Global Europe
New OECD report shows recycling’s Herculean task
Plastic production is still the go-to option over recycling because of lack of demand, poor collection rates and a fragile market, according to a new report by the OECD, which suggests a number of measures to boost the industry.
Ending poverty in Africa is within our reach
On Africa Day (25 May) it is important to note that the continent is making important progress to end extreme poverty. With all the potential Africa holds it is important for the EU to support it, therefore, the next seven-year budget should secure more funds for aid, writes Dorine Nininahazwe.
It will be tough and costly to contain current Ebola outbreak, says WHO
Following a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo early May, the World Health Organisation (WHO) decided it is not yet an international public health emergency but is deploying an action plan to contain the disease, a move which proves particularly challenging this time
Romania squandering EU funding, Moldova deserves more, says EU regional boss
Romanian Commissioner Corina Creţu wants her country to take full advantage of the EU funding that is on offer and for Moldova to meet the bloc’s accession criteria in order to unlock even more financing.
Putin welcomes European efforts to save Iran nuclear deal
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (24 May) that his country appreciated efforts by Europe to save the Iran nuclear deal despite the withdrawal of the United States and warned of “lamentable consequences” if it was not preserved.
Europe raises transparency issues with China’s Belt and Road Initiative
China's massive Belt and Road Initiative is seen as a unique chance to strengthen economic cooperation between Beijing and Europe and a way to spur trade and the economies of the countries involved. But some consider it a strategic and self-interested tool for China to extend its sphere of influence.
Pressure builds on Russia under MH17 investigation
Dutch prosecutors identified a Russian military unit on Thursday (24 May) as the source of the missile that shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing all 298 people on board.
Commission ‘concerned’ about potential US car tariff increase
The EU's Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström expressed concern on Thursday (24 May) about the US administration's announced plan to launch an investigation into imports of cars and trucks that might lead to new tariffs.
The EU is no progressive free trader: It’s exporting chronic diseases to Latin America
If the EU truly wants to be the global progressive trading power, it needs to make sure its trade policy does not promote ill-health, and instead makes a real contribution to the SDGs, writes George Thurley.
Conducting the new energy orchestra – or is it a circus?
The decarbonisation of electric power, and the electrification of energy, is unstoppable. Whether it will be rapid enough to prevent the coming climate crisis is uncertain and will demand vision from politicians, industry leaders and energy providers, writes Andrew Steer.
We want separate Africa relations with EU, says AU chief
The African Union’s leadership has reiterated its wish to negotiate a separate relationship with the EU as part of an overhaul of the bloc’s Cotonou Agreement with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries later this year.
Trump readies to slap tariffs on imported automobiles
The Trump administration on Wednesday (23 May) launched a national security investigation into car and truck imports that could lead to new US tariffs similar to those imposed on imported steel and aluminium in March.
White smoke for first-ever EU defence industry fund
The new European Defence Industrial Development Programme, with a €500 million budget for 2019-2020, was informally agreed by MEPs and Council on Tuesday night (22 to 23 May).
Macron and Putin: ‘Frenemies’ reunited
With relations between the West and Russia at historic lows, French President Emmanuel Macron travels to St Petersburg Thursday to seek common ground with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
EU should talk to Arab Gulf States as well to try and salvage Iran deal
Trump's decision to to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal has left Europe partially paralysed. However, Europe can still exert significant leverage if it brings the rest of the Gulf into the discussion about a broad regional security process, writes Dr. Christian Koch.
Europe’s biggest challenge now comes from the US, Timmermans says
Europe’s most important task for the rest of this year is to stay strong and united in the face of challenges coming from the United States, the European Commision First Vice-President Frans Timmermans told a business forum on Wednesday (23 May), in comments likely to irk Washington.
Collaboration for impact
Achieving sustainable development goals depends on the mutual relationship between European associations and the industry sectors. Stefan Crets and Louise Scott explain the role of both sectors and how they can raise sustainability impact in the community.
Belarus ends ‘teddy bear spat’ with Sweden, names envoy
Belarus on Tuesday (22 May) appointed its first ambassador to Sweden for almost six years, resolving a bitter diplomatic spat over a pro-democracy stunt involving teddy bears.
EU weighs sanctions over Venezuela vote ‘irregularities’
The EU said Tuesday (22 May) it will consider imposing new sanctions on Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro's re-election was marred by "irregularities" and failed to meet international standards.
Commission to pour cold water on Bulgaria’s Eurozone ambition
Euro-hopeful Bulgaria does not yet meet the criteria to adopt the single currency, the European Commission will say today (23 May) in an assessment of European Union countries that must one day switch to the euro.
EU increases collaboration with authoritarian regimes to tackle migration
Europe’s struggle with migrants has led to an increase in funding for border control to authoritarian regimes such as Chad, Niger, Belarus, Libya and Sudan. EURACTIV.fr reports.
China says 16+1 summits are good for EU
Annual summits between China and central and eastern European countries are beneficial to the European Union as a whole, the Chinese government told Bulgaria's foreign minister, brushing off concerns that Beijing is seeking to divide the continent.
EU seeks US trade detente after China reprieve
EU ministers today (22 May) will refine a last-ditch bid to persuade US President Donald Trump to back off stiff tariffs on metals imports from Europe and win the bloc a similar break as handed China.