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Aluminium in a low-carbon world
Just as the European aluminium industry undertakes costly efforts to decarbonise, the sector is finding itself caught up in a trade war involving Chinese dumping and US tariffs that threaten to destabilise European production.
Aluminium sector illustrates close link between trade and climate policy
New production methods and uses are making aluminium a material of choice for European policymakers looking to decarbonise the economy. But a flood of cheap carbon-intensive aluminium from China could complicate these efforts.
New investment clause fails to win EU member state support
EU member states remain split over a possible relaxation of the bloc’s fiscal rules meant to facilitate investment in the bloc, despite calls from the European Central Bank and some governments to increase public spending and mitigate the risk of recession.
Nanotechnologies are ‘the future’, EIT chief says
The next global trend in the technology industry will involve digital miniaturisation and nanotechnologies, the head of the European Institute of Technology (EIT), Willem Jonker, has said.
‘We need this dinosaur’: EU lifts veil on gas decarbonisation strategy
As the new European Commission of Ursula von der Leyen prepares to take office, one of its key priorities will be to deliver on a new market design for gas that will have EU decarbonisation objectives at its core. And natural gas of fossil origin will play a significant part, officials say.
The Brief, powered by BP – Put it in writing
Not content with breaking the two parties that have dominated UK politics for almost a century, the Brexit behemoth has set its sights on the country’s famously unwritten constitution.
EPP boss backs ‘European way of life’ job title
European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber lent his full support to the ‘Protecting the European Way of Life’ job title on Tuesday (17 September), insisting it is the best way to combat far-right narratives. The Bavarian politician told reporters: “is...
Saudi attack will jolt oil markets out of ‘complacency’ over Gulf tensions – analysts
The price of oil has seemed relatively immune to heightened tensions in the Gulf, but this weekend’s attack on Saudi oil facilities means markets will now be more skittish.
Ukraine under EU pressure to criminalise tobacco smuggling
The European Union is stepping up the pressure on Kyiv to take a firmer stance on tobacco smuggling and criminalise it in line with the country’s commitments under the terms of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, EURACTIV has learnt.
Plumb potential, ECOFIN explores & Sinkevicius scoots
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Commissioners assemble: Class of 2019-2024
European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled who will do what job in her administration, insisting hers will be a “geopolitical Commission”. Stay tuned here for all the details. UPDATE: Dates for Commissioner hearings have now been released...
Europe launches last-ditch effort to avoid US tariffs
The European Commission has dangled the prospect of limiting its public subsidies to the US administration in an attempt to avoid further tariffs from Washington that could come as early as next month in the context of the Airbus-Boeing dispute.
EU industry chief hands over full docket to successor
Polish Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska will relinquish the reins of EU industrial policy to France's Sylvie Goulard on 31 October. Ahead of the changeover, she looked back on her time in office and discussed the challenges facing her successor, including her beefed-up portfolio.
In Georgia, EU opens first European School outside the bloc’s borders
In line with EU aims to deepen relations with the Eastern Partnership countries, EU and Georgian officials on Monday (16 September) launched a European School in Tbilisi, the first educational institution of this kind launched beyond the bloc’s boundaries.
‘Empty lecturn’ press conference leaves Johnson humiliated
Visiting UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was left humiliated after his Luxembourgish host effectively empty-chaired him on Monday, before criticising Johnson’s handling of the Brexit negotiations and accusing the Leave campaign, which Johnson had fronted, of lying during the 2016 referendum campaign.
The Brief, powered by BP – Open season
This week’s European Parliament plenary session will be the first after Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her team of Commissioners last Tuesday. It will also mark the opening of the hunting season as MEPs prepare to grill the proposed new Commissioners.
Agriculture DG loses state aid oversight to boost competition rules
In an unexpected move, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen has decided to move state aid competences in farming and fisheries from two directorates-general, Agriculture and Maritime affairs and fisheries, to DG Competition.
No reset on EU-Africa relations under von der Leyen
Speculation that Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen could appoint a Commissioner specifically for Africa turned out to be much ado about almost nothing, if her team of Commission nominees unveiled last week is anything to go by. VideoPromoted content
ESA: Who we are and what we stand for
We as an industry welcome open discussions, initiatives, and exchange of information with all the stakeholders, experts, and responsible institutions to make sure true and most up-to-date findings and scientific facts on UV radiation and sunbed use are made available to the public and consumers.
Health expert: Cancer control plans must be implemented
The governments should take full responsibility for the implementation of national cancer plans, which are a commitment toward people and not just a piece of paper, health expert Dr Tit Albreht told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Belgian Commissioner-pick faces corruption probe
The man Ursula von der Leyen chose to be her rule of law guard dog in the incoming European Commission is facing allegations of corruption and money-laundering, according to Belgian media. This could cast doubt on another member of her proposed college before all candidates are vetted by the European Parliament.
Growing pressure on eurozone economies to launch stimulus
The European Commission and some member states including France followed the ECB in pressing Germany and other countries with fiscal space to invest more to counter the risk of recession.
The Brief – Von der Leyen needs to prove she won’t be Barroso III
Ursula von der Leyen will have to work hard to demonstrate that her Commission won’t be the member states’ secretariat. The Conference on the Future of Europe should not be window dressing if she wants to prove we've not gone back to Jose Manuel Barroso’s era.