Special Reports
COP24: Options to decarbonise transport
Transport is the only sector of the economy whose GHG emissions are increasing globally, scientists have warned.
All that glitters is not just gold
The circular economy is taking on more and more significance but a potential clash is looming between maximising the potential of our waste and safeguarding human health.
Decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions
In a world already impacted by climate change, the global community still falls short of meeting the Paris Agreement’s goal on curbing climate change under the well-below 2°C target. Countries gathered at the COP24 will have to roadmap how to shift trillions of euros to turn the economy from brown to green.
Local utilities in the energy transition
While policymakers craft a new long-term European Union framework for the energy transition, some of the most intense changes will fall to local utilities in Europe's cities. For some cities, their own preparations closely track what the European Commission is envisioning.
CAP: New delivery model, climate and spending
The European Commission’s new proposal on the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) gives more flexibility to member states when it comes to implementation and pushes for a tailor-made approach adjusted to the EU countries’ diverse farming needs and circumstances.
Alternatives to animal testing – the state of progress
The EU ban on animal testing for cosmetic products came into force in 2013, although testing is still allowed in Europe for healthcare products and pharmaceuticals, as well as some chemicals and food.
Is EU biofuel policy realistic enough?
In an effort to decarbonise the transport sector, EU member states recently decided to revise the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). But how do the updated legislation and other rules currently in the pipeline stack up?
The future of fertilisers in Europe
In light of the rising global population, the EU fertiliser industry has set a long-term vision by 2030. While fertilisers are essential in boosting plant growth and crop nutrition, there is also an environmental impact that needs to be addressed.
The global race for raw materials
The European Union first adopted a raw materials strategy in 2008, at a time when commodity prices were at an all-time high and fears were running high of a global scramble for natural resources. The financial crash that followed conveniently swept the issue under the carpet. But this may have only been temporary.
The nitty-gritty of recycling
The EU now has a whole raft of rules, both finalised and pending, geared towards increasing the effectiveness and, perhaps more importantly, profitability of recycling. But beyond the headline targets, how are countries going to stick to the rules?
Electricity prices
Many European countries have placed limits on electricity prices, often justified by consumer concerns about rising energy bills, or to protect households from energy poverty. But regulated energy prices also thwart competition and hinder the deployment of clean energy solutions....
Metals in the circular economy
Metals are essential components in the manufacturing of smart phones, electric car batteries and other green technologies. In this special report, EURACTIV looks at how the EU's circular economy strategy can help secure Europe's supply of critical raw materials in a sustainable way.
A new trade framework for shared prosperity
European countries and companies welcomed China’s new measures to open up its economy and import more goods announced during its first Import Expo organized in Shanghai. But they urged the Asian economy to address some issues including intellectual property rights.
A new EU-Africa partnership
A new EU-Africa partnership is needed in order to tackle common challenges and fight for sustainable development without leaving anyone behind, according to EU Socialists and Democrats.
Global futures: Re-imagining tomorrow’s technologies
The foundations of today's multilateral global order were first laid out 100 years ago, after the end of the First World War. These foundations are today being disrupted by the extension of digital technologies into a plethora of sectors, from defence and security to politics and economy.
European economy: On the road to recovery or still in stagnation?
The European economy has gradually moved clear of the recession and austerity that have dominated the past ten years. But how important will the economy be in the minds of Europeans as next May’s European Parliament elections approach? This Special...
Reform of EU family law
There are more than 16 million international couples in the EU, according to the European Commission. From January 2019, their rights and obligations will be secured by a European regulation for matrimonial property regimes and so-called "registered partnerships".
Decentralised cooperation: what future for local to local EU’s development policy after 2020?
Decentralised cooperation has allowed to better adapt EU’s cooperation policies to the needs of the people in the field. However, with the new negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework, the role of local authorities in cooperation policies might be at stake.
Inter-religious dialogue
Located at a crossroads of different civilizations, Kazakhstan has placed great importance on promoting religious harmony and mutual respect. This year, the country is hosting the sixth edition of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, an initiative which has its roots in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Renovation of buildings: The fight is over, time to implement
The vision for decarbonising the European building stock is clear enough: now comes the time for the member states to enforce these commitments.
Life-course immunisation
In his 2017 State of the Union speech, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it was “unacceptable” that children are still dying from diseases that can easily be prevented with vaccines, like measles.
From Calarasi to Vidin: common borders, common solutions
From Calarasi to Ruse, from Costanza to Veliko Tarnovo, EU Cohesion Policy has supported hundreds of actions and infrastructure investment in the fields of transport, science, education, youth employment, environment and support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Romania and Bulgaria.
Road to COP24: A just energy transition ahead?
The Polish city of Katowice will host the United Nations climate summit in December for a make-or-break attempt to make the Paris Agreement a reality. EURACTIV looks at where the global climate action effort stands at the moment, and what may lie in wait in southern Poland.