Opinions
What if the world’s center of gravity had moved to Africa?
As Ursula von der Leyen prepares to make Ethiopia her first overseas visit, MEPs Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Norbert Neuser and Carlos Zorrinho explain why the new Commission president must reach out to Europe's African allies.
Lisbon Treaty has potential to foster whole-of-Europe approach to external conflicts
Just when the European Union needs to act as one to prevent major powers from fomenting division, EU institutions and member states seem to lack the political will to set aside their disagreements and focus on the common interest, write Steven Blockmans, Loes Debuysere and Stefani Weiss.
Is the EU Just Transition Fund all for naught?
Whether €5 billion or €35 billion, the EU’s upcoming Just Transition Fund alone is unlikely to be enough to pay for the energy transition of Europe’s remaining coal countries. Nor is it necessary, argue Pieter de Pous and Rebekka Popp.
COP25: From agreement to action to combat climate emergency
Although the Paris Agreement itself is an unquestionable success, the real struggle still lies ahead of us. It is time to turn political commitment into policy, write Jytte Guteland, Nicolás González Casares, and Mohammed Chahim.
Von der Leyen in Addis Ababa: Seven ingredients for a successful first date
As the new European Commission President prepares to make her first trip to Ethiopia, Chloe Teevan and Amanda Bisong suggest how Ursula von der Leyen can flesh out her commitment to seeking a new partnership with Africa.
Europe must uphold key EU law protecting freshwater fishes
Europe is no exception to the decline in freshwater biodiversity, due to many threats such as agricultural pollution, or the overwhelming development of hydropower, writes Dr Steven Weiss. Dr Steven Weiss is an associate professor at the Institute of Biology,...
Democracy and Digital: trusted media and platform regulation
Democratic debates require trusted information, less economic pressure on media, and more policy pressure on platforms. Supporting citizens’ choices, three concepts will help the von der Leyen Commission: ‘co-regulation’, ‘trust indicators’, ‘systemic publishing platforms’. This open letter to the new...Special ReportPromoted content
On Enel’s sustainability strategy and sustainable finance
The urgent need to act fast and now It is becoming increasingly evident that actions to limit global warming to 1.5°C are no longer a choice. As stated by the IPCC Special Report, we are running out of time and,...Promoted content
EU agreement on 2050 climate neutrality can help spur a renovation wave
Next week EU leaders have a chance to reach a deal on the 2050 climate neutrality target. If heads of state and government agree to this, it should begin to steer investments in the greening of the EU economy. This is particularly important for the EU’s biggest CO2 emitters, where much of the financing will be needed; our buildings.
Azerbaijan: Snap elections are coming – and a new generation of politicians
The expected snap parliamentary elections will likely launch a new democratic era in Azerbaijan, giving the voters a further possibility to advance the reform process, writes Dr. Ceyhun Osmanli.Promoted content
Support from industrial workers of the Green Deal will depend on its delivery on Just Transition
How to secure the support of workers in industry for the European Green Deal? Make it social! IndustriAll European Trade union has identified the key requirements to secure their support for what is announced as the flagship initiative of the new European Commission.
Andriukaitis: Europe should take lead in science-based plant innovation
The EU is leading the science-based fight against climate change and it will also lead on science-based plant innovation, writes former EU Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis.
Buildings must be at the heart of the European Green Deal. Here’s why
Making our buildings climate-proof is not only about reducing the 36% of CO2 emissions they are responsible for, but about doing so while caring for the people that live in them, writes Oliver Rapf.
Devastating marks for Europe’s environment policies
The verdict of the EEA’s “State of the Environment Report 2020” is scathing. But if we get it right, the European Green Deal can provide us with a unique opportunity to turn the tide, writes Ester Asin.
The rising clout of digital media and the UK election
Campaigning for the decisive UK election on December 12 is going full tilt. As polarisation over Brexit overshadows Britain’s notoriously hard-to-call ballot, Jess Smee explains the impact of the media and, in particular, of digital channels.
One-year EU trade deal is fantasy
Prime Minister Boris Johnson would do better to come clean with the electorate on the complexity of the task ahead of negotiating a free trade agreement with the EU, writes Michael Leigh.Promoted content
How the data wave in healthcare will help improve patient outcomes
Healthcare has never been more accessible, intelligent or dynamic. The increased use of advanced data analytics, connected devices, genomics and AI is ushering in a new era with the potential for real breakthroughs in patient outcomes and operational efficiencies across...
What should the EU do about South Caucasus? Here are some proposals
It appears the South Caucasus is not a foreign policy priority of the new European Commission. But it should be, write Dennis Sammut and Amanda Paul.
Why are European countries against fiscal transparency?
After three years of blocking negotiations, the European Council finally voted on whether to secure fiscal transparency in the EU. True to form, they voted against it, writes Luis Garicano.Promoted content
Keeping NATO’s competitive edge through cooperation, not isolation
Leaders of the 29 nation-strong North Atlantic Alliance gather in London this week to mark its 70th anniversary to examine the emerging security challenges that it will face in the forthcoming days.
EU Waste Regulation – Blazing a trail for circular consumer packaging?
Consumers appreciate recyclates in packaging as long as it doesn’t affect the quality, functionality and price of the product. But how do companies remain competitive in view of added costs for high-quality recycling and the low price of virgin plastics? Michael Laermann tries to find the answer.
The climate crisis is our responsibility, not our children’s
Many parents are supporting the children who are school striking for the climate, but are they really listening? ask Frida Berry Eklund and Yoca-Arditi Rocha.
Progressive businesses support a 55% carbon reduction target in Europe
The COP25 climate summit in Madrid needs to lay the groundwork for 2020 when countries and blocs will be measured against their commitment to the Paris Agreement. At EU level, this should translate into an ambitious European Green Deal, writes Eliot Whittington.Special ReportPromoted content
