From the capitals
COVID-19 triggers ‘demographic tragedy’ in Spain
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating not only for the Spanish economy but also, and above all, in terms of human lives: since March 2020 Spain’s mortality rate increased by 17%, with 492,930 new deaths directly or partially related to the pandemic, a historic mark not seen in the Iberian country since 1941.
Climate finance remains a stumbling block on way to COP26
As world leaders prepare for the COP26 climate summit hosted by the UK in November, international finance to help poorer countries tackle climate change remains a key barrier – and the recent summit between the world's seven richest nations did not bring a solution.
EU and UK say Hong Kong newspaper raid shows China cracking down on dissent
The European Union and Britain said a police raid on Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily showed that China was using a new national security law to crack down on dissent and silence the media rather than deal with public security.
France fails to adopt clear position on future gas funding
As EU energy ministers agreed last week to phase out gas-hydrogen blending projects, France did not adopt a clear position on the matter even if this means prolonging the bloc’s reliance on fossil fuels. EURACTIV France reports.OpinionPromoted content
Just Transition demands a European legal framework on anticipation and management of change
The Fit for 55% package should be accompanied by a legal framework on anticipation of change that leaves no one behind. This would be a stepping stone towards a more sustainable economy, turning Just Transition from rhetoric to reality.
Scotch but no bourbon: UK-US trade truce gives dram of hope to drinks industry
The drinks industry welcomed a trade truce between Britain and United States that saw tariffs removed on Scotch whisky and most other spirits, although they called for further efforts to remove the last export duties on American whiskey.
Disneyland Paris reopens, but Mickey Mouse won’t give hugs
The Disneyland Paris theme park opened to visitors on Thursday (17 June) after being shuttered for nearly eight months during the pandemic, but safety measures were in force to stop the virus spreading.
The Brief, powered by ITI – Biden vs Putin: Who won?
As the dust settles after the meeting of the two leaders on the neutral Swiss playground, a legitimate question to ask is which one of them got the most out of this risky summit. And who were the collateral victims.
Digital industry afraid of being seen as a polluter, says Commission adviser
Digitalisation must be part of the solution and not a part of the problem, EU lawmaker Geese said at a EURACTIV event on Tuesday (15 June), where the participants deliberated on the complex relationship between digitalisation and sustainability.
The Hungarian bill against the LGBTQI+ minority and North Macedonia’s policy win with UEFA
This week, the Yellow Room takes us to Budapest, where the government passed a new bill introducing tougher penalties for paedophilia, in the wake of several cases of child abuse. However, the new amendments put the LGBTQI+ minority on... VideoPromoted content
Good Off-Label Use Practice of Medicines
Before a drug makes it onto the market it is vigorously tested and needs to be authorized, either by a national competent authority or EMA, the European Medicines Agency. All the information on when a medicinal product can and cannot...
Japan says China’s military strategy unclear, of serious concern
Japan said on Thursday (17 June) China's military intentions are unclear and its armed forces' rapid expansion is of serious concern, circumstances that require Europe, the United States and other Asian nations to come together to stand up to Beijing.
Biden’s visit: What does it mean to rejoin Europe?
Given that Europe is not inclined to make the painful decisions that a modernized relationship requires, it is hard to understand what a return to Europe means, except for having dinner with some interesting people, writes George Friedman.
EU eyes tighter rules for ‘renewable’ biomass energy
The European Union is considering tightening rules on whether wood-burning energy can be classed as renewable and count towards green goals, according to a draft document seen by Reuters on Wednesday (16 June).
Euro fiscal watchdog endorses suspension of Stability Pact in 2022
The European Fiscal Board supported on Wednesday (16 June) maintaining the suspension of the Stability and Growth Pact throughout next year but called for reinstalling a revised set of fiscal rules from 2023 to minimise risks.
Armenia, on edge after war lost, holds vote to end crisis
Armenians vote Sunday (20 June) in snap parliamentary elections called by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to end a political crisis ignited by his country's humiliating military defeat to Azerbaijan last year.
EU Council reaches agreement on road charging
The Council of the European Union (EU), chaired by Portugal, has reached an agreement with the European Parliament to revise the rules on road charging, the so-called Eurovignette, to reduce emissions of polluting gases and infrastructure congestion.
EU Commission approves COVID-19 recovery fund for Spain, Portugal
Brussels has approved the coronavirus recovery funds for Spain and Portugal during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the two countries. EURACTIV’s partner EFE reported.
Spain expected to abolish mandatory outdoor mask-wearing
Face masks worn in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus may “soon” become something of the past in public spaces, Spain’s socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Wednesday. EURACTIV’s partner EFE reported.
Biden, Putin hail positive talks, but bad blood stays on
Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin sought to cool tensions in the dangerously spiraling US-Russian relationship at their first summit in Geneva on Wednesday (16 June), with the US president saying his Kremlin counterpart doesn't want a new Cold War.OpinionPromoted content
Has Covid-19 left a ‘pandemic scar’ on young people?
The end is in sight. Restrictions are lifting and slowly but surely, we’re starting to feel ‘normal’ again. Across Europe and beyond, offices are starting to reopen, empty classrooms have welcomed back students, and spending time with family and friends...
EU agrees additional Belarus sanctions after forced Ryanair landing
The European Union agreed additional sanctions on Belarus on Wednesday (16 June) in response to the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk and the arrest of a dissident journalist on board in May, an EU diplomat said.
Time running out for Afghan peace process, EU envoy warns
The European Union's envoy for Afghanistan said on Wednesday (16 June) time was running out for Afghan peace negotiations and more needed to be done to boost the discussions as international forces withdraw from the war-torn nation.