Special Reports
The real face of eczema in Europe
Atopic eczema has a long time been perceived as a superficial, trivial skin disease. However, a new study found that the chronic and relapsing nature of atopic eczema can impact greatly on patient well-being and quality of life. Atopic eczema...
A difficult balance: Science, politics and policy-making on food
The discussion about food policies in Europe is often heated up and quite frequently politicised. The right balance between science, politics and policy-making has always been difficult to achieve. The industry calls on EU decision-makers to focus on science when...
Reducing sugar consumption: Is taxation effective?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that over-consumption of free sugars is a major contributor to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay and free sugars are not essential nutrients for human health.
Capacity markets for electricity
As the EU’s power market reform enters the home straight, EURACTIV.com takes a look at so-called “capacity mechanisms” for back-up electricity and whether they help or hinder the EU’s twin objectives of supply security and decarbonisation.
Latvia: the eurozone thriller
The investigation into the governor of the central bank of Latvia has put the last country to have entered the Eurozone under the spotlight. EURACTIV carries out a four-part investigation into the Switzerland of the Baltic states.
EU-ACP relations after Cotonou Agreement: Re-set, re-launch or retreat?
Struck in 2000 in Benin, the Cotonou Agreement has shaped relations between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) for nearly 20 years. The accord expires in 2020 and negotiations between the European Union and the ACP on its successor will begin in the coming weeks.
Pushing Europe’s tech frontiers
The third edition of the EIT Digital Conference took place in Brussels on 11 September, featuring a range of experts in the digital world from high-ranking political officials to deep-tech entrepreneurs. The event offered participants the chance to take part...
Electricity market reform: A European tour
The European Commission wants to reform “capacity mechanisms” put in place across EU member states to remunerate power plants that remain on standby in case of a demand peak, arguing they distort the market. But views differ on their value amid wide-ranging national disparities.![[EPA]](https://www.euractiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/07/Belt-and-road.jpj_-800x450.jpg)
The New Silk Road
The Belt and Road initiative largely replicates the Silk Road, a common historical heritage of China, Kazakhstan and all countries along its path. The economic potential of the initiative is huge, and so are its geopolitical effects.
What’s driving Europe’s strategy on connected cars?
Throughout its four years in office, the Juncker Commission has promoted connected and automated cars and encouraged industry groups to invest more in developing the technologies. EURACTIV looks at what it has achieved.
How to protect workers’ rights in a volatile labour market?
In 2017, the European Commission proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights, aimed to ensure fair working conditions, social protection and inclusion. How can the the Pillar protect workers’ rights? How can trade unions address new challenges related to working conditions while protecting traditional workers?
Science, public opinion and policy-making
The re-authorisation of Monsanto’s weedkiller glyphosate and the ban of three neonicotinoids – a class of insecticide – have opened a heated debate on the role of science in policy-making.
Short food supply chains in Europe’s North
The development of short food supply chains – where intermediaries between farmers and consumers are removed – should result in fairer remunerations for farmers and higher quality local food products, supporters say.
The fight for viral hepatitis C elimination
The hepatitis C virus is a global public health threat with significant morbidity and mortality, and within Europe, the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region and the European Region have the highest reported prevalence.
Astana: 20 years of thriving evolution
Astana is celebrating its 20th anniversary as capital of Kazakhstan. A remarkable city with futuristic buildings, Astana has positioned itself as a centre that hosts many important events and is developing as a financial hub in Eurasia.
Building partnerships: international development and sustainable business
The European Development Days has established itself as a key fixture in the world's development calendar. The EU plans to revamp its development tools and financial investment instruments in the next seven-year budget, increasing the role of the private sector.
The fine line between brands and health
For the World Health Organisation, plain packaging is considered an effective way to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products and increase the effectiveness of health warnings. But the industry disagrees and points to a fine line between over-regulation and the need to protect consumers.
Migration and security in Europe: Is immigration a threat or an asset?
The 2015 migrant crisis caught Europe off guard, with little funding, limited manpower and no contingency plans in place. The number of migrants trying to reach Europe has declined significantly since then but migration is back on the EU's radar.
The role of innovation in Europe’s animal health
In an effort to minimise animal diseases’ outbreaks, the European Commission adopted in 2007 the “Prevention is better than cure” approach when it comes to animal health strategy. According to the executive, the objective was to focus on preventive measures, disease surveillance, controls and research.
What is the potential of combination vaccines?
The rise of anti-vaccination campaigns has in recent years had a detrimental effect on EU public health as “forgotten” diseases such as measles re-appeared in Europe, raising eyebrows among policymakers.
EU in my region
Cohesion Policy is the EU's main investment policy, with a budget of 351.8 billion. It is also the bloc's second largest policy in terms of funding, after agriculture. This Special Report presents some of the flagship projects around the EU funded by Cohesion.
Europe’s e-mobility gamechangers
The European Union is starting to think in earnest about how to reduce the impact of transportation on the environment. But are plans to tackle a sector whose emissions continue to grow too strict or not ambitious enough?
European gas markets
At the turn of the century, the European Union launched a vigorous liberalisation agenda in a bid to open up its national gas markets – aiming for lower prices, a greater range of suppliers and energy security. EURACTIV takes stock of progress made and the challenges lying ahead.