From the capitals
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...OpinionPromoted content
Stability in the Mediterranean region will bring stability to Europe
Stability in the Mediterranean region will bring stability to Europe. It is time to continue to strengthen dialogue with a stronger commitment of partnership and cooperation. We do share the same challenges. Only together, can we mutually seize the same opportunities.
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.OpinionPromoted content
Sustainable Packaging: Why the PPWD’s Vision is Incomplete
Going green is not a new phase in the world of sustainable packaging, it’s a necessity. In the case of sustainable packaging, it has and can make its contribution to climate change mitigation, and at the EU level, to achieving the goals of the very ambitious European Green Deal of climate neutrality.
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.InterviewPromoted content
An ever closer union can be a multi-speed one
The proposals made at the Conference on the Future of Europe for a fiscal union, veto-free EU decision making in foreign affairs, and transnational lists will need backing by civil society if they are to succeed, according to the newly elected president of the Young European Federalists.
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.OpinionPromoted content
Glass Recycling: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
Glass is a success story for Europeans and for European recycling rates. Almost 8 out of 10 glass bottles put on the European market are already collected for recycling around Europe – a figure that should reach 90% by the end of the decade.