Costs of the green transition loom large for European companies
Business leaders say Europeโs policymakers are ill prepared for just how expensive the shift is likely to be
green transition
Hydrogenโs toxic secret worries a town in northern France
Green hydrogen is central to Europe’s energy transition, but it relies on potentially dangerous forever chemicals.
EUโs Industrial Future: Powered by Affordable Green Energy [Promoted content]
Electricity prices in Europe remain high, posing serious challenges for the aluminium industry to stay globally competitive. As a strategic material for the green transition, aluminium is essential for clean technologies and sustainable infrastructure….
Europe has a duty to lead the green transition
The next five years are crucial to the future of Europe. Reaching our 2030 target – namely, the reduction of greenhouse gases by 55% – will set the path for the following decades.
The environmental cost of Europeโs hunt for lithium
While lithium is a key component of the EU’s green transition, concerns are rising over the environmental impact of increased mining activities. Experts warn of water pollution, biodiversity loss, and heightened carbon emissions, raising questions abou…
Grids shaping Europeโs green transition, digital technologies and infrastructure investment [Advocacy Lab Content]
The European Commission proposed an EU Action Plan for Grids in late 2023 to deliver on the European Green Deal. They estimate that around โฌ584 billion will be needed for electricity infrastructure investments between 2020 and 2030.
Why the EU fears a major war in Lebanon
Also in this newsletter: Will tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles hurt the green transition?
Largest EU telcos shift focus on green transition in renewed call for investments
The EU’s largest telecom operators are taking up sustainability as part of their call for more investments in their industry, according to a policy agenda published by lobby Connect Europe.
Transition may exacerbate regional disparities in Hungary [Promoted content]
Hungary may face challenges in terms of economic disparities due to the ongoing green and digital transition. A new IMF report suggests that policy reforms are urgently needed. Ongoing discussions on cohesion reform focus on the same areas.
Trade policy: 20 people to meet at Labour conference
We break down the 20 figures inside and outside government shaping Labourโs trade policy.
The climate ambitions of the next EU Commission
All eyes are on Teresa Ribera, after the Spanish politician has been tasked with steering Europe’s green transition while balancing competitiveness, as part of the next EU Commission. In this episode, host Giada Santana and Environment hub editor Donag…
The European Green Deal must go global
Managing emerging international tensions will require much stronger green diplomacy, as well as a more strategic and coherent approach to the blocโs green partnerships.
Former Poland PM: โWeโre living under the illusion of environmentalismโ
We arenโt reducing global emissions, just depriving ourselves of jobs, profits, raw material sovereignty and, therefore, security.
How Teresa Ribera became the second-most powerful person in Brussels
Spainโs climate expert is poised to become the EUโs competition chief, net-zero architect and economic transformer โ all in one.
EPP plots to limit Socialist Riberaโs economic powers
Spainโs green ‘socialist heavyweight,’ Teresa Ribera, is in talks about a role in EU industrial policy, disconcerting center-right politicians.
Europeโs new normal: High energy bills, fading industry and one chance to fix it
German manufacturers are being strangled. The EU is feeling the pinch. Mario Draghi on Monday warned the EU may be staring at โslow agony.โ
Can Europe both lead green shipping and derisk from China?
For the climate, a fossil backup is not an option. Nor is leaving Europeโs green transition in the hands of Beijing, Janka Oertel and Jonas Parello-Plesner write.
โQuite underwhelmingโ: Draghi briefing on competitiveness report light on details
Mario Draghiโs presentation of his long-awaited report on the future of Europeโs competitiveness to EU officials on Wednesday (4 July) was light on details and policy proposals – with Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen signalling she hasn’t accessed…
The Metsola exception: The European Parliament president and her lobbyist husband
The chamberโs new conflict-of-interest rules donโt apply to its most powerful member.
Empowering the EUโs road transport industry
The EUโs road transport sector faces critical challenges. The IRU’s roadmap urges policymakers to enact supportive legislation to ensure the EU’s economic and environmental goals are met.
Von der Leyenโs second term from hell
Thought the pandemic and Ukraine were tough? The next five years could be worse.
Electric cars: The EU’s China headache
Brussels is right to remain firm on the challenge posed by China’s overproduction of electric vehicles. But it’s necessary to find satisfactory long-term solutions for European manufacturers, without slowing down the green transition.
The European Commission hopefuls with one thing on their mind
EU governments are battling for their people to get roles linked to the economy.
Tusk names ally Piotr Serafin as Polandโs next EU commissioner pick
Piotr Serafin, currently Poland’s ambassador to the EU, is expected to vie for influential portfolios including budget.
Europeโs southerners want Brussels to save them from climate change
Ursula von der Leyen faces pressure from the south over climate adaptation plans.
China confirms it filed appeal to WTO over EU electric vehicle tariffs
Beijing said on Friday (9 August) it had filed an appeal with the World Trade Organization over the European Unionโs imposition, effective on 5 July, of provisional tariffs of up to 38% on imports of electric vehicles from China.
Sauna festivals and dance marathons: Estonia knows how to spend EU money
Money from the EU’s Just Transition Fund will be used to diversify economic activity away from fossil fuels.
The ECB is failing on its duty to support Europeโs economic and green transition goals
Ursula von der Leyen is facing an unfortunate and unnecessary challenge to her plans to increase investment as part of her second term as European Commission President. The political guidelines for her second term set out to โturbo charge investmentโ, …
Keir Starmerโs worst nightmare? Becoming Margaret Thatcher
The U.K. prime minister canโt afford to get tangled up in a war with labor unions. His green crusade could make it inevitable.
EU Commission must get Solvency 2 implementation right or risks stifling investment, insurers warn
Measures the new EU Commission will set out for insurers in the second half of the year risk thwarting policymakersโ efforts to boost Europeโs competitiveness and private funding capacity if not re-calibrated differently, the sector has warned.
Draghi report on competitiveness delayed until after the summer, EU confirms
The publication of a much-anticipated report on the European Union’s competitiveness by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi has been delayed until September, an EU official confirmed to Euractiv on Tuesday (24 July).
Can Europe rely on private capital to achieve its goals?
Itโs no secret that Europe is facing some of the biggest challenges in its history, from the digital and green transition to climate adaptation and mitigation, along with the need to boost its security and defence resources and enhance its competitiven…
The green leftie lawmaker taking on Europeโs economy
Aurore Lalucq hasn’t always been a fan of financial services firms.
Estoniaโs parliament backs Kristen Michal as new PM
Michal will succeed Kaja Kallas, who resigned last week to become the EU’s next chief diplomat.
Why a Ukraine vote will test the unity of the EUโs new far-right parties
Also in this newsletter: Who will build the technologies needed to power the green transition?
Germanyโs Scholz set for rare meeting with Serbiaโs isolated Vuฤiฤ to finalize lithium deal
European Commission to also attend signature in Belgrade on Friday
Harnessing the power of digital product identification
A triple win for sustainability, circularity and business
What Washington thinks of Keir Starmer
After years of Conservative turmoil, the new British prime minister has been welcomed by Democrats and Republicans alike.
Europe needs a bolder plan for capital markets
From the green transition to the digital transformation, the requirement is enormous
Von der Leyen warned: Donโt slap the bill for climate and industry on consumers
The influential Brussels think-tank, Bruegel, has sent a โmemoโ to Commission President-designate, Ursula von der Leyen, warning her of over-burdening consumers during her likely second term.
Europeโs quest for critical raw materials
The EU has set ambitious goals for securing its supply of critical raw materials, which are key to the digital and green transitions. Today we talk to Chad Blewitt, managing director of the Jadar Project, a highly-anticipated and highly-delayed lithium…
EU Socialists double down on social guarantees and public support in draft action plan
Europe’s Socialists and Democrats are set to double down on their calls for social guarantees and solid public support to tackle ongoing economic challenges, proposing in their draft action plan a batch of additional revenue streams for the bloc’s fund…
EU finalizes up to โฌ1B in aid to Egypt as part of migration deal
Brussels has made similar deals with Tunisia, Mauritania and Turkey to curb irregular migration into the EU.
Green Deal in Eastern Europe: still alive after EU elections
During the European elections campaign, many political parties in Bulgaria and other countries in the EUโs east attacked the European Green Deal. But when several hundred stakeholders gathered at a Green Transition Forum in Sofia, their message was tha…
How to navigate Hungaryโs EU presidency policy agenda like a pro
The countryโs Council stint will be marked by political change in Brussels following the EU election.
Germanyโs Habeck blames Chinaโs Russia support for worsening Berlin-Beijing relations
Habeck said the EU’s proposed tariffs on imports of EVs from China are โnot a punishment,โ but compensation for the advantages granted by Beijing to Chinese companies.
EU presents China with clear way to avert EV duties โ good luck with that
Beijing would have to overhaul its subsidy-driven export model to meet European Union demands.
Strategic Agenda: EU leaders look to harness green transition to boost industry
EU leaders meeting in late June will stress the need for a competitive Europe and highlight how the green transition and a genuine energy union can support that aim, according to a draft document seen by Euractiv.
Top Chinese official visits Brussels next week amid trade tension
EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles are expected to feature prominently in the talks.
EU election: Not enough will change โ and thatโs the real problem
The Parliament election is one more shrill alarm bell that needs to be heeded seriously by Europeโs mainstream establishment, and one that should prompt considerable soul-searching.
French, Italian businesses urge incoming EU leaders to make โcrucial decisionsโ to boost competitiveness
Leading French and Italian business organisations urged the next European Parliament to boost the blocโs faltering competitiveness on Tuesday (4 June) by cutting regulations and ramping up investments in green and digital technologies and defence.
EU recovery plan is failing to meet citiesโ climate ambitions
As city leaders, if entrusted with the right level of funding and resources, we can be a critical ally to the next EU institutions, working together to ensure the green transition and build a better future for everyone, Anna Lisa Boni, Laia Bonet and B…
Prospect of another lefty EU climate boss has center right wincing
Peter Liese, the EPP’s top green policy MEP, told POLITICO he was “not enthusiastic” about Spanish socialist Teresa Ribera’s campaign to run the EU’s Green Deal.
Key EU policies โ how will they change after the vote?
With just a week to go until the European election and the campaign in full gear, weโre focusing on how the vote will impact key EU policies such as health, energy, climate, technology and defense. Will they be affected by the shake-up of the blocโs political landscape and the arrival of new MEPs and commissioners [โฆ]
European leather sector sees workersโ safety gains, carbon footprint reduction [Advocacy Lab Content]
Accidents in Europeโs leather sector have decreased in recent years, while new methodologies to assess its lifecycle carbon footprint is helping the industry in its green transition.
European elections: Far-right parties ‘act as traitors’ amid foreign interference
FRANCE 24 speaks to Sven Biscop, director of the Europe in the World Programme at the Egmont Institute, and the author of “This is Not a New World Order”, about the upcoming European elections. We delve into how issues like the war in Ukraine, competi…
Macron tells Germans: Letโs double the EU budget
French president said the spending splurge could be funded either by common borrowing or by using existing instruments.
The Guardian view on the Netherlands: a radical-right reset will challenge European unity | Editorial
Geert Wilders will see a fragile coalition deal as a chance to turn a core EU member state into a disruptive rebelAs tractor protests broke out last year over plans to slash nitrogen emissions in the Netherlandsโ agricultural sector, one conspiracy the…
The future of Europeโs Green Transition: In safe hands?
This week we take a closer look at the Green Transition in Europe – from the invaluable invertebrates in the soil beneath us, to the end of obsolete coal mines and the revolution in transport, our show investigates just how fast Europe is becoming gre…
In Nicolas Schmit, does Ursula von der Leyen have a challenger or a running mate?
Socialists struggle to present a real challenge to European Commission president.
Driving circular economy: Europeโs path to strategic autonomy in the wake of EU Elections [Promoted content]
As the EU prepares for a new mandate, Citeo advocates 11 measures aimed at developing an environmental and sovereign economic model for Europe.
Franceโs socialist rising star reveals EU elections manifesto
The French Socialist Party is going into the EU elections with a manifesto based on the war in Ukraine, a green transition, social justice and institutional reform, the partyโs EU election list leader Raphaรซl Glucksmann, who has recently been rising in…
The Czech fossil fuel magnate with a passion for media
Despite being at the head of a fossil fuel empire at a time the union is traversing a green transition, Daniel Kretinsky has managed to stay off the radar. That was until the Czech billionaire started acquiring media through Europe.
Macron and Xi to arm-wrestle over EU-China trade tensions
Also in this newsletter: the cost of upgrading EU industry for the green transition
Net Zero Industry Act and the future of green industrial strategy
EU countries generally agree that green technologies are crucial to meet climate targets and stay competitive in the renewable energy market. They agree less on how to boost their competitiveness vis-ร -vis the United States and China.ย
Europeโs tech talent shortage threatens EU digital and green transition, warn industry leaders [Advocacy Lab Content]
Tech leaders are warning that Europe faces a tech skills shortfall. Estimates indicate only 12 million skilled professionals may be available, despite EU targets of employing 20 million ICT specialists by 2030.
How climate policies are becoming focus for far-right attacks in Germany
Politicians fear perceived costs of green transition are driving poor and rural voters to parties such as AfDRaising his voice above the pounding drums and honking tractors, Lutz Jankus, a city councillor from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD…
How Europe solved its Russian gas problem
The bloc has avoided an energy crisis, but the short-term solutions could harm competitiveness and the green transition down the line
Without serious public money, the green transition won’t happen: EU Greens chief Lamberts
Talking Europe sits down with one of the European Parliamentโs most prominent veterans, Co-chair of the Greens Philippe Lamberts. The Belgian MEP has served in three legislatures since 2009 and says he has seen a big difference in both awareness and a…
Next generation farming powered with AI product innovation [Advocacy Lab Content]
Europeโs agri sector is under pressure. Farmers are taking heat for the climate crisis, trying to keep their heads above flood water, deal with extreme weather events, and keep pace with changes in consumer demand. AI may help.ย
A new inconvenient truth: Europeโs global plans all require money no one has
A competitive, green Europe will require trillions in investments. No one has a good answer on where that money will come from.
Farmers should not bear EU green transition costs alone, says Letta report
The costs linked to the EU’s green transition should be shared collectively to avoid burdening specific sectors, according to a report by former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, which cites farmers as a group showing resistance to these reforms.
Scholz wants Xi to stop Russiaโs war. Xi wants Europe to stop trade war.
Beijing “is not a security threat,” Chinese president tells German chancellor.
Europe votes: Does the Nordic model still work?
The Nordic model encompasses a strong welfare state, protection of workers through collective bargaining, good pension schemes and low levels of poverty. This system has gone hand-in-hand with a progressive approach to issues like gender equality and …
โฌ600m Italy recovery fund fraud likely to be repeated, EU audit chief warns
The head of the EUโs auditing body warned that there is โabsolutelyโ a risk that recent news of the alleged embezzlement of hundreds of millions of euros from the blocโs pandemic recovery fund could reoccur in future.
A fairer future for farmers is a greener future for Europe
Addressing the inequities in our food system is essential to delivering justice for farmers and securing climate action.
EU transport ministers discuss โproblem childโ of green transition
As EU transport ministers gather for an informal meeting in Brussels on Wednesday (3 April), the sector remains the “problem child” of the bloc’s climate efforts and could account for 44% of all greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, according to latest pro…
Tony Blair seeks climate role at COP29 in Azerbaijan
The former PM’s interest highlights the contradictions for the powerbrokers and consultants running U.N. climate talks.
German economy to nearly flatline this year, Kiel, ifo Institutes say
Frankfurt, Germany, March 27, 2024 (AFP) – The German economy is expected to barely grow this year, leading economic institutes said Wednesday, as weak demand at home and abroad slows the path to recovery.Europe’s largest economy will expand by just 0….
Itโs time to hit Amazon where it really hurts: In its pocket
The least the public should be able to expect is for the worldโs biggest companies to not receive public money without being held to the same standards as a family-run farm.
Europeโs wind industry braved a hurricane, now green transition goals are in sight [Advocacy Lab Content]
Europeโs ever-challenged wind industry gathered in Bilbao, Spain, where the industry stressed its value to policymakers, celebrated legislative wins, and pointed to a less turbulent horizon.
Bulgariaโs lead battery potential highlighted at Brussels conference
Lead-producing Bulgaria has the potential to be a major battery supplier and harness the economic opportunities of the green transition, but current EU policies prioritise lithium-ion batteries, participants heard at a conference in Brussels on Tuesday…
โPussyfooting around Putin doesnโt workโ: Canadaโs deputy PM is calling out the West
Chrystia Freeland is fighting for Ukraine โ and for political survival.
The European aluminium industryโs 5 policy priorities for 2024-2029 [Promoted content]
As a strategic raw material, aluminium plays a crucial role in the EU’s journey towards climate neutrality by 2050 and achieving a green transition โmade in Europeโ. Its applications range from wind turbines and solar panels to electric vehicles and ba…
Von der Leyen heads to Greenland as EU seeks materials for green transition
European Commission will open office in the territory, made strategically important by rare resources and melting iceThe president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is heading to Greenland as melting Arctic ice, demand for green-technol…
Europe must quicken green efforts after election, EU climate chief says
The bloc should โfocus just as much and probably moreโ on climate in the coming years, Wopke Hoekstra told POLITICO.
Building Europeโs Green Transition and Retirement Securityย โ Listed Real Estateโs Dual Role in Global Megatrends
Exploring the property sectorโs contribution to the European economy, green transition, retirement security for millions of people and the marketโs clear demand for regulatory stability.
Net zero meets the NIMBYs: Inside the battle for the UKโs biggest solar farm
U.K. politicians have pledged to quadruple solar generation by 2035. There is one problem โ no one wants to live next door to acres of fields crammed with solar panels.
Europe in “great danger”, former EC President Barroso warns
In the run up to the EU elections, former Commission President, Josรฉ Manuel Barroso, gave Euronews his thoughts on the Green transition and the need to be competitive when it comes to technology.
Electricity lobby calls for data sharing to aid EV uptake, but privacy concerns persist
Eurelectric, a Europe-wide electricity trade association, released a report today (6 March) calling for data sharing between car manufacturers, electricity grid operators, electric vehicle charge point operators (CPOs) and consumers to facilitate wider…
Claire Coutinho: The UKโs chancellor-in-the-wings?
Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho is charged with steering the U.K. to net zero โ and may yet land a big promotion from her ally the prime minister.
Socialists seek EU Commission portfolios on green transition, economy, social affairs after elections
The European socialists are set to ask for the confirmation of European Commission portfolios on the green transition, economy and social affairs for the next European Commission, the socialist EU leading candidate Nicola Schmit told Euractiv in an exc…
EUโs pretending to be an honest trade cop
The bloc is overregulating โ and itโs overreaching.
Europeโs struggling socialists play defense
Unknown lead candidate Nicolas Schmit tells POLITICO his side will win, despite far-right surge.
Socialists tone down attacks on conservatives and liberals in EU election manifesto
Party of European Socialists set to endorse lead candidate Nicolas Schmit Saturday.
The GreenDustrial Deal: To Net-Zero Competitiveness [Promoted content]
In the past five years, we’ve witnessed the Green Deal’s (r)evolution. Landmark legislation has been passed, priorities have been established, commitments agreed and ambitious emissions targets set. This month’s 2040 CO2 emission reduction goal was the…
Anger as France slashes green transition budget by โฌ1.4 billion
Environmental groups were quick to criticise French government plans to cut the green transition budget by โฌ1.4 billion, including for energy-efficient home renovations, while others called the move “pragmatic”.
An SMEโs call for fair play in the SEP landscape
Anticompetitive tech licensing tactics create a โDavid and Goliathโ power imbalance in the world of standard-essential patents โ but the proposed SEP Regulation can benefit EU economy, innovation and SMEs.
EU Greens chief slams Belgian central bankerโs claim climate fight will leave EU poorer
The co-president of the Greens/EFA European parliamentary group, Philippe Lamberts, rebuked recent warnings by the head of Belgium’s central bank that the green transition will make Europe poorer
Von der Leyen: Putin sped up EU green transition
In todayโs edition of the Capitals, find out more about Germanyโs Baerbock voicing โconcernโ about Israelโs looming military operation in Rafah, Eastern European farmersโ plans to jointly protest against the EU agricultural policy, and so much more.
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