Support from an Unlikely Ally: Fico Signals Backing for Ukraine’s EU Bid
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his pro-Russian stance, has expressed support for Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union
The Greek Parliament adopted on Wednesday a “humanitarian crisis” bill to help its poorest people despite the opposition expressed by the European Union.
This development came before the participation of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at the summit of EU leaders on Thursday, at which he is to seek more financial help, EurActiv reports.
The package of social measures, which was proposed by the main ruling party SYRIZA, gathered broad political support as some MPs of the conservative New Democracy also voted in favour.
The bill arranged for free electricity and food stamps to be provided to the poorest households, which were one of the key electoral promises made by Tsipras.
The legislation also calls for providing up to 30 000 households with housing allowance and 300 000 people with food subsidies.
Help is also foreseen for people, who have lost their jobs in the recent months and no longer have social security coverage.
Greece, which is in a dire need of cash, is waiting on further financial assistance from its international creditors, but before that the EU has to approve the proposed reforms.
Tsipras is to meet later on Thursday with the leaders of Germany and France and top EU officials in an attempt of relaxing the terms of the Greek bailout.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has called on Europe to take advantage of a unique moment to elevate the euro’s status on the global stage
The European Commission has introduced a draft regulation aimed at ending the European Union’s reliance on Russian gas and oil by the close of 2027
A government investigation into the massive blackout that struck the Iberian Peninsula in April has determined that a voltage surge in the power grid triggered a chain reaction
The European Commission has imposed a fine of nearly €400 million on Greece over a major scandal involving the mismanagement of EU agricultural subsidies
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