Commission could play greater role in harmonising vaccines supply, industry says
The European Commission could play a decisive role in further harmonising the regulatory framework of vaccines and therefore avoid delays in the supply of vaccines in case of shortages or emergencies, Vaccines Europe told EURACTIV.com.
Bulgaria is last on media freedom in EU and in the Balkans
Bulgaria, which currently holds the rotating EU Presidency, ranks last among all EU countries in terms of media freedom. It is also the worst in the Western Balkans, a region Sofia hopes to bring closer to the EU. VideoPromoted content
Prospects for Europe – How to enhance European Democracy
On 11 April 2018, some 170 guests from politics, business and civil society attended the 9th Brussels Wednesday Social, hosted by METRO AG in cooperation with European Movement International (EMI) and EuroCommerce.
Volkswagen makes €15bn bet on electric cars in China
Car giant Volkswagen announced Tuesday (24 April) investments of €15 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles in China by 2022. In Europe, meanwhile, carmakers are resisting plans for a mass-scale roll-out of electric vehicles.
Fertilisers Europe chief: No need for ‘rocket-science’ to reduce ammonia emissions
No rocket science, or even innovation, is needed to reduce ammonia emissions from fertilisers, the European fertiliser industry boss Jacob Hansen told EURACTIV.com in an interview. As an example, he pointed to the use of nitrate fertilisers instead of urea.
Athens calls on Hahn to stop ‘undermining’ Macedonian name dispute talks
European Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn said on Tuesday (24 April) that Greece’s name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) could be resolved in the next 15 days.
Donors set to stump up billions for Syria
International donors are expected today (25 April) to pledge billions of dollars for Syria after the UN's special envoy warned of a looming humanitarian disaster in the rebel-held region of Idlib.
Italy’s 5-Star seeks talks with PD, slams door on the League
Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement opened the door to coalition talks with the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) on Tuesday (24 April), saying the only other way to end a political deadlock would be a return to the polls.
Germany, France agree main needs of new joint fighter programme
Germany and France have agreed on the central requirements for a new fighter jet to replace Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes beginning in 2040, German military sources said.
Trump, Macron call for ‘new’ nuclear deal with Iran
US President Donald Trump and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron called for a "new" deal with Iran Tuesday (24 April), looking beyond divisions over a landmark nuclear accord that now hangs in the balance.
Time for an eco-design revolution on carpets and mattresses
A lot more must be done to incentivise everyday product recyclability, writes Ward Mosmuller. Bulky products that are not recycled today – like carpets, mattresses and furniture – would be a good place to start, he argues.
Apple, Ireland strike deal on €13bn tax payment
Ireland's government on Tuesday (24 April) said it was signing a deal with Apple for the US tech giant to pay €13 billion in back taxes as ordered by the European Commission.
The clock is ticking on malaria
With drug and insecticide resistance on the rise and slow progress in reducing cases and deaths, the clock is ticking on malaria. The EU must join other health leaders and scale up its efforts to fight the disease, writes Charles Goerens.
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.
The Brief – I’m a billionaire, get me out of here!
A Croatian billionaire who set up one of the largest companies in the Balkans will be extradited back to his native country to face charges of fraud. But what chance does Ivica Todorić really have of getting a fair trial in the EU’s newest member state?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.
Commission defends ‘equivalence’ with UK for financial services
European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis told the UK’s financial sector on Tuesday (24 April) that the EU and UK regimes could co-exist together after Brexit, but warned that London would not have a say in the decision-making process.
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 launched by France, the UK and the US seem to have a symbolic rather than military purpose, writes Nicolas Gros-Verheyde.
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.