The Council of Europe has called for strict rules to avoid the significant risks to privacy and data protection posed by the increasing use of facial recognition technologies. Furthermore, certain applications of facial recognition should be banned altogether to avoid discrimination. In a new set of guidelines addressed to governments, legislators and businesses, the 47-state human rights organisation proposes that the […]
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New tools provide valuable insight into lethal brain tumour biology
Using new technology developed for their research into glioblastoma brain cancer, EU-backed researchers have shown how immune cells protect the tumour rather than the body. Across the globe, about 240 000 people are diagnosed with brain and nervous system tumours every year. The most common and most lethal of these tumours is glioblastoma, a malignant […]
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European Commission authorises the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19
The European Commission has granted a conditional marketing authorisation (CMA) for the COVID‑19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca, the third COVID-19 vaccine authorised in the EU. This authorisation follows a positive scientific recommendation based on a thorough assessment of the safety, effectiveness and quality of the vaccine by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and is endorsed […]
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Agreement reached on the European Social Fund+ for 2021-2027
Supporting youth and children at risk of poverty According to the deal, EU countries where the number of children at a high risk of poverty is above the EU average will have to spend a minimum of 5% of the ESF+ resources on actions that contribute to children’s equal access to free healthcare, free education, […]
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Portuguese Presidency outlines priorities to EP committees
Ministers are outlining the priorities of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU to parliamentary committees, in a series of meetings. [toc] Foreign Affairs On 26 January, Foreign Affairs Minister Augusto Santos Silva outlined a range of external action priorities to the Foreign Affairs Committee. He spoke of the importance of reviving the transatlantic dialogue […]
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Brexit: what consequences for moving and working in the EU or the UK?
As of 1 January 2021, Brexit put an end to the free movement of persons between the EU and the United Kingdom. If you are in a cross-border situation involving the EU and the UK, you certainly have many questions, especially on your residence and working rights. Here is a quick recap of the impact […]
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Commission launches debate on responding to the impact of an ageing population
The European Commission presented a green paper to launch a broad policy debate on the challenges and opportunities of Europe’s ageing society. It sets out the impact of this pronounced demographic trend across our economy and society and invites the public to express their views on how to respond to this in a public consultation, which will […]
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Sustainability: What are the alternatives to economic growth
How can societies and people prosper and grow without harming the environment and climate? Is it possible to implement the European Green Deal through social innovations that have little or no environmental impact? To broaden the sustainability debate, a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published today, explores alternative ways of thinking about growth and progress. […]
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Fresh air, shut screens beat lockdown blues, study says
Going outdoors and switching off screens lead to more happiness during the COVID-19 crisis. Mental health continues to be a focal topic with many European countries tightening measures, imposing further restrictions and reimposing lockdowns as the coronavirus pandemic surges to begin 2021. New research published in the ‘Journal of Happiness Studies’ reveals that spending time […]
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