In October 2024, the EU-funded CIRCULAR BIOCARBON project inaugurated its flagship biorefinery in Zaragoza. The biorefinery will be used to transform sewage sludge and the organic fraction of urban solid waste, such as food residues and garden waste, into high added value products such as biopolymers, biofertilisers and green graphene. Biodegradable waste is a key […]
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Geographical indications for craft and industrial products
00As of December 2025, craft and industrial products will fully benefit from an EU-wide Geographical indications (GIs) protection under Regulation (EU) 2023/2411. Geographical indications are an intellectual property protection that links specific products, which are European, local, and authentic, to their geographical origin, ensuring that these products possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are inherently […]
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EU and Africa strengthen cooperation on digital transformation
The European Commission and Smart Africa took a further step in supporting the digital transformation of the African continent together. The Commission Services and Smart Africa signed an Administrative Arrangement to enhance cooperation and support a human-centric digital transformation of Africa. The partnership was formalised during a high-level roundtable discussion with European and African government […]
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Commission and EIB announce new partnership to support investments in the European battery manufacturing value chain
Today, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are announcing a new partnership to support investments in the EU’s battery manufacturing sector. This partnership will see a €200 million top-up (loan guarantee) to the InvestEU programme from the EU Innovation Fund. It comes in addition to €1 billion in grants to support electric vehicle battery […]
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Commission approves Industry-Academia Network to improve our cybersecurity
The Commission yesterday launched a call for expressions of interest to join the new Industry-Academia Network in the framework of the European e-Skills Academy. This innovative network aims to strengthen links between industry and academia to improve cybersecurity skills and prepare the skilled cybersecurity workforce for the rapidly evolving demands of industry. Henna Virkkunen, Vice-President […]
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Cardiovascular health: Council calls for more robust efforts to help prevent cardiovascular diseases
The Council is calling for more robust efforts to help prevent cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in the European Union. In conclusions approved today, the Council puts forward a series of measures aimed at improving cardiovascular health in the EU, focusing specifically on prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation. “Cardiovascular diseases […]
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Council recommends increased protection against second-hand smoke and aerosols
The Council has adopted a recommendation that will help reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols and achieve a tobacco-free generation in Europe by 2040 as set out in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The recommendation on smoke and aerosol-free environments adopted today encourages EU countries to broaden the scope of their existing protection against second-hand smoke exposure to include key outdoor […]
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New wolf protection statute proposal approved
The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention today voted in favour of the EU proposal to adapt the protection status of the wolf from “strictly protected” to “protected”. The change will enter into force on 7 March 2025. After this date, the EU may adapt the relevant annexes of the Habitats Directive. The Commission will […]
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Spain among the largest recipients of grants to support research excellence
The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded its Consolidation Grants to 328 researchers from across Europe. These grants, totalling €678 million, aim to support outstanding scientists and academics in setting up their independent research teams and developing their most promising scientific ideas. The funding is provided through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. Spain is the […]
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