Midday press briefing of 09/01/2024

Summary

In a midday briefing, the agenda for the European College of Youth was announced, focusing on youth inclusion in decision-making and addressing their concerns. Concerns were raised about EU funds potentially financing Russian propaganda in Italy. The European Commission emphasized the importance of member states in managing and supervising funded projects and stressed that there is no place for propaganda in cohesion policy. Additionally, the EU's stance on the legality of the Republic Sska day in Bosnia was discussed, with the EU firmly supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Takeaways

• 📅 The midday briefing took place on Tuesday, the 9th of January, with short announcements and a focus on the European Year of Youth 2022.
• 🎓 The European Commission will adopt a communication on the achievements and future steps for the European Year of Youth 2022, emphasizing youth inclusion in decision-making and addressing concerns across EU policies.
• 🤝 The Press Room will host a presentation by Vice President Skas and Commissioner Ivanova regarding the European Year of Youth 2022 after the college meeting.
• 🇪🇺 Concerns were raised about EU funds potentially financing Russian propaganda in Europe, specifically mentioning an event in Italy that involved far-right militants and pro-Russian individuals.
• 🔍 The European Commission is in touch with national authorities to obtain more information about the project in question, emphasizing that cohesion policy is managed under shared management with member states.
• 🚫 The Commission stressed that there is no place for financing disinformation or propaganda activities at the behest of third countries under cohesion policy.
• 🇧🇦 The EU maintains a firm stance on the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, urging political actors to refrain from provocative actions.
• 🏛️ The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has ruled that the legislation about Republica Srpska Day is not in line with the country's constitution.
• 🤝 The EU emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation and good neighborly relations, especially for Western Balkan countries aspiring to join the EU.
• 📜 The EU expects full delivery on the Brussels agreement and the implementation plan, considering the commitment made legally binding and urging all parties to work on substance over formalities.
• 🌍 The EU supports the International Court of Justice as the highest UN court and respects international law and the UN Charter, but it is not part of the lawsuit regarding Israel and South Africa.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the European Year of Youth 2022?

The main focus of the European Year of Youth 2022 is on the inclusion of youth in decision-making and addressing youth concerns across EU policies.

Who will present the communication on the European Year of Youth 2022?

The communication will be presented by Vice President Skas and Commissioner Ivanova after the college meeting in the Press Room.

What was the concern raised about EU funds financing an event in Italy?

The concern raised was that EU funds may have financed an event considered as Russian propaganda, specifically in the context of a project called 'a bridge for peace', which involved a cultural link between schools and included participants with far-right and pro-Russian affiliations.

How does the European Commission respond to the misuse of EU funds for propaganda?

The European Commission emphasized that there is no place for financing disinformation or propaganda activities under cohesion policy. It also highlighted that member states are responsible for selecting, supervising, and monitoring the projects, and they must ensure that projects align with the objectives of the programs and cohesion policy.

What is the European Union's position on the celebration of Republic Sska day in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The European Union maintains a firm and clear position that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order, and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina must be maintained. Any action against these principles will lead to serious consequences.

How does the EU ensure that its funds are not used for propaganda or disinformation activities?

The EU ensures this by investing in areas such as infrastructure, research, innovation parks, schools, education, and human capital development, with a focus on social, economic, and territorial cohesion. The EU also works with member states to monitor and evaluate projects to prevent misuse of funds.

What is the status of the implementation of the agreement between Kosovo and Serbia?

The parties committed to delivering on the Brussels agreement and the implementation plan. The EU considers this commitment legally binding and expects full delivery on the substance of the agreement.

What is the EU's stance on the International Court of Justice case regarding Israel and South Africa?

The EU supports the International Court of Justice as the highest UN court and respects international law and the UN Charter. However, since the EU is not part of the lawsuit, it does not comment on the specifics of the case.

How does the EU propose to counter the ideological basis of groups like Hamas?

The EU proposes the idea of peace and stability, specifically through the two-state solution, which offers a perspective of a better life for both Palestinians and Israelis and an exit from the cycle of violence.

What is the EU doing to address the issue of microplastics pollution?

The EU is working on medium and long-term policies to better manage the issue of microplastics pollution at the EU level, including a proposed regulation to prevent plastic pellet losses and reduce microplastic pollution.

What is the current status of the budget support agreement for Tunisia?

The 150 million in budget support was adopted by the European Commission, but the agreement and financing decision still need to be signed by the Tunisian authorities, and conditions have to be agreed upon before any payment is made.

Can you provide an update on the progress of integrating the Convention of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms of the Council of Europe into EU Affairs?

The negotiations have advanced on most open points, and efforts are being made to close the process. More information will be provided once it becomes available.