Gracing this issue’s cover is Katrin Langensiepen, the only female MEP with a visible disability. The German-born Greens/EFA deputy tells Lorna Hutchinson that the fight for diversity, inclusion and dignity is an uphill struggle, but one that is worth waging to achieve a Union of Equality for all.
In our news and current affairs pages, senior journalist Martin Banks reports on Joe Biden’s long-awaited first European trip and asks what did the new US President’s visit achieve?
Deputy Editor Lorna Hutchinson opens our feature on Hate Speech & Hate Crime highlighting the fact that over 80 percent of female politicians have suffered cyber violence, intimidation and harassment. Swedish Greens/EFA deputy Alice Kuhnke & Luxembourgish S&D MEP Marc Angel meanwhile discuss why the European Commission’s initiative to add Hate Crime & Hate Speech to the list of EU crimes should be applauded as an important step in protecting Europe’s citizens.
The European Parliament’s two RUMRA & Smart Villages Intergroup co-chairs, German Greens/EFA deputy Niklas Nienass and Slovenian EPP group member Franc Bogovič look at the impact of the pandemic on Europe’s rural areas, while Spanish GUE/NGL member Idoia Villanueva Ruiz argues that for all its tragedies and challenges, COVID-19 has highlighted the potential for a better future for our towns and cities.
We also have exclusive comment from Finnish EPP MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen on the Circular Economy, Slovenian RE deputy Klemen Grošelj on Life-Cycle Assessment, as well as policy analysis from EESC Employers’ Group members Gabriella Sebardt & Mira-Maria Kontkanen on the implications of the Commission’s Pay Transparency Directive and more.
We close with our regular 5 Questions with… column, which this issue features Romanian Renew Europe Group deputy Vlad-Marius Botoş.
Gracing this issue’s cover is Katrin Langensiepen, the only female MEP with a visible disability. The German-born Greens/EFA deputy tells Lorna Hutchinson that the fight for diversity, inclusion and dignity is an uphill struggle, but one that is worth waging to achieve a Uni'jlkjjknior journalist Martin Banks reports on Joe Biden’s long-awaited first European trip and asks what did the new US President’s Biden’s visit achieve?