Transport
Renault targets €2bn in savings, will cut 15,000 jobs
Carmaker Renault said Friday (29 May) that it would cut nearly 15,000 jobs, including 4,600 at its core French operations, as it seeks to steer out of a cash crunch exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis.
Vestager defends EU approach to Lufthansa mega bailout, as carrier agrees terms
EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager said on Friday (29 May) that the European Commission was not creating unnecessary obstacles to Lufthansa's €9 billion bailout, shortly before the carrier agreed to accept the Commission's set of conditions.
Seehofer testifies before committee investigating the ‘toll debacle’
On Thursday (28 May), German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) testified before the investigative committee tasking with deciding on the responsibility for the government's 'toll debacle,' which could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of euros.
Lufthansa board baulks at EU bailout terms
The board of German airline Lufthansa refused to accept the conditions of a €9 billion aid package on Wednesday (27 May), citing the European Commission's reported requirement that the carrier give up some airport slots at two of its major hubs.
Danish groups team up to deliver green hydrogen for transport fuel
Renewable energy company Ørsted and Copenhagen Airport are amongst the consortium of businesses aiming to develop a hydrogen and sustainable transport fuel facility in the heart of the Danish capital. EURACTIV's media partner edie.net reports.
Ryanair challenges Lufthansa’s bailout package
Low-cost carrier Ryanair challenged Germany's €9 billion rescue package for Lufthansa on Tuesday (26 May), saying it distorted competition, while the German carrier moves towards finalising the deal next month.
EU Mobility Package risks becoming a roadblock to post-crisis recovery
In its current form, the Mobility Package brings no benefits for European citizens other than a new wave of migration, an exacerbation of inequalities, and an undesirable increase in CO2 emissions, writes Clotilde Armand.
The Brief – Old dogs, old tricks
Innovation could yet fall victim to the deadly touch of the coronavirus, if governments decide to bet the entire house on a pandemic recovery aimed squarely at established technologies and practices. New ideas cannot be left to die.
EU police forces to employ anti-drone guns ‘illegal’ in the US
EU police forces are set to roll out Australian-made anti-drone weaponry, in order to help eliminate national security threats. However, the technology in question is prohibited by federal law in the United States.
Lufthansa’s €9bn virus bailout gets Berlin’s blessing
German airline Lufthansa sealed a €9 billion aid package on Monday (25 May), as the government agreed to provide loans and stabilisation measures in return for a 20% stake in the carrier, with an option to increase to a blocking minority if needed.
Commission re-opens controversial advanced biofuel list in transport
The European Commission has launched a stakeholder consultation to expand the list of the so-called advanced or second-generation biofuels of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), EURACTIV.com has learnt.
Death of an aviation giant, as A380 feels virus bite
Coronavirus has hastened the demise of the Airbus A380 - the world’s largest airliner - as the aviation industry scrambles to adapt to lower demand for air travel, which has essentially made the double-decker super-jumbo a plane out of time.
Germany’s top court says VW must pay damages to customers
Germany's highest court ruled on Monday (25 May) that Volkswagen must pay damages to plaintiffs in the diesel emissions scandal, who can now demand a refund of the purchase price. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Energising the EU Green Deal through better battery chemicals management
Europe's climate plans have electrification at their core but in order to unlock its potential, batteries have to be managed and regulated in the right way, explain the Cross-Industry Initiative for better regulation in chemicals management (CII).
Four cities call for multi-billion-euro clean bus fund
The European Commission has been urged by to set up a multi-billion euro grant scheme for zero-emission buses and to help cities build new cycle paths, as part of the EU’s coronavirus recovery package.
First Dieselgate ruling by Germany’s top court set to flag legal clarity
Germany's Federal High Court (BGH) will announce later on Monday (25 May) its first ruling in the Dieselgate emissions scandal, which is set to guide other courts and have a major impact on the entire auto industry. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU air safety agency urges masks, social distancing for flights
The EU’s air safety agency EASA is recommending airlines and airports impose measures such as masks and social distancing to limit the risk of coronavirus for passengers. The guidelines, produced jointly with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control...
Germany still hesitating to link stimulus packages with climate targets
France, the Netherlands and Austria want to put environmentally friendly conditions on aid for corporations. In Germany, companies themselves are calling for a climate stimulus package, yet Economy Minister Peter Altmaier is hesitating. EURACTIV Germany reports.
LEAKED: Europe’s draft ‘green recovery’ plan
The European Commission’s promised green recovery plan will focus on building renovation, renewables and hydrogen as well as clean mobility and the circular economy, according to a leaked working document obtained by EURACTIV.
EU’s battery mega-projects charge on despite virus
The European Union’s quest to corner a sizeable chunk of the globe’s battery market has batted off the worst effects of the coronavirus outbreak, according to the officials tasked with overseeing the mini-industrial strategy.
Fiat’s Dutch courage, voucher villains & boar on the floor
Welcome to EURACTIV’s weekly Transport Brief – your one port of call for all the news moving the world and much more!
Legal action looms for EU’s ‘voucher-gate’ clique
The European Commission announced on Wednesday (13 May) that it would remind EU countries of their obligations to enforce passenger rights rules and that legal action against those who do not comply is a possibility.
EU circles around aircraft middle-seat issue in virus travel plans
European Commission guidelines on resuming virus-disrupted transport links do not address whether airlines should block out the middle-seat of aircraft or not. The aviation industry had insisted that social-distancing measures are not viable on planes.