The only quick-fix to Europe’s energy price crisis is saving energy
By: EBR | Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Faced with rising energy prices, the only thing Europe can quickly do to prevent a potentially difficult winter is to actively promote energy conservation in both the residential and industrial sectors
Use of artificial intelligence by the police: MEPs oppose mass surveillance
By: EBR | Wednesday, October 6, 2021
To combat discrimination and ensure the right to privacy, MEPs demand strong safeguards when artificial intelligence tools are used in law enforcement
What is ’marine snow’ and how does it help the ocean to store carbon?
By: EBR | Wednesday, October 6, 2021
New research sheds light on how oceans absorb carbon dioxide
EU plan to protect journalists from malicious lawsuits moves forward
By: EBR | Tuesday, October 5, 2021
The European Commission initiated on Monday (4 October) a public consultation on its plan to protect journalists and human rights defenders from litigation designed to curtail their work
French frigates to fight German submarines in the Aegean?
By: EBR | Tuesday, October 5, 2021
The EU is quick to call for de-escalation in case of conflicts, it is ambitious about setting itself targets such as “strategic autonomy”, and it succeeds to make its voice heard in the world
Nord Stream 2 operator begins filling controversial pipeline
By: EBR | Tuesday, October 5, 2021
The operator of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany — criticised by some Western countries as a geopolitical weapon — said on Monday (4 October) it had begun filling the pipeline with gas
Draghi on quest to challenge EU rules and grow out of public debt
By: EBR | Monday, October 4, 2021
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi unveiled an ambitious Italian budget for 2022-2024 last week, with deficits above the limits set by the Stability and Growth Pact, in what appears to be a bet on a change in the EU’s fiscal rulebook
Energy price crunch risks derailing UN climate talks, Iberdrola warns
By: EBR | Monday, October 4, 2021
The current hike in energy prices is threatening to overshadow the COP26 climate summit this November as countries scramble to tackle the rising costs of electricity, oil and gas, warned a senior executive at Spanish power firm Iberdrola
‘Legal’ pushback: EU walking on a tightrope
By: EBR | Thursday, September 30, 2021
Faced with a stalemate in talks over a new EU migration pact, several member states have tabled a proposal to legalise pushbacks. Considering that no joint EU response on migration is expected before the French elections in April 2022, the EU will be walking on a tightrope
2022 EU budget: MEPs demand the focus must be on COVID-19 crisis recovery
By: EBR | Thursday, September 30, 2021
The Budget Committee wants to boost the pandemic recovery process and lay the foundations for a more resilient EU
Can Germany Provide Leadership to Europe?
By: EBR | Thursday, September 30, 2021
Berlin’s ability and willingness to lead Europe cannot be taken for granted. Any new coalition will first have to overcome major internal differences on climate, foreign policy, and defense before tackling the EU’s future direction
Consumer protection: Airlines commit to timely reimbursement after flight cancellations
By: EBR | Thursday, September 30, 2021
Following dialogues with the Commission and national consumer protection authorities, 16 major airlines have committed to better information and timely reimbursement of passengers in case of flight cancellations
EU Commission, industry clash over green jet fuel mandate
By: EBR | Thursday, September 30, 2021
The European Commission has strongly denied accusations that its proposed mandate to support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste-based biofuels from the road sector
France and Greece take first step towards EU force in NATO
By: EBR | Thursday, September 30, 2021
France and Greece have signed a landmark military agreement that provides mutual assistance in the event of one party coming under attack by a third country, even if the latter belongs to NATO
Budapest signs deal with Gazprom, Kyiv ‘disappointed’
By: EBR | Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Hungary signed a fifteen-year gas purchase contract with Russia’s Gazprom bypassing Ukraine. This angered Kyiv who said it will turn to the EU Commission for a solution
Google starts fight against Commission
By: N. Peter Kramer | Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Google is challenging a fine of 4,3 billion euros imposed by the European Commission, that found that the tech giant abused the Android platform to strengthen its dominance in the market of interne searching engines
Energy infrastructure: boost hydrogen and carbon capture, phase out natural gas
By: EBR | Tuesday, September 28, 2021
The updated rules to select which energy projects should be supported aim to make cross-border energy infrastructure sustainable and in line with the EU Green Deal
Media freedom and pluralism: launch of the media ownership monitoring project
By: EBR | Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Commission has kick-started the EU-funded Euromedia Ownership Monitor
German SPD left puzzled as leftist alliance fades away
By: EBR | Monday, September 27, 2021
For the first time in almost 20 years, the SPD has secured the top spot in the elections. However, with a left-wing alliance falling short of a majority, the party is faced with severely limited coalition options and intra-party divisions
EU countries struggle to agree approach to COP26 climate talks
By: EBR | Friday, September 24, 2021
European Union countries are struggling to agree their negotiating position for the COP26 climate change conference, with rifts emerging over timeframes for emissions-cutting pledges
By: N. Peter Kramer
