Anti-terror, Sakharov Prize, Brexit, Cyprus, Japan trade

At the latest European Parliament plenary session, which took place the same week as a terrorist attack on the Strasbourg Christmas market, MEPs approved a Special Committee report on terrorism, calling for stronger crime-fighting tools, more assistance for terror victims, and for stepping up efforts against radicalisation. Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to jailed Ukrainian film-maker Oleg Sentsov to press their demand for Russia to free him. MEPs debated the latest developments regarding Brexit. They also debated the future of Europe with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, who also gave an update on the efforts to reunite his divided island. Parliament approved the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement which will slash tariffs on both sides. It is the largest EU trade accord ever, comprising 40% of all global trade.