Hans Wetzels

1 month ago | ftm.eu | Hans Wetzels |Simon Van Dorpe

Welcome to the newsletter of Follow the Money’s EU desk, with insights from our EU specialists, news from the Brussels bubble, and the latest on our investigations!This week: Green lobby controversy backfires on EPP lawmaker, European Prosecutor lashes out at OLAF, and Shein’s elite team of lobbyists with direct ties to Trump and Macron.

Oct 22, 2024 | ftm.eu | Hans Wetzels |Lise Witteman

European trade deals have come in for heavy criticism. Many farmers say such deals threaten their livelihoods, while campaigners argue they erode environmental standards. But former Commissioner for the Environment Virginijus Sinkevičius – now a rare pro-free trade member of Europe’s Green alliance – urges the bloc to continue its current controversial strategy, which he believes is essential to counter the influence of China and Russia.

Oct 9, 2024 | ftm.nl | Hans Wetzels

Een nieuwe handelsraad moest de economische relatie tussen Europa en de VS repareren. Dat is nog niet gelukt, en volgens betrokkenen is men in de raad vooral bezig met de vraag: hoe houden we China buiten de deur? Door niet transparant te zijn over wat er in de raad wordt besproken en door wie, begeeft de Commissie zich in een democratisch schemergebied, waarschuwt Europees Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly.

Oct 9, 2024 | ftm.eu | Hans Wetzels

The transatlantic Trade and Technology Council was supposed to improve economic ties between the EU and the US. Instead, the body has become a place for backroom talks aimed at curbing China’s influence. Experts say the European Commission is overstepping its remit.

Sep 4, 2024 | ftm.eu | Hans Wetzels

The Commission is walking a tightrope as it tries to bridge the gap between concerns by farmers and environmentalists, while also keeping in mind classic trade interests in mind. A European Commission delegation is heading to Brazil on Thursday for the first in-person trade deal negotiations with Mercosur countries in months – but experts and insiders warn that the bloc’s sustainability strategy for partner countries is failing.