In 2018, households in the European Union (EU) spent 13.2% of their total consumption expenditure on transport. This represents a total expenditure of over €1.1 trillion, equivalent to 7.2% of the EU’s GDP or €2 220 per EU inhabitant. Transport is the EU’s second largest household expenditure item after housing (24.0% of total consumption expenditure). Food and non-alcoholic beverages […]
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Croatian Council presidency: what MEPs expect
Croatia took over the rotating Council Presidency from Finland on 1 January 2020. Croatia’s slogan for its six-month presidency is: “A strong Europe in a world of challenges”. The country wants to focus on: sustainable development, a networked economy, safety and positioning Europe as a global leader. Busy period ahead Croatia will presided over […]
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EU Sustainable Energy Week 2020
This year, the EU Sustainable Energy Week 2020 (EUSEW) will be taking place on 23-25 June 2020 in Brussels. It is organised by the European Commission, and it is the biggest event dedicated to renewable energy sources and efficient energy use in Europe. This events brings together public authorities, private companies, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives to […]
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Slovenia: A new reading literacy strategy for the new decade
The Government of Slovenia adopted in December 2019 the National Strategy for the Development of Reading Literacy for the period of 2019-2030. Strategy The strategy includes a framework for literacy development, quantitative targets for the next decade of literacy development, and foresees the foundation of a national Literacy Council. The newly adopted strategy emphasizes that reading literacy […]
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The European Parliament reiterates the need to protect pollinating insects
MEPs want to stop the decline of bees and other insect pollinators in the EU and are calling for more measures to protect the diversity of pollinator species. With pollinator populations declining in Europe and other parts of the world, the European Parliament has repeatedly called on the European Commission to propose more measures to better protect […]
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New electricity rules enters into force
On 1 January 2020, the Electricity Regulation EU/2019/943 entered into force. An important part of the new electricity market design, agreed under the Clean energy for all European’s package, the regulation establishes the fundamental principles for an efficient electricity market. It allows better integration of national markets and increased capacity for cross-border trade, generating lower prices. It […]
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Rijeka and Galway: European Capitals of Culture 2020
As of 1 January 2020, Rijeka (Croatia) and Galway (Ireland) will hold the title of European Capital of Culture for one year. Rijeka First Croatian European Capital of Culture bringing it international visibility, which will extend to the rest of the Western Balkan region. ‘Port of Diversity’ will be the motto, with hundreds of projects among 250 partners […]
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ECB: Panetta and Schnabel appointed members of the executive board
The European Council appointed Fabio Panetta and Isabel Schnabel to be members of the European Central Bank’s executive board as of 1 January 2020. The decision was taken by the European Council by written procedure. The Council (Economic and Financial Affairs) issued a formal recommendation to the European Council to appoint Fabio Panetta on 10 […]
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Cleaner Air in 2020: 0.5% sulphur cap for ships enters into force worldwide
From 1 January 2020, the maximum sulphur content of marine fuels is reduced to 0.5% (down from 3.5%) globally – reducing air pollution and protecting health and the environment. Sulphur Oxide (SOx) emissions from ships’ combustion engines cause acid rain and generate fine dust that can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as […]
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