September has seen tensions rising between EU Members State and various other international actors, fires in the Moria refugee camp and increased trade between Europe and North America.

In EU Foreign Affairs and Security President von der Leyen has called for Qualified Majority Voting following the inability of the EU to unanimously agree to sanctions against Belarus.

The Environment section covers President von der Leyen’s State of the Union Address, including her announcement that the European Commission is proposing an increase in the emissions reduction target from 40% to at least 55%.

For Finance, Trade and (Digital) Internal Market September saw the commencement of the Tariff Agreement between the US and EU and the third anniversary of the Canada Comprehensive Trade Agreement.

Finally, the Migration section covers the devastating Moria fires and efforts to rehouse the camp’s residents.

October marks the half way point of Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and will see the conclusion of Brexit negotiations in what is sure to be an eventful and interesting month.

EU Update – October, 2020