The European Commission presented last February 11 its Action Plan to counter the increasing threats posed by drones to EU security. In recent years, the EU has faced growing and multi-faceted challenges relating to drones and meteorological balloons, including hostile overflights, airspace violations, disruptions to airports, as well as risks to our critical infrastructure, external […]
The EU invests €700 million in the newly inaugurated NanoIC, Europe’s largest chip pilot line.
The European Union has launched its largest pilot lineunder the Chips Act, NanoIC, at IMEC Leuven, a key milestone for semiconductor development and manufacturing in Europe. With a total investment of €2.5 billion, the facility has received €700 million in funding from the EU, €700 million from national and regional governments, and the remainder from […]
Commission approves €3 billion German State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity
The European Commission has approved a €3 billion German State aid scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by […]
EU sets world’s first voluntary standard for permanent carbon removals
Last February 3, the Commission adopted the first set of methodologies under the carbon removals and carbon farming (CRCF) Regulation to certify activities that permanently remove CO2 from the atmosphere. By adopting these first voluntary certification methodologies, the EU is setting clear rules and creating new opportunities for climate innovation, investments in carbon removal technologies and addressing greenwashing. This milestone positions […]
Improving Europe’s responsiveness: preparing the European Critical Communication System
From terrorist attacks, border incidents and large-scale accidents to floods and fires: responding to cross-border emergencies requires agile and fluid teamwork and reliable communication. The European Union Critical Communications System (EUCCS) is a key initiative for achieving a safer and better-connected Europe in emergency situations. It will integrate the communication systems used by emergency services […]
Council paves the way for creation of AI gigafactories
On 16 January, the Council adopted an amendment to the Regulation governing the activities of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC Joint Undertaking), extending its objectives to facilitate the creation of artificial intelligence (AI) gigafactories in Europe and to include a specific pillar on quantum technologies. The amended Regulation enables the development and […]
Eurobarometer: Digital skills need equal priority in schools alongside reading, maths, and science
Nine in ten Europeans would include digital skills into education at all levels, according to a new Eurobarometer survey published last December 11. The ‘Future Needs in Digital Education’ survey reveals citizens’ views on the importance of digital skills in education, including the role of teachers, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and the benefits and […]
MEPs call for new rules on the use of algorithmic management at work
The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs is calling on the Commission to introduce a law to regulate the use of algorithmic technologies, including AI, within European workplaces. Employment and Social Affairs MEPs have agreed on a series of recommendations for a new EU bill to ensure the transparent, fair, and safe use of automated […]
EC invests 2.9 billion for zero emission technology projects, six of them in Spain
The European Commission announced on 6 November a total funding of 2.9 billion for 61 cutting-edge projects, six of them Spanish, in net zero emission technologies under the Innovation Fund. The Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the deployment of innovative zero net emission and low-carbon technologies. It is financed […]