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.
Like a horse, Belgium-China relations “are strong”
China’s ambassador to Belgium has conceded that his country’s economy has faced “challenges.” But Fei Shengchao also stressed…
EU ruling on abortion hailed as “ground breaking”
The S&D group says it welcomes the European Commission’s recognition of the right to abortion. This came in response to a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), which is…
EU leaders mark a “grim anniversary”
Ukraine has been told by the EU: "you can rely on the European Union – we will be…
World trade “in turmoil” after tariff ruling
The European Commission has demanded “full clarity” on the steps the United States intends to take following the recent Supreme…
Ukraine top of the agenda for EU parliament this week
MEPs will this week commemorate the start of the war in Ukraine with a special session in Brussels.…
Four years into war, EU “reaffirms” its support for Ukraine
NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, will participate in a ceremony at NATO HQ in Brussels this week to…
Urgent action demanded to tackle Europe’s housing “crisis
An estimated 1.28 million people in Europe live on the street, in shelters or in temporary accommodation. In Brussels…
Top Belgian choir set for sell-out tour
They are, culturally, one of the best things to come out of Belgium and, now, a UK audience…
Making waves, that’s London’s latest tourist attraction
London has a brand new tourist attraction: The Tower of London River Tour. Visitors to the UK capital…
Roma campaigners call for “grace period” over new road safety rules
The Roma Foundation for Europe has urged the North Macedonian government to implement a “grace period” for documentation,…
Euro deputies in Spain to probe “democratic standards”
MEPs are to conduct a fact-finding mission to Spain to assess first-hand the state of democratic standards in…
Campaigners step up efforts on animal welfare
Campaign group Compassion in World Farming (CWF) has welcomed the Court of Justice of the European Union’s reported…
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…