Martin Banks

55 POSTS
Martin Banks, aged 63, is an experienced British-born journalist who has been covering the EU beat (and much else besides) in Brussels since 2001.Previously, he had worked for many years in regional journalism in the UK, including as chief reporter at his last paper there, and freelanced for national titles for several years, notably the Daily Telegraph. He has a keen interest in foreign affairs/geo-politics and has closely followed the workings of the European Parliament and MEPs in particular for many years. He has built up, since arriving in Brussels in 2001, a wide and reliable network of contacts, not just in politics but across the spectrum. He's also experienced in subbing, proofing, commissioning and editing and has also had stints on news desks.

Exclusive articles:

Room for optimism as UK seeks to “reset” relations with EU

Judging by recent events, you could easily forget that the UK is no longer part of the EU. The British PM, Sir Keir Starmer has...

Post-Brexit trade bottlenecks still causing headache for business community

Brexit red tape has caused a well-known business serving the expat community in Belgium to drastically change its business model. Stonemanor, which has shops in...

History “will not look kindly” on Donald Trump: Interview with Cynthia Ní Mhurchú

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú , a Renew Europe MEP, was speaking in the wake of a turbulent first few weeks in office for the U.S president. The...

Europe will “not seek to disrupt” transatlantic trade relations – Interview

The EU and United States seem set for a potentially highly damaging trade war following Donald Trump’s turbulent start to his second term in...

Campaigners call for end to “patchwork of animal welfare laws across the EU”

A new report reveals that animal welfare issues are treated “very differently” by each of the EU’s 27 Member States. The authors, Eurogroup for Animals,...

Kazakhstan’s digital court reforms suggests live streaming trials can bolster justice

The digital transformation of judicial systems is reshaping legal processes worldwide, including in Europe, where many countries are integrating technology to improve efficiency and...

A survey has uncovered alleged shortcomings in the UK’s voting system

Britons who live overseas were surveyed about their experience in receiving voting ballots in order to participate in last year’s UK general election. The aim...

Europe and Ukraine must not be sidelined in the talks

MEPs have warned against easing sanctions against Russia and against easing efforts to support Ukraine.  The demand comes on the eve of crucial talks between the...

Uzbekistan president unveils new initiatives for youth education and employment

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced a series of new initiatives designed to create even more opportunities for the nation’s young generation. After meeting youth...

A majority of Brits think the UK should get closer to the EU

Both the EU and UK want closer ties, says a  survey from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). The survey looked at both EU-UK...

Latest

U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker: The Return of Isolationism

U.S. Ramps Up Pressure On December 11, 2025 (local time),...

Why Washington Now Sees Africa as Crucial to National Security

The release of the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy...

Trump’s National Security Strategy: Reaction and Realization

The first National Security Strategy of the United States...

The Legal Minefield of the EU’s Ukraine Loan Plan

The European Commission is proposing a "reparations loan" to...
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