About: COVID 19 crisis
Greater inclusivity in post-pandemic connectivity push is needed
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven home to policymakers the urgency of expanding connectivity, but further work is needed to ensure that its roll-out across the EU is comprehensive and inclusive, say experts working on the programme.OpinionPromoted content
The Post-COVID Recovery: Why are we no longer talking about Social Services?
Last year, we filled our doorways to clap and cheer in support of the health care and social service professionals keeping us safe. 19-months later and many of these vital services are still as underfunded and underrepresented in local, regional and national policies. Why?
Lack of green maritime fuels makes liquid natural gas a necessity says Commission
Liquid natural gas (LNG) is a necessary transitional fuel to decarbonise EU maritime activities as the available quantities of zero, or low-carbon fuels are currently insufficient, the European Commission has said.
World Health chief set for second term after German endorsement
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is expected to obtain a second term as World Health Organization chief, after the German government endorsed him and no other candidate is likely to stand before the deadline on Thursday (23 September).
‘Mix and match’ approach to COVID-19 vaccines could help boost effectiveness
‘Mix and match’ or heterologous vaccination strategy split the scientists over the usage of different vaccines against covid. While some argue that this would boost the protection others say that more evidence is needed.
Commission insists EU COVID certificates ‘entirely secure’ after reports of French fakes
The EU COVID certificate is “entirely secure”, the European Commission has stressed after reports of false health passes in France being used to circumvent the country’s COVID measures.
UK government banks on domestic workforce as struggling food sector calls for new visas
The UK food sector has called for a new COVID-19 recovery visa to address workforce shortages, but the government has been non-committal, stressing instead it aims not to rely on labour from abroad.
Delta COVID variant now dominates European region, warn WHO and ECDC
The COVID Delta variant has swept rapidly across Europe to become the dominant strain across much of the region according to new data from European health authorities, who warn that action must be taken to curtail its spread.
Superbug pandemic threatens to undo medical progress
It’s never easy to focus on more than one crisis at a time. But, as vaccines begin to point the way out of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is another global health threat lurking in the background which needs our attention:...
From vaccine race to marathon: What’s next for coping with COVID?
The COVID-19 virus is not going anywhere any time soon and, as new variants keep cropping up across the globe, vaccine development cannot afford to stand still. There are currently just over 100 vaccines in clinical development worldwide but only...
COP26: Will it be different this time?
After being delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 crisis, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, will take place in Glasgow from 1 – 12 November 2021. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described 2021 as a “make or...
COVID recovery money comes with strings attached, say EU officials
Tough control mechanisms will allow the EU to claw back misspent funds from the bloc’s ambitious Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), EU officials said at an event organised by EURACTIV on Tuesday (25 May).
The Recovery and Resilience Facility: Can effective oversight bring about true reform?
Member States are in the process of submitting their recovery and resilience plans that set out a coherent package of reforms and public investment projects.
Von der Leyen: Great progress in fight against COVID-19 must be consolidated
Europe has made great progress in vaccination since the start of May and this is paving the way for societies to reopen safely, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday (25 May), but warned that progress must be consolidated so that we "stay one step ahead of the virus".
COVID-19 effects on mental health will be felt for years to come, warn researchers
COVID-19 has created a “parallel pandemic” of mental health issues that will be felt long after tackling coronavirus, new research warns, with younger people bearing the brunt across the EU.
Building innovative cultural and creative sectors and industries to secure Europe’s future
Europe has always been home to a thriving community of artists, intellectuals and professionals in the cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI). Today, these industries are experiencing some of the greatest challenges in recent history. The causes are diverse,...
EU Commission banks on mRNA vaccines for curbing COVID pandemic
The European Commission has moved to secure 1.8 billion more doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine amid speculation that it will not renew contracts with pharma companies AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
New report: COVID pandemic disruption caused ‘avoidable deaths’ of mothers and babies
Pregnancy outcomes for mothers and babies have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new Lancet study published on Wednesday (31 March), with researchers now calling for more priority to be given to maternity care during the health crisis. VideoPromoted content
The Unique Stories of Liberals
US: The Unique Stories of Liberals is an exclusive interview series produced by the ALDE Party, featuring liberal leaders from across Europe. In the interviews, the leaders share their personal and professional experiences on key political and policy issues including...
Tanzanian president Magufuli confirmed dead following health speculation
Tanzania's President John Magufuli has died aged 61, the country's vice-president announced on Wednesday (16 March) following several weeks of growing speculation and conspiracy theories about his health and whereabouts.
‘New economic model’ needed to deal with climate change, EU presidency says
Europe's current economic model "has no future" and does not respond to "major environmental challenges", Portugal's prime minister António Costa said on Friday, calling for the adoption of new models such as the circular economy and sustainable bioeconomy.
The cohesion imperative
At the start of 2021, we already know that European cohesion will be put to an unprecedented test. But if we remain focused, this crisis has the chance of being the one that makes Europe, instead of breaking it, writes Pawel Zerka.
Porto EU social summit expected to focus on youth
The European Commission wants to promote a "strong social dimension" at the May summit in Porto, as part of the Portuguese EU Council presidency, advocating a focus on young people who are facing a "difficult period" due to the COVID-19 crisis.