Caution needed in transposing whistleblowing and trade secrets directives
The Commission presented on Monday (23 April) a draft directive on the protection of whistleblowers. However, this new draft counterbalances the directive on trade secrets adopted in 2016, which France is currently transposing. EURACTIV.fr reports.OpinionPromoted content
ePrivacy is about the entire economy, and we need to get it right
Although described as a sectorial law, the proposed ePrivacy Regulation has profound implications for European industry as a whole. That’s why lawmakers need to make it fit for the entire digital economy, writes Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl.
EU governments, businesses, consumers must work together to demand sustainable fisheries
As the seafood industry enters an era that many experts say will bring growing demand and dwindling supply, every player in the supply chain must work to advance sustainability and end illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, writes Amanda Nickson.
Lifecourse vaccination in Europe: Influenza prevention
Adult vaccination has been given less prominence than other health priorities. But given our ageing population, the problem of vaccine-preventable diseases and related complications in adults and elderly is likely to grow. Vaccinating these groups would allow them to stay...
EU court deals blow to anti-abortion campaigners
The EU’s top court has dealt a blow to anti-abortion activists, ruling that the European Commission was justified in its refusal to propose a ban on EU funding for abortion services.
OLAF: Illicit cut tobacco is a significant and growing market
The volume of illicit cut tobacco in Europe poses a significant problem and is a growing market, Margarete Hofmann, Director for policy at the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) told EURACTIV.com.
Strikes in Syria: first and foremost a political manoeuvre
The joint strikes in Syria led by France, the UK and the US seem to be of more symbolic rather than military use.
France’s asylum reform at odds with European law
Following a week of debates, French deputies adopted the controversial draft law on asylum and immigration in its first reading. However, some of the provisions could be contrary to European law on the matter. EURACTIV.fr reports.
OLAF suspects VAT fraud at China’s new gateway to Europe
European Union and Italian authorities are investigating suspected wide-scale tax fraud by Chinese criminal gangs importing goods via Greece’s largest port of Piraeus, a trade gateway between China and Europe, officials said.
Far-right group attacks migrants on Greek island
A far-right group launched a violent attack overnight on migrants staging a sit-in protest on the Greek island of Lesbos, injuring around a dozen people, police said Monday (23 April).
EU move to protect whistleblowers gets praise from MEPs, NGOs
Whistleblowers exposing fraud, tax evasion, data breaches and other misdeeds will be given more protection from retaliation under new rules proposed by the European Commission on Monday (23 April). The move got praise from MEPs, NGOs.
Theresa May dealt another Brexit defeat in parliament
Prime Minister Theresa May received another Brexit blow on Monday (23 April) when Britain's upper House of Lords voted for a measure to retain a key European Union human rights charter.
Energy giants and investors call for close UK-EU ties after Brexit
Aviva, E.ON, RWE, EDF and NPower are among a coalition of 21 energy giants and top investors who have called on Britain and the EU to maintain close links on energy and climate policy after the UK leaves the bloc.
EU agri-food operators sign milestone data sharing deal
In a bid to speed up the exploitation of new technologies in EU farming, a coalition of associations from the EU agri-food chain signed on 23 April a joint EU Code of Conduct on sharing of agricultural data.
EU to check on money laundering moves in Malta, journalist’s murder
The European Union's justice commissioner said on Monday (23 April) she will visit Malta in the coming weeks to look at its anti-money laundering moves and check on how an investigation is going into the murder of an investigative journalist.OpinionPromoted content
EU biofuel policy grasping at straw
A culturally uniform and uninformed group of urban EU bureaucrats, NGOs and technology providers in Brussels have increasingly believed that straw is a waste, that it exists in vast quantities and that it is dirt cheap - oh and that it can easily be turned into a biofuel. This could only happen in a city with people who never get mud on their boots.
Wind power to hit new highs in Northern Europe
In a fresh sign of new energy trends in Europe, Belgium plans to double the amount of its waters made available for offshore wind farms, while Denmark revealed the intention to build enough turbines to power its seven largest cities.
Copernicus chief defends role of satellites in CAP’s ‘control’ system
The EU will launch a new satellite this week as part of the ‘Copernicus’ initiative. The earth observation programme has proved to be useful in dealing with natural disasters and its importance will grow to manage EU funds including the Common Agricultural Policy after 2020, director Philippe Brunet said.
MEPs defend ‘ambitious budget’ for cohesion policy
Threatened by cuts in the EU's next multi-annual budget (2021-2027), regional policy is clearly under threat and several MEPs are now coming to the frontline to defend it. EURACTIV.fr reports.
How patient groups could help tackle ‘fake news’ on vaccination
Patient groups play a crucial role in providing the right information and thus tackling fake news on vaccination, according to experts, who say this is increasingly necessary to restore confidence in this field.
Vella: Ammonia emissions is an ‘enormous’ problem that needs to be tackled
In order to fight air pollution, an integrated approach is needed, according to Karmenu Vella, the EU Commissioner in charge of environment, maritime affairs and fisheries.
Tackling ammonia emissions from agriculture
Agriculture generates around 94% of all ammonia emissions in the EU, the vast majority of which comes from livestock excreta. Greenpeace estimates the livestock share at almost 80%, while mineral fertiliser application accounts for approximately 20%.
The EU had a great plan for Jordan – now it’s time to make it work
In order to help Syrian refugees, the EU must improve its deal with Jordan and deliver on its promise to boost Jordanian exports and refugee hiring, write Gideon Maltz & Cindy Huang.