During the cold war the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was the cornerstone of international efforts to control the balance of nuclear bomb-making technology. In the complex post cold-war international environment, the spread of nuclear technology and fears it could fall into terrorist hands have become major concerns. Ahead of the forthcoming Treaty review meeting MEPs are set to question Council and Commission today (Wednesday 10 March) on measures to improve the situation.

Source : © European Parliament

As the ice melts and the native Inuit people and polar bears retreat, more and more ships and commercial explorers are Arctic bound. With the dream of the Northwest passage opening up for sailors, an uncertain international legal status and vast oil and gas reserves the future could be bleak for the Arctic. Ahead of Wednesday's debate with the EU's top diplomat Catherine Ashton, we spoke to British Liberal Diana Wallis who is active on this issue and sponsored a parliamentary resolution.

Source : © European Parliament

The continuing pay gap between men and women in the EU, violence against women and more female MEPs were some of the issues raised in the Parliament during International Women's Day on Monday. Several MEPs also criticised the fact that Commission presented a new plan how to reach gender equality in the next 5 years but did not discuss it with NGOs or the public.

Source : © European Parliament