News

European budget wasting millions on Turkish illusions

30 November 2017

In the European budget for 2018, it is striking that Turkey is receiving 105 million euros less accession aid. MEP Sander Loones considers it a step in the right direction, but one which does not yet go far enough: “Turkey will not accede to the European Union. So it’s best just to get rid of every …

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Europe plays at being Santa Claus with train tickets for 18-year-olds

30 November 2017

As from next year, Europe will be handing out free train tickets to 18-year-olds. MEP Anneleen Van Bossuyt opposes this crude freebie policy, which costs taxpayers a great deal of money. “It’s good that Europe wants to invest in our young people,” she says. “But the Erasmus programme, for example, …

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European agricultural support has to go to the hard-working farmer

30 November 2017

The European Commission has put plans on the table that will allow Member States more freedom in deciding their own agricultural policy. A good thing if we want farmers in all European regions to earn a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work, in the N-VA’s opinion. The N-VA also applauds the fact …

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Forty percent less energy use by 2030 is unachievable

28 November 2017

The European Parliament wants families and companies in the EU to use a substantial 40% less energy by 2030. MEP Anneleen Van Bossuyt considers this an absurd goal: “This will saddle the average European with sky-high costs and drive our companies out of the EU.” Realistic climate ambition …

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An incomplete Flanders, an incomplete Europe

24 November 2017
Bart De Wever

The events in Catalonia have brought the questions of self-determination, regional autonomy and nationalism to the forefront of the political debate. The story of the Flemish movement is told in Onvoltooid Vlaanderen (An incomplete Flanders), a book that was released in Dutch earlier this year. In …

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Keeping expenses under control and pressing on with reforms

22 November 2017

In a report, the European Commission regards certain elements of the Belgian budget as questionable. “The budget report by the European Commission is yet another confirmation that we must urgently get expenses under control and stay resolutely on track towards reforms,” says the N-VA. The …

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