Economy & Jobs
Is it fair? How social cohesion in Europe can be strengthened
The prosperity gap in Europe is widening. Despite the general upswing since the economic crisis in 2008, an increasing number of European citizens are at risk of poverty. At the same time, globalisation and digitisation are changing almost every aspect of our lives.
‘Belt and Road’: Linking up Europe and Asia
Six years after it launched its 'Belt and Road' initiative, China promises to improve the transparency and sustainability of its massive transport infrastructure programme as a way to dispel European concerns.
Shaping the future of higher education
The education sector is facing a process of rethinking to provide future students with new required skills for working and living in a world that is changing ever more rapidly. But also some social aspects need to be addressed.
Saving energy, a European challenge of varying scale
Several EU member states, including France, have chosen to implement laws that would allow the trading of energy saving certificates, an important shift towards saving energy.
A place for regions and cities in the European elections debate
Cities and regions have played a fundamental role in implementing EU’s policies, particularly through the use of Cohesion Funds, which represent the main investment policy of the Union. However, they feel their voices are not being sufficiently heard. As the...
A circular economy retrospective
Recycling, reuse and all things circular are taking on more and more importance in Europe. Sustainability will remain high on the agenda of the next EU legislative cycle but what tools are in place to help the industry get it across the line?
Upping the ante on human rights due diligence
The question of how companies carry out due diligence to ensure that human rights abuses are not taking place in their supply chains, is becoming increasingly prominent. The EU has a patchwork of laws promoting transparency and supply chain due...
EU social-democrats and a new ‘sustainable equality’ model
In light of the rise of extreme-right populism, S&D has been pushing progressive political forces across Europe to stick together ahead of the crucial EU elections in May.
Supporting sports to boost gender equality
Getting to better know your body, having healthier habits, gaining confidence… sports can be a tool for education for children, but also to enhance gender equality. Through its Erasmus + programme, the EU has been funding initiatives that aim at supporting inclusiveness, and integration in athletics events, including gender equality.
Voices from the regions: Brexit impact along the Irish border
On 29 March, the United Kingdom is set to leave the European Union. EURACTIV.com's on-the-ground reporting looks into the effects of Brexit on EU regions and, in particular, its implications for the relationship between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Migration and security: Snapshots across a divided Europe
If the Eurozone crisis was the defining issue in the Barroso II Commission, migration has dominated Jean-Claude Juncker’s European Commission. This Special Report takes snapshots on migration and security policy from five EU member states ahead of May’s European Parliament elections.
The role of ‘social Europe’ during the European Elections
Social Europe still has to find its place in the future of the European project. If the social protection of European citizens interests 18% of the French population, it remains far from other priorities such as terrorism, unemployment, immigration or climate.
A renewed Europe: Innovation in technology industries
In the context of the EU's industry days, EURACTIV hears from industry leaders, high-ranking political officials and representatives from civil society, on the future challenges of the bloc's industrial sector.
Europe’s gigabit future
High-capacity connectivity is vital in scaling Europe's broadband networks across the continent, in the hope of guaranteeing Europe's position at the forefront of the 4th industrial revolution.
Alternatives to animal testing – the state of progress
The EU ban on animal testing for cosmetic products came into force in 2013, although testing is still allowed in Europe for healthcare products and pharmaceuticals, as well as some chemicals and food.
A new trade framework for shared prosperity
European countries and companies welcomed China’s new measures to open up its economy and import more goods announced during its first Import Expo organized in Shanghai. But they urged the Asian economy to address some issues including intellectual property rights.
European economy: On the road to recovery or still in stagnation?
The European economy has gradually moved clear of the recession and austerity that have dominated the past ten years. But how important will the economy be in the minds of Europeans as next May’s European Parliament elections approach? This Special...
Reform of EU family law
There are more than 16 million international couples in the EU, according to the European Commission. From January 2019, their rights and obligations will be secured by a European regulation for matrimonial property regimes and so-called "registered partnerships".
Decentralised cooperation: what future for local to local EU’s development policy after 2020?
Decentralised cooperation has allowed to better adapt EU’s cooperation policies to the needs of the people in the field. However, with the new negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework, the role of local authorities in cooperation policies might be at stake.
From Calarasi to Vidin: common borders, common solutions
From Calarasi to Ruse, from Costanza to Veliko Tarnovo, EU Cohesion Policy has supported hundreds of actions and infrastructure investment in the fields of transport, science, education, youth employment, environment and support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Romania and Bulgaria.
Latvia: the eurozone thriller
The investigation into the governor of the central bank of Latvia has put the last country to have entered the Eurozone under the spotlight. EURACTIV carries out a four-part investigation into the Switzerland of the Baltic states.
Electricity market reform: A European tour
The European Commission wants to reform “capacity mechanisms” put in place across EU member states to remunerate power plants that remain on standby in case of a demand peak, arguing they distort the market. But views differ on their value amid wide-ranging national disparities.![[EPA]](https://www.euractiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/07/Belt-and-road.jpj_-800x450.jpg)
The New Silk Road
The Belt and Road initiative largely replicates the Silk Road, a common historical heritage of China, Kazakhstan and all countries along its path. The economic potential of the initiative is huge, and so are its geopolitical effects.