Globally, the consumption of animal-based foods is expected to increase in the coming decades because of the combined effects of several global megatrends. The global population increased from 2.5 billion in 1950 to 7.7 billion in mid-2019 and is expected to reach 9.7 billion people in 2050 (UN, 2019). Meanwhile, global economic development, urbanisation and […]
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Eurogroup reaches agreement on European Stability Mechanism reform
Main results of the video conference of the Eurogroup, 30 November 2020 Inclusive format Reform of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) The Eurogroup agreed to proceed with the reform of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM): to sign the revised ESM treaty and to launch its ratification. Among other things, the reform establishes a common backstop […]
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The EU reaffirms its commitment to strengthen relations with its partners in the Southern Neighbourhood
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen its strategic relationship with its Southern Neighbourhood partners during the EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting chaired by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, with participation of Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. The meeting was hosted by Arancha González, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain. During […]
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Electricity bill of over €1.5 million leads police to 5 illegal marijuana plantations in Spain
Last month, the Spanish National Police (Policia Nacional), together with the Dutch Police (Politie) and the Belgian Federal Police (Federale Politie, Police Fédérale) and Europol seized more than 34 000 plants of marijuana and arrested 17 individuals in a series of coordinated raids across the three countries. It is estimated the stolen electricity used to power the […]
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Affordable, accessible and safe medicines for all: the Commission presents a Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe
The Commission has adopted a Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe to ensure patients have access to innovative and affordable medicines and to support the competitiveness, innovative capacity and sustainability of the EU’s pharmaceutical industry. Europe’s Pharmaceutical Strategy has four main objectives: Ensuring access to affordable medicines for patients, and addressing unmet medical needs (e.g. in the […]
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EU-Australia leaders’ meeting via video conference, 26 November 2020
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, held a leaders’ meeting by video conference with Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, held a leaders’ meeting by video conference […]
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Commission approves contract with Moderna to ensure access to a potential vaccine
The European Commission approved a sixth contract under the EU Vaccines Strategy, this time with the pharmaceutical company Moderna. The contract provides for the initial purchase of 80 million doses on behalf of all EU Member States, plus an option to request up to a further 80 million doses, to be supplied once a vaccine […]
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10 ways to keep online education engaging
The Covid-19 pandemic has turned our everyday life and routines upside down. School closures, remote working, physical distancing amongst many. The closure of education institutions has meant that teachers and trainers have now had to move their classes online. But crossing this line is no easy task. It requires learning new skills and adopting a […]
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EU-China: Council gives final green light to the agreement on geographical indications
The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion of the agreement between the European Union and the government of the People’s Republic of China on cooperation on and protection of geographical indications (GIs). A list of 100 European agri-food GIs, such as Queso Manchego, Champagne, Cava, Polska Wódka, Feta, Münchener Bier, Irish whiskey, Porto, Prosciutto […]
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