Martin Banks
Previously, he had worked for many years in regional journalism in the UK and freelanced for national titles.
He has a keen interest in foreign affairs and has closely followed the workings of the European Parliament and MEPs in particular for some years.
Cyprus takes over EU presidency
Cyprus brings a “unique perspective” to its new EU presidency, says EU council chief Antonio Costa. He said…
EU political leaders throw weight behind Greenland
EU parliament political group leaders have stepped into the row over the future of Greenland. Its Conference of…
Take off to “happiest country in the world”
Emirates has announced it will launch a daily flight between Helsinki and Dubai from 1 October 2026, expanding…
Warning over “racist” language in election campaigns
The President of the Roma Foundation for Europe has urged political leaders to denounce “racist language” in election…
Spectacular stage show is a stomping success and it’s heading to Belgium
You would not, at first, think that making a lot of noise by banging rubbish bins could be…
Special year ahead for famous Brussels festival
In 2026, Belgium's famous Queen Elisabeth Competition will celebrate a truly special edition. It will be dedicated to…
Renew Europe Condemns Maduro, Questions US Military Incursion Into Venezuela
Reaction came from Renew Europe, another mainstream political group in the EU Parliament. A statement from the group…
EU “in full solidarity” with victims of Swiss fire tragedy
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, says the EU “stands in full solidarity with Switzerland”…
Ixelles Approves New Parking Measures to Support Local Commerce
New parking measures in Ixelles The Brussels commune of Ixelles has approved a series of major parking-related measures.…
Bulgaria set to join eurozone
Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its currency on New Year’s Day, marking an important milestone for the…
Metsola: “We cannot afford to show any signs of fragility or division”
EU council leader Antonio Costa has told Russia: “You have not achieved your objectives in Ukraine.” The Portuguese-born…
EU is upgrading its partnership with Kazakhstan
When António Costa travelled to Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, on 4 December for his first official visit as President…
Campaigners “welcome” outcome of ECJ case
Open Society Foundations has welcomed what it hails as a “landmark judgment" from the Grand Chamber of the…
UK set to rejoin Erasmus scheme
The EPP Group in the EU Parliament is among those who have warmly welcomed the agreement between the…
New business park opens in Brussels
A new city park has opened in Brussels, close to the Brussels-Charleroi Canal. citydev.brussels inaugurated the new SME…