August 2020 is coming to an end-an optimal time to analyze together the news of these past weeks! We pick them up by continuing where we left off, which is with an update on some of the major issues between now and the end of the year.
The European reaction to COVID-19
This front marks some important progress during August as well, including the funding of as many as 23 new research projects amounting to 128 million euros, under Horizon 2020, and reaching an agreement for the supply of vaccines 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 new developments accrued during the month of August are not yet decisive, but they already hint at the evolution of the debate in the coming months and represent the priority items on the agenda of the main EU institutions, which are also of particular relevance for those involved in europlanning. Not to mention the international events (Belarus, Greek-Turkish relations, Lebanon, Mali) that have hit the headlines and provide further ground for debate and affirmation of European values.
We have a busy month of September ahead of us…happy recovery everyone!
