Meeting growing global demand for protein in a sustainable manner represents a huge challenge for the fishing industry. Could floating offshore aquaculture platforms capable of generating their own renewable energy be the solution? Impressive strides have been made in aquaculture in recent years. Nonetheless, expanding marine fish farming in coastal waters can be challenging. “There […]
EU renews economic sanctions over Russia for further six months
The Council decided to prolong by six months, until 31 January 2023, the restrictive measures targeting specific sectors of the economy of the Russian Federation. These sanctions, first introduced in 2014 in response to Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine, were significantly expanded since February 2022, in light of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military […]
Extraordinary Energy Council: EU countries agree to reduce gas demand by 15%
At an extraordinary meeting of the Energy Council, EU ministers committed to reducing gas demand by 15% this winter, as a demonstration of solidarity. This reduction is voluntary but could become mandatory if a security of supply alert is triggered. EU energy ministers reached a political agreement on a voluntary reduction of natural gas demand […]
EU and Azerbaijan enhance bilateral relations, including energy cooperation
On 18 July in Baku, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson met with President Ilham Aliyev and Azeri Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov to strengthen the existing cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan. The two Presidents signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy. Currently, the EU […]
Council approves conclusions on a strategic partnership with the Gulf
On June 20, the Council approved conclusions on a strategic partnership with the Gulf region. The objective is to build a strategic partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council and its member states. An enhanced and deep cooperation between the EU and the Gulf partners is a key priority for the European Union and a shared interest in […]
EU and Egypt step up cooperation on climate and energy
Today in Cairo, on the occasion of the visit of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her meeting with Egyptian President El Sisi, the EU and Egypt issued a joint statement on climate, energy and the green transition. The EU and Egypt will join efforts to implement the Paris Agreement and ensure ambitious outcomes at COP27, which takes place […]
Defence and energy autonomy seen as key to 2022
A Eurobarometer shows that European citizens support massively a common security and defence policy and expect the EU to phase out its dependency on Russian sources of energy. The survey also confirms the large support for the EU’s response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – In line with […]
European Commission approves Spanish and Portuguese measure to lower electricity prices
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €8.4 billion Spanish and Portuguese measure aimed at reducing the wholesale electricity prices in the Iberian market (MIBEL) by lowering the input costs of fossil fuel-fired power stations. The measure was approved under Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European […]
LIFE: New ecodesign and energy labelling compliance support facility for suppliers and retailers
Objective Ecodesign and energy labelling for energy-related products enjoy widespread support by suppliers, retailers, consumers and citizens, but non-compliance with the requirements is a significant and growing concern (e.g. over 70% of products failing to meet the information requirements). Lack of awareness, knowledge or detailed understanding of the legislative provisions by economic operators is one […]