Opinions
Does Italy’s economic recession hinder the EU’s China strategy?
The global political debate about Huawei Technologies, the Chinese telecommunications company, and its involvement in the next generation of Internet networks has forced the European Commission to rethink its China Strategy, writes Marcus Walsh-Führing.
Romanian exporters face an artificial barrier, costs transferred to EU citizens
Visions of trucks being stuck at the border in the event of a 'no deal' Brexit should also remind people of the delays faced by Romanian companies exporting into the Schengen area, writes Stefan Radu-Oprea.
Time for truth, recognition and reconciliation for Roma in Europe
EU leaders must show that they take Roma rights and anti-Roma discrimination seriously. That means recognising their cultural identity and contribution to Europe, truth and reconciliation, argue a group of political leaders and campaigners.Promoted content
Healthy Breakfast: definitions, benefits and recommendations
Breakfast is frequently regarded as the most important meal of the day, and although every meal is important, science has shown that a daily breakfast provides a wide range of health benefits not only on physical, but also on mental health.
Europe has saved the banks, now we must save its citizens
Introducing an EU-guaranteed minimum income would send a clear message to Europeans that the Union really is there for them, writes Georges Dassis.
Europe’s democratic challenge: in search of government
Europe is about democracy. We cherish democracy in our national institutions by ensuring a healthy separation of powers, by fighting for free and fair elections, and by combining the rule of the majority with the protection of the minority, write Louis Drounau and Andrew Duff.
Chemical recycling of plastic: Waste no more?
Plastics recycling is as much of a challenge as an opportunity for the circular economy. Michael Laermann looks at chemical recycling and whether it can make the plastics value chain more circular whilst providing a profitable new industry branch.
Burning trees as climate mitigation: A resort to the Court
There is no debate that burning wood for energy emits more greenhouse gases per unit of energy than burning fossil fuels. Yet the EU's renewable energy directive continues to uphold that burning forest wood is "carbon neutral," write Jean-Pascal van Ypersele and Mary S. Booth.
Europe depends on its cities
Cities are the place where the fight against climate change becomes real, most of the decisions are taken and where equal and inclusive societies can be made, Anna Lisa Boni claims.Promoted content
Challenging Plastic Waste: 2019 European Social Innovation Competition Applications Open
Every year, each one of us produces over 30 kg of plastic waste, but only 40% of this is recycled. So what happens to the rest? It becomes pollution, polluting our oceans, our environment and even our bodies.
Meeting the call of the youth: Governing the transition towards a climate-neutral Europe
The determination to combat climate change is deeply rooted in the values of the new generation. If well-nurtured, their commitment can drive a sustainable transformation of the whole European economy, write Matilda Axelson and Ólöf Söebech.
Mr Xi’s European tour is response to US-China rift
Since ascending to China’s top leadership, Xi Jinping has become well-known for his frequent overseas travels. Now that the annual session of the National People’s Congress is nearly over, the Chinese president can look forward to a busy international agenda, writes Philippe Le Corre.
The burden of coal at the doorstep of the Energy Union
At a time when the EU strives to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, coal still represents more than half of electricity across much of the Western Balkans and other EU neighbouring countries, writes Janez Kopač. Making things worse, coal plants are intensively supported by Chinese and US capital, without active opposition of the EU, he says.
Time to rebalance EU-China relations and demand unfettered access to Tibet
The US recently adopted the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, promoting access to Tibetan areas for American diplomats, journalists and ordinary citizens, just as their Chinese counterparts enjoy in America. It is now up to Europe to consider ways of rebalancing its relationship with China, write a cross-party group of parliamentarians.
No water, no agriculture
The state of Europe’s water ecosystems puts a big question mark over the future availability of freshwater, for people and for all manner of industry, not least for food production and agriculture, writes Jabier Ruiz.
What should the EU do after Brexit, and what should Ireland’s policy be?
The terms of Brexit are vital for Ireland. But so also is how Ireland locates itself in the EU after Brexit, writes John Bruton.Promoted content
The importance of dietary fibre in the daily diet
Nowadays, fibre intake in most European countries is below the recommended levels, with average intakes as low as 12.7 and 13.6g per day in Spain and UK, respectively.
The only way for May to save her deal
It is now clear that the Brexit deal has not been changed and the demands of the hardline anti-European MPs for the Withdrawal Agreement to be re-opened have been rejected by the EU27, writes Denis MacShane.
Here’s what the Brussels conference can do for Syria’s children
The Brussels III Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the region kicks off today in Brussels. Delphine Moralis explains why education must be top of the agenda.
EPP more likely to expel Fidesz if rival groups also ditch troublemakers
If mainstream political groups do not collectively expel their bad apples it could spell an end to measures by the EU to protect democracy in its member countries, write Jean Morijn and Israel Butler.
Local and geopolitics intrude in Israel’s attempt to supply Europe with gas
Israel is moving quickly with the help of the US in a bid to transform Europe’s energy market. But geopolitics – and a large dose of local activism – could change the economic calculation for the EastMed pipeline, writes Joseph Dana.Promoted content
The cement industry is responding to its environmental responsibilities
Koen Coppenholle, CEO of CEMBUREAU, highlights the efforts of the cement sector in responding to environmental and climate challenges through research, investment and innovation.
EPPO nomination – a ticking time bomb?
The focus throughout Laura Codruța Kövesi’s stewardship of Romania's anti-corruption directorate has been on ‘getting scalps’ rather than on serving justice, writes Norica Nicolai.