The European Defence Agency’s (EDA) Steering Board in the composition of Defence Ministers discussed today how to sustain EU capability development in times of disruptive challenges. Defence Ministers pointed to the need for more collaborative projects, efficiency gains and economies of scale as the most effective way of navigating the current crisis while ensuring that […]
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University of Almeria advances in the research for obtaining quality compost
The research carried out by the BIO-175 group has concluded although the heterogeneity of the starting materials and the enormous diversity shown by the specific microbiota of each composting process, it is possible to obtain quality products that comply with current legislation. The BIO-175 group, led by Professor Joaquín Moreno, from the University of […]
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MEPs approve €585 million to support refugees from Syria
Budget Committee MEPs gave their green light to top up support to refugees and host communities in Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon in response to the Syrian crisis. The draft report by Monika Hohlmeier (EPP, DE) recommending the approval of the draft amending budget was adopted on Wednesday 24th with 33 votes to 4 and 3 abstentions. €485 million are earmarked […]
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European Commission unveils EU vaccines strategy
The European Commission has presented a European strategy to accelerate the development, manufacture and deployment of vaccines against COVID-19. An effective and safe vaccine against the virus is our best bet for a permanent solution to the pandemic. The Commission will support efforts to accelerate the development and availability of safe and effective vaccines within […]
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EU-UK talks: MEPs display unwavering support for the EU position
Parliament regrets that differences remain substantial, with little time left to reach an agreement on the future EU-UK relationship. In a report adopted by a large majority on Thursday, Parliament takes stock of the EU-UK negotiations on a new partnership so far and acknowledges the negotiating parties’ call to intensify talks in July. They regret […]
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Online tools for SMEs and public sector to better adopt renewable energy sources
An EU-funded initiative has introduced a search engine and a repository to gather data, share information, and match the needs of public procurers and SMEs in embracing renewable energy sources (RESs). Green public procurement (GPP) is a system where public sector organisations use their purchasing power to choose environmentally friendly goods, services and works that […]
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Statistics: COVID-19 evolution in Eastern Mediterranean – May
Infections by country As of 29 May 2020, the countries with the highest number of registered cases are Iran (1,721,926 cases), Saudi Arabia (438,238), Pakistan (141,779), Qatar (89,976) and the United Arab Emirates (86,943). However, in terms of population, the countries with the highest number of infections are Qatar (2342 cases per 100,000 population), Kuwait […]
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Covid-19 and gender-based violence: Has the pandemic taught us anything?
Lockdowns to prevent the spread of Covid-19 trapped many women at home with abusers. Several countries saw spikes in domestic violence reports. As lockdowns ease, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) is taking a closer look at how we can protect women in times of crisis – be it a pandemic, natural disaster or […]
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AU-EU agrifood platform: reinforcing the link between the EU and African private sectors
Ahead of its official launch, introductory talks on the African Union-European Union agri-food platform was held on 25 June 2020 during an online event organised by the European Commission, the African Union and European Business Ghana. The participants set the scene, assessed the platform’s aims and highlighted the role of farmers and rural youth in […]
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