Our cover interview this issue is with Maltese EPP deputy Roberta Metsola. Not content with working to improve gender equal representation, helping devise a European migration policy and tackling the growing threat to media freedom, she tells Andreas Rogal why she believes Parliament should be front and centre of a new, pro-European vision.
In our news and current affairs pages, Colin Mackay reports on a recent AIDA committee hearing on AI and the EU’s data strategy, while German EPP deputy Marion Walsmann comments on why Europe’s IPR rules need strengthened. Elsewhere, Renew Europe’s Monica Semedo argues that the EU must do more to help Europe’s cultural and creative sectors and industries get back on their feet.
Socialist Group MEP Erik Bergkvist explains why the trans-European networks in energy (TEN-E) revision is urgently needed, and EPP deputy Ivan Štefanec argues that the EU Single Window Environment for Customs is an opportunity to revise, revitalise and streamline existing customs procedures.
In our first feature we look at the new EU Roaming Regulation, with comments from the Parliament’s rapporteur, the EPP’s Angelika Winzig, who believes that the recast of the Roaming Regulation is a timely opportunity to take a step closer to a true digital Single Market. The S&D’s shadow rapporteur, Róbert Hajšel, meanwhile sees access to data as an essential component of modern life and business.
Our second feature focuses on Protecting Workers from Asbestos. Belgian EPP deputy Cindy Franssen says the EU must strengthen its policy response to tackling asbestos, arguing that anything less would be negligence, while Danish deputy from The Left, Nikolaj Villumsen wants MEPs to put the protection of workers from asbestos at the top of the European Commission’s agenda.
We close with our regular ‘5 Questions with…’ column, which this issue features French Renew Europe deputy, Gilles Boyer.