The Brief – Juncker’s plan for the elections? Results
Europe is leaving behind some of the craziest days in months and is now gearing for what looms after the summer break. The coming months will be the moment of truth before the European elections show how far the Eurosceptics and populists have managed to seize control of Europe’s agenda and shape the debate.
The Bulgarian Presidency: more about style than substance
With no major faux pas or any ground-breaking policy change to speak of, Bulgaria’s first term as EU President is unlikely to go down in the annals of history. Yet Sofia can nevertheless look back on its six months in office with a sense of satisfaction, writes Vladislava Gubalova.
Use vouchers to combat grey economy, EU report urges government
EU countries should pilot voucher schemes to assess whether they can be used to combat the grey economy, according to a new report.
Has the world reached ‘peak fish’?, fish experts ask
This week’s meetings of the European Parliament’s committee on fisheries (11-12 July) saw fish experts tackling the growing issues of overfishing, small-scale fisheries and fish dependence.
France rolls out the red carpet for finance sector post-Brexit
France's prime minister presented new measures to appeal to financial circles, which are currently considering their post-Brexit options. EURACTIV’s partner La Tribune reports.
How the Spitzenkandidaten process will work ahead of 2019 elections
The European elections are looming ever closer but how will the Parliament's main political groups choose their candidates for the EU's top jobs in the lead-up to May 2019?
Europol: Massive seizure of fake pesticides which could spray the size of the UK
Europol’s annual Operation SILVER AXE III seized the largest-ever amount of illegal or counterfeit pesticides in Europe this week. But the fact that such massive amounts of illegal pesticides are available has raised concerns about both the economic and health costs.
Greening European agriculture: Can the new CAP be really green?
Environmental pressure and climate change are some of the main challenges facing agriculture today. The 2013 Common Agricultural Policy reform addressed these problems with “greening” measures, in an attempt to make the direct payments system more environment-friendly.
Death-knell for microplastics?
MEPs voted on Tuesday (10 July) to amend European Commission plans to cut plastic pollution and suggested a ban on microplastics in cosmetics and other products by 2020.
Trans-Europe Express – NATO is dead
NATO held its first summit in its grandiose new buildings this week. This should have suggested a new beginning for the transatlantic alliance. But the impression from the discussions was quite the reverse.
Ireland commits to divesting public funds from fossil fuel companies
Ireland committed to divesting public funds from fossil fuel companies on Thursday after parliament passed a bill forcing the €8.9 billion Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) to withdraw money invested in oil, gas and coal.
Bulgaria edges closer to joining euro
Bulgaria, the European Union's poorest country, moved a step closer to joining the euro yesterday (12 July).
Agricultural industry eyes space data
Data access has become a key issue for the agricultural sector, which could benefit from European space programmes. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Decarbonisation not just an option but an opportunity, insist energy experts
Decarbonising the economy and energy production is now a necessity for states and companies, although it can also be a source of business opportunities and innovation, according to experts. EURACTIV's Spanish partner reports.
Israel reprimands EU envoy in row over discriminatory bill
Israel summoned the EU ambassador yesterday (12 July) over allegations of interference in the passage of a controversial law which could pave the way for Jewish-only communities.
Kremlin accuses Trump of trying to bully Europe into buying US LNG
The Kremlin yesterday (12 July) rejected US President Donald Trump's description of Germany as a "captive" of Russia due to its energy reliance, saying his statement was part of a US campaign to bully Europe into buying American energy supplies.
NATO summit exposes Juncker health problems
European leaders stepped in to help European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker walk on Wednesday (11 July), as he was seen stumbling and losing his balance ahead of the NATO summit gala dinner.
EU should enforce market surveillance to protect single market
The EU needs to take market surveillance more seriously. This is not only about spending more money, but also about creating more coherent and less complex single market legislation, writes Naemi Denz.
Trump blasts May’s ‘soft’ Brexit plan, says Boris Johnson would be ‘great prime minister’
US President Donald Trump said a free trade deal with the UK might be impossible if London went ahead with Prime Minister Theresa May's proposals for post-Brexit ties with the European Union, in damaging remarks that could widen domestic criticism of her plans.
Tweets of the Week: David Davis, Boris Johnson and Donald Trump – Oh My!
It’s the week of the three buffoons! David Davis decides to quit, Boris Johnson makes a split, and Donald Trump gives Nato a fit. This week started with a bang when David Davis make his shock resignation from the British...OpinionPromoted content
Polish Transmission System Operator: Europe needs to reshape its electricity market
The management and balancing of the power system is becoming more and more complicated and expensive, and the European TSOs face new challenges. In order to prevent the instability of the system and the increase of the energy costs for the end users, it is necessary to reshape the current electricity market.OpinionPromoted content
Women with Advanced and Metastatic Breast Cancer should be able to continue or return to work
Important advancements in diagnosing and treating breast cancer in Europe have been made in the last years. However, there are still many challenges to overcome, writes Lydia Makaroff.
The Brief – White heat, white light?
The UK finally revealed its hand on Thursday, publishing a 104-page White Paper that looks awfully like continued membership of the single market and customs union. Just don’t call it that, whatever you do.