Belgium

Earth News

Auditors question potential of biofuels to tackle transport emissions

A lack of production capacity and access to sufficient sustainable feedstock means policy makers should not depend too much on biofuels to slash greenhouse gas emissions from transport, EU auditors have warned.

13/12/2023

Economy

Euroviews. Macron’s climate hypocrisy will sink us all

Earlier this year, banks got a free pass from EU rules that would have helped stop them from investing in deforestation. Now it looks like they are about to pull off the same trick — largely thanks to pushback from the French government, Aurelie Skrobik writes.

13/12/2023

Earth News

Finland and Italy seek to hinder restrictions on single-use packaging

Two EU nations threaten to weaken reuse and waste targets ahead of next week's gathering of EU ministers in Brussels

13/12/2023

Health news

West Nile virus on the rise in Europe, finds authority

While it is only the third most reported disease transmitted from animals to humans, infections by mosquitos carrying the West Nile virus are growing in the EU, according to the EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

12/12/2023

Europe

Brussels rows back on plan to tax frozen Russian assets

Seizing the money in retaliation for the Ukraine war could breach international law, officials worry

12/12/2023

Economy

Euroviews. CSDDD is the make-or-break moment for the EU's sustainability pledges

How can we justify requiring companies to consider and mitigate sustainability-related risks and harms, but allow financial institutions to neglect them entirely? The question now lies in the hands of the EU negotiators, Isabella Ritter and Uku Lilleväli write.

12/12/2023

Economy

Thousands protest in Brussels for better wages and services

Critics of the EU's proposed Stability and Growth pact say the policy would lead to austerity, job losses and lower wages.

12/12/2023

Europe

Euroviews. Ukraine's EU path matters for the credibility of European integration

What the European Summit says about Ukraine is not only vital for the credibility of the enlargement process but also for the future of the entire European integration project and its ability to secure the freedom, security and prosperity of us all, nine Trustees of Friends of Europe write.

12/12/2023

Earth News

Agriculture ministers reject compromise over GM crop regulation reform

The EU Council has rejected a Spanish bid to forge a joint position on a proposed deregulation of genetically modified (GM) crops produced using new genomic techniques (NGTs), with governments voicing concerns over safety, labelling and social acceptance.

11/12/2023

Economy

Thousands expected to protest EU austerity measures in Brussels

Protesters fear a raft of new EU financial rules could push member states into austerity.

11/12/2023

Brussels, My Love?

Brussels, my love? EU plays good cop at a bad COP?

On Brussels, my love? this week, we break down why it is so important that world leaders meet once a year to discuss the climate, even in an oil-rich nation like the UAE.

09/12/2023

Earth News

Belgian PM downplays talk of environment policy pause

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo committed to the EU's broader environmental agenda as Belgium prepares to chair the EU Council, despite his renewed call to focus efforts on climate change

08/12/2023

Europe

Spain’s Nadia Calviño wins fight to head EU Investment Bank

The finance minister’s victory over Denmark’s Margrethe Vestager comes after months of wrangling

08/12/2023

Nature

Europe not ready for ban on fur farming

The EU executive has decided to buy time pushing back to 2026 a decision on whether to introduce an EU-wide ban on the keeping and killing of animals for fur.

07/12/2023

Earth News

Ministers agree petroleum industry must develop CO2 storage sites

Governments agree oil and gas firms must deploy permanent CO2 storage facilities at an unprecedented scale, but the industry argues it is pointless without also building up carbon capture and transport infrastructure, while NGOs fear the plans distract from the need to cut emissions at source.

07/12/2023

Nature

Commission proposes rules on pet welfare, illegal puppy trade

Improving pet traceability and banning practices such as ear cropping are among the measures the EU executive has proposed today (7 December) to improve animal welfare standards for cats and dogs.

07/12/2023

Business

European governments seek to unshackle from UK financial infrastructure

The EU is worried continual dependence on London-based financial clearing houses jeopardises bank stability

06/12/2023

Business

EU on cusp of new money laundering rules

Officials hope revamped laws will draw a line under a series of dirty money scandals

06/12/2023

Earth News

Member states set to dilute proposal for single hydrogen entity

Some countries back independent authority to coordinate planning, development and operation of new hydrogen infrastructure; others want restructured European gas operators’ network to take helm.

05/12/2023

Tech News

Euroviews. EU governments' hypocrisy is on full display over dangerous police AI

Our governments must be willing to put their money where their mouth is, ensuring that state uses of AI are subject to the same reasonable rules and requirements as any other AI system, Ella Jakubowska writes.

04/12/2023

Europe

Euroviews. Future generations must be given a seat at the EU table

The EU needs a European Commissioner for Future Generations in its next college to enshrine long-term thinking and act as a guardian and conduit for future generations’ interests, Alberto Alemanno and Elizabeth Dirth write.

04/12/2023

Brussels, My Love?

Brussels, my love? Why far-right movements are simmering across Europe

In this edition of Brussels, my love?, we discuss the recent anti-migrant riots in Dublin and the different far-right movements across Europe.

02/12/2023

Earth News

Renewables welcome electricity integration plan, seek more details

Action Plan released by the European Commission puts the spotlight on electricity distributors while environmental watchdog regrets lack of initiatives to reduce energy demand.

30/11/2023

Belgium

NATO reiterates support for Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, reiterated support for Ukraine and its hopes to join the military alliance.

29/11/2023

Climate

UK introduces new eco-finance labels

Four new sustainability badges will help consumers make green investments, the FCA says

29/11/2023

Business

'What's the point?' — EU lawmakers sink teeth into digital euro

The ECB says issuing digital money will help it keep pace with technology — but some MEPs are unconvinced if not downright hostile

29/11/2023