EU countries clash over scale of future hydrogen imports

The EU has historically been a major energy importer, with a majority of its oil and gas coming from Russia or the Middle East. Now, as Europe decarbonises its industry, some countries fear it could increasingly become dependent on imported hydrogen.

Spanish immunologist: variants may need third vaccine dose

Spanish immunologist Carmen Álvarez-Domínguez has warned that the COVID-19 vaccines available in Spain and other EU countries could adapt to new variants, potentially necessitating a third dose in 2022, EURACTIV’s partner EFE reported. 

How the competition against China could improve NATO

Allowing the US to focus its military resources in the Pacific requires a division of labor within NATO that requires the Europeans to take responsibility for the defense of their continent, writes Antonia Colibasanu.

EU lawmakers demand strong security against cyber threats

MEPs have called for calling for beefed-up EU security against cyber threats in a resolution on the bloc’s Cyber Security Strategy, known as EUCSS, for the digital decade.

The Brief, powered by ITI – What is the EU doing at G7?

At the G7 round table, there are actually nine seats. At last week's three-day G7 summit in Cornwall, two of them were taken by European Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (both of whom managed to grab a seat this time).

A historic day for children growing up in poverty in the EU

Today marks a historic day for the rights of the millions of children growing up in poverty in the EU, as the EU launches an unprecedented revolutionary framework to tackle child poverty and social exclusion, write Anita Bay Bundergaard and Jana Hainsworth.

The new kid on the EU bond block

The European Union is set to become the continent’s largest supranational bond issuer within the next five years as a result of its SURE and NextGeneration programmes, aimed at helping the bloc’s economies recover from the damage caused by the COVID–19 pandemic.

The Parliament and the Rule of Law: an elephant in a china shop

The European Parliament is going beyond its mandate in its pursuit of punishment for Hungary, writes Judit Varga.

An ETS for transport and buildings is essential

An EU-wide emissions trading system for the transport and building sectors would secure the financing of low carbon solutions and support lower-income households and member states through the redistribution of carbon pricing revenues, argue Matthias Buck and Andreas Graf.

MEP: Clear EU definition of plasma would pave way for better awareness

Communication about the importance of plasma donations can be improved by focusing on a clear definition in the EU legislation, ensuring that more awareness is raised about the role it plays in producing life-saving medical products, a centre-right EU lawmaker told EURACTIV.

Portugal investors demand bank bond money back or will boycott European fund

A group of international institutional investors coordinated by the Attestor Capital fund, on the hook for €2 billion in the Banco Espírito Santo case, want the European Commission to settle the case, warning that otherwise, they will not fund the post-pandemic economic recovery.

Media Partnership – How to address the unmet needs of rare disease patients by transforming the European OMP landscape

The European Expert Group on Orphan Drug Incentives (OD Expert Group) has been established to discuss and bring forward innovative proposals to stimulate innovation and foster research into therapies for rare diseases.

Media Partnership – Towards Zero Pollution: Measuring Citizens’ Health and Well-Being

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the interlinkages between the degradation of our environment and the health of our societies.

Rare earth metals at the heart of China’s rivalry with US, Europe

What if China were to cut off the United States and Europe from access to rare minerals that are essential to electric vehicles, wind turbines and drones?

Ukraine’s president thanks G7 nations for support

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, thanked the G7 group of wealthy industrial nations on Sunday (13 June) after it voiced support for Kyiv and called on Russia to withdraw troops and weapons from near Ukraine’s eastern border.

LEAK: What NATO allies will decide in Brussels

In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about Austria teaming up with Greece on migration matters, Hungary's parliament preparing to pass a Russian-style LGBTQI bill, and so much more.

EU countries agree to prolong funding for selected gas projects, with caveats

European Union energy ministers on Friday (11 June) agreed to prolong EU support for some cross-border natural gas projects, despite a push from 11 countries and the European Commission who said such funding should end to comply with climate change goals.

UK’s sausage row with EU goes from bad to wurst

UK anger with Europe sizzled on Sunday (13 June) after a sausage-themed dispute between the British and French leaders over post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland.

Israel’s Netanyahu ousted as ‘change’ coalition forms new government

A motley alliance of Israeli parties on Sunday (13 June) ended Benjamin Netanyahu's 12 straight years as prime minister, as parliament voted in a new government led by his former ally, right-wing Jewish nationalist Naftali Bennett.

Understanding the new ‘normal’: putting climate change into perspective

What does it mean when someone tells us that this spring has been unusually cold? How should we interpret the news that snowfall from the past winter was not typical? In fact, what is perceived as normal depends on perspective, writes Andreas Hoy.

Bundestag adopts supply chain law tackling human rights abuses

The German Bundestag has adopted the Due Diligence in Supply Chains Law that will force companies to respect human rights in their supply chains, despite opposition from some political parties and industry