Speaking ahead of this week's round of negotiations on the UK's withdrawal from the EU, ECR Group co-chair Syed Kamall has argued that solutions to the big issues can't be found unless the EU27, as well as the UK, are willing to start looking at the bigger picture, which includes the future trading relationship. 

Speaking ahead of the talks Kamall said:

"I hope the clarity on the UK's negotiating position provided by the UK Prime Minister last week will allow for real progress at the next round of negotiations. 

The members of the European Flavour Association (EFFA) elected yesterday Antoine Kastler as its new President. Antoine has been in the flavour industry for over a decade. He brings to the role his company and association experience as Vice President of Flavours at Robertet, a flavour house based in France and as representative of the French National Association (SNIAA) at the EFFA Board. He also played an instrumental role for EFFA as its vice-President for four years.

The EU-Latin America parliamentary assembly (Eurolat) closed today in El Salvador with a plenary meeting, after four days of work between members of both continents. Since Monday, several committees debated ways to tackle common challenges such as the global economy and social rights; threats to security; the rule of law and human rights.

Brussels, 21 September 2017

Commenting on the ongoing situation in Catalonia, S&D Group President Gianni Pittella and Vice President Elena Valenciano said:
 
“Spanish and Catalan socialists are calling the President of Catalonia to immediately call off the illegal referendum, in order to open a space for political dialogue as soon as possible.