European Union

The trial of Islamist rebel Ahmad al-Mahdi from Mali began on Monday. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has charged him with destroying cultural sites in Timbuktu in 2012, to which Al-Mahdi has already pleaded guilty. This trial will only encourage Islamists, some commentators fear. Others believe it will act as a deterrent.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday officially announced his candidacy for the 2017 presidential elections with his book Tout pour la France (All for France). In November he will run in the primaries organised by the French right. His programme is simple and clear, some commentators write approvingly. Too simple, others criticise.

The 28th Olympic Games ended on Sunday evening in Rio de Janeiro, overshadowed by debates about doping and empty stadiums. For some commentators the first Olympics staged in Latin America were a complete success. For others, the Games' image has been further tarnished as a result of the numerous scandals.

Several French holiday resorts have banned women from wearing burkinis this summer. While many commentators question whether the ban will promote the emancipation of Muslim women others criticise it as an attack against religious freedom.

General : Parliament is not just there to amend and approve new laws, but also to scrutinise the EU institutions. One of the tools at its disposal are committees that investigate specific issues. In recent months committees have been set up to look into revelations on car emissions cheating and wealthy individuals stashing money offshore. Read on to find out how Parliament uses its investigative powers to address people’s concerns and put important issues on the political agenda.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

General : Parliament is not just there to amend and approve new laws, but also to scrutinise the EU institutions. One of the tools at its disposal are committees that investigate specific issues. In recent months committees have been set up to look into revelations on car emissions cheating and wealthy individuals stashing money offshore. Read on to find out how Parliament uses its investigative powers to address people’s concerns and put important issues on the political agenda.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

AMENDMENTS 255 - 475 - Draft report on EU strategy towards Iran after the nuclear agreement
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP