About: Frans Timmemans
Competition or cooperation? EU, US enter new era of climate diplomacy
As Joe Biden takes the reins of a tumultuous America, analysts have tempered expectations about the ability of the new US administration to closely align with Europe on climate change.
Green transition ‘has to happen locally’, EU Commission says
The green transition needs to happen at a local level, with citizens engaged in climate activism and policy, the European Commission said at the launch of the Climate Pact on Wednesday (16 December).
Timmermans tells UK it is ‘always welcome to come back’
European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans has written a "love letter" to Britain expressing his grief at its decision to leave the European Union and stressing it was always welcome back.
Commission ‘quietly shelves’ corruption report
The European Commission today refused to comment when faced with allegations that it had quietly shelved a regular anti-corruption report, despite massive anti-graft protests taking place in Romania.
EU plans online screening for visa-free visitors from outside EU
Millions of tourists and businesspersons who normally visit the EU’s borderless Schengen area will have to complete a €5 online security check before arrival if an EU plan to tighten controls on foreigners who do not need visas wins approval.
Timmermans to MEPs: Don’t let your democratic mandate be ridiculed
“Don’t let your democratic mandate be ridiculed or diminished, stand up for it. You are the representatives of more than 500 million people,” European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans told MEPs in a powerful speech in Strasbourg on Wednesday (6th July).
How can the Commission president be replaced?
Nicholas Whyte contends that in the event of a vacancy at the top of the European Commission, the EPP vice-presidents are well-placed to fill it.
Commission’s axing of Circular Economy Package ‘stalled’ green policies across EU
EXCLUSIVE / The European Commission was accused last night of stalling national waste and recycling policies across the EU, after it emerged that only two countries have dedicated circular economy strategies.
Brexit: Environment and development case needs to be heard
UK environmental NGOs should be leading the Remain camp in order to protect the interests they believe in, writes Tony Long. However, they are failing to do so.
As refugee exodus to Greece continues, some take Bulgarian route
More than 1,000 refugees arrived at Greece's biggest port of Piraeus near Athens yesterday (13 January) as the influx of refugees fleeing conflict zones for Europe continued unabated into the winter months.
EU executive voices concern over planned Polish media law
The European Commission sent a letter to two Polish ministers yesterday (30 December) expressing concern over a proposed law on control of the country's state-run media, a spokesman for the EU executive said, another sign of disquiet in Brussels over Poland's new political path.
Timmermans: EURACTIV’s been very active!
European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans today launched the new Circular Economy package of waste and recycling laws – and also revealed himself to be a keen reader of EURACTIV.
Timmermans issues wake-up call to Europe
Stuck in an existential crisis, the European Union must shake-off its fears, revisit its values and achievements, and claim back its self-confidence, Frans Timmermans said in Brussels on Thursday (22 October).
Global goals received with rapture in New York – now comes the hard part
To cheers, applause and probably a tinge of relief, the 17 global goals that will provide the blueprint for the world’s development over the next 15 years were ratified by UN member states in New York on Friday (25 September).
Merkel and Hollande to press EU to move faster on asylum policy
Germany and France will press the European Union to move faster and with more unity to deal with the worsening refugee crisis, amid complaints from Germany that it is shouldering too big a burden.
Europe needs a clean break for cleaner fuels
The technology-neutral policy for clean transport fuel is dead. Clean electricity must be put at the heart of EU transport policy, argues Jos Dings.
‘State of Nature’ report highlights farming impact on EU wildlife
About half of wild birds have a "secure status" as EU programmes to protect endangered species have boosted numbers. But some of their habitats are cause for major concern, largely because of intensive farming, an EU report found on Wednesday (20 May).
Commission denies power grab claims over ‘Better Regulation’
The European Commission has denied claims that its plans to introduce expert panels to scrutinise changes to its legislation by the EU Parliament and Council of Ministers are an attempted power grab.
NGOs demand Timmermans make good on mandatory lobbying register
One hundred and twelve organisations sent a letter to European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans today (11 May) asking for stronger rules on lobbying transparency.
NGOs demand Commission justify axing of Circular Economy package
Environmental campaigners have demanded the European Commission provide any analysis it has that justifies its decision to ditch the Circular Economy package of recycling, waste and landfill rules.
Muslim anti-Semitism puts pressure on West
One after the other, EU leaders took turns reassuring Europe’s Jewish community, following the kosher supermarket attack in Paris, in which four people were killed, writes Joel Schalit.
MEPs debate saved air rules before Circular Economy inquest
Members of the European Parliament yesterday (21 January) debated air pollution rules for the first time since the laws narrowly escaped being axed by the EU’s executive arm.
ISDS decision delayed to end of TTIP talks
The European Union won’t decide whether to include the investor- state-dispute-settlement (ISDS) clause in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) until the “final phase of the negotiations” with the US.