On Wednesday, 14 March 2018, the MEPs adopted their official negotiating position for the post-2020 EU budget. The main message is that the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) should not only finance new priorities; but also compensate for the financial shortfall caused by Brexit, estimated to leave a budget hole of 14 BEUR.
The European Commission unveiled a 23 steps Action Plan on how to harness the opportunities presented by technology-enabled innovation in financial services (FinTech), it aims to tackle a wide range of issues from cryptocurrencies, cybersecurity, data protection, blockchain innovation and EU compliance and supervision of these new technologies. Here are some of the highlights:
Following the Foreign Affairs Council that took place in Brussels on 6 March 2018, the Council adopted a roadmap for the implementation of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) including a list of projects in the areas of common training and exercises, operational domains and joint and enabling capabilities. These projects will be implemented by participating Member States excluding Denmark, the UK and Malta.
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The World Bank Group has launched a preparation process for its new partnership framework with Poland. The process involves consultations with different stakeholders, including the government, international financial institutions, civil society and private sector, to exchange views on the country’s development opportunities and how the World Bank Group can help address them.
Schuman Associates has created an overview of some key events and announcements for the coming year. Whether you are interested in the Future of the EU after Brexit, Artificial Intelligence or the progress of Member States in terms of economic, fiscal and social policies, there is something for everyone.
The Commission adopted today a Strategy for 'A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans', reaffirming the European perspective for countries in the region and encouraging them to continue with comprehensive reforms needed to fulfill the technical condition of EU membership. In addition, it announced 6 flagship initiatives in areas of rule of law, security and migration, transport and energy, digital agenda, socio-economic development and good neighbourly relations. The initiatives will be supported by providing additional resources and funding under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA).
Schuman Associates attended the European Parliament Research Service (EPRS) ‘Ten issues to watch in 2018’. These issues are likely to be featured on this year’s EU political agenda and the future of the EU budget:
Schuman Associates held the latest in a series of events for Anti-Money Laundering Europe for which it acts as a secretariat.
The event discussed how the EU can continue its fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, and how cooperation amongst institutions, as well as public private cooperation can be improve.
Speakers included Europol, the European Commission's DG HOME, the ECON secretariat of the European Parliament and the FFIS, the event was moderated by Laura Heuvinck, manager of the AME Secretariat on behalf of Schuman Associates.
Lunch event in the European Parliament hosted by MEP Julie Girling on "Fact Checking Science - shaping the governance of scientific advice in the EU" in cooperation with the Nickel Institute and the European Risk Forum. For more information click here
On 10th October, in the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities, Schuman Associates organised a workshop with Philips on the topic ¨Improving EU citizens’ lives through meaningful innovation in healthcare¨ . The objective was to raise awareness among EU decision makers about current challenges in using structural and investment funds by private large companies, and about the potential benefits of public-private partnerships for the healthcare sector was among our main objectives.
Brussels Invest & Export invited Schuman Associates to present at their event on 18th October in Belgrade. The aim of the event is to present the Brussels' economic environment and a wide range of opportunities it offers. Not only is Brussels the capital and the largest city in Belgium, but it also hosts a number of European and International Organizations. It is a place where policies are decided that impact businesses both in and beyond the European Union.
On 11 October, in the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities, the BCO Support Facility organized a workshop to showcase good practices for broadband deployment from three European Regions.
Philips and Schuman Associates have the pleasure to invite you to the event organized under the umbrella of European Week of Cities and Regions 2017 (EWRC) which will take place in Brussels on 10 October between 8:30 and 11:00 at L42.
We are proud to announce that our colleague, Ms. Isane Aparicio, will be speaking at the next economic forum on "Digital and Precision Farming in Europe: benefits, market trends & impact on farm practices" to present the BCO-SF’s activities and spread the word on rural connectivity, and what support the European Commission is giving.
On 1 July 2017, Estonia took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, which is the first time Estonia has held the EU Presidency since they joined the union in 2004. Presidencies work together in groups of three, called a 'Trio Presidency’. The trio set out some common long-term goals and topics that will be addressed by the Council over an 18-month period, aside from their own detailed six-month programme. The Estonian Presidency is the first phase of the current trio and will be succeeded by Bulgaria and Austria.
Thanks for joining our fantastic speakers Mairead McGuinness, Thibault Lesenecal, Ruth Estrada, Diarmaid Mac Mathúna and our moderator Tony Connelly for our Future of EU Communications event. If you didn’t make it, why not check out this short video with some of the highlights!
We are delighted to announce the full agenda for our upcoming breakfast briefing with Agtel on the Future of EU Communications, Wednesday 28 June, 8.00-9.30, at Aloft Brussels Schuman. Mairead McGuinness MEP and First Vice-President of the European Parliament will be our keynote speaker. Ruth Estrada, Partner at Schuman Associates will be presenting on "Enhancing the outreach of EU projects: BCO case study". The event will be moderated by Tony Connelly, Europe Editor, RTE. We only have several places left so if you are interested in attending please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
AME (Anti-Money Laundering Europe) held their biannual meeting at the offices of the CCBE in Brussels. The roundtable discussion on Future Policy on Combatting Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing looked at some of the lessons learned from the 4th AML Directive and what the future of EU policy will be.
We are currently looking for a social media & community manager for a full-time assignment with the European Commission. Please visit Work with us section for further details. We look forward to hearing from you!
Schuman Associates is a Brussels-based, independent, consultancy with more than 30 years’ experience in European funding and public affairs.
