Movers & Shakers

European Parliament

Mr Jan Ovelg?nne (Greens/EFA, DE) joined European Parliament on 12 March, replacing Mr Malte Gallée (Greens/EFA, DE) who resigned earlier in March following allegations of misconduct towards staff members.

Ad Hoc European Parliament

• Mr Jan Ovelg?nne (Greens/EFA, DE) joined

o?? Committee on Foreign Affairs as a Substitute

o?? Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs as a Substitute

o?? Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection as a Substitute

• Petros Kokkalis (Greens/EFA, GR) joined the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety as a Member
• Emma Wiesner (Renew, SE) joined the Committee on Fisheries as a Member

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Council of the European Union

Eurogroup

During the Eurogroup meeting on 11 March, Ministers addressed macroeconomic developments and fiscal policy for 2025, agreeing on a slightly contractionary fiscal stance in line with the revised fiscal framework. Emphasis was placed on pursuing structural reforms and maintaining investment levels in alignment with common EU priorities. Additionally, the Eurogroup discussed the future of the Capital Markets Union, aiming to bolster the EU’s global leadership in innovation and industry by enhancing access to funding and fostering growth opportunities for businesses. President Donohoe highlighted the collaborative effort in shaping the statement on the Capital Markets Union, intended for presentation at the EuroSummit. The meeting also included preparations for the upcoming EuroSummit, with President Donohoe outlining the Eurogroup’s recent work and future plans. ?

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Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

During the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, Ministers endorsed a new directive aimed at improving working conditions for platform workers and regulating algorithmic management in the workplace, marking the first EU legislation of its kind. The discussion emphasized the directive’s importance given technological advancements and provided flexibility for member states in its implementation. Additionally, ministers deliberated on implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, focusing on challenges such as green and digital transitions, demographic trends, and work-life balance. They highlighted priorities including upskilling, social dialogue reinforcement, and poverty alleviation. The meeting also covered the endorsement of key messages on youth employment, a policy debate on social investment and reforms, updates on directives for persons with disabilities, and other agenda items.

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Economic and Financial Affairs Council

During the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting, engaged in a discussion on social investments and reforms aimed at fostering resilient economies. They emphasized the importance of enhancing productivity through innovation, research, education, and labor market policies. Additionally, minsters deliberated on the positive impact of social reforms on economic growth and fiscal sustainability, sharing examples of recent reforms from their respective countries. The session also addressed the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the economic impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, updates from the G20 meeting, and approvals related to the EU budget and EU-Switzerland relations.

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Foreign Affairs Council

The Foreign Affairs Council met on 18 March to discuss a variety of global issues. The Ministers held informal talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, addressing concerns about Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. The Council allocated €5 billion to support Ukraine militarily and agreed to finalized sanctions related to the murder of Alexi Navalny. Discussions also touched upon Belarus, emphasizing human rights violations, and on efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Current affairs such as Haiti’s political transition were also discussed, alongside the approval of conclusions on green diplomacy.

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European Banks

The European Central Bank (ECB) has finalized a lease for the Gallileo building in Frankfurt to hour its banking supervision staff, making a transition from their current locations in the Eurotower and the Japan Center by the end of 2025. The move aims to streamline operations, reduce the ECB’s physical and environmental footprint, and support energy efficiency goals. The consolidation will occur in Frankfurt’s Ostend district and the city center, facilitating decreased energy consumption and a more flexible cost structure. Additionally, after renovations, the English Theatre, a cultural landmark, will return to the Gallileo building as per the agreement between the city of Frankfurt and the building owner.

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European Union Trade Associations

European Trade Association (COCIR)

Jan Willem Scheijgrond has been elected as the new President of COCIR during the General Assembly in Brussels, succeeding Dr Bernt Bieber. Scheijgrond, currently serving as Vice President and Global Head of Government and Public Affairs at Philips, brings significant managerial experience to the role. He emphasized the medical technology industry’s vital role in healthcare, especially evident during the pandemic, and outlined COCIR’s priorities, including healthcare system resilience and regulatory convergence.

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European Panel Federation (EPF)

The European Panel Federation (EPF) appointed Pablo Figueroa Lopez as its new Chairman, replacing Martin Brettenthaler. Prior to assuming his role as Chairman, Pablo Figueroa Lopez completed his education in Economics at the University of Santiago de Compostela and London Business School (LBS). He has also acted in various leadership roles related to Exports, Markets and Sales at FINSA.

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European Union Institutions

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE)

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) appointed Luis Ignacio Parada as the new President of Gas LNG Europe (GLE), the column of import terminals of the association, replacing Arno Bux. With 25 years of experience in the energy industry, Mr Parada brings with him specialized knowledge in energy economics, gas and hydrogen sector regulation and energy policy. Mr Parada is currently the EU Energy Policy and Regulation Director at Enagás.

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