Freya Kirk
AIDS fight falters, report says
For the first time the number of AIDS-related deaths has dropped below 1 million, according to a new report published by UNAIDS. However, progress is still too slow and as a result, 2020 HIV targets might not be reached. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Child malnutrition still prevalent in Chad’s capital
In the capital of Chad, N'Djamena, the Chad-China Friendship Hospital treats cases of acute malnutrition in young children, a countryside phenomena that has taken over the city in the past few years. EURACTIV.fr reports.
IMF concerned over global trade war
The International Monetary Fund continues to project global growth at 3.9% in 2018, but a rise in trade tensions “are an important downside risk”. EURACTIV’s partner La Tribune reports.
Lavender farmer explains legal case against EU climate policy
Back in May, a lavender farmer and 10 other families decided to sue the European Union for failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now, the fragrant-flower farmer explains the rationale behind the landmark case. EURACTIV.fr reports.
How France successfully countered Russian interference during the presidential election
After the Brexit referendum and Trump’s election in 2016, the French presidential campaign in 2017 was also affected by Russian interference. However, unlike the US and the UK, France managed to maintain its democratic integrity. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Left-right ideological divide remains relevant in Western Europe
Despite the rise of populist parties, right-left division remains relevant, particularly on issues such as immigration and the role of the government, according to a study by the American think tank The Pew Research Centre. EURACTIV.fr reports.
France rolls out the red carpet for finance sector post-Brexit
France's prime minister presented new measures to appeal to financial circles, which are currently considering their post-Brexit options. EURACTIV’s partner La Tribune reports.
Agricultural industry eyes space data
Data access has become a key issue for the agricultural sector, which could benefit from European space programmes. EURACTIV.fr reports.
G20 countries risk falling short of achieving Sustainable Development Goals
High income countries are falling short of the goals set three years ago by the United Natons, with Scandinavian countries a notable exception. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Transparency International reveals MEPs’ additional income
MEPs’ outside income raises questions : some MEPs (particularly on the far-right) take part in activities which are likely to lead to conflicts of interest, without the European Parliament taking the slightest action. EURACTIV.fr reports
European Parliament wants to put an end to the solidarity offence in Europe
Only eight EU member states have banned the solidarity offence from their national laws. This offence is often used to prosecute citizens and organisations assisting migrants. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Fabien Roques: EU needs adaptable electricity ‘capacity’ schemes
So-called “capacity mechanisms” are being set up across EU member states to remunerate power stations that remain on standby in case of demand peak. While a European framework is needed to regulate those schemes, Fabien Roques believes they should be adapted to local circumstances. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Right of asylum: Austria’s unsettling proposals to member states
According to an article by French daily Le Monde, Austria, which currently holds the six-month rotating presidency of the EU, sent troubling proposals to EU member states to reform the right of asylum. EURACTIV.fr reports.
France’s contradictory climate ambitions
While French President Emmanuel Macron fights the corner of climate diplomacy, actions carried out by the French government led by Edouard Philippe mainly defend industrial interests. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Brussels remains guarded over ‘capacity mechanisms’ for power plants
The European Commission is trying to limit the development of so-called capacity mechanisms, which some member states have put in place as a way of ensuring electricity supply in situations of peak demand. EURACTIV France reports.
MEPs show support for Parliament interpreters
Interpreters at the European Parliament are currently on strike, but can be requisitioned in case of a session. MEPs showed their support for them on Tuesday (3 July) by switching off their microphones for 30 minutes. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Europe’s silent shift to self-employment
Self-employment is becoming more diversified in Europe and covers an increasing number of activities. But this small revolution raises issues when it comes to social protection. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Thailand: The rich world’s new dumpsite for e-waste
Thailand has become one of the largest dumpsites for electronic waste from developed countries since China’s January ban on the import of plastic waste. EURACTIV’s partner Le Journal de l’environnement reports.
The Brief – Macron’s faltering European dreams
Macron’s European dream ran into a wall of national politics at last week's EU summit. A swing to the right of the European agenda appeared to trump the in-depth economic reforms championed by the French president. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Austria takes control of the EU, focusing on immigration
The Austrian government (a mix of Christian-democrats and far-right eurosceptics) has taken over the rotating presidency of the Council with a programme focused on tackling immigration. EURACTIV’s partner Euroefe reports.
‘Controlled centres’ for migrants – not ‘hotspots’, say EU leaders
The European Council’s idea of “controlled centres” for migrants put forward in its conclusions is strikingly similar to the 2015 hotspots. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Member of Hungarian opposition: EU should not fund Orbán
Gergely Karácsony, a well-known figure of the Hungarian opposition, has called on the EU to stop funding Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s eurosceptic and populist policies with European funds. EURACTIV’s partner Euroefe reports.
Pessimism and general fatigue characterise final stretch of Brexit
Faced with a united and firm EU, the UK remains unclear on its projects for Brexit. Fundamental questions such as governance or the Northern Irish border are far from resolved. EURACTIV.fr reports.