The Brief – Look who’s back…
The old king of political vulgarity, the proto-Trump, is back. The news of the day is that Silvio Berlusconi will be running for a seat in the European Parliament, reviving his political career after a ban imposed over a tax fraud conviction expired.
EU participation in ‘anti-Iran summit’ shrouded in uncertainty
The US-initiated Middle East summit to be held in Warsaw in mid-February has been touted as the most important event held in the city since the 2016 NATO summit. But Tehran has dismissed the meeting as a “desperate anti-Iranian circus" and the EU is struggling for a common position.
Kazakhstan advocates closer ties between EU and Eurasian Economic Union
A senior official from Kazakhstan, one of the five members of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), has called for greater cooperation between EEAU and the EU, ultimately aiming to create a single economic space from the Atlantic to Pacific. But a Commission spokesperson made clear it could only be a long-term goal, depending on political developments.
Greens save glyphosate from EU ban calls, as deal with EPP triumphs
The Greens in the European Parliament have blocked an amendment calling for the ban of Monsanto's controversial weedkiller, as part of a broader political deal with the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) to back a report calling for a rethink of the EU's pesticide approval system.
EU envoys agree sanctions on Russians accused of Skripals’ poisoning
European Union ambassadors agreed on Wednesday (16 January) to impose sanctions on nine individuals and one entity accused of chemical weapons attacks, including two Russian men blamed for poisoning a former Russian double agent in Britain, two diplomats said.
US about to ditch landmark missile treaty, cites Russia’s non-compliance
After talks between Washington and Moscow to save a Cold War arms control treaty collapsed this week, the United States announced on Wednesday (16 January) it would no longer consider itself bound by the treaty obligations in under two weeks times.
US discourages foreign companies from doing business in Cuba
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned foreign businesses Wednesday (16 January) to steer clear of formerly private properties seized by Cuba -- and said he was considering allowing lawsuits over such assets in US courts.
Academic: Oil and gas boilers should be banned across Europe by 2030
Emissions from residential heating can be drastically reduced if Europe agrees a ban on new oil and gas boiler installations by 2030 at the latest, according to a Danish researcher who led an EU-wide study to decarbonise the heating and cooling sector.
Scientists call for radical change of diet to transform global food system
The global food system needs urgent reform, less meat consumption and more legumes, as three billion people worldwide are malnourished and food production is exceeding planetary boundaries, scientists have warned in a new report.
Putin to receive a rock star welcome in Belgrade
With T-shirts, mugs and murals bearing his face, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to receive a rock star welcome on Thursday (17 January) when he lands in Serbia, Moscow's key ally on the edge of Europe.
Tsipras wins confidence vote, eyes Prespa agreement ratification
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Wednesday (16 January) survived a confidence vote after a row over a landmark name deal with Macedonia sunk his four-year coalition.
Spanish PM: If Europe protects us, we need to protect Europe
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stood up for a more social, feminist, greener and united Europe, in his speech on the future of the EU before the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday (16 January).
World risks sleepwalking into next crisis, Davos report warns
Global risks are intensifying but the will to tackle them collectively is eroding, as forces across the planet call for “taking back control”, the World Economic Forum warned in its latest report published on Wednesday (16 January).
May offers cross-party Brexit talks after surviving confidence vote
British Prime Minister Theresa May offered to immediately open cross-party talks to agree on a new Brexit deal after she narrowly survived a vote of no confidence late on Wednesday (16 January). InfographicPromoted content
Nickel energizing batteries
While nickel is not always in the name, its presence in many battery technologies is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - enabling clean energy solutions to be a central part of our effort to tackle global warming.
The Brief – A Day without Europe
During a recent discussion about the future of the EU, one of the speakers suggested that there should be a “Day without Europe”, in the same way that cities hold an annual day without cars, or some people go offline from the web for 24 hours.
VW and Ford launch largest electric and self-driving car alliance
German carmaker giant Volkswagen has inked a partnership with US rival Ford that will focus on developing electric and autonomous vehicles, the CEOs of the two companies announced on Tuesday (15 January).
Banks pressed to evaluate risks linked to ‘natural capital’
While the assessment of financial risks caused by climate change – like floods and storms – is becoming more widespread in the financial community, the evaluation of broader environmental risks like deforestation or ocean pollution is still a major blank spot for bankers.
German AfD: Decision to monitor party ‘bizarre’, lacks substance
The German intelligence service is keeping an eye on comments made by AfD politicians from now on. The party is to be examined for contemptuous behaviour. It is now up to the party whether it will be observed. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Study: Cohesion’s impact on local audiences still remains limited
Social outcomes in Cohesion policy remain relatively obscure for the general public compared to economic developments, a recent project study has found. In addition to that, the process of reaching local audiences remains a challenge for policymakers and organisations across the European regions.
MEPs agree to fund ‘chimera’ nuclear fusion project
The European Parliament voted on Tuesday (15 January) to extend the funding of an experimental fusion power reactor through to 2027, although some MEPs are still concerned about the multi-billion euro moon-shot that could revolutionise the way power is generated.
Immigration offers outlet for European economic malaise, says OECD report
The OECD has called for immigrants to be better integrated, citing the economic advantages of migration. EURACTIV France reports.
With ‘No deal’ ruled out, Brexit can be averted
After Tuesday's huge defeat of Theresa May's draft EU Withdrawal Agreement, 'no deal' is out and 'no Brexit' back on, writes Sir Graham Watson.