal is to offer screening to 90% of the eligible target population across the EU.
Currently, breast cancer accounts for almost 30% of all diagnosed cancers in women in the EU. There are, however, marked differences in screening participation among countries and population groups. In 2022, the EU set up the first-ever European Cancer Inequalities Registry, to identify trends, disparities, and inequalities between and within EU countries and regions. The results feed into the EU’s future policies and investment in breast cancer treatment.
“I was on my own when I was diagnosed,” says Valentina, who is a member of Maria’s cancer support group. “The support group became like a second family to me. Life is made easier when you share with other people. Just a nice word from a colleague can make all the difference.” The group has 200 members, who have either had or have cancer or caregivers to people with cancer.
“Everyone should try to organise such a group,” says Valentina. The group provides support from advice on how to navigate “the sea of procedures” surrounding getting cancer treatment to laying on yoga classes and walks in the woods. Valentina stresses the importance of physical activity in improving energy levels following cancer treatment. “I was not really sporty before cancer,” she says with a laugh, “but now I’m exercising every weekend.”
As part of her recovery, Valentina signed up to a local scheme in Belgium which encourages women with breast cancer to engage in group physical activity to help them heal and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Valentina walked just over 100km in Iceland with a group of 10 women. “Even with a very heavy workload, I felt so energised when I found out I could take part.” The group called themselves Les Amazones. “We discovered only afterwards that the Greeks had made up an etymology, claiming it derived from a-mazos – without a breast. These fearsome women cut off their right breasts to remove an obstruction to the bowstring,” explains Valentina.
A fellow cancer support group member, Alice, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer while working in Niger. “I had just finished breast feeding my 15-month-old daughter and it was the beginning of COVID. The doctor told me to go back to Europe to get a biopsy and I took the last flight before the airport was closed for several weeks. Unfortunately, the biopsy was positive and my treatment began. In Niger, women do not have the same opportunities.” How does she feel about the experience now? “I’m lucky I was born in Europe,” she says.
The “Global South” challenges the “Global North”, Thucydides’ Trap, BRICS vs. NATO – all these phrases refer, in fact, to China’s geopolitical moves as it enters the race with the United States for hegemon position. The race is not a sprint but an endurance marathon, with many obstacles and an unspecified time limit.
We are witnessing an attempt to reshape the global order. Whereas during the Cold War, the global balance was dictated by the rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States, which controlled opposing blocs, we are now moving towards the re-emergence of a bipolar world, where the United States and China could share the leadership in a so-called “G-2”.
After the collapse of the USSR, the United States had no rivals and took on the role of undisputed global leader. By investing heavily in its military, it has secured military superiority and has managed to spread its strength to every corner of the globe. Now China is beginning to challenge American global dominance.
The Chinese Defense “White Paper” states that “China will never seek hegemony and will never pursue military expansion, now or in the future, regardless of its level of development.” However, with this denial, China has merely announced its aspirations. Being the only nation that has felt like stating that it does not aspire to global hegemony.
The US, on the other hand, has become comfortable in the position of hegemon and is no longer accustomed to dealing with independent power centers. US politicians are not used to formulating policy through multilateral consultations with other nations and this is already bothering the BRICS bloc.
Through its recent foreign policy, the US has lost some of its global influence but has managed to retain key points of control – Taiwan, Israel, Eastern Europe, Australia. Yet it has lost Africa and substantial parts of the Middle East.
China instead is on the offensive, the Belt and Road Initiative, the BRICS alliance, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the growing strategic cooperation with Russia, the internationalization of the yuan, the expansion of military power and the vigorous pursuit of scientific and technological autonomy are important steps taken by Beijing. This is seen across al fields, including quantum computing where the two powers aim to get ahead of each other.
If we stick strictly to force (military and economic), the United States leads the field. There is no other state that can project force in any area of the world and economically control more markets. The United States also leads the most powerful military alliances – NATO and AUKUS.
The Sino-US competition can be seen in many points around the globe and beyond the economic deferend can be seen diplomatic-military moves made through proxies. The best known inflection point is Taiwan, but not the hottest. At the moment, China is focusing on the Middle East, specifically the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
China is increasing its influence in the Middle East
Since becoming a net oil importer in 1993, China has procured almost half of its oil from the Middle East. By 2023, Saudi Arabia was China’s second largest oil supplier after Russia, accounting for 15% of imports. These energy ties paved the way for strong and diverse trade relations. In 2022 alone, trade between China and the Middle East topped $507 billion, doubling the 2017 figure and outpacing the growth rates of Chinese trade with other world regions.
As American influence in the Middle East has begun to wane, particularly following its withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 and, more recently, amid regional frustrations over its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, China has stepped up its diplomatic and security approaches to the region. While proceeding with caution, Beijing is steadily positioning itself to assume the US role in the Middle East.
China’s economic and political engagement in the Middle East has increased over the past decade, particularly in the wake of the Arab Spring and amid growing perceptions of US withdrawal from the region.
The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, has significantly increased China’s engagement in the region and propelled Beijing to become the leading foreign investor in the region since 2016. Initially focused on trade and energy sector investments, Beijing has broadened the scope of its regional engagement to encompass infrastructure, technologically advanced smart city projects, innovation hubs and 5G mobile networks.
As Beijing’s economic influence in the Middle East has grown, so has the recognition by regional powers of China’s strategic value. Middle Eastern leaders increasingly disillusioned with US policies – including the 2003 invasion of Iraq, support for the Arab Spring in 2011, the hasty exit from Afghanistan and withdrawal from nuclear negotiations with Iran – have turned to China.
For Gulf Cooperation Council countries[1] in particular, the relationship with China has become strategic rather than opportunistic. China’s ability and willingness to cooperate with regional actors without imposing political or human rights ideals aligns with the visions of Middle Eastern leaders. This strategic approach suggests a reorientation of regional relations and positions, with China gaining prominence as an economic partner.
China and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
China has become even more active in the Middle East since the Biden administration began increasing pressure on China in the Asia-Pacific region. This dynamic was highlighted by the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023.
Despite China’s efforts to position itself as a regional mediator, its initial response to the Hamas attack on Israel was muted. Beijing notably refrained from directly condemning Hamas for the atrocities committed on October 7, avoiding any specific mention of the organization.
Disappointment and anger arose in Israel because of China’s lack of empathy, one-sided criticism of Tel Aviv and the fact that the United States was seen as a supporter of Israeli military actions in Gaza. A significant step in the evolution of Beijing’s position took place in February 2024, when China’s representative to the International Court of Justice affirmed the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, including the use of armed struggle, signaling more explicit support for Hamas.
For Beijing, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is less about the Palestinians or the Israelis and more about its position in the region, its interests in relation to Arab countries and Iran and the Global South, and its strategic position vis-à-vis the United States.
China has no shared history with Europe, no ancient wounds, no widespread concept of anti-Semitism or Holocaust memory.
Recently, and particularly during the Gaza war, China has used the conflict as a tool in its competition with the US. China has used the conflict to discredit the United States while strengthening its position.
An important objective of China has also been to secure Arab and Muslim support for its policies in Xinjiang[2], while dismissing Western and especially US criticism of Beijing’s human rights policies as hypocritical. As such, China’s strategy throughout the Gaza war has been one of alignment with the interests of the Arab world while differentiating its position from that of the US.
Moreover, China’s clear and calculated shift towards a more assertive and pro-Palestinian stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict also reflects the evolution of its strategic priorities and interests in the Middle East. This has shown that Israel does not occupy an important place in Beijing’s strategic calculus, and any deterioration in its relationship with Israel is seen as manageable within the broader regional and geopolitical game.
By organizing talks with Palestinian factions[3] China is trying to align itself with Arab nations that see Palestinian unity as essential to the rapprochement towards a Palestinian state and as a key to a stable Middle East.
America’s flashpoint is Tel Aviv
During an OEP visit to China in 1965, Mao Zedong said, “Imperialism fears China and the Arabs.Israel and Taiwan are the bases of imperialism in Asia.You are the front door of this great continent; we are the back door.They created Israel for you and Taiwan for us.The West does not really like us and we must understand that.The Arab war against the West is a war against Israel.”[4]
Now China believes it is powerful enough to spread force to various global points. Thus, the Beijing is using the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to keep the US in check. Beyond media support and positioning within the UN, China uses its allies to limit Israel’s moves as much as possible.
Pakistan, which tends to become a Chinese region, has already taken an important step against Tel Aviv. The Pakistani government has announced the formation of a committee to identify companies that financially support Israel’s war in Gaza and recommend a ban on their products, according to an aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif[5].
Islamabad has formally decided to recognize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “terrorist,” declaring Tel Aviv a “war crimes entity.”[6]
South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 40,000,[7] according to health officials in the territory besieged and bombed by Israel.
South Africa’s case before the United Nations court in The Hague alleges that Israel has violated the 1948 Genocide Convention, which was established in the aftermath of the Holocaust, and calls on all countries to prevent the recurrence of such crimes.
Another country, an EU and NATO member, feverishly supporting Palestinian rights and accusing Israel of genocide is Spain, which has joined South Africa. Spain has also recently recognized the Palestinian state and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has just returned from a historic visit to China.
Among the countries susceptible to Chinese lobbying are Turkey (which has formally applied to join BRICS) and Norway[8] (which recently recognized Palestine).
China has managed in a relatively short time to put a lot of pressure on Israel and consequently on Washington. According to Axios[9], Tel Aviv is lobbying members of the US Congress to pressure South Africa to drop its legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice over the Gaza war, according to a telegram from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
International pressure against Israel will increase in the coming period as China has a vested interest in keeping Washington occupied with the situation in the Middle East, a chapter the Americans had hoped to close in order to diminish US attention in the Asia-Pacific region.
If we look at the past, China has had significant success in applying a similar strategy when it was on the march to win African hearts and minds during the Mao period. A mix of local investment and aid, coupled with a strong disinterest in pushing local African leaders to pursue human rights reforms otherwise requested by American aid platforms, has allowed China to secure strategic UN positions via African counterparts in its efforts to keep Taiwan under control.
China has managed to find the US’s vulnerability and is exploiting it both directly and through proxies.
After five centuries of speculation and theories, the true identity of Christopher Columbus has begun to emerge thanks to the documentary “Columbus DNA: his true origin ’, produced by RTVE. This feature-length film, which details 22 years of research led by forensic scientist and professor at the University of Granada, José Antonio Lorente, has revealed that the man who discovered America was, in fact, Jewish.
The investigation began with the search for Columbus’ mortal remains, which were believed to be in Seville or the Dominican Republic. Science has confirmed that the remains in the Cathedral of Seville belong to the admiral. An analysis of the bones of his son, Hernando Colón, was crucial in establishing the parentage and resolving a 150-year dispute between Spain and the Caribbean nation. Hernando’s DNA results showed traits compatible with a Jewish origin, both in the ‘Y’ chromosome and in mitochondrial DNA.
The documentary, presented in a true crime format, chronicles the genetic research process, where 25 possible origins of Columbus were examined and narrowed down to eight plausible hypotheses. As the theories were presented, DNA dismantled many of them, leading to the conclusion that Columbus was not Genoese, as had been believed for centuries.
Researcher Francesc Albardaner, who led one of the lines of research, argues that Columbus was Jewish and places him in the western Mediterranean, specifically on the Iberian peninsula, where at the time of Columbus there were around 200,000 Jews. In contrast, in Italy, the Jewish population was significantly smaller. Albardaner argues that Columbus’ history as a Genoese enters into crisis if his Jewish origin is accepted, as Genoa had expelled the Jews in the 12th century.
Research also revealed that the surname Colombo, common in Italy, was used for abandoned children, further complicating the narrative of an Italian Columbus. In addition, the Columbus letters, which are preserved in large numbers, are written in Spanish, with no Italian influence.
The documentary also addresses other enigmas about Columbus’ life, including the revelation that his brother Diego was not really his brother, but a distant relative. Throughout his life, Columbus concealed his origin, possibly due to the persecution faced by Jews in the Iberian Peninsula. In 1492, an ultimatum was issued forcing Jews to convert to Christianity or leave the kingdoms of the Catholic Kings.
Albardaner suggests that Columbus, throughout his life, had to appear to be a devout Christian to avoid persecution. The research also highlights the support Columbus received from Jews and converts, such as the Duke of Medinaceli and Luis de Santángel, who played a crucial role in financing his expedition to America.
Finally, Lorente concludes that the DNA indicates a Mediterranean origin for Columbus, suggesting that his most likely provenance is in the Spanish Mediterranean arc or in the Balearic Islands, which at that time belonged to the Corona de Aragón. With this new evidence, the documentary not only rewrites the story of Columbus, but also invites a deeper reflection on the identity and legacy of the man who changed the course of history.
The call Circulation of European Literary Works supports the transnational circulation and the diversity of European literary works through the translation, publication, distribution, and promotion of European literary works of fiction .
With a budget of €5 million, about 40 projects will be selected for funding.
The deadline for applications is 11 February 2025.
Eligibility
Interested organisations can apply individually or as a consortium of at least 2 eligible organisations. Each project must have a sound editorial, distribution and promotion strategy and propose a minimum of 5 eligible works of fiction written by authors who are nationals of, or residents in, or recognised as part of the literary heritage of an eligible country.
Applicants can apply with projects of different sizes:
Small scale:projects proposing at least 5 translations of eligible works
Medium scale: projects proposing at least 11 translations of eligible works
Large scale: projects proposing at least 21 translations of eligible work
The European Union and the Agreements with Morocco: An In-Depth Analysis of Recent Developments
The European Union (EU) has recently taken crucial decisions regarding its fisheries and agriculture agreements with Morocco, a matter that raises complex economic, political and legal issues. These agreements, which allow European vessels access to Moroccan waters and facilitate the import of Moroccan agricultural products into the European market, are essential for both parties. However, they are also marked by tensions linked to the Western Sahara issue.
Legal background to the agreements
The fisheries and agriculture agreements between the EU and Morocco have been renewed several times since they were first signed. However, their legitimacy has been called into question, notably following rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). In 2016, the CJEU annulled a fisheries agreement, arguing that it failed to comply with international law, particularly with regard to the rights of the Saharan people. The Court stressed that the resources of Western Sahara cannot be exploited without the consent of its people, leading to a re-evaluation of existing agreements.
Morocco’s position and international support
Morocco has championed an autonomy initiative for Western Sahara, proposing a solution that would allow the territory to enjoy a degree of autonomy while remaining under Moroccan sovereignty. This initiative has received the support of over 100 nations, including major geopolitical players such as the United States, France, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Germany and Spain. This international support is crucial for Morocco, as it strengthens its position on the international stage and enables it to legitimize its actions regarding the Western Sahara.
Morocco maintains that the proposed autonomy is the best solution for ensuring stability and development in the region. The Moroccan authorities maintain that this initiative could encourage dialogue and cooperation between the various stakeholders, while guaranteeing respect for the rights of local populations.
Reactions from the Polisario Front
In contrast, the Polisario Front, which claims independence for Western Sahara and is supported by Algeria, advocates a referendum on self-determination for the Saharan people. This position has historically enjoyed some international support, but is currently less popular in the current geopolitical context.
The difficulties of implementing a referendum are manifold. Analysts point out that issues such as voter registration, factional tensions and security concerns make it a complex option. Moreover, international support for the Polisario Front has waned in recent years, further complicating its position.
Economic consequences of the agreements
The fisheries and agriculture agreements are of vital importance to the Moroccan economy. The fishing industry, in particular, is an essential source of income and employment, especially in coastal regions. Access to the European market enables Moroccan fishermen to sell their products at a competitive price, while meeting the growing demand for seafood products in Europe.
At the same time, the agricultural agreement also opens up opportunities for Morocco to export agricultural products, promoting the development of Moroccan agriculture. For the EU, these agreements guarantee a stable supply of food products while supporting sustainable fishing, which is crucial in the context of growing concerns about food security in Europe.
Future challenges
The challenges facing the EU and Morocco are many. The need to reconcile economic interests with the requirements of international law and humanitarian concerns is paramount. The situation in Western Sahara continues to be a sticking point influencing EU negotiations and decisions.
The EU seeks to maintain advantageous trade relations with Morocco while respecting the principles of international law. The complexity of this situation calls for continuous and constructive dialogue between the various parties, in order to find lasting solutions that are acceptable to all.
Future prospects
In the future, the EU may consider modifications to its agreements to ensure their compliance with international legal standards while safeguarding its economic interests. Enhanced dialogue between the EU and Morocco will be essential to navigate these complexities. Morocco’s international support could also play a key role in future discussions, influencing EU decisions.
In summary, the EU’s decision on fisheries and agriculture agreements with Morocco represents a delicate balance between economic interests, legal considerations and humanitarian issues. Future discussions will need to take these various aspects into account to achieve sustainable solutions, while recognizing the international context that shapes this dynamic. The future of EU-Morocco relations will depend on the ability of both parties to overcome current challenges and cooperate constructively for the development of the region.
European disability card and European parking card for persons with disabilities: Council adopts new directives
The Council has adopted two new directives that will make it easier for persons with disabilities to travel within the EU.
The directive establishing the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities will ensure equal access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities during short stays throughout the EU. Examples include reduced or zero entry fees, priority access, assistance, and reserved parking spaces.
Furthermore, ministers have adopted a directive extending these provisions to non-EU citizens who legally reside in EU countries, meaning they will also be able to use these cards during short-term stays in other member states.
National authorities will be responsible for issuing physical and digital European disability cards in an accessible format. The cards will be recognised throughout the EU as proof of disability or entitlement to specific services based on a disability. The European parking cards for persons with disabilities will be produced in physical format, with member states having the option to also issue them in digital format.
The directives will now be signed by both the Council and the European Parliament and will enter into force following publication in the EU’s Official Journal. For both directives, member states will have two and a half years to adapt their national legislation and three and a half years to apply the measures.
Background
The Commission published a proposal for a directive establishing a European disability card and a European parking card for persons with disabilities in September 2023. The Council reached an agreement with the European Parliament on 8 February 2024.
The Commission’s proposal for a directive extending the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities to non-EU citizens legally residing in EU member states was published in October 2023. The Council and the Parliament reached an agreement on 4 March 2024.
Platform workers: Council adopts new rules to improve their working conditions
The Council has adopted new rules that aim to improve working conditions for the more than 28 million people working in digital labour platforms across the EU.
The platform work directive will make the use of algorithms in human resources management more transparent, ensuring that automated systems are monitored by qualified staff and that workers have the right to contest automated decisions.
It will also help correctly determine the employment status of persons working for platforms, enabling them to benefit from any labour rights they are entitled to. Member states will establish a legal presumption of employment in their legal systems that will be triggered when certain facts indicating control and direction are found.
