Today, the European Commission presented the 2023 Strategic Foresight Report, which analyses how to put ‘sustainability and people's wellbeing at the heart of Europe's Open Strategic Autonomy' and suggests ten actions to achieve this aim.
Annual Strategic Foresight Reports are prepared to inform the Commission's priorities, the Commission Work Programme and its multi-annual programming. This year's report builds on figures from the Joint Research Center and earlier editions, which focused on resilience as a new compass for EU policymaking (2020), on the EU's Open Strategic Autonomy (2021) and on twinning between the green and digital transition (2022).
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SPANISH PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU
On 1 July 2023, Spain took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Spanish Presidency has established 4 priorities:
POLITICO issued some guidelines as to 'How to navigate Spain's EU presidency policy agenda like a pro', which identifies the following files weighing down Spain’s in-tray:
In the meantime, on July 23, Spain will also hold its national elections and POLITICO has tried to figure out how scorching temperatures, crowds and summer holidays will shape the selection of the next government.
On Wednesday (5 July), the EU General Court upheld the EP decision to waive the parliamentary immunity of three Catalan separatist MEPs — Carles Puigdemont, Antoni Comín and Clara Ponsatí.
The Luxembourg court's ruling confirms that suspension of their immunity, on the grounds that the facts for which they are being tried predate their parliamentary immunity. But it does not put an end to the process.
The current general court decision is expected to be appealed before the European Court of Justice within the next two months — confirmed by the former head of the regional Catalan government Puigdemont during a press conference held in parliament.
After those two months, the EU court of justice will have another six months to come to a decision, which the Catalan MEPs said they expect to be "favourable".
Amidst the backdrop of social unrests throughout the country, French President Emmanuel Macron is confronted with the daunting task of mending the deepening chasm between disadvantaged youth and French institutions. The ongoing protests and riots highlight the urgent need for Macron to develop sustainable strategies that address the root causes of discontent, promote dialogue, and implement inclusive policies that restore faith in the system.
The French Economy Minister is making concerted efforts to reassure tourists that despite the protests, France remains a safe and welcoming destination for their visit.
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POLITICO published a ranking of what it deems to be the 40 top influencers in Brussels who are most effectively setting the agenda in politics, public policy and advocacy in the city. While their names might not always be known to the public, they are often the ones making things happen behind the scenes — shaping laws, setting political agendas and sparking public conversations.
Among them are:
Anna Jarosz-Friis (Acting director, Ukraine Service, DG NEAR);
The potential for AI to spread across economic sectors and improve living standards is huge. Yet for AI to truly diffuse through the economy, it needs to make its mark beyond the most go-getting companies. And this will take time.
NOURISHING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: RETHINKING FOOD POLICIES FROM FARM TO FORK
Rethinking food policies is crucial in order to address pressing issues such as food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and public health concerns, ensuring a more equitable and resilient food system for present and future generations. By prioritizing sustainable agriculture, promoting local and organic food production, and implementing effective nutrition programs, reimagining food policies can have a profound impact on the well-being of individuals, communities, and the planet as a whole.
THE FUTURE OF WORK: 7 WORKPLACE TRENDS SHAPING THE WAY WE WORK IN 2023
A recent article by UrSpayce has identified 7 workplace trends that are redefining the way we work in 2023. These are related to the following topics:
1. Remote/ Hybrid work;
2. Use of technology in workplace design;
3. New methods of attracting talent post the Great Resignation;
4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives;
5. Automation and AI in the workplace;
6. Retention through upskilling;
7. Exponential rise of cyberattacks.
If you are embarking on a solo female trip, this list will be your best friend when planning out where to explore. Generally speaking, Europe is one of the safest continents to travel, whether you are going solo or not. Most European countries have an integrated transport system, meaning border crosses are a rare occurrence and English is spoken widely, regardless of it not always being the native tongue. However, this doesn’t mean it’s always a walk in the park, so, Australian travel blogger Sophie Spencer is breaking it all down for you in her blog article.
BREAKING THE SILENCE: TIME TO UNVEIL AND CONFRONT WITH YOUNG PEOPLE'S MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES
Compared to the general population, young people are disproportionately affected by mental health problems, a fact that is finally catching the eye of policy-makers.
PUZZLING POLITICS: THE INCREASINGLY ELUSIVE PATTERNS OF EUROPEAN POLITICS
For as long as the idea of a political spectrum has existed, there have been complaints that a single axis is inadequate to reflect the complexity of multifaceted civic matters. Still, the idea has proved enduring, because, for people not obsessed with politics, such a shorthand provided an adequate framework for understanding. But now the EU political landscape seems to be getting more complex and nuanced, with issues and ideologies being increasingly fluid and overlapping. The Economist has provided an insight about European politics getting more and more tortuous.
THREADS app- anywhere outside EU...
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