News

Brand-new House of Europe to cost taxpayers 100 million euros

5 December 2017

The European Parliament and European Commission will be opening a brand-new House of Europe on ritzy Boulevard Haussmann in Paris next year. Cost: 20 million euros for the refurbishment and then another 6.55 million euros a year for the coming two decades. “Europe’s urge to waste money at the …

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Europe must embrace the talent of persons with a disability

30 November 2017

The European Parliament is requesting that the European Commission and the Member States invest fully in the talents of persons with a disability. The proposal by MEP Helga Stevens was supported by an overwhelming majority in the Parliament. “This is not a commitment-free appeal,” says Helga …

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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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