Brussels 24/02/10

The GUE/NGL Group expresses its deep condolences for the loss of human life and its wholehearted sympathy to the families of the victims of this terrible catastrophe that has affected Funchal and other municipalities of the southern part of Madeira Island (Portugal). 

Torrential rains, high winds and high seas have caused the death and the disappearance of many people and destroyed strategic infrastructure and essential equipment, putting the operation of vital public services at stake.  

Gabriele Albertini MEP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee

The Foreign Affairs Committee voted today on its annual assessment of EU activities in the area of foreign and security policy. For the first time after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the AFET Committee outlined its future priorities, underlining that a new approach is needed if the EU is to act collectively and to meet global challenges in a coherent, consistent and efficient manner.

Brussels,  23  February  2010  –  Dieter  Zetsche,  President of ACEA and Chairman  of  the Board of Management of Daimler, has made the case for a new  spirit  of  cooperation  among politics, economy and society to make real progress towards a sustainable Europe.

Nicolas Galibert, chair of ICMP (International Confederation of Music Publishers) and President of Sony ATV Music Publishing France lays out his expectations of the new Commission
In elaborating the EU 2020 strategy for jobs and growth the new Commission should recognise the contribution that the creative sector makes to the European economy and move ahead with some key policy initiatives that will support Europe’s creative artists and enable them to innovate and grow.  

Brussels, 15 February 2010 –After an informal two days meeting of EU competitiveness ministers on 9 February, the Spanish EU presidency has announced its intention to boost the Electric Vehicles industry in Europe. The meeting concluded that EVs are the future of transport and the EU should draft a European strategy to address the obstacles facing their implementation.