European & International News

International news globe All the latest news from the European Union, its member states, and beyond.

European & International News
Implementing Commission Recommendation on investing in children

Posted on 9 May 2014 |

[Brussels, 9 May 2014] Child poverty and social exclusion is one of the major challenges facing the European Union, in the same vein, the financial crisis is increasingly threatening children and their rights. Therefore, in February 2013, as a key part of its Social Investment Package (SIP), the European Union and the European Commission issued a major Recommendation on Investing in children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage.
This puts forward a common European Framework that is expected (...) Read more
European & International News
Women’s and human rights organisations welcome new Irish Minister for Justice and Equality

Posted on 9 May 2014 |

[Brussels, 9 May 2014] Yesterday, Ms Frances Fitzgerald was appointed new Minister for Justice and Equality in Ireland, leaving her position of Minister for Children. According to the Irish Times, Her main achievements during her term include passing the children’s referendum and introducing the children’s first legislation. Originally from Limerick, Ms Fitzgerald was formerly chairperson of the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) and vice-president of European Women’s Lobby (EWL). (...) Read more
European & International News
UNFPA Statement for the International Day of the Midwife

Posted on 9 May 2014 |

[Brussels, 5 May 2014] The International Day of the Midwife is celebrated on 5 May. Joint statement by Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director, UNFPA, The United Nations Population Fund and Frances Day-Stirk, President, International Confederation of Midwives.
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
Find the statement (...) Read more
European & International News
#NoHateEP2014 for a genuinely respectful campaign

Posted on 9 May 2014 |

The European Network Against Racism and International Lesbian and Gay Association-Europe have joined forces in campaign initiatives between LGBTI and anti-racist organisations ahead of the European election 2014.
A video (with subtitles in 12 languages) explains the choice given to Emma, an EU voter, in the May elections. The video has already been viewed more than 50,000 times! The video comes with an engaging infographic in 12 languages encouraging voters to pick candidates who support (...) Read more
European & International News
VoteWatch - MEPs from ’old’ Member States are the most active; German MEPs secure key co-decision files

Posted on 9 May 2014 |

[Press release from VoteWatch, Brussels, 6 May 2014] Members of the European Parliament from the 15 ’old’ EU Member States have been more active, on average, than their colleagues from the 13 ’new’ countries, according to a VoteWatch Europe analysis of the 2009-2014 European Parliament term which was published today. In particular they have been more successful in obtaining rapporteurships, enhancing their ability to influence EU legislation.
The research also shows that MEPs from small (...) Read more
European & International News
When we stand together we become one Voice - ILGA Europe Campaign

Posted on 9 May 2014 |

[ILGA-Europe News, Brussels, 9 May 2014] In two weeks’ time, all of us in the European Union are asked to vote for the next European Parliament. Check out our Come Out and Vote video with help from prominent celebrities, politicians and LGBTI activists...watch who it is here!
These elections are hugely important. These elections will determine our capacity to achieve further progress on LGBTI rights over the next five years in the EU. There is so much more to do to get legal protection (...) Read more
European & International News
Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict - London 10-13 June 2014

Posted on 8 May 2014 |

[Brussels, 6 May 2014] Sexual violence in conflict destroys lives and traps survivors in poverty and insecurity. The Foreign Secretary and Angelina Jolie, Special Envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, will co-chair the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict on 10-13 June 2014 at ExCel London. It will be the largest gathering ever brought together on this subject, with a view to creating irreversible momentum against sexual violence in conflict and practical action that (...) Read more
European & International News
Belgique : nouvelle campagne pour informer sur le droit à l’avortement

Posted on 7 May 2014 |

[Bruxelles, 6 Mai 2014] La Fédération des Centres de Planning familial des Femmes Prévoyantes Socialistes (fps) vient de lancer le site internet www.jeveuxavorter.be , pour rendre visible les informations sur l’avortement pour le public et pour les professionnel-le-s.
En Belgique, l’avortement est partiellement dépénalisé grâce à la loi du 3 avril 1990. Cela a permis aux femmes qui souhaitent interrompre leur grossesse de faire ce choix dans de bonnes conditions, sans devenir hors-la-loi, ni mettre (...) Read more
European & International News
Social Platform: "Adequate minimum income benefits social as well as economic goals"

Posted on 2 May 2014 |

[Press release from the Social Platform, Athens, 30 April 2014] Since 2009, the number of people living in poverty and social exclusion has increased by 10 million in the EU, amounting now to over 124 million, or one in four people.
Against this background, the Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs are meeting today at the informal EPSCO in Athens, to discuss among others "Economic recovery and social policies: the role of minimum income schemes". Addressing the ministers at this (...) Read more
European & International News
EU Fundamental Rights Agency: "Combating hate crime: Encouraging reporting and improving recording"

Posted on 2 May 2014 |

[FRA Press Release, Thessaloniki/Vienna, 28 April 2014] Hate crime does not just harm individual victims, but entire communities, affecting our societies in all their diversity. Research by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has consistently found that members of ethnic and religious groups, national minorities, migrants, LGBT people or those with disabilities are faced with prejudice on an everyday basis. The overwhelming majority of victims are, however, reluctant to (...) Read more