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When the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, I received a text message from a friend and colleague at the University of Oxford: From one proud European to another; I feel sadness in every cell in my whole body on this nightmare day. I am shocked and devastated. But I hope science and friendships will find a way to transcend this awful mess.

The nightmare continues. The UK parliament last week voted to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin withdrawal, and the EU faces probably its greatest crisis.

The European Union is a great project. Yet millions of Europeans are questioning what it does for them. They are told it spends its money on fanciful projects that dont benefit its citizens. They have lost faith in its ability to address their most pressing problems.

Has the EU let its citizens down? I can respond by referring to the fight against antibiotic resistance. The answer is an emphatic No. We have made significant progress over the past two decades, and our success shows what is possible. With colleagues, I analysed levels of funding from the EU and individual states devoted to antibiotic resistance between 2007 and 2013. Some 33% of the total investment came from the EU. By contrast, funds from the EU Framework Programme made up only 7.5% of all research expenditure financed by governments of EU members. This suggests significant underfunding of such research by member states. But more crucially, it shows how important cross-national efforts are. A campaign in Belgium over antibiotic misuse began in 2000, with a similar effort starting in France two years later. Ministers in those countries would not have offered essential support without an EU-funded project that collected necessary and highly compelling data on the scale of the problem.

Ongoing, rigorous data collection and analysis have continued to monitor the situation, and have shown that both campaigns led to crucial decreases in antibiotic use and resistance among non-hospitalized patients. Furthermore, EU-funded, independent studies have demonstrated how the campaigns produced positive changes in clinician and patient attitudes and behaviour towards antibiotic use.

Inspired by this success, the European Commission lent its support to the first European Antibiotic Awareness Day in 2008. This became an annual event, and in 2015 was scaled up to become the World Antibiotic Awareness Week, now coordinated by the World Health Organization.

Theres more. It was EU funding that uniquely enabled us to compare antibiotic resistance in many hospitals throughout Europe. This project identified huge differences between countries in the proportion of infections that were resistant to antibiotics. The data provided a call to arms for many policymakers in member states, and national plans were rolled out for the first time to address the crisis. These initiatives have resulted in a step-change reduction in infections caused by the superbug MRSA in hospitals throughout Europe.

Millions of Europeans are questioning what the European Union does for them.

And it was only after we started analysing antibiotic use in food-producing animals in Europe, supported once again by EU grants, that we realized that the Netherlands was one of the highest European users of antibiotics in farming. After a debate in the Dutch parliament, the Dutch minister of agriculture set mandatory targets for reduced antibiotic use in animal husbandry, and, indeed, Dutch farmers rose to his challenge and achieved these ambitious reductions ahead of schedule. We now have clear indications that antibiotic resistance is decreasing in animals in the Netherlands. It is not only Dutch consumers who are benefiting from the resulting increase in meat safety: consumers throughout Europe have also profited, because food and associated resistant bacteria cross national borders.

Given successes such as these, how can we convince European citizens that the EU project brings considerable benefits to its individual citizens?

To prevent further breakdown of the EU, scientists must shout from the rooftops that many of our problems today can be solved only at a European, or even a global, level. We must challenge time and again the current populist view that countries are better off trying to address the most pressing problems on their own.

European institutions and their staff should develop a strategy to communicate the benefits of the EU more effectively. Journalists should use their diverse platforms to bring many more positive stories to peoples attention. Industry, too, receives considerable support from EU taxpayers to develop its businesses, and should acknowledge this far more widely. And academia should articulate better the benefits of EU support and collaborations. The sentiments in my Oxford friends message on the value of cooperation should be proclaimed in banners across universities buildings and on their websites. Rectors and vice-chancellors should be bolder in repeating them to government, students and citizens.

Why dont we create a group of EU-funded scientists who regularly present some of their impactful research to European citizens using more varied and creative media and messages? I realize that this might itself sound rather like a populist manifesto. Perhaps we should indeed counter EU critics by unashamedly using the methods that have served these people so well. But there will be a crucial difference: our populist programme will be supported by hard evidence, rather than by deceitful slogans on the sides of buses and by alternative facts.

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Shout about the European Union's success - Nature.com

Italy, one of the EUs founding members, is currently trying to woo France and Germany into backing plans for a two-speed EU in the face of a growing eurosceptic movement.

The post-Brexit plans would allow countries to further integrate and cooperate on tax and security and finance, while a peripheral group will continue in the bloc with looser ties.

However, the move is likely to ruffle the feathers of Central European alliance, the Visegrad Group, including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, which formed to tackle the escalating migrant crisis.

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We certainly learned from the history of the last years, that there will be as well a European Union with different speeds

Angela Merkel

Poland has already expressed its criticism of the two-speed plan, with PiS chief Jaroslaw Kaczynski saying it would lead to the breakdown of the Union.

He said: Only relations between states based on equality and the right to self-govern will ensure the future of the European Union.

But Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, a group of the EU's founding members, have already expressed their support.

And speaking recently, German Chancellor Angela Merkel hinted EU leaders may commit to a Union of different speeds when they make a major declaration on its future during a Rome summit next month.

She said: "We certainly learned from the history of the last years, that there will be as well a European Union with different speeds, that not all will participate every time in all steps of integration. I think this may be in the Rome declaration as well.

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Her remarks were welcomed by Italian officials who said it would be easier to push ahead with reforms following Britains decision to leave the crumbling bloc.

Sandro Gozi, Italys Europe minister, said: We want to have a core shared by everyone and then there will be specific policies in which certain countries can move ahead, without other countries imposing a veto.

In a union of 27 countries it is utopian that everyone can move forward with the same timing and objectives.

A group can act as political vanguard and proceed in a more expeditious way to reach new common objectives, such as defence, economic security, combating inequalities and support to the young people.

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He addd: With the UK outside the EU it will probably be easier to move ahead with greater cooperation in this field. It will be a win-win situation.

The union of "different speeds" has long been riven by debate about whether all countries must commit to full integration including the single currency, or whether some can go at different paces.

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However, it is now on the agenda as the EU faces a string of challenges this year including Brexit , the election of Donald Trump and several high-stakes national elections where populist parties with anti-EU agendas could make inroads.

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EU founder states risk FURIOUS BACKLASH as Italy joins calls for two-speed bloc - Express.co.uk

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Speakers who took to the floor denouncing the proposed CETA deal were raucously cheered and clapped by their colleagues as observers said the vote is too close to call.

Proponents for the pact made nervous speeches to the house ahead of the vote, imploring MEPs not to scupper one of the EUs flagship projects and deliver another devastating blow to Brussels battered reputation.

But one German MEP was loudly booed as he defended the proposed agreement after embarking on a rambling attack against French populist leader Marine Le Pen and new US president Donald Trump.

CETA has endured a difficult birth, with its initial implementation blocked by the Belgian region of Wallonia following widespread public protests amid fears it will hand too much power to big business.

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French presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen launched a blistering attack on the proposed deal today, saying it would further enrich the powerful at the expense of working families.

She raged: The CETA agreement was carefully hidden from citizens because none of you can justify it. You voted on it in private because debating in public, thats something you hate.

When citizens understand all of this they will never trust you again. That is why this is a terrible agreement. It will undermine thousands of jobs in Europe.

To loud applause she blasted: Are you not ashamed? Youre giving away our rights to legislate and youre robbing our citizens of the protection of their rights that they expect from their representatives.

Youre making it possible for multinationals to attack member states so you make sure no new legislation will displease them.

Its a disastrous picture and if this treaty is voted for this will show once again to citizens that you cannot defend them.

This is why its important for each country to find its sovereignty and determine its own future and the French public will have one possibility to change this fate and that will be the presidential elections.

It is up to nations to negotiate their agreements and not a non-elected structure which defends its own interests and not the interests of its citizens.

Her attack followed a withering assessment of the CETA pact by Tiziana Beghin, from the Five Star Movement, who said the powers it would hand to corporations were so wide-ranging it was an effective coup detat.

Attacking what she claimed will be watering down of food standards, she said: What has been promised is totally unrealistic. This will lay waste to European producers and manufacturers.

Were being carried down a very dangerous corridor with no regulations. Our citizens on the dining room table will be seriously affected.

The Italian MEP also attacked the controversial Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system, which allows big corporations to sue member states over laws which run counter to their commercial interests.

She said: It is a very reprehensible shameful closed justice system creating a triangle relationship between those in power. This is not the type of agreement we want.

CETA is a technocratic, non-elected construct that will be created. It is a silent coup detat. It is an institutional change which is masquerading as a trade agreement.

When citizens understand all of this they will never trust you again

Marine Le Pen

Socialist politician Anne-Marie Mineur appeared in the chamber clutching a bundle of papers containing 3.5 million signatures against CETA and wearing a t-shirt with the slogan people before profits.

In an emotional attack on the proposed pact she said: Were just putting ourselves in the hands of multinationals. Were undermining the rule of law and putting our democracy at stake.

CETA is a threat to all of us and I dont understand the liberals, the EPPs (conservatives) and I certainly dont understand the socialist and democrats who are not fighting against an agreement of this type with all the risks it entails.

CETA is a bad agreement. It is just good for multinationals and were not in favour of that were in favour of the choice of millions. People before profit stop CETA.

Employment committee lead Georgie Pirinski was treated with a rapturous reception as he denounced the pact, accusing it of watering down workers rights and helping profiteering investors.

The Bulgarian MEP roared: The committees recommendation to parliament is to decline giving its consent for the conclusion of CETA.

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Countries that are in the European Union

And Green Bart Staes railed against the pact even whilst having to recommend voting for it on behalf of his committee, which oversees EU food standards.

He said the deal undermines the sovereignty of member states and added: I have concerns about the negative list for public and social services and the undermining of standards.

The Belgian MEP was cheered as he added: The committee did not listen to this despite the protest from millions of citizens and so as rapporteur I have to recommend it on behalf of the committee but personally I will be voting against.

Representatives in favour of the deal sought to exploit the election of Mr Trump, who has struck a protectionist tone, to urge their fellow MEPs to vote through the deal.

Proposing the deal Latvian MEP Artis Pabriks said in the opening speech to the parliament in Strasbourg that today was judgement day for the European project.

He told the house: CETA is a litmus test for our EU policies. We are standing on the cross roads. The first direction is protectionism, decline and building of walls. I dont want this.

The second direction is openness to the world, leadership, effective decision making and the bringing of wealth to our union.

German MEP Manfred Weber launched a withering tirade against Ms Le Pen, raging: Le Pen wants to make France into a huge Albania and not lead it into the future but rather cut it off.

Who can we talk to if not Canada? The big picture is we have Donald Trump. We as Europeans on this day we want to make clear that we dont want to build walls, we want to build bridges and thats why my group will be voting for CETA.

And Tory MEP Syed Kamall said his group will also support the pact, describing it as an opportunity to show the world the EU is open for business.

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'Have you no SHAME?' Le Pen slams Brussels as it faces rebellion over Canada-EU trade deal - Express.co.uk

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Mr Tajani said it is important to defend the rights of European citizens and be serious with Westminster because being a member of the EU cannot be the same as not being a member.

The president said it would be important to work with London in the next stage of the Brexit process.

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He said: The UK will always be a European country, however, not an EU country.

Mr Tajani said in the interview that austerity policies should go besides growth.

He said: I dont believe in austerity policies alone. I think its an error to focus solely on austerity but I do believe that reducing public debt is important.

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We cannot beat the crisis without reducing public debt and undertaking reform, but we also cannot win if policies dont favour growth, industry, SMEs, professional workers, agriculture, trade and also tourism.

Mr Tajani has also urged Spain to take more of a leading role in the European Union policy making in the year that the UK leaves the bloc.

The Italian was elected the 29th president of the European Parliament in January after a new partnership between his centre-right group and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.

Mr Tajani said he will discuss Greece in Strasbourg, but he thinks the country should be defended as it is a member of the EU.

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'UK will ALWAYS be a European country' - insists new EU Parliament president Tajani - Express.co.uk

Formula 1 could face an European Parliament investigation

Calls for Formula 1 to be investigated for allegations of anti-competition practices have been backed by the European parliament.

The sports governance and uneven payment structure has come under scrutiny after Force India and Sauber lodged an official complaint to the European Union in 2015.

Both teams feel F1 is operating unfairly citing claims that prize money and bonus payments are distributed unfairly and heavy weighted in favour of the bigger and more successful outfits.

The most high profile is the 105 million ($170.4 million AUD) paid to Ferrari last season as a bonus for being a long standing F1 member and constructor.

Since the official complaints Anneliese Dodds, a UK member of the European Parliament, has pushed for the European Union competitions commission to investigate F1s governance and payment structure.

Last month the parliament issued a report which featured 184 items listed for a possible investigation by the European Commission.

A call for an an immediate investigation into competition concerns arising from the Formula 1 industry has been added to the document, which has since gained overwhelming approval from EU members.

It is understood the recent 467-156 vote in favour of an investigation will increase pressure for the EU to launch a probe.

Im happy that today the European Parliament backed my call for a full and immediate investigation into anti-competitive practices in Formula 1, said Labour MEP Anneliese Dodds.

A few weeks ago Manor Racing became the latest team in the south east of England to collapse after administrators failed to find a buyer.

Smaller teams are unfairly punished by an uncompetitive allocation of prize money that will always give the biggest teams more money, even if they finish last in every race.

The problems in Formula 1 extend well beyond the allocation of prize money, with serious concerns being raised about an agreement with HM Revenue and Customs that allowed the sport to pay an effective two percent tax rate.

Dodds has also noted that the European Union should also investigate the sale of F1 to new owners Liberty Media.

There is also significant conflict of interest over the recent sale of the sport to Liberty Media, after the regulator received a $79.5million (63.7m) profit from authorising the sale, she said.

I have written a number of letters to the European Commission calling for a full investigation and I am grateful that the rest of the European Parliament has added its voice to this call.

We must ensure that we dont lose even more highly skilled jobs in this sector and allow a sport loved by 500m fans to become increasingly less competitive.

If an investigation is lodged and F1 is found guilty of anti-competition practices the European Commission can issue a fine of up to 10 percent of its annual turnover, which equates to 1.35 billion ($2.2 billion AUD).

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European Union supports call for F1 investigation - Speedcafe