August 2020 is coming to an end… the perfect time to take a look together at what’s been new in recent weeks! We’ll pick up where we left off, with an update on some of the most important topics from now until the end of the year.
Articolo non aggiornato.
The European reaction to COVID-19
Significant progress was also made in this area during the month of August, including the funding of 23 new research projects totaling 128 million euros under Horizon 2020, and the reaching of an agreement for the supply of vaccines at the European Union level.
Very important (for the mitigation of the economic and social impacts of the pandemic) is the formulation of a Commission proposal for the SURE instrument, through which the European Union will help member states support employment. Financial support of more than 27 billion euros (out of the 100 available for SURE) is planned for Italy: here is the regulation and here is the specific proposal for Italy.
The Brexit
The definition of the EU’s relationship with the UK-as a “non-member” country, has advanced with a new round of negotiations. It may suffer some setbacks from the resignation of the European Trade Commissioner, Irishman Phil Hogan (see here: 1 | 2), a bearer of special sensitivity to the area at the center of the current debate.
The EU Budget
As you may recall, the word on the EU budget now rests with the European Parliament. It has multiple dimensions, all very important: the total resources allocated, the 2021-2027 financial framework, and the approval of “Next Generation EU.” In a recent letter, the leaders of the majority groups in the European Parliament reiterated their intention to “make no concessions” on a number of points considered fundamental to the defense of European values, as part of the co-decision process required to approve the MFF. That is: approval by the European Parliament is not a given and will be the subject of political battle.
These developments, which took shape during the month of August, are not yet decisive, but they already offer a glimpse into how the debate will evolve in the coming months and represent priority items on the agenda of the main EU institutions—issues of particular importance for those involved in EU projects and funding. Not to mention the international events (Belarus, Greek-Turkish relations, Lebanon, Mali) that have made headlines and provide further grounds for debate and the affirmation of European values.
We have a busy month of September ahead of us…happy recovery everyone!
