Microsoft ‘in discussions’ with Germans on Gaia-X participation
Microsoft has revealed it has been holding talks with the German Economy Ministry over whether the company could be contracted as a supplier for Gaia-X, the ambitious European cloud network infrastructure initiative.
Dozens of senior posts still vacant in new Commission
At least 50 European Commission’s senior posts remain vacant, as nominations have been pushed down by the legislative rush during President Ursula von der Leyen’s first 100 days, various EU officials told EURACTIV.com.
How automation can work to support effiency in farming systems
Automation in the farming sector is playing an increasing role in improving the quality of both animal and farmers lives. Pascal Huger, a goat breeder in Thenay in the Loir-et-Cher region, talks to EURACTIV France about his choice to automate on his farm.
Romania must not squander EU Green Deal opportunity
Positioning the country against the EU Green Deal, Romanian politicians appear to be on the wrong side of history and disconnected from the economic reality of energy markets, writes Suzana Carp.
Serbia’s government simulates democracy
The key obstacle to free and fair elections is widespread voter repression by the regime of President Aleksandar Vučić, writes Nebojša Zelenović.
Sweden’s forest crimes
Sweden presents itself as a global torchbearer on the environment, but its forest policy is wreaking havoc. The EU must act to stop it, say five European NGOs.
Austrian justice minister with migrant background leads fight against online hate
When it became known that for the first time someone with a migrant background would be in the Austrian government, Green Justice Minister Alma Zadić started to receive death threats and the recommendation to fly home to Bosnia. Now, she wants to use her experience with discrimination to protect others. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Spain gets ready for ‘worst-case’ coronavirus scenario
Hospitals in Spain are getting prepared for the "worst-case scenario" in case of a coronavirus spread, EURACTIV's partner EFE reported. Health ministry experts met on Tuesday (25 February) to prepare and coordinate a "contingency plan" in the case of a health crisis
Italy’s coronavirus outbreak spreads south, death toll rises
Italy's coronavirus crisis spread south on Tuesday (26 February) beyond its original epicentre in the north, as the death toll from the worst outbreak in Europe rose to 11 and the number of new cases jumped above 320, officials said.
Crimean experts warn Russia has appetite for Black Sea, more Ukrainian land
Increasingly grandiose Russian military exercises in the Black Sea, compounded by the impending water crisis and a burgeoning defence industry in the Crimea, indicate that the security situation in Southern Ukraine may soon deteriorate, Ukrainian experts from Crimea warn.
EU voices concern about China’s jailing of bookseller
The EU criticised China on Tuesday (25 February) over the jailing of a Swedish book publisher, saying his rights were not respected.
US upbeat on Taliban peace, warns Afghan leaders
The United States voiced optimism Tuesday (25 February) about reaching an accord to end the war in Afghanistan as a partial truce held with the Taliban, warning rival leaders in the Kabul government not to scuttle the "enormous opportunity."
Janez Jansa, admirer of Viktor Orban, to be nominated PM of Slovenia
The centre-right Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), led by former prime minister Janez Janša, late on Tuesday (25 February) agreed on a future government coalition with three other parties, the four parties said.
Canaries hotel locked down over coronavirus with guests spanning 25 nationalities
A large Canary Islands hotel was locked down for coronavirus tests on Tuesday (25 February) after a guest and his wife were found to be infected, as Spain also reported its first three cases of the disease on the mainland.OpinionPromoted content
How Europe’s AI strategy is getting it right
The European Commission’s new White Paper may be the most ambitious yet realistic government strategy for AI we have seen. Qualcomm’s commitment to expand its already AI R&D efforts in Europe are well aligned with its core values.
The Brief – Was darf Satire?
The times we live in, with their Trumps, Putins and Erdogans, are screaming for satire.
Romania is slow at integrating people with disabilities
Romania's adult centres offering deplorable reception conditions for people with disabilities, and the country's school system struggling to ensure the inclusion of children with disabilities, are a source of concern. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.
Fake NATURA 2000 report raises eyebrows in Bulgaria, and Brussels
The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAN) has stated that the report the government has sent to Brussels in relation to the EU's Natura 2000 nature protection project is an “outright fake”, thus fully confirming the findings on an earlier investigative report by EURACTIV Bulgaria.
Germany’s Laschet, Merz join Merkel party leadership race
The premier of Germany's most populous state, Armin Laschet, joined the race to lead Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) on Tuesday and won the backing of Health Minister Jens Spahn who had been expected to run himself. A third contender, Friedrich Merz, also announced his candidacy.
French stadiums should ban fungicide use this year
Fungicides, which are pesticides used to combat fungi, could be banned from French football stadiums this year. EURACTIV France reports
Europe’s top firms must double low-carbon investment – study
Europe's top companies need to more than double their current level of spending on low-carbon projects to meet the European Commission's flagship goal of 'climate neutrality' by 2050, according to a report released on Tuesday (25 February).
Lenarcic: No ‘direct’ scenario for Schengen’s suspension due to coronavirus
In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about how France is dealing with the Coronavirus, new US intelligence chief Grenell's links to the Hungarian government, Boyko Borissov's alleged money laundering dealings in Barcelona, and so much more.
Could robot weeders be the solution to France’s pesticide problem?
As farmers are urged to reduce their use of plant protection products, they are forced to take on manual weeding, a tedious task for which manpower is hard to find. But could so-called 'robot weeders' provide a solution to this problem? EURACTIV France reports.