Martin Banks

Martin Banks is an experienced British-born journalist who has been covering the EU beat (and much else besides) in Brussels since 2001.
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.
578 Articles

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…

Opponents of EU deforestation legislation take their campaign to Brussels

“This Regulation is going to have a huge impact on small farmers in my country and other nations…

Legal affairs committee seeks easier residence permits for non-EU workers

Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) MEPs have backed draft EU legislation to issue work and residence permits more quickly for…

Parliamentary election in Kazakhstan widens the door for closer cooperation with EU

Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) Since the start of geopolitical tensions in the world following the conflict in Ukraine,…

UN: Over 700 women die every day from pregnancy and childbirth complications

Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) A recent United Nations report revealed that the rate at which mothers die during…

Between a Rock and a Very Hard Place: China’s Ukraine War Dilemma

His comments came just ahead of what many see as a crunch visit to Russia this week by…

Like the EU, Tenshi “marries” the best of different cultures

Just like the European Union, the restaurant – Tenshi – tries to “marry the best” of its constituent…

Chinese diplomat says Beijing “will do utmost” to prevent conflict with Taiwan but refuses to rule out the use of force

The official policy was endorsed, as expected, by the new ambassador, who was addressing a briefing for businessmen…

Belarus should be sanctioned in the same way Russia is

Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) MEPs say that the EU should consider imposing “comparable” sanctions on Belarus as it…

Electric tensions in the EU

Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) MEPs have given a mixed reaction to the European Commission’s proposal to reform the…