EURACTIV.com
Italian lake goes all electric
Italy’s picturesque Lake Como has become Europe’s first ‘electric destination’ after efforts to install a far-reaching electric-charging network were finally realised.
New crisis emerges as South Sudan refugees in Uganda hit one million
With the one millionth South Sudanese refugee having entered Uganda this week, there is a desperate need for action by the EU, relief organisation World Vision says in a new study.
Giant floating wind turbines installed off Scottish coast, in world first
The world’s first floating wind farm is taking shape off the coast of Scotland, in waters normally too deep for turbine installation.
New EU rules for lower power plant emissions take effect
The European Commission on Thursday (17 August) published tighter new standards for the bloc's most polluting power plants, including many large coal-fired power stations, giving them four years to meet the lower emission standards.
Turkey proposes free movement of workers with Kazakhstan
Central Asian countries are exploring forms of integration resembling those of the European Union, the latest one being the establishment of free movement of people and workers between Turkey and Kazakhstan.
US renewable energy growth helped prevent thousands of deaths
New research has revealed that up to 12,700 deaths were prevented over a nine-year-period in the United States, thanks to an increase in renewable energy use and tighter regulation.
Commission open to member states’ push to protect quality foods in China
The European Commission will not block member states’ attempts to sue China over its use of counterfeit trademarks and has insisted a future bilateral deal with the Asian superpower will bring “significant benefits” for Europe’s quality food producers.
UK and Germany criticise Trump for failing to oppose neo-Nazis
Of all the EU capitals, London and Berlin have reacted most strongly to Donald Trump’s reluctance to forcefully condemn white supremacists after a woman was killed during a white-nationalist rally in Charlottesville last Saturday (12 August).
Commission launches public consultation on food chain fairness
The European Commission launched on Wednesday (16 August) a public consultation on how to improve fairness in the EU’s food supply chain, in which small farmers are often at a disadvantage compared to powerful middlemen.
UK links trade to post-Brexit Irish border plans
The UK will set out its proposals for the Irish border after Brexit today (16 August), seeking to use the issue to pressure the European Union into starting early trade negotiations.
France-Italy energy link secures hefty EU loan
The European Investment Bank has agreed to lend an Italy-France interconnector project €130 million to support investments.
EU ready to roll out new vacuum cleaner rules
New EU rules on vacuum cleaners come into force next month, as Brussels looks to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
Coal expansion plans up in smoke as Europe realises mistake
Substantial coal power expansion in Europe has been significantly scaled back in recent years after utility companies realised they bet on the wrong horse, according to a new study by the University of Oxford.
EU member states to take China to court over fake geographical indications
Eight member states of the European Union will take legal action against China over 25 counterfeit trademarks on the Chinese market that mislead consumers on the origin of products protected by the EU's geographical indications.
Cyprus president: Turkish side acting ‘outside UN parameters’ in reunification talks
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades expressed his willingness to return to the negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem after the failure of the talks last month.
Bundestag MPs want EU staff to use German more after Brexit
Three members of Germany's Bundestag have asked Chancellor Angela Merkel to make sure EU institutions use the German language more.
Despite labour shortage, British farmers aim for post-Brexit food self-sufficiency
British fruit farmers have warned the future of their sector is at risk because they cannot find enough seasonal workers to pick their produce. However, Farmers still see Brexit as an opportunity to adopt policies that would make the country more food self-efficient.
Europe’s south in discussions to form an alliance ahead of EMA vote
The Southern EU member states are exploring the possibility of forming a united camp regarding the relocation of the European Medicines Agency from London after Brexit, Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister George Katrougalos said.
Greek FM fumes at ‘slander’ regarding rule of law
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted strongly to press reports suggesting that the country’s rule of law is in danger due to particular court decisions.
Commission defends itself over travel expenses row
The European Commission has spent an average of €8.800 per trip for the members of the college in the first two months of 2016, according to data obtained by Spanish transparency NGO Access Info.
Athens to seek geographical protection for ‘Greek yoghurt’
The Greek ministry of agriculture will push for a geographical protection for “Greek yogurt” considering the rising consumer demand as well as the recent dispute with Prague.
Schulz wants to stay party leader even if he loses election
SPD leader Martin Schultz said on Tuesday (8 August) that he would like to remain at the head of his party, even if he is defeated by conservative Angela Merkel in this September's election.
Member states ask for new EU data retention rules
Several EU member states want to include new rules allowing for data retention in a draft privacy bill.
Why European passengers pay more for their flights than they should
The EU has failed to make airports competitive and fair for travellers. It needs reform, writes Thomas Reynaert.