Blockchain, a digital ledger technology, is widely known for its application to cryptocurrencies. Introduced in 2008 to serve as a public transaction ledger for Bitcoin, the technology has given rise to hundreds of cryptocurrencies (e.g. Ethereum, Ripple, NEO, Litecoin), as well as having other emerging applications in diverse fields, including supply chains, digital content, patents, smart contracts, […]
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The convinced European Valéry Giscard dies
Valéry Giscard, who worked for most of his life for the construction of the European Union, dies at the age of 94 from COVID-19. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing was a great European whose stamp is present in great milestones in the history of the European Union, such as the creation of the European Council, the election […]
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EU and Southeast Asian ministers agree on Strategic Partnership
The 23rd ASEAN-EU ministerial video conference brought together foreign ministers of the European Union and their counterparts from the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They reaffirmed the significant role played by ASEAN and the European Union in shaping the political, socio-economic, and security agenda for both regions and globally, […]
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EU arrest warrant: raise mutual trust to ensure recognition of court decisions
Possible enlargement of the list of offenses that allow for more automatic surrender Concern over prison conditions in certain member states The EU Arrest Warrant is an effective tool against serious cross-border crimes and to bring perpetrators of serious crimes to justice, say MEPs, noting some problems that need addressing. With 45 votes to 14 […]
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Artificial meet: from lab to fork, a sustainable alternative
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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