According to the most recent annual survey on the use of ICT in households and by individuals, online shopping continues to grow in the EU. In 2022, 91% of EU citizens aged 16 to 74 had used the internet, with 75% purchasing or ordering goods or services for personal use. The proportion of e-shoppers increased […]
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New EU mechanism to protect local craft and industrial products
The Legal Affairs Committee adopted its position on a new scheme to ensure the geographical indication of traditional crafts is protected in the EU and globally. With 19 votes in favour, MEPs from the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) adopted unanimously on Tuesday a draft negotiating mandate on legislation introducing a geographical indication (GI) protecting the […]
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EU announces €816.5 million worth of commitments to protect the ocean
At the Our Ocean Conference in Panama, the EU is confirming its strong engagement for international ocean governance by announcing 39 commitments for action for the year 2023. These actions will be funded by €816.5 million. This is one of the biggest amounts ever announced by the EU since the start of the Our Ocean […]
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President von der Leyen to visit Canada and the U.S. next week
President von der Leyen will meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Vice President Joe Biden during her visit to Canada and the United States next week to discuss transatlantic relations, trade, strategic sectoral partnerships, and cooperation in support of Ukraine. The President’s transatlantic trip will begin in Ottawa, Canada, on 6 March in the evening. […]
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Provisional agreement reached on European green bonds
The new regulation aims to prevent greenwashing in the bonds market. Issuers of bonds will be able to demonstrate that they are funding green projects aligned with the EU taxonomy, whilst investors will be able to identify high-quality green bonds more easily. The EU is taking further steps to implement its strategy on financing sustainable […]
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Used textiles in Europe are a growing waste and export problem
Discarded textiles in Europe, including used clothing and footwear, are an increasing waste and export problem. Rapidly increasing EU exports of used textiles — some of which is reused and some of which ends up in landfills — show that Europe faces a challenge in how to handle its own used textiles, according to a […]
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Can we halve the use of pesticides in the EU by 2030?
Pesticides and fertilisers can be important tools in modern farming. When used correctly, fertilisers provide essential nutrients for crop growth, while pesticides can help protect those crops from harmful pests and diseases. The problem is that agriculture has become too dependent on both. Instead of being applied when and where they’re needed, it’s become standard […]
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How is the EU working on the circular economy?
By using this model of production and consumption, we can reduce pollution and look to the future with greater optimism. What is the EU currently doing to promote the circular economy? The European Parliament defines the circular economy as: “a model of production and consumption that involves sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, restoring and reusing existing […]
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An agreement signed by the EIB and the European Commission to boost private sector investment in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission signed agreements totaling EUR 4 billion on February 28, including a guarantee agreement that will mobilize up to EUR 3.5 billion in loans and EUR 500 million in Trust Fund contributions to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries by 2027. The agreement marks an important step […]
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