Transport

Lightning strike to blame for massive UK power loss

A huge electricity blackout that left more than one million Brits in the dark earlier this month was caused by a lightning strike, according to preliminary findings presented by the country’s grid owner on Tuesday (20 August).

German Greens want to ban domestic flights by 2035

Germany's Greens plan to make domestic flights 'largely obsolete' by 2035. To this end, they want to introduce a tax on kerosene and gradually increase rail traffic. The EU, however, is far from finding a solution on how to tax air travel. EURACTIV Germany reports.

In setback for 5-Star, Italy’s PM backs completion of rail link with France

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Tuesday (23 July) that blocking works on a rail link with France would cost Italy more than completing the infrastructure, taking a stance on an issue that has divided the government coalition for months.

Transport committee chair: The aim is to put climate on political agenda in all sectors

In an interview with EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'Environnement, the newly elected chair of the European Parliament's committee on transport and tourism (TRAN), French Green MEP Karima Delli, spoke about her new priorities. These include relaunching the rail system, regulating transport in a climate-friendly manner and reducing car pollution.

How the GSA rebooted the Galileo satellite system

Galileo, the global navigation satellite system that went live in 2016, malfunctioned for a whole week (11-19 July) as it suffered from a partial outage, caused by the European Space Agency changing the software. EURACTIV's partner La Tribune reports.

Dutch urge swift EU hydrogen push to cut industry, transport emissions

The European Commission should create an EU-wide market for hydrogen “as soon as possible” rather than wait for renewable energy-based varieties to be commercially available, a top Dutch ministerial envoy has said.

Air traffic control chief: Humans will always be in the loop

Air traffic management is the focus of some serious EU-funded research and development. The aim of much of the work is to improve its efficiency and win gains like improved safety and smaller carbon footprint. One of the main figures behind the project explained it to EURACTIV.

Oil tanker investments at risk from climate action, report says

Strong action on climate change would shrink demand for vessels by a third, impacting investment decisions being made now, analysts say. EURACTIV’s partner Climate Home News reports.

Reducing car traffic could be the only solution to reduce air pollution

The massive reduction of car traffic could be the best solution to sustainably improving air quality, according to a report published by France's health and food safety agency (Anses) on Tuesday (16 July). EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'Environnement reports.

Rome prepares to ship its rubbish across Europe, raising environmental concerns

The exit strategy from Rome’s current garbage crisis involves re-routing thousands of tonnes of junk to Sweden and other EU countries, with a huge financial and environmental cost in terms of CO2 emissions.

Macron announces launch of French space force

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday (13 July) said that France’s air force will set up a space command centre and be renamed the Air and Space force, to better protect outer space interests.

Emission-busting aviation taxes gain ground, despite airline pushback

Ryanair in April became the first airline to be included among Europe’s top ten polluters, with some calling the airline company ‘the new coal’ industry. Large economies like France and Germany have begun seeking impact-reducing alternatives to air travel by imposing new taxes.

UK to order ships with zero emission technology from 2025

The UK government on Thursday (11 July) said all new ships ordered from 2025 and aimed for its waters must be equipped with zero emission technology, as part of a new plan to cut maritime pollution.

Why we are far from imposing a tax on kerosene

France introduced a tax on airline tickets this week. However, this does not really replace a tax on kerosene, which continues to be tax-exempt across Europe. But why is the EU not introducing such a tax? EURACTIV Germany reports.

European airline chiefs push back against flight shaming, carbon taxes

The heads of some of Europe’s largest airlines hit back on Wednesday (10 July) against efforts to discourage Europeans from flying, arguing the industry was making huge strides in cutting its carbon footprint and that there was no shame in air travel.

France to impose green tax on plane tickets

France announced Tuesday (9 July) it would impose new taxes on plane tickets of up to €18 per flight, joining other EU states seeking to limit the environmental impact of air travel.

Fresh faces, Swedish solutions & VW velocity

This is your weekly EURACTIV Transport Brief, the one port of call for all the news from the world of mobility and much more!

Jaguar Land Rover to build electric cars at UK plant

Jaguar Land Rover is making a multi-million pound investment to build electric vehicles in Britain, in a major boost for the UK government and a sector hit by the slump in diesel sales and Brexit uncertainty.

Green NGO did not misuse funds, top German court rules

Deutsche Umwelthilfe, an environmental association, was cleared yesterday (4 July) from accusations that it misused funds raised through the numerous legal cases it won before German courts. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Shipping heavyweights at risk of missing climate targets

The world’s shipping heavyweights are not investing in key technologies to reduce their carbon footprint, putting the sector at risk of missing targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050, according to the Carbon Disclosure Project.

Official EU petition calls for minimum carbon price

The European Commission registered an official petition on Wednesday (7 July) that calls on the EU executive to set up a minimum carbon price, “discourage the consumption of fossil fuels” and keep global warming to below 1.5 degrees.

Heatwave hassle, Dutch courage & lunar labs

This is your weekly EURACTIV Transport Brief, the one port of call for all the news from the world of mobility and much more! 

Europe takes on China’s global dominance of rare earth metals

A new industry association was launched in Brussels last week with the aim of bringing together all the players in the supply chain of rare earth metals, which are vital to renewable and low-carbon technologies.