Member States’ current military capabilities and cooperation do not match the new level of ambition of the EU’s defence policy, according to a new review by the European Court of Auditors. Synergies between EU initiatives and other defence and security frameworks are essential, warn the auditors. In particular, a critical point is whether the EU […]
Read MoreNew electrical device provides chemical-free weed control
An EU-funded initiative has developed a scalable and sustainable alternative to herbicides for weed control, based on the use of electricity. As the world’s population increases there is a growing need to control weeds to protect agriculture, infrastructure and for aesthetic reasons. This market is currently dominated by herbicide manufacturers, but they are increasingly under […]
Read MoreEU@UNGA 74: Working towards a more peaceful, secure and prosperous world
A high-level European Union delegation will be in New York for the 74th United Nations General Assembly this week. The EU representatives will host and participate in a large number of events and meetings with world leaders. The EU continues to be a leader in global cooperation: joining forces with partners in support of multilateralism to […]
Read MoreHow to accelerate the shift towards sustainability?
There is growing recognition that achieving prosperity within environmental limits requires fundamental changes in core systems of production and consumption. A new European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published today, identifies ten focus areas for enabling sustainability transitions. The EEA report ‘Sustainability transitions: policy and practice’ identifies policy options for responding to systemic environmental and […]
Read More#EUBeachCleanUp: EU organises record number of cleaning actions worldwide
On beaches across Europe and the world, EU staff are joining hands with local communities to clean up marine litter as part of the #EUBeachCleanUp campaign. Launched on 19 August, this year’s campaign will run through October, culminating on Saturday 21 September, the International Coastal CleanUp Day, with actions taking place in over 80 countries, […]
Read MoreEU financial regulators highlight risks of a no-deal Brexit and search for yield
The European Union’s (EU) banking, insurance, pensions and securities sectors continue to face a range of risks, the latest report on “Risks and Vulnerabilities in the EU Financial System” published recently by the Joint Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) shows. The European Union’s (EU) banking, insurance, pensions and securities sectors continue to face a range of […]
Read MoreGSA celebrates 15 years
The European GNSS Agency (GSA) hosted a special event on September 10 to mark the 15th anniversary of its creation. The Agency was set up as the European GNSS Supervisory Authority in 2004 to oversee the development of the European space programmes EGNOS and Galileo. GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides welcomed special guests to the […]
Read More29 arrests in France and Spain in a migrant smuggling case
Minors who escaped from protection centres were also smuggled by the criminal group. The Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) and the French National Police (Police Nationale), supported by Europol, dismantled a large poly-criminal network involved in migrant smuggling, trafficking of human beings and drug trafficking. The organised criminal group targeted also unaccompanied minors in protection […]
Read MoreHumanitarian aid: over €34 million in African Great Lakes region
The European Commission has announced €34.275 million in humanitarian funding to help the most vulnerable people in the Great Lakes region in Africa. The aid will mainly help address urgent humanitarian needs in the Democratic Republic of Congo and provide continued support to Burundian refugees in the region. The bulk of the funding announced supports […]
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