Latest news with #LaurentCastillo
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
European Parliament Delegation Reaffirms Strategic Ties with Egypt
H-Tayea The European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries (DMAS) concluded an official visit to Egypt from 25 to 27 May, marking the first visit of its kind in nearly seven years. The mission, led by Chair Laurent Castillo (EPP, France), included MEPs Christophe Gomart (EPP, France), Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D, Austria), and Geadis Geadi (ECR, Cyprus). The main highlight of the visit was the 14th EU-Egypt Interparliamentary Meeting (IPM), held with members of Egypt's House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. Discussions focused on advancing interparliamentary relations and key shared priorities, including human rights (especially women's rights), climate change, EU macro-financial assistance, and Egypt's stabilising role in the region. The delegation also held high-level meetings with senior Egyptian officials, including Speaker of the House Hanafy El-Gebaly, First Deputy Senate Speaker Bahaa El-Din Abu Shoka, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahmoud Fawzy. These meetings highlighted the importance of deepening EU-Egypt strategic ties amid a complex regional landscape. Dialogue covered shared interests in counter-terrorism, migration, and the Middle East peace process, with particular concern expressed over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. DMAS reiterated the EU's support for Egypt's mediation efforts and called for continued humanitarian access. During the visit, the delegation engaged with civil society groups, human rights defenders, and the National Council for Human Rights, discussing democratic reforms and freedoms in light of Egypt's upcoming elections. MEPs encouraged further human rights improvements and legislative transparency. The delegation toured EU-funded initiatives, including a Team Europe Initiative on wastewater infrastructure supported by the French Development Agency, enhancing clean water access for millions. They also visited the Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies, and a school for refugee children, witnessing first-hand the impact of interfaith collaboration and European aid. Chair Castillo underscored the importance of educational exchanges, people-to-people diplomacy, and long-term cooperation. He extended an invitation to Egyptian parliamentarians to attend the next interparliamentary meeting at the European Parliament in 2026. The DMAS members thanked the EU Delegation in Cairo for facilitating the successful visit, which they described as a 'renewed chapter' in EU-Egypt relations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Egypt Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt's FM meets with European Parliament committee to discuss position on regional developments
CAIRO - 27 May 2025: Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdel Atty met on Monday with members of the European Parliament's Committee on Relations with the Mashreq Countries, chaired by MEP Laurent Castillo. Abdel Atty said Egypt is keen on working with all EU institutions, including the European Parliament, to support the Egyptian-EU partnership, which has been upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He highlighted the constructive political and economic relations with the European Union, reviewing the economic challenges facing Egypt as a result of developments in the region and the Red Sea. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of the security and stability of the Middle East with European security, Egypt's top diplomat briefed the European delegation on the country's efforts to address these challenges. He also explained Egypt's position on developments in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, and Libya, and the repercussions of these crises on the security and stability of the region.
See - Sada Elbalad
25-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
EU Parliament Delegation Visits Egypt to Boost Bilateral Cooperation
Israa Farhan A delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has arrived in Cairo to participate in the 14th EU-Egypt Interparliamentary Meeting. The Delegation are expected to meet with Egyptian parliamentarians and government officials at the New Administrative Capital (NAC), as well as civil society representatives. Discussions will focus on various issues, including economic cooperation, regional stability and security, political and social modernization in Egypt, and the country's role in the region. Members will also visit EU-funded projects to gain a better understanding of the situation on the ground. Delegation Chair, Laurent Castillo stated, "This mission demonstrates the European Parliament's commitment to strengthening its relations with the Egyptian Parliament and promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest right after the conclusion of a historic deal this week on the Micro Financial Assistance.' "The DMAS delegation looks forward to a productive and constructive exchange with our Egyptian counterparts and to exploring ways to deepen EU-Egypt relations,' he added. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
EU parliament backs emissions reprieve for carmakers
EU lawmakers on Thursday gave the green light to a delay for European carmakers to meet new emission targets, as the bloc seeks to balance climate goals with supporting the struggling industry. Starting this year the European Union is cutting the average carbon emissions that new vehicles sold in the 27-country bloc are permitted to produce, with steep fines if carmakers fail to comply. But the European Union has also made it a priority to bolster key sectors -- including automobile manufacturing -- in the face of fierce US and Chinese competition. Part of that effort includes loosening rules to give companies breathing room, including the reprieve approved in Strasbourg by a 458 to 101 majority of EU lawmakers. Under the scheme put forward in March by European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, companies will be able to comply with the new targets by averaging their emissions over three years from 2025 to 2027, rather than each individual year. This means they will not be fined if they fail to meet the 2025 target by December 31 this year. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) welcomed the vote, saying the mechanism provided "much-needed flexibility in meeting CO2 targets at this important moment in our transition toward zero-emission mobility." The parliament's biggest political grouping, the conservative EPP, hailed the vote, with lawmaker Laurent Castillo calling it "a first step to strengthen the European automobile market". The French MEP said the next step would be to revise the EU's plans to phase out new sales of combustion engine vehicles by 2035. The measure passed with support from the parliament's centrist and socialist groups. Criticizing the move, Green EU lawmaker Saskia Bricmont said loosening emissions rules would "delay the marketing of affordable electric vehicles, which are vital" for European consumers. "This is incomprehensible. It is yet another step back in the fight against climate change," Belgium's Bricmont said in a statement. The far-right Patriots group meanwhile described the three-year flexibility as "insufficient", urging the "complete repeal" of the EU's penalty mechanism. av-raz/ec/rl
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EU parliament backs emissions reprieve for carmakers
EU lawmakers on Thursday gave the green light to a delay for European carmakers to meet new emission targets, as the bloc seeks to balance climate goals with supporting the struggling industry. Starting this year the European Union is cutting the average carbon emissions that new vehicles sold in the 27-country bloc are permitted to produce, with steep fines if carmakers fail to comply. But the European Union has also made it a priority to bolster key sectors -- including automobile manufacturing -- in the face of fierce US and Chinese competition. Part of that effort includes loosening rules to give companies breathing room, including the reprieve approved in Strasbourg by a 458 to 101 majority of EU lawmakers. Under the scheme put forward in March by European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, companies will be able to comply with the new targets by averaging their emissions over three years from 2025 to 2027, rather than each individual year. This means they will not be fined if they fail to meet the 2025 target by December 31 this year. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) welcomed the vote, saying the mechanism provided "much-needed flexibility in meeting CO2 targets at this important moment in our transition toward zero-emission mobility." The parliament's biggest political grouping, the conservative EPP, hailed the vote, with lawmaker Laurent Castillo calling it "a first step to strengthen the European automobile market". The French MEP said the next step would be to revise the EU's plans to phase out new sales of combustion engine vehicles by 2035. The measure passed with support from the parliament's centrist and socialist groups. Criticizing the move, Green EU lawmaker Saskia Bricmont said loosening emissions rules would "delay the marketing of affordable electric vehicles, which are vital" for European consumers. "This is incomprehensible. It is yet another step back in the fight against climate change," Belgium's Bricmont said in a statement. The far-right Patriots group meanwhile described the three-year flexibility as "insufficient", urging the "complete repeal" of the EU's penalty mechanism. av-raz/ec/rl
