Janie Matthews
NGO: Freedom of the press at lowest point in 13 years
With populism and authoritarianism on the rise in many countries, global press freedom has taken a blow. In fact, it is at its lowest point in 13 years, according to a US-funded research and advocacy organisation.
ECJ plans to rule on same-sex marriage in Romania
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is set to rule on same-sex marriage in a landmark Romanian case, but religious freedom groups are rooting for a win for national sovereignty.
NGOs urge UK to approve EU anti-pollution rules
Environmental NGOs rallied together, urging the British government to vote in support of new EU industrial pollution rules that could save thousands of lives every year today (12 April).
Digitalisation takes centre stage at Brussels energy forum
Policymakers and industry leaders on Tuesday (28 March) called for an increase in digitalisation in keeping with the EU's energy efficiency directives.
New energy labels on household appliances could save hundreds on energy bills
An agreement on draft legislation of energy labels for household appliances was reached by the European Parliament and the Council of the Ministers on Tuesday.
Recyclables must be collected separately for circular economy to succeed, says panel
Separate collection of recyclable materials is the key to a successful circular economy, but some member states struggle to put the necessary infrastructure in place, policymakers told a EURACTIV event held on Tuesday (21 March).
Think tank says PRI members failed to hire enough experts
The UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) asset owners and investment managers failed to hire enough experts in responsible investments, according to a report from a climate change think tank released on Tuesday (21 March).
Better resource efficiency could be worth trillions, UN says
Almost €2 trillion would be poured into the annual global economy if resource efficiency was boosted, according to a report from the United Nations Environment Programme released today (16 March).
MEPs vote to boost recycling rates and limit food waste
After 51 organisations and 64,000 people in the EU backed a campaign to reduce food waste, MEPs voted today (14 March) in support of a 50% reduction by 2030.
Green future can’t happen without consumers
Klaus-Dieter Borchardt, a top European Commission official, declared that Europe’s transition to a green future will be impossible without the support of consumers, but admitted that the executive had been terrible at communicating its work, during a panel discussion held today (9 March).
MEPs and mayors discuss strategies to fight populism
In the wake of Brexit and the rise of populism, EU lawmakers and municipal leaders gathered on Tuesday (7 March) to discuss potential strategies to defeat Euroscepticism.
Sweden opts to return to conscription
The Swedish government is expected to officially decide to bring back conscription today (2 March).
Ombudsman launches investigation against EIB
The EU's watchdog is investigating the EIB for maladministration after three NGOs submitted a complaint this week.
Slovakia continues to allow discrimination against Roma children
Despite threats of fines from the European Union, Slovakia still discriminates against Romani children by placing them in segregated schools.
EU watchdog opens probe into Barrosogate
Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly began investigating the Commission’s handling of the Barrosogate scandal today (28 February).
Belgium and France join war on plastics
Ten countries have pledged their allegiance to the United Nation’s war on ocean plastics.
EU’s clean energy package gets national support
Negotiations for the third version of the Clean Energy for all Europeans package have officially begun.
Italy slapped with air pollution lawsuit
ClientEarth launched legal action against Lombardy, Italy’s most polluted region, today (22 February). The NGO says this could be the first of several Italian suits.
Natura 2000 must manage cash better, warn EU Auditors
The EU’s flagship biodiversity programme, Natura 2000, needs more money and better management, the European Court of Auditors has warned.
ETUC: Wages in Europe are too low
The gap between the rich and ‘the rest’ is growing, European Trade Union leaders warned as Europe struggles to recover from the 2009 crisis that wiped 10% of it’s economy.
Five countries face fines after breaking EU pollution laws
The European Commission threatened legal action against France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK after they failed to protect their citizens’ health against dangerous levels of air pollution.
Distrust of construction industry could put EU building renovations ‘at risk’
European Union plans to spur building renovation risk being hindered by distrust in the construction industry, a conference on the bloc’s flagship energy strategy heard last Wednesday (8 February) in Brussels.
EU auditors join fight against deadly air pollution
The European Court of Auditors (ECA) will investigate the fight against air pollution, which kills half a million European citizens every year, the court announced on Friday (10 February).
