A €2.4 billion budget will enable the EU to set up the new Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²); Europe’s first multi-orbital satellite constellation. The new satellites will provide a secure communications infrastructure for EU government bodies and agencies, emergency services and European delegations around the world. The scheme will ensure the […]
European Parliament approves end of combustion cars by 2035
On Tuesday, Parliament set new targets for reducing CO2 emissions for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, which is part of the “Target 55” package of measures. The European Parliament voted by 340 in favour, 279 against with 21 abstentions to approve a deal with the Council that will revise CO2 standards for new […]
European Commission signs agreement with ICO to invest €150 million in sustainable infrastructure in Spain
The European Commission and the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) signed an agreement under the InvestEU guarantee scheme for up to €75 million. The guarantee package will help leverage ICO funding of up to €150 million to invest in sustainable infrastructure in Spain and other Member States. This public investment is expected to mobilise an […]
Electricity from renewable sources increased by 5% in the EU in 2021
In absolute terms, the production of electricity from renewable energy sources increased by almost 5% from 2020 to 2021. However, also gross electricity consumption increased mainly due to economic recovery after lifting COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, the share of renewable energy sources in gross electricity consumption in the EU only increased by 0.1 percentage points (pp), from 37.4% in 2020 to […]
European Comission publishes the Winter Economic forecast for Spain
Spain weathered relatively well the negative shocks unleashed by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022. The resilience of the economy was underpinned by the strong rebound in tourism over the summer season and dynamism of private consumption, also supported by positive labour market developments. Compared to the Autumn Forecast, growth for 2022 is […]
European Commission sets rules to define what constitutes renewable hydrogen in the EU
The Commission has proposed detailed rules to define what constitutes renewable hydrogen in the EU, with the adoption of two Delegated Acts required under the Renewable Energy Directive. These Acts are part of a broad EU regulatory framework for hydrogen which includes energy infrastructure investments and state aid rules, and legislative targets for renewable hydrogen […]
Are you aware of the new EU rules on political advertising?
Digital technologies and social media have transformed political advertising and, if unregulated, can threaten citizens’ democratic rights. Political sponsorships, both online and offline, play a key role in influencing perceptions of political institutions, elected leaders and opinions, especially in the run-up to elections. Digital technology and social media have given political actors enormous influence at […]
Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria: EU sends search and rescue teams
Following multiple earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria earlier this week, the European Union will provide additional emergency support to both countries through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and emergency humanitarian assistance worth €6.5 million. This is one of the EU’s largest ever search and rescue operations through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Support to Syria On the morning […]
EU-funded project unveils first commercial solar electric car that charges itself
Imagine a car you can drive for months without worrying about refuelling. It promises the Lightyear One, a sleek five-seater electric saloon powered by solar panels that uses very little energy. The EU-funded LIGHTYEAR project has launched the first commercially available self-recharging solar car. The project is part of the new CORDIS video series “Make […]