Health
Bad eating generates huge costs to society, experts warn
The EU should not lower the guard on non-communicable dietary-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes, as they have a relevant economic impact on citizens' daily life, according to food and nutrition experts.
EU will not ban artificial turf pitches but could impose restrictions
The European Union will not ban artificial turf pitches, at least yet, but the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) is looking at alternatives, as this material is an important source of microplastics.
Profit, planet, and people: Dublin stadium’s approach to sustainability
Controlling the social, economic and environmental impact of its activity should be at the core of the administration of a sports venue, managers of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin told EURACTIV in an interview.
Mitsotakis pledges to finally implement smoking ban in Greece
The newly elected center-right government (New Democracy-EPP) in Greece has vowed to implement a smoking ban in enclosed public places, which has existed since 2008 but never took effect.
The case of babies without arms remains a mystery for France
On Friday (12 July), French authorities published their first report on children born without arms in rural areas of three specific French departments. Although this congenital disability, termed transverse agenesis of the upper limb, is well described, its causes remain unknown. EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'environnement reports.
Forest Green Rovers, the world’s greenest football club
A vegan menu, bamboo-made t-shirts, an organic pitch, a stadium 100% powered with renewable energy… in less than a decade, the Forest Green Rovers has become the first carbon-neutral club in the world. EURACTIV interviewed its manager.
How sustainable can football be?
Football inspires, it brings people together and is like a religion to some – as we may well see at the Women's World Cup final in France on Sunday. But football also has its downsides: heaps of rubbish, squandering of water and a big CO2 footprint. The Life Tackle initiative now wants to change that.
Civil society abandons EU Commission’s anti-obesity forum
A number of public health NGOs have decided to leave the European Commission-led EU Platform for Diet, Physical Activity and Health, in protest at the lack of progress in combatting obesity and related diseases.
Electronic cigarettes still bitterly divide stakeholders
There is general agreement that smoking is one of the worst things one can do for one's health. But when it comes to alternatives like electronic cigarettes, the debate continues to divide stakeholders and policymakers.
New pharma boss: Next EU Commission should be clear on how to protect innovation
The next EU Commission should take a stronger position on innovation in the pharma sector, the new leader of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Diplomatic intrigue at FAO casts doubt on Italy’s loyalty to EU, US
The Capitals brings you the latest news from across Europe, through on-the-ground reporting by EURACTIV’s media network.
Health expert: Need for a new partnership with pharma industry under WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) could provide a platform for a new partnership between the public health sector and the industry, from pharma to alcohol, Clemens Martin Auer, a candidate for the post of WHO Regional Director Europe, told EURACTIV in an interview.
€102m grant boosts EU-WHO regional cooperation on global health
The new grant program largely funded by the European Development Fund (EDF) will support all 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries in an effort to strengthen their regional health systems and tackle non-communicable diseases and health security issues.
ECDC: Legionella outbreak may be reduced with appropriate controls
A new community outbreak of Legionella in Belgium's Flanders region renewed public attention to the so-called Legionnaires' disease, which is increasing in the EU, according to the EU agency for infectious diseases control.
Cross-border healthcare directive had too little impact so far, EU auditors warn
Very few patients ask for reimbursements for treatment accessed abroad and the only exchanges of patients’ health data are between two member states, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) found in its report released on Tuesday (4 June).
Poll: Europeans care more about food origins than safety
Coinciding with the first International food safety day, a Eurobarometer poll about food safety published on Friday (7 June) found that food awareness among Europeans is high, as 50% of them consider safety to be an important factor in choosing food.
EU should tackle health inequality with investments: MSD official
Every EU government should prioritise healthcare because only health citizens can be a driving force for economic growth, told EURACTIV Croatia Gabriele Grom, Vice President of MSD in Central Eastern Europe (CEE).
How the EU wants countries to tweak transport policy
The European Commission unveiled a whole series of country-by-country recommendations on Wednesday (5 June), including guidance on how to improve transport links and boost sustainability through shrewd investments.
Cocaine trafficking reaching record highs, says EU drug agency
Cocaine seizure in the EU reached record highs in 2017 and the trafficking of synthetic drugs has also increased, according to this year's European Drug Report. A closer look into Berlin's drug help centre shows how drug consumption is linked to mental health. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Pharma incentives reform is for the next Commission, EU official says
Stakeholders gathered in the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) reiterated their demands to reform the incentives for pharmaceutical innovation, making a set of recommendations to the European Commission during an event in Brussels on Monday (3 June).
The football tournament you’ve never heard of
Eight football teams will duel it out in the foothills of the Caucasus this month to decide which is the best in Europe. But you will not find Germany, Italy or Spain on the match list and none of the teams taking part are fully recognised by the international community.
Iodine tablets to be distributed to 2.2 million French people living near nuclear plants
An additional 2.2 million French people residing close to nuclear power plants will receive iodine tablets and information on how to proceed in the event of an accident. This was announced by the French Nuclear Safety Authority on Monday. EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'Environnement reports.
Betis, the Spanish club committed to going climate neutral
Spanish football club Real Betis is well known for the colours of its T-shirt, green and white. But now they want to integrate that concept into their whole policy by leading the way in making soccer more sustainable.