Opinions
The vote you’ve never heard of – and why it can change Europe’s investment climate
A revision of the EU accounting rules on the treatment of public-private energy performance contracts would allow massive injections of investment into the EU economy. Yet, there is opposition from some national statistical offices, writes Monica Frassoni.
EXPO 2017 in Astana will contribute to global sustainable development
Staging such an important exhibition as EXPO 2017 in Kazakhstan will accelerate our transition to a modern and sustainable economy, writes Kairat Abdrakhamanov. EXPO 2017 taking place from 10 June to 10 September 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Its theme is "Future Energy".
Addressing endocrine disrupting chemicals requires an integrated strategy
The dangers of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) for human health and the environment have long been documented and the evidence keeps piling up every day, yet Europe's approach to this challenge has been lukewarm, writes Genon Jensen.
It’s time to face reality over terrorism in the Gulf
Federica Mogherini must push the Gulf states to clean up on terrorism and work towards an end to the standoff with Qatar, writes Stefano Stefanini.
From the Monsanto Papers to IARC-gate: A glyphosate story
Renewing glyphosate’s authorisation is still one of the most controversial issues in the EU. The Monsanto Papers saga continues. André Heitz reveals the story behind the scandal.
Winds of change: EU embarks on sustainable finance mission
Disturbing developments on the international political scene have only increased the resolve of the European Union to lead in taking action against the impact of climate change. Flavia Micilotta explains why financing is a key component.
Poland’s cherry picking of EU energy rules makes no sense
When it comes to EU energy policy, Warsaw does not always adhere to the letter and the spirit of EU law and tends to select rules a la carte, adapting them to Poland's narrowly-defined interests, writes Danila Bochkarev.
European SMEs can lead the world in the IoT revolution
European firms can lead the economy of tomorrow if our small and medium-sized companies obtain the necessary support, notably when it comes to innovation incentives and patent litigation, writes Hassan Triqui.
Azerbaijan is disappointed with EU’s role in Nagorno-Karabakh
It's a pity that the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia did not contribute to the effort to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, writes Dr Gulshan Pashayeva.
Europe’s contribution to resolving the Qatar crisis
The European Commission and the European Parliament could play a role in overcoming the current crisis involving Qatar, especially since the USA is not in a good shape to play this role, writes Dr Ahmed Al Hamli.
MH17: The deadliest attack against EU citizens
Today (17 July) is the anniversary of the attack that claimed the largest number of EU lives since a united Europe emerged from the rubble of WWII, when 298 civilians were killed, including 80 children, on flight MH17. Juraj Mesík looks back, three years on.
Russia turns its back on human rights with contempt for international court decisions
When members of the international community decide that human rights are a matter of expediency and not law, we are all at risk, warns Herta Däubler-Gmelin.
Georgia: Failing democratic transition or Eastern Partnership success story?
To the untrained eye, Georgia’s European future looks secure. Yet, zoom in closer and Georgia is quickly turning into another oligarchic regime in the region, where political competition and free speech are on the wane. Salome Samadashvili calls on Brussels to act.
Turkish-EU relations need common sense
We are living in a world of vast differences and constant changes, yet there is often opportunity to be considered in our approaches in order to tackle the negatives and highlight the positives, writes Egemen Bagis.
EU citizens in the UK: Second class
No more immigration from the EU is one of the UK government’s invented red lines for the Brexit negotiations. But what to do with those who have already immigrated? The UK's current proposal provides few satisfactory answers, warns Peter Sellar.
Be strong or die: Why Europe must become a superpower
The European Union desperately needs power. Not only to push forward but to survive, write Piotr Arak and Greg Lewicki.
Reshaping the financial system as a tool for good
The European Commission's High Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance delivered its interim report today (13 July). Ingrid Holmes, one of the members of the group, explains how the financial system can help address long-term challenges such as climate change.
Why cosmetics are more than cosmetic
Cosmetic products are not only skin deep. They bring real benefits to people’s lives and contribute massively to Europe's economy. It is time to recognise their broader contribution, argues John Chave.
Global food insecurity: Could the next generation have the answer?
It's no secret - farming is declining in popularity. All over the world, young people are put off by the long hours and low pay and this is a worrying trend. That's why we need a new generation of farmers, explains Adrian Percy.
Europe must show the way on climate action
Clouds are gathering on the international climate agenda. But Europe must continue with its efforts despite the fact that President Trump has decided to pull out of the Paris Agreement, writes Kristian Ruby.
Nord Stream 2 doesn’t matter
Nord Stream 2 continues to divide Europe. That's a pity. For all the noise, Nord Stream 2 is just a distraction - it doesn't really matter. Here's why, writes Nikos Tsafos.
Western Balkans cannot track climate action without appropriate monitoring
The European Commission has just announced it will drop a mechanism to monitor progress in limiting greenhouse gas emissions in the Western Balkans. The decision will make it difficult to track and manage the climate goals in a region that is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, warns Dragana Mileusnić.
CAP reform: From sustainable feed to sustainable food
The German-Hungarian ‘Soya Declaration’ finally gets us talking about what matters in CAP reform, write Olivier De Schutter, Oscar Rivas and Karin Nansen.
EU enlargement: A six percent target for the Western Balkans
If the Western Balkans are to overcome almost three decades of economic stagnation and crisis, they will need to double their annual growth rates. This will need a fundamental rethink of the EU’s enlargement policy, argue Tobias Flessenkemper and Dušan Reljić.