Bestselling author Derek Blyth picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets of Belgium every day
Insecurity is the problem, universal basic income part of the solution
According to a new book by a distinguished economist, insecurity and not inequality is the source of our worldwide democratic malaise. And in poor countries even more than in rich ones a basic income is required in order to reduce not poverty but insecurity.
EU Tracker
- Tomorrow - Ukraine summit
The annual EU-Ukraine summit will take place in Kyiv on 3 February.
- 5 February - Cyprus ballot
Cypriots will go to the polls to elect a new president.
- 7 February - Clean energy talks
EU negotiators meet for another round of talks on the renewable energy directive update.
- 9 February - Carbon market vote
MEPs on the environment committee are due to vote on an agreement to update the emissions trading system, which was brokered in December. It is one of the final milestones before it becomes law.
- 9 February - Buildings vote
Energy committee MEPs are due to vote on a compromise energy performance of buildings directive.
- 9 February - Special EUCO
A special European Council summit is on the cards for 9 and 10 February. Details here.
- 9 February - RED3
Energy committee MEPs will consider draft amendments to ongoing efforts to update the EU’s renewable energy law.
- 14 February - Trucks reform
The European Commission will propose a reform of heavy vehicle CO2 standards (TBC).
- 1 March - Look before you cross
The Commission will publish a new road safety package (TBC).
- 5 March - Estonia votes
Estonians will vote on the makeup of a new national parliament.
- 8 March - Critical materials
The European Commission will reportedly publish its anticipated Critical Raw Materials Act on 8 March (TBC).
- 10 March - Anglo-French summit
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet for a France-UK summit on a number of political and policy issues.
- 14 March - Pill proposal
The Commission’s pharmaceutical strategy is due to be published.
- 16 March - Environment summit
An environment council is scheduled for 16 March. Details here.
- 23 March - EUCO I
The first regularly scheduled EUCO summit of the year kicks off on 23 March.
- 1 April - Greeks vote
Greece will hold its first national ballot under a new system in the spring, date to be confirmed.
- 2 April - Finns vote
Finland organises its general election to vote for a new parliament.
- 2 April - Bulgaria votes (again)
Bulgarians will go to the polls for yet another election after political parties failed to put together a working government.
- 1 May - Latvians vote
Latvia will vote in May for a new president.
- 13 May - Eurovision time
The Eurovision song contest final from Liverpool will be held.
- 14 May - Turkish elections
Turks will vote for a new parliament and president.
- 1 June - EPC meeting II
The European Political Community’s second-ever meeting will take place in Moldova on 1 June.
- 21 June - Space and defence
The Commission’s space and defence package, which will include an EU space strategy, is due to launch on 21 June (TBC).
- 1 July - Viva Espana
Sweden will hand over the reins of the EU presidency to Spain.
- 30 September - Slovakians vote
Slovakia’s general election will be held (TBC).
- 31 December - It's coming home
Spain will hand over the EU presidency to Belgium.
