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.
CoR President Cordeiro meets with President Zelensky in Kyiv
Belgium (Brussels, Morning Newspaper) The leader of an EU body has pledged its "full support and solidarity” to Ukraine.…
Leaked EU animal welfare plans: hope with a grain of salt
Belgium (Brussels, Morning Newspaper) An ambitious overhaul of EU animal welfare laws is possible, reveals the Brussels-based publication…
A new Brussels to Berlin night train is due to start next month
The service, which runs via Amsterdam, leaves Brussels three evenings a week and arrives 12 hours later in…
Campaign for overseas constituencies gets underway
Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper) A formal campaign has been launched for overseas UK parliamentary constituencies that will represent…
MEPs Call for Coherent Strategy Towards China Amid Rising Global Influence
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stressed the importance of a united approach, stating that although there are…
Former UK minister hits out at ‘small-minded nation first politicians’
He says, “So nations led by small-minded nation-first politicians refuse to allow the EU to shape a common…
Ukraine: Private donations of generators channelled via rescEU energy hub
Belgium (Brussels, Morning Newspaper) The EU says delivery of emergency energy support coordinated via the EU’s private donation scheme…
Leading MEPs reaffirm their strong support for Ukraine’s path to the EU
Belgium (Brussels, Morning Newspaper) Senior MEPs have reiterated the European Parliament’s intention to continue to “do its utmost”…
ECR Group adopts Finns Party
Further comment came from ECR Co-Chair Prof Ryszard Legutko who told this site, “We are pleased that the…
China supplying weapons to Moscow
The joint trip is an attempt by European leaders to engage with China. Commenting on President Macron's and…
The rule of law in Spain, Greece, and Malta is in a ‘danger zone’
Many MEPs said they welcomed the European Commission’s monitoring work, but demanded “political courage” and effective follow-up on…
Octopus farming: EU concerned
Octopus has become an increasingly popular food in recent decades, particularly in Spain. As a result, wild octopus…
EU’s von der Leyen calls for tougher policy on China ahead of Beijing visit
Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) European commission head Ursula von der Leyen admits the EU is “concerned” by “what…
New EU measures against money laundering and terrorist financing
In welcoming the move the EPP Group says it wants to step up the fight against money laundering…
Healthy Eating for Schools Debates
In their recommendations on how the EU should change its funding for school meals, which were adopted on 22…