Energy & Environment
EU carbon prices expected to rise quickly and accelerate energy transition
EU carbon prices could average €35-40 per tonne over 2019-2023, accelerating the switch from coal to gas and questioning the rationale for keeping old coal and lignite power plants running beyond 2021, said a new report by Carbon Tracker released on Tuesday (21 August).
China defies US pressure as EU parts ways with Iranian oil
China, seeking to skirt US sanctions, will use oil tankers from Iran for its purchases of that country's crude, throwing Tehran a lifeline while European companies such as France's Total are walking away due to fear of reprisals from Washington.
Putin and Merkel meet to find solution on gas pipeline Nord Stream 2
Russia and Germany are set to proceed with the completion of a second natural gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea between the two countries. EURACTIV's media partner Clean Energy Wire reports.
France to set penalties on non-recycled plastic
France plans to introduce a penalty system next year that would increase the costs of consumer goods with packaging made of non-recycled plastic.
Straw prices soar, piling pressure on northern Europe livestock farmers
Livestock and dairy farmers across northern Europe are paying soaring prices for straw used in food and bedding for cattle, as hot, dry weather across the region reduces crops.
Unions tell Poland to push coal as UN climate host
Poland’s trade unions are mounting a defence of coal workers against the impacts of climate policies in a government-backed conference this week. EURACTIV's partner Climate Home News reports.
WHO warns about health risks of wildfires and dry summer in Europe
Europe’s wildfires combined with the extreme warm weather can pose additional health risks to people living in affected areas, the World Health Organisation has warned.
UK government review backs subsidies for mini nuclear plants
Britain should offer developers of mini nuclear plants subsidies similar to those made available to the offshore wind industry, an independent review commissioned by the government said on Tuesday (7 August).
World risks entering irreversible ‘hothouse’ state
The world is at risk of entering “hothouse” conditions where global average temperatures will be 4-5 degrees Celsius higher even if emissions reduction targets under a global climate deal are met, scientists said in a study published on Monday (6 August).
Extreme drought causes EU vegetables ‘most serious’ crisis in 40 years
Europe's prolonged extreme drought has caused the most severe problems to the EU vegetable sector in the last 40 years, according to the European Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processors (PROFEL).
Friendship no more: How Russian gas is a problem for Germany
For decades, the Friendship pipeline has delivered oil from Russia to Europe, heating German homes even in the darkest days of the Cold War. But the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline is becoming a problem for German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Commission gives EU farmers ‘temporary relief’ amid extreme droughts
The European Commission decided to grant EU farmers more flexibility in implementing the green requirements in order to face alarming droughts across Europe, the executive said in an announcement.
Sweden’s highest point set to lose title as glacier melts
Sweden’s highest peak, a glacier on the southern tip of the Kebnekaise mountain, is melting due to record hot Arctic temperatures and is no longer the nation’s tallest point, scientists said on Wednesday (1 August).
Trump bets on new European LNG terminals but EU funds meagre
US President Donald Trump expects the European Union to fund 9 to 11 liquefied natural gas (LNG) ports to absorb “vastly” more shipments from the United States but current EU investment in new projects will only help open small markets.
France, Spain, Portugal up energy links
France, Spain and Portugal agreed on 27 July to build an undersea power line in the Bay of Biscay as they up electricity links aimed at helping the Iberian peninsula out of its energy isolation.
EURACTIV’s summer picks
It’s been a busy first half of the year, so as we take a well-earned short break this summer, catch up on some of the timeless stories that already made waves in 2018.
We suspect arson, Greek minister says of wildfire
Greece said on Thursday (26 July) it suspected arson was behind a devastating forest fire which killed at least 83 people and turned the small town of Mati east of Athens into a wasteland of death and destruction.
Trump’s plan for US LNG in Europe to face reality check
President Donald Trump's plan for "vast amounts" of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to be sold to the European Union after trade talks with its top representative faces a reality test.
EU relaxes climate stance in trade sop to Trump
The European Commission abandoned its customary climate hard talk on Wednesday (25 July) in a bid to defuse trade tensions with the US. EURACTIV's partner Climate Home News reports.
Public anger grows in Greece over wildfires, death toll at 81 and counting
At least 81 people have died in huge wildfires around Athens, Greek authorities said on Wednesday (25 July), as rescuers scoured scorched homes and burned-out cars for survivors of one of the world's deadliest fire outbreaks.
Energy, EU reform on the agenda as Macron heads to Spain and Portugal
France's Emmanuel Macron makes his first visit as president to Spain and Portugal, starting Thursday, in his push to overhaul the EU, with the two southern allies seeking French help to connect their energy grids to Europe.
Commission concerned with Poland’s ‘waste mafia’
In connection with reports of a Polish 'waste mafia' earning money from garbage, the Commission has announced that it would monitor the situation. However, it emphasised that enforcement is the responsibility of the member states. EURACTIV Poland reports.
Infected ticks and Lyme disease expand because of climate change
While Europe is undergoing an unusual summer weather pattern, infected ticks and the related Lyme disease are spreading through the continent, reflecting the growing impact of climate change on health.