In the revamped VMP Live (Ville-Maria-Perttu podcast) we once again consider the timely combo of sports and politics. Can they be combined, or rather separated? Watch the episode on YouTube: youtu.be/jBPQ59hWxBs And listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5aua...

Translated from Finnish, view original

The US would not be stronger if they had 50 defence markets & industries on the level of each state. In Europe, fragmentation into 27 defence markets & industries also does not bring strength to us. We must be ambitious for our defence: on defragmentation, on scale, on speed.

Until now we had a very limited experience of success in developing joint pan-European projects in defence. Much less than in the development of pan-European space projects. That's why @ec.europa.eu proposed four flagships in our #DefenceReadiness Roadmap last October.

While developing our defence capabilities, with new funds & new procurement of new weapons, we need also overcome fragmentation. That’s why we must also concentrate our efforts on creating a more integrated European Market in defence with strengthened security of supply.

A European defence market is a big market, which means big demand, big investments and big production. That is why our debate on a more integrated European market in defence is not a theoretical debate, it’s a very practical challenge. #EUDefence

It’s always a pleasure to meet with Carsten Schneider and Jochen Flasbarth. Today in Berlin we discussed Europe’s challenges, its competitiveness, and the green agenda.

Today, as part of the 22nd Annual EU Remembrance Day for the Victims of Terrorism, I had the honour to listen to the victims and survivors. We will stand together, defend our values and show that hatred and violence will never be stronger than compassion and humanity.

Europe takes a historic step to set rules for #AI. The European Parliament has approved the report that I have led to support the @coe.int Convention on AI: the first international agreement to ensure that human rights and democracy are respected. 👉 josecepeda.eu?p=7506&previ...

Translated from Spanish, view original

Thank you Emmanuel Macron for organising a call with G7 partners to discuss a coordinated response to the concerning situation in Iran and the Middle East. We are focused on minimising the impact on security and the global energy market.

Good call with President Joseph Aoun. I expressed Europe’s solidarity with Lebanon and its people. We are providing EUR 100 million in humanitarian support. Yesterday, we delivered over 40 tonnes of supplies and we plan to organise more humanitarian flights.

Mini nuclear power plants are expensive, risky, and ineffective too late. Europe needs investments in renewable energy and a social energy transition now. www.martin-guenther.eu/liste-aktuel...

Translated from German, view original

👉 The EU has already learned, at a very high cost, that austerity increases inequalities and weakens the European project. As a speaker for social and employment policies of the European Semester, I am clear: The EU cannot be guided solely by competitiveness.

Translated from Spanish, view original

My amendment passed through Parliament, which de facto ends the dangerous Chat Control 1.0! Instead of blanket surveillance, it brings targeted scanning of suspicious persons based on court decisions. Special thanks go to those of you who joined me in the fight against surveillance. Let us keep fighting, the battle is not yet won.

Translated from Czech, view original

The EU continues to hold Iran accountable. Today, EU Member States ambassadors approved new sanctions targeting 19 regime officials and entities responsible for serious human rights violations. (1/2)

On the 22nd anniversary of the #11M we remember the 193 victims of terrorism and stand with their families in remembrance. Their memory compels us not to forget and to continue defending democratic values against violence. #EuropeanDayOfVictimsOfTerrorism

Translated from Spanish, view original