A new process looks to turn black liquor, a by-product of the pulp and paper industry, into a low-emission biofuel. Cited by the International Energy Agency as the fifth most important fuel on Earth, black liquor has the potential to become the new black gold. “Black liquor is a common by-product of the pulp mills […]
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Commission evaluation shows the benefits and limitations of online consumer protection laws
The Commission published the findings of the Digital Fairness Fitness Check, which evaluates whether the current EU consumer protection laws are fit for purpose to ensure a high level of protection in the digital environment. The Fitness Check covered three core Directives: the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, the Consumer Rights Directive, and the Unfair Contract Terms Directive. The […]
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Solar panel recycling the affordable, sustainable way
PHOTORAMA receives recognition for its innovative work in photovoltaic panel recycling and raw material recovery. The EU-funded PHOTORAMA project’s efforts to improve photovoltaic (PV) panel recycling and raw material recovery has earned it the prestigious 2024 European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Innovation Award. The award recognises outstanding EU-funded projects whose innovations contribute towards Europe’s clean […]
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Over a hundred companies sign EU AI Pact
The Commission announced over a hundred companies that are the first signatories of the EU artificial intelligence (AI) Pact and its voluntary pledges. The signatories include multinational corporations and European small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from diverse sectors, including IT, telecoms, healthcare, banking, automotive, and aeronautics. The Pact supports industry’s voluntary commitments to start applying the principles of the AI […]
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The Council adopts position on measures to facilitate dispute settlement
The Council adopted its negotiating mandate on a package of measures to adapt the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework to the challenges of the digital world. Many consumers facing a disagreement with a business are reluctant to litigate because of the small amounts involved, long processing times or lack of confidence in the possibility of […]
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EU invests €65 million in quantum chips
The Joint Undertaking for Chips has today opened calls to support research and innovation initiatives in semiconductors. This is the first call of its kind in quantum technologies to increase investment in cutting-edge technologies, in particular quantum chips for computing and sensing. The EU funding for this call is €65 million and is expected to […]
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Commission starts first proceedings to specify Apple’s interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act
Last week , the European Commission started two specification proceedings to assist Apple in complying with its interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act (‘DMA’). Under the DMA, Apple must provide free and effective interoperability to third party developers and businesses with hardware and software features controlled by Apple’s operating systems iOS and iPadOS, designated under the DMA. The specification […]
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Embracing nature-based solutions to tackle cities’ climate change challenges
The EU-funded URBAN GreenUP project ended in mid-2023, but it has left a lasting legacy with a broad range of materials and resources that are influencing urban greening and re-naturing efforts across Europe and beyond. Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are growing more and more popular as an effective and sustainable way to deal with environmental problems. […]
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Commission launches new online portal to support investment in critical technologies across the EU
The Commission today launched a new online portal for the EU’s Strategic Technologies Platform for Europe (STEP) initiative. This one-stop shop allows investors, project promoters and national managing authorities to access key information and identify EU funding opportunities in STEP’s three strategic sectors : digital technologies and innovation in frontier technologies, clean and resource-efficient technologies […]
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