In 2021, each person living in the EU consumed on average 77 lightweight plastic carrier bags (LPCBs), which is 11 bags less per person, compared with 2020. Overall, 34.2 billion (bn) lightweight plastic carrier bags were consumed in the EU in 2021 (-4.8 bn bags compared with 2020). This information comes from data on lightweight plastic carrier bags published by Eurostat […]
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Can ageing be slowed down? CORDIS answers
A novel approach to studying fibroblasts – cells that are important for the formation of connective tissues – could be a route to new therapies for atherosclerosis and other diseases of the vascular system. With age, arteries lose their elasticity. This increases the risk of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis which can lead to heart […]
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The EU wants to reinforce its role as a benchmark in the space industry
The Spanish presidency of the Council aims to make further progress in achieving a European policy in the field of space and to specify and strengthen the role of the European Union as a benchmark in the space industry. During this presidency, Council Conclusions are sought to be adopted on space traffic management (STM), a […]
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Will AI robots take middle-class jobs?
According to political theorist Tom Parr, only some will find themselves out of a job thanks to AI – but many more of us will have to accommodate its new role in our own work. Our newsfeeds are filled with talk about the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in software such as ChatGPT and […]
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EU regions where more women are employed in the high-tech industry
High-technology sectors are considered key drivers of economic growth and productivity and often provide well-paid employment opportunities. In 2022, there were 9.8 million people employed in high-technology sectors across the EU, corresponding to 4.9% of the EU’s total employment. The gender representation in this sector sees men accounting for just over two-thirds (67.2%) of the total. […]
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Two EU-funded researchers win 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics
Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier earn recognition for their pioneering work in the field of electron dynamics in matter, joining the growing list of EU-backed researchers to win a Nobel Prize. EU-funded scientists Prof. Dr Krausz and Prof. L’Huillier have won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics “for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of […]
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Spanish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities
Ministers are holding a series of meetings in parliamentary committees to present the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council. Committee on Culture and Education On 7 September, acting Minister for Education and Vocational Training Pilar Alegría said the presidency will focus on educational responses to support Ukraine, ambitious implementation of the European Education […]
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Spain, among the top countries in terms of funding for cutting-edge research projects
The European Research Council (ERC) announced the 37 scientific teams that will receive a total of €395 million to solve research problems that are so complex that they cannot be solved by working alone. Synergy grants support projects by leading researchers in different countries who join forces to tackle highly complex research problems. A total […]
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New EU rules needed to prevent digital platforms from becoming so addictive
MEPs raise alarm over the addictive design features of certain digital services and call for fostering ethical design by default. On Wednesday, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee adopted a draft report (with 38 votes in favour, none against and 1 abstention) warning of the addictive nature of certain digital services, such as online […]
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