Sarantis Michalopoulos
LEAK: EU charts 6G future in ambitious industrial plan
The European Commission has set out a series of comprehensive plans to revolutionise the bloc's industrial sector, with a heavy interest in developing key technologies with 'strategic importance', including measures to go 'beyond 5G' and 'towards 6G.'
Greece and Turkey enter a cyberwar era
A number of cyberattacks took place this week between Athens and Ankara amid an ongoing escalating crisis between the two countries.
The Brief – ‘Family’ members should not stab each other
Family is usually defined as a group of people who stick together in tough moments. The EU is frequently described as such, especially in times of calm. But the moment we hear the first disturbing noise, windows are closed and ostrichism prevails.
EU to use revamped ‘Operation Sophia’ to enforce Libyan arms embargo
EU foreign minister decided on Monday (20 January) to revive a maritime surveillance mission in the Mediterranean to enforce a potential cease-fire in Libya and a UN arms embargo against the country’s warring parties. Meanwhile, the bloc is scrambling to...
Investing in consumer ‘proximity’ to produce biodiesel from UCO
A Greek company says it has found a way to collect much more effectively used cooking oil for biodiesel production: by making it easier for consumers to find nearby collection points and avoid simply pouring the used oil down their kitchen sink,
Greek PM Mitsotakis nominates first-ever female president
Greece's conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis nominated on Wednesday (15 January) judge Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou to become the first-ever female president of the Hellenic Republic, saying it was a “progressive proposal” that should be approved by all Greek lawmakers.
Athens smarting after exclusion from German-hosted Libya conference
Germany’s decision not to invite Greece to a conference on the Libya crisis next Sunday (19 January) while Turkey will attend the meeting, has left the Greek government smarting from a perceived diplomatic snub.
Athens metro advertises anti-abortion campaign
An anti-abortion campaign poster displayed in the metro of Athens has triggered the strong reaction of the government, which forced the transportation company to immediately remove it.
The Brief, powered by MPE – Americans are bad… but not when it comes to crises
Europe has always praised its soft power skills in doing international politics and criticised Washington’s harsh, interest-driven, 'cowboy' approach. But when a problem appears at home, Europeans invariably ask Americans to intervene.
Lisbon bus project uses 100% used cooking oil as fuel
Lisbon’s public transportation company CARRIS has joined forces with the private sector in a project aiming to boost sustainable mobility in the country’s capital through the use of 100% used cooking oils.
MEP McAllister: The EU stands united behind Greece in crisis with Turkey
The European Union stands united behind Greece in its escalating dispute with Turkey, the Chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, David McAllister, told EURACTIV.com.
The Brief, powered by MPE -Time for EU socialists to leave behind ‘dinosaur era’
The Party of European Socialists (PES), the EU's second-largest political family, usually holds its Congress after the EU elections in autumn. However, currently, there are only rumours that it’s going to take place at some point in spring.
EU welcomes EastMed gas pipe deal as ‘one option’ to strengthen energy security
The European Commission has said the EastMed natural gas pipeline deal signed by Cyprus, Greece and Israel yesterday (2 January) is a “welcome development” but insisted on exploring further the cost-benefits of the different options.
Precision farming ‘saved’ extra virgin olive oil, Greek producers say
Precision farming practices have helped Greek extra virgin olive oil growers keep overhead cost low and ultimately ‘save’ the product from mounting pressure on its market price, EURACTIV Greece’s media partner Ypaithros Chora reported.
Tunisia denies joining a Turkey-led alliance in Libyan crisis
The Tunisian Presidency has denied claims that the country would join an alliance with Turkey and Algeria in light of the ongoing crisis in Libya and insisted it wanted to preserve its neutral status, without taking part in any coalitions.
Moscow fumes at Ankara over meddling in Libyan crisis
Russia has condemned Turkey’s intention to send troops to Libya to support Fayez al-Sarraj, prime minister of the UN-backed Government of National Accord of Libya against the head of the Libyan National Army, General Khalifa Haftar.
Alarming low birth rates shut down schools in Greece
The growing decline of Greece’s population, due to low birth rates and emigration, has resulted in closures of schools and kindergartens across the country, Greek media reported.
Diplomacy heats up in the Mediterranean amid escalating Greece-Turkey row
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently signed between Turkey and Libya to demarcate maritime zones has shaken up politics in the Mediterranean, with Greece preparing a diplomatic counter-offensive.
Athens claims advantage over Poland on Just Transition Mechanism
The Greek government plans to take advantage of Poland staying away from the new Green Deal to push forward its own priorities since the very start of the talks about the Just Transition Fund, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said.
S&D chief: We hope to cooperate with the Greens on EU legislation
Iratxe García, the leader of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D), hopes to achieve closer collaboration with the Greens in light of upcoming legislation on the European Green Deal.
EU foreign affairs chief ready to go to Libya
EU Foreign Affairs chief Josep Borrell stands ready to go to Libya and help solve the ongoing crisis between the different parties, EU spokesperson Peter Stano said on Wednesday (18 December).
COP25: Push for electric cars intensifies but cost question remains unanswered
A number of policymakers emphasised at the global climate conference COP25 in Madrid that electrification should play a leading role in road transport’s decarbonisation efforts. However, the affordability of transport electrification raises questions, as key stakeholders have not yet addressed...
The Brief, powered by Eurogas – A zero-cost goodbye
A quasi zero-cost timely departure is sometimes better than reaching a zero-sum situation. The European People’s Party (EPP) has now been presented with a great opportunity to be released from the pain of Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party.