Sarantis Michalopoulos
Greek government under fire for not implementing smoking ban law
Anti-smoking campaigners heavily criticised the Greek government for not implementing a 2008 law that prohibits smoking in public places. EURACTIV.com reports from Athens.
Andriukaitis: Anti-smoking laws are of little value if they are not implemented
Member states should prioritise laws that protect public health because there is little value in having them if they are not enforced, the EU's health Commissioner told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Andriukaitis heats up glyphosate discussion with ‘science’ comments
In light of heavy criticism by the EU socialists in the revived glyphosate debate, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis told EURACTIV.com that political opinions cannot outweigh broadly-agreed scientific opinions.
Industry and farmers see biofuels as a crucial market ‘outside CAP’
Farmers see biofuels as a crucial source of income but investors clashed with NGOs at an event organised by EURACTIV last week (12 May), over the European Commission’s post-2020 biofuels proposal and the realities of its impact on rural areas.
Report: British consumers mistakenly claim they recycle every day
Today, on International Recycling Day (17 May), a new report found that consumers are confused about recycling and recommends raising awareness of the practice.
Commission says 10-year glyphosate extension is a ‘starting point’ for debate
The European Commission believes a 10-year extension of glyphosate weedkiller is a “starting point” for debate and that it is the 28 EU member states which will have the final say, an EU official told EURACTIV.com.
EU warns Turkey after it violates Greek airspace 141 times in one day
Turkish aeroplanes and helicopters illegally entered Greece's airspace 141 times yesterday (15 May), the Hellenic National Defence General Staff reported.
Southerners back stricter EU waste rules, unlike Nordic countries
A new report published today (16 May) showed that the EU's southern members support stricter EU-wide waste management rules more than Nordic countries.
Katainen leaves door half-open for conventional bioethanol
European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen said he was “ready” to continue the discussion on the EU executive's proposals on biofuels and see if there is something that “can be refined at a later stage”.
Commission opens first investigation into excessive drug pricing
The European Commission announced yesterday (15 May) that it opened a formal investigation into Aspen Pharma's pricing practices for cancer drugs.
Orbán ‘killed’ Parliament motion seeking to block EU funding for NGOs
A European Parliament motion seeking to stop EU funding for NGOs that oppose the bloc's strategic, commercial and security objectives was postponed until the Court of Auditors submits “reliable data” on the issue, EURACTIV.com has learned.
Ethanol industry expert: Biofuels tug-of-war is an EU invention
The conflict between second and first generation biofuels – depicted as good and bad for the environment – only exists in Brussels. In fact, it’s the brainchild of the European Commission, Eric Sievers told EURACTIV.com.
Greek opposition rebukes Commission over praise for Tsipras government
Greece’s main opposition party, New Democracy, felt “surprised” on Wednesday (10 May) when European Commission Vice-President Andrus Ansip praised the Tsipras government for improvements it has made to the economy.
Romanian MEP points out ‘green contradiction’ of organic trade deal
A recent trade deal on organic products between the EU and Chile has sparked a discussion regarding the environmental footprint of organic products transportation.
The Brief: Germany is EU socialists’ last chance
Germany’s September elections could be the last chance for Europe’s socialist parties. They have to seek a new raison d'être or simply admit their glory days of ideological purity are over, all thanks to their own self-destructive instincts.
Southern EU states present unified front in drug talks
Six southern member states have signed a common declaration, aiming to enhance their cooperation and jointly negotiate with the pharmaceutical industry on drug pricing.
EU’s biofuels policy damages investor confidence, farmers claim
The European Commission’s “unstable” policy on biofuels has created uncertainty among investors and undermines the market as a whole, the head of the EU farmers’ lobby told EURACTIV.com.
Serbian FM: Albanian politicians are the main threat to Europe and the Balkans
EXCLUSIVE / The EU should recognise that Albanian politicians are the main threat to peace and stability not only in the Balkans but also in Europe, Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić told EURACTIV.com.
Greek startup turns to e-solutions to address low recycling rates
A Greek startup company is exploring innovative ways of rewarding consumers who recycle, a move that could help address the lack of recycling culture in Greece.
Brexit will cost Greece up to 0.8% of GDP, minister says
The British exit from the European Union will have consequences for the Greek economy, especially on tourism, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs George Katrougalos said on Monday (8 May).
EU biofuels policy: What is the impact on rural development?
EU farmers are “very concerned” about the impact of the European Commission’s change of heart on biofuels, claiming the EU's restrictive policy is putting thousands of rural jobs at risk.
Trans-Europe Express: An EU view on World Press Freedom
In honour of World Press Freedom Day (2 May), Trans-Europe Express asked journalists from the EURACTIV Network to comment on Reporters Without Borders’ 2017 Press Freedom Index.
Lithuania’s new alcohol package raises eyebrows in industry
The Lithuanian government has unveiled new policy measures aimed at tackling alcohol-related harm, including increasing the legal age for buying and consuming alcoholic drinks.
Commission: EU needs ‘broad reflection’ on new breeding techniques and beyond
A “broad EU reflection” on new breeding techniques and innovation in the seeds sector and beyond is needed, European Commission sources told EURACTIV.com in the light of a new scientific report on genetic engineering techniques in agriculture.