As Europe is preparing for the approaching wildfire season, the EU is taking significant steps to bolster firefighting efforts and safeguard communities, by pre-positioning firefighters and assembling a fleet of firefighting aircraft. First, 556 firefighters from 12 countries will be strategically prepositioned across key locations in Europe this summer, such as France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain, ready […]
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European Citizens’ Initiative on taxation of greenhouse gas emissions
The European Commission decided to register a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘Save the Planet by shifting taxation from labour to greenhouse gas emissions’. The organisers of the initiative call on the Commission to strengthen the Fit for 55 Package and the EU carbon pricing system by setting a faster phase-out of free allowances and allowing […]
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Action against 20 airlines for misleading greenwashing practices
Following an alert from the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), the European Commission and EU consumer authorities (Network of Consumer Protection Cooperation – CPC – Authorities) sent letters to 20 airlines identifying several types of potentially misleading green claims and inviting them to bring their practices in line with EU consumer law within 30 days. The CPC […]
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EU and Türkiye deepen cooperation on green and digital transition
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, and Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, held the second EU-Türkiye High-Level Dialogue on science, research, technology and innovation in Istanbul. This marks a significant milestone in EU-Türkiye research and innovation cooperation. The two sides have announced that three […]
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European Parliament adopts rules for companies on human rights and the environment
Parliament on Wednesday gave the green light to new rules that will oblige companies to mitigate their negative impact on human rights and the environment. The European Parliament adopted with 374 votes in favour, 235 against and 19 abstentions the new Due Diligence Directive, agreed with the Council, which requires companies and their […]
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April infringement package: main decisions for Spain
The main decisions adopted by the Commission for Spain are presented below, grouped by policy area. Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Commission urges BULGARIA, SPAIN and ROMANIA to comply with public procurement legislation The European Commission has decided to pursue infringement proceedings by sending a letter of formal notice to Romania [INFR(2023)2114] and by […]
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EU announces €3.5 billion commitments to protect oceans and promote sustainability
At the last Our Ocean Conference in Greece, the European Union confirmed its strong commitment to international ocean governance by announcing 40 commitments for action by 2024. These actions will be financed with €3.5 billion from various EU funds. They represent the largest amount ever announced by the EU since the inception of the “Our […]
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3 European cities show how art and culture can contribute to beautiful, sustainable and inclusive neighbourhoods
Three European cities show how art and culture can contribute to creating beautiful, sustainable and inclusive neighbourhoods. Stadhouderskade, a bustling and congested avenue in Amsterdam, is being transformed into a green and sustainable haven for people and animals. The transformation of this urban artery, initiated by the Green Mile Foundation consortium, is being assisted by […]
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European Commission mobilises unallocated European Horizon funds to accelerate green and digital transitions
The Commission has adopted an amendment to the 2023-24 work programme of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme. The amendment mobilises previously unallocated Horizon Europe funds to increase the 2024 budget by almost €1.4 billion to a total of €7.3 billion. This amendment includes an investment of almost €650 million in EU missions […]
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