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Key Takeaways from the New Agriculture MEPs

The European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) has confirmed its new lineup for the 2024-2029 term, promising heightened political activity. The committee now comprises 49 members, an increase from 48 in the previous term. Leading the committee is Veronika Vrecionová, a Czech MEP from the hard-right European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group. Vrecionová, an experienced member with a strong background in agricultural issues, particularly gene-edited crops, is set to chair the committee.

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Agriculture

development

politics

crops

Nearly a Quarter of EU Children at Risk of Poverty

In 2023, Eurostat reported that nearly 20 million children in the European Union were at risk of poverty or social exclusion, highlighting a pressing social issue that demands immediate attention.

The data reveals significant disparities across the EU. Romania and Spain have the highest rates, with 39% and 34.5% of children at risk, respectively. In stark contrast, Slovenia (10.7%), Finland (13.8%), and the Netherlands (14.3%) have the lowest rates, demonstrating the uneven distribution of economic hardship.

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Five Organizations Honored with the 14th EESC Civil Society Prize

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) proudly announces the winners of the 14th Civil Society Prize, recognizing initiatives that support mental health and promote well-being at both individual and collective levels.

A panel of ten experts evaluated over one hundred projects from across Europe and beyond to select the five winners. The award ceremony took place on March 7, 2024, during the EESC Civil Society Week.

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UK Looks to Establish ‘Closer, More Mature’ Trade Relations with EU

New Business Secretary to Announce UK's Global Re-emergence at G7 Meeting

The United Kingdom is initiating steps to enhance its trade relations with the European Union during discussions between the newly appointed Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, and international peers in Italy.

On his inaugural overseas visit since Labour’s significant electoral victory, Reynolds will address a G7 meeting of trade ministers in Reggio Calabria, Italy, emphasizing the UK's intent to cultivate a “closer, more mature relationship with our friends in the EU.”

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EESC Raises Early Warning: Impact of EU Expansion on Agriculture

The impending enlargement of the European Union (EU) promises to be a significant milestone, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The EU faces numerous global issues, such as evolving geopolitical dynamics, climate change, and transitions in energy and environmental policies. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) emphasizes the need for thorough preparation and adherence to EU values as new member states join.

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Global Conference on Measuring New Forms of Employment Hosted by ILO and EUROSTAT

The International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasized the necessity for improved and authoritative data to monitor the evolving world of work during a conference co-hosted with the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat). The event focused on developing reliable statistics to measure and comprehend new employment forms, establishing a unified direction for the future.

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Canada Joins Horizon Europe Programme

Canada is now part of the expanding group of non-EU countries associated with Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme. This collaboration will enable joint efforts on large-scale projects addressing major global challenges.

Today, Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, and François-Philippe Champagne, Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, are signing the agreement that allows Canadian researchers and organizations to participate in the programme on equal footing with their EU counterparts.

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EU Secures US Market Access for Certain Plants

Producers from 21 EU Member States will soon gain access to the US market for certain plants, following successful negotiations by the European Commission to remove US import restrictions.

On June 12, 2024, after years of discussions, the US issued its final Notice recognizing 21 EU Member States as 'country free' from two plant pests: the Asian long-horned beetle (ALB) and the Citrus long-horned beetle (CLB). This achievement results from extensive engagement with the US, including efforts by Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis to lift these trade barriers.

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EESC Advocates for Fair Trainee Compensation: No More Unpaid Work

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is advocating for stronger measures in the Commission's proposal to make EU traineeships more equitable and inclusive. With nearly half of the EU's three million trainees unpaid and about a third lacking social protection, the EESC insists that all young people should have equal opportunities to benefit from traineeships, regardless of their financial situation.

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Britain to Lose Significant Number of Millionaires by 2028, Report Predicts

According to a report, Britain is anticipated to lose nearly one in six of its U.S. dollar millionaires by 2028. Meanwhile, other countries like the United States and Taiwan are expected to see a rise in their millionaire populations.

The UBS Global Wealth Report for 2024 forecasts a 17% decrease in the number of dollar millionaires in Britain, dropping from 3,061,553 last year to 2,542,464 by 2028. Similarly, the Netherlands is projected to see a 4% decline, reducing its millionaire count from 1,231,625 to 1,179,328.

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