Boosting energy security in the Baltic Sea. Energy ministers from eight Baltic Sea countries, including Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Latvia, have endorsed the Vilnius Declaration, committing to the development of offshore wind energy and gradually phasing out fossil fuels, notably from Russia. The declaration emphasizes regional cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, and resilience against cyber and physical threats to critical energy infrastructure. In parallel, the Polish-Danish collaboration Energa Green Development, a subsidiary of Orlen, ordered 17 wind turbines from Vestas for a wind farm in Szybowice, Opole Voivodeship. This partnership builds upon previous initiatives, including the ongoing development of Poland’s largest wind farm near Łeba, set to commence operations in 2026.
Pro-EU candidate concedes the Slovak presidential election. Ivan Korcok, who supports closer ties with the EU, gracefully accepts his defeat to Peter Pellegrini in Slovakia’s presidential race. Pellegrini’s win means a change in leadership, possibly leaning more towards Prime Minister Robert Fico’s pro-Russia stance. This could affect how Slovakia interacts with the EU and handles issues like the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Debating conscription: a global conversation. Since Denmark’s recent defense plans, discussions about conscription have taken the debate stage. Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, thinks it’s important for defense, especially because of concerns about Vladimir Putin. Estonia, Latvia, and Norway are also considering conscription. Germany is thinking about it too, and they’re looking to Sweden for ideas. But not everyone agrees on whether conscription is needed or how it should work.
Boosting breakfast: new rules for healthier choices. Parliament recently approved updated rules for breakfast foods like honey, fruit juice, jam, and marmalade. These changes aim to help consumers make healthier choices by providing clearer labels on sugar content and minimum fruit content. The new rules will also require clear country of origin labeling and the development of a traceability system.
New reception centers for refugees, a critical element of the EU’s reformed migration and asylum policy. Newly constructed reception centers on Greek islands, funded by the EU, aim to manage refugee screenings. However, NGOs criticize conditions, likening them to prisons. Overcrowding, lack of medical care, and restricted rights raise concerns. Adopted this week, the new Migration and Asylum Pact allows Member States to choose between taking responsibility for asylum applicants, making financial contributions, or providing operational support.
Rights
If you need medical treatment while you’re in another EU country, presenting your European Health Insurance card (EHIC) can simplify payment and reimbursement procedures.
With your EHIC you can get healthcare – and claim reimbursement for the costs you incur – on the same terms as nationals of the country you are in. If the treatment you need is free for local residents, you won’t have to pay. If you have to pay for your treatment, you can either ask for reimbursement from the national institution while still in the country and get reimbursement directly there, or ask for reimbursement from your health insurer when you get home.
Opportunities
Free trip to Balestrand (Norway): Join a training course on critical thinking June 3-12. Deadline! April 24. Sign up here.
Free trip to Baku (Azerbaijan): Join a study visit on social entrepreneurship May 28 and June 2. Deadline! April 30. Sign up here.
Free trip to Ghent (Belgium): Join a seminar on the power of hip hop as a pedagogical tool June 3-7. Deadline! May 6. Sign up here.
*To join the training courses, you need to be a member of an association. If you are not, you can always join AMIS.
