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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Council gives final green light to a targeted review of the common agricultural policy
The Council formally adopted a targeted review of certain basic acts of the common agricultural policy (CAP). This review comes as a response to concerns voiced by farmers in recent months and takes into account the impact of geopolitical developments, such as the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and of extreme weather events. Main elements of the […]
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European Court of Auditors: It takes too long to recover misspent EU money
The EU auditors found that, while the European Commission ensures that irregular expenditure is recorded accurately and promptly, getting this money back often takes too long. For jointly managed agricultural funds where member states have primary responsibility, recovery rates are generally low, but with significant differences between EU countries. From 2014-2022, €14 billion of such […]
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Combating AI bias in the labour market
Two EU-backed projects team up to gain better insight into how AI technologies are impacting workers. The EU-funded projects AEQUITAS and BIAS are joining forces to combat AI system biases in the labour market. By working together, they aim to deepen their understanding of AI technologies’ impact on workers and inform policies accordingly. This partnership […]
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New Eurobarometer survey shows young people’s active participation in civic and democratic life ahead of the upcoming European elections
Ahead of the European elections taking place from 6 to 9 June, the Commission has published today a Eurobarometer on Youth and Democracy, revealing early indications of 64% of young people saying they intend to vote. However, while 38% indicated that they think voting is the most effective action to make their voice heard, some 19% […]
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What is the relationship between gender equality and financial independence?
Social media platforms currently are witnessing a growing and concerning trend that sees traditional gender roles glorified while questioning the need for women’s financial independence. EIGE’s new report ‘Financial independence and gender equality: joining the dots on income, wealth and power’ offers a compelling perspective into why financial independence remains critical for women and men. And what we […]
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EIB and Valencia regional government sign €470 million loan to finance green, social and digital projects under EU fund programmes
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €470 million loan with the regional government of Valencia to co-finance a series of green, social and digital investments in the Spanish region. Through the EIB loan and co-financing from the Valencia regional government, support will be provided for projects included in the 2021-2027 operational programmes of EU […]
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Artificial intelligence: is the EU’s grand plan succeeding?
Imagine we asked a chatbot what would determine the path of the EU’s future economic development. Its answer would likely be “AI”. Politicians and experts might struggle to come up with a better answer. In 2018, the European Commission adopted a coordinated plan with the member states ‒ reviewed in 2021 ‒ to scale up investment in AI and […]
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Short-term outlook of agricultural markets: uncertainty remains a constant feature of EU farming
Agriculture remains impacted by several events outside of farmers’ control, such as climate and geopolitical crises, which continue to exert pressure on farmers. These have implications on productivity, trade, consumer demand, prices and ultimately on farmers’ income. Since the last short-term outlook (autumn 2023) and despite some favourable but limited developments in input costs, their […]
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