The European Commission has today opened a public consultation on the review of state aid rules to assist Member States in the field of affordable housing. This review of the rules on services of general economic interest (SGEI) will address challenges related to housing affordability beyond social housing. The aim is to enable EU countries […]
Commission approves new geographical indications for Italy and Spain
The European Commission has approved the inclusion of ‘Olive taggiasche liguri’ and ‘Carne Salada del Trentino’ from Italy in the Register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and ‘Tharsys’ from Spain as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The Protected Geographical Indication ‘Olive taggiasche liguri’ refers to table olives and olive paste or pâté made from […]
Tackling water challenges by combining expertise
Artificial intelligence-based environmental monitoring tools that strengthen water management capabilities could bring benefits to many regions. Surface water systems, such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, are under increasing pressure due to climate change, pollution and overuse. In many regions of the world, especially those with limited monitoring infrastructure, there is a lack of timely, reliable […]
New strategy to strengthen prosperity and security with India
The EU last September 17 proposed a new strategic agenda to take bilateral relations with India to the next level. The European Commission and the High Representative have adopted a joint Communication outlining a “New EU-India Strategic Agenda”, marking a significant milestone in relations between the two partners. This initiative, announced by President Ursula von […]
The Commission proposes a free and secure data circulation zone between the EU and Brazil
Last September 5, the Commission has launched the process of adopting an adequacy decision on data protection with Brazil. The Commission has determined that Brazil ensures an adequate level of data protection, comparable to that of the EU. Once adopted, the Decision would allow for the free flow of data for businesses, public authorities […]
Investment in education across Europe is increasing
A new report from the European Commission highlights a positive shift in education funding across Europe, which is boosting the EU’s competitive advantage. The report, entitled ‘Investing in Education 2025’, details multiple economic and social benefits and shows that public investment in education is recovering after the decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, although it […]
The Commission is gathering opinions on electrification, heating and cooling
The Commission has launched a series of calls for public consultation on two initiatives that will be key to fully implementing the Clean Industry Pact and the Affordable Energy Action Plan: the Action Plan for Electrification and the Heating and Cooling Strategy. The Action Plan for Electrification will set out how to accelerate the cost-effective […]
The LOCAL-HEAT project promotes solar technology
The EU-funded LOCAL-HEAT project is developing next-generation perovskite materials to make clean energy more accessible and affordable worldwide. One of the main challenges facing photovoltaic energy is how to build high-performance photovoltaic cells that are cost-effective, reliable and sustainable. Perovskites, a unique class of semiconductor materials, offer great potential for addressing this challenge and could […]
EP calls for addressing China’s restrictions on rare earth exports
Parliament is concerned about China’s export restrictions on key raw materials and the impact on the EU economy. On 4 April 2025, China imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements and magnets used in the defence, energy and automotive sectors in response to increased US tariffs on Chinese products. Under the new rules, exporters […]