France debates merger that would lead to media colossus

The announcement that France's two leading television groups, TF1 and M6, would merge to face US giants like Netflix or Amazon Prime is raising major concerns about competition and media ownership being concentrated among just a few players in the country. EURACTIV France reports.

The Brief, powered by ELF — Times have never been better for EU reform

There has never been a better time to push for European integration. With pro-European governments in France, Italy and Germany, reform of the bloc seems to be within reach – for the first time in years.  The shift is especially...

How the EU law on online services wants to restore trust in the digital sphere

The general approach to the Digital Services Act (DSA) has been one of the major achievements of the Slovenian Presidency and on 25 November, EU ministers unanimously adopted the mandate to initiate the interinstitutional negotiations on it. The agreement was reached just 11 months after the presentation of the proposal under the leadership of the Slovenian Presidency.

Media Partnership: Healthy soils for sustainable agriculture

You can watch and find out about healthy soils for sustainable agriculture. Prof. Ettore Capri from the OPERA research center, had the privilege of inviting policymakers, academia, industry and civil society to join us in a lively debate moderated by EURACTIV.

Renewable energy has ‘another record year of growth’, says IEA

It has been another record year for renewable energy, despite the Covid-19 pandemic and rising costs for raw materials around the world, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian Environment, reports.

EU unveils €300bn global investment scheme as part of the West’s response to China

The European Commission unveiled on Wednesday (1 December) a plan to invest €300 billion by 2027 in infrastructure, digital and climate projects around the world to strengthen Europe's supply chains, boost EU trade and help fight climate change.

Timmermans: Gene editing ‘clear part’ of sustainability action in agrifood

European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans added his voice to the growing list of those in the EU executive advocating for gene editing, a move condemned by campaigners who accuse the Commission of already making their mind up on the technology.

Energy efficiency law ‘too ambitious’ for some EU member states

Just four months after the European Commission tabled its revised Energy Efficiency Directive, campaigners said they were “extremely worried” about attempts by some EU countries to dilute the proposal.

Data governance: new EU law for data-sharing adopted

EU co-legislators found a middle ground on the Data Governance Act (DGA) by adopting new rules for data sharing, marking the first step of the European data strategy.

EU calls on China to show proof of tennis star’s wellbeing

The European Union called on Beijing on Tuesday (30 November) to show proof of the wellbeing of tennis star Peng Shuai, adding its voice to international concern about her fate since she alleged sexual assault by a former top Chinese official.

ESG Book aims to ‘disrupt’ sustainability sector with free data

HSBC, Deutsche Bank and Swiss Re have thrown their support behind ESG Book, a new environment, social and governance (ESG) data platform launched on Wednesday (1 December) to 'disrupt' the market with a free "public good" service for companies and investors.

The Green Brief: Hat-trick for the German Greens

After 16 years in opposition, the Germans Greens are back in government, taking the reins of three powerful ministries – an unprecedented feat, which also strengthens their hand in Brussels as they now have a direct link to the new government in Berlin.

EU ponders 20% hydrogen-ready standard for gas boilers

New gas boilers placed on the European market could soon be required to operate with “at least 20% hydrogen” under new standards being envisaged at EU level.

Fake COVID passports flourish in southeastern Europe

While the European Commission and EU countries struggle to contain the latest surge in coronavirus infections, thousands of vaccine-averse Europeans are paying for fake COVID passes while not getting the jab. EURACTIV network reports.

As Merkel bows out, Europe seeks new leader

Angela Merkel's departure from the political stage after 16 years as chancellor has not only ushered in a new era in Germany but also shakes up the power balance in the EU.

Far-right Zemmour makes Le Pen look normal

In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about Finland losing its top spot when it comes to the education of young people, Bulgarian police finding fake COVID-19 passes, and so much more.

Officials offer reassurance over Omicron variant; WHO advises against travel bans

The World Health Organization warned countries on Tuesday (30 November) not to impose blanket travel bans over the new Omicron coronavirus variant as governments and scientists try to determine how much protection current vaccines would offer against the strain.

Fight for workers’ rights in Brussels intensifies ahead of French EU presidency

The fight for workers’ rights in Brussels is intensifying: the European Parliament is now ready to begin negotiations on a minimum wage directive and to vote on a new report putting pressure on the European Commission to legislate.

French centre-right contenders in final push ahead of presidency choice

Five contenders from France's conservative Republicans party crossed swords in a final debate on Tuesday (30 December) ahead of party members choosing its candidate to take on President Emmanuel Macron in next year's elections.

EU Council presidency pitches significant changes to AI Act proposal

The Slovenian Presidency circulated a compromise text on the EU's draft AI Act, including major changes in the areas of social scoring, biometric recognition systems, and high-risk applications, while also identifying future points for discussion.