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Gerardo Fortuna

Europe News

EU plans to shield farmers from free trade deal with South America

The European Commission has proposed financial support for farmers negatively impacted by the EU-Mercosur trade agreement – but the safety net would only be triggered in the ‘worst-case scenario’ and the EU executive says it won’t be needed.

Healthcare

AI to shape EU health policymaking without new rules

No specific initiatives on AI in healthcare are in sight but the inevitable impact of this technology will guide EU policymaking in the next five years, according to Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi.

Health news

EU finds evidence of discrimination against medtech firms in China

Findings of a Commission’s investigation revealed China has systematically discriminated against imported medical devices in public procurement, the EU is now weighing countermeasures.

Europe News

Von der Leyen hands reins to Ribera as health improves

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is recovering from a severe case of pneumonia but will not attend the weekly meeting of Commissioners.

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Europe News

Poland picks apple as its EU presidency symbol

Attendees at events during Poland’s EU presidency are in for a fruity treat — local apples will take centre stage as the official symbol of this six-month term.

Healthcare

Europe launches medicine shortage monitoring in 2025

Among the health policy novelties of 2025, a new tool developed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is set to harmonise monitoring of medicine shortages across Europe.

Europe News

Will 2024 fears become reality in 2025?

Fears and uncertainties of 2024 might come to reality in 2025, with re-election of Donald Trump as US president as a major game changer for Brussels.

Lifestyle

Chess superstar reconciles with federation after dress-code dispute

World chess number one Magnus Carlsen announced his return to play in this year’s final World Blitz Championship after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) conceded “elegant minor deviations” during tournaments.

Belgium

Europe pays tribute to former US President Jimmy Carter

Carter's passing has been met with sorrow across Europe, where leaders have paid tribute to his legacy as an ally and advocate for peace, democracy, and human rights.

Health news

Race against time for EU’s Critical Medicines Act

Wanted in the first 100 days of the new legislative mandate, doubts linger over whether the European Commission will unveil the Critical Medicines Act on time.

Nutrition

EU wine help group counsels low- and no-alcohol options

A reflection group has encouraged the EU executive to explore new rules for the growing market of no and low-alcohol (NoLo) wine products.

Europe News

New European Parliament intergroups: What’s in and What’s Out

Although informal, parliamentary intergroups are a mirror of Europe’s ever-changing priorities—part tradition, part reinvention, and occasionally, a little bit of whimsy.

Europe News

EU ministers reach compromise on fishing quotas for overfished Mediterranean

A delicate compromise has been struck to balance fishing activities and resource conservation in the Mediterranean, following intense negotiations that placed the sector under significant scrutiny.

Europe News

Commission proposes measures to boost farmers leverage in food chain

Mandatory written contracts and a new mediation mechanism are among the measures proposed by the Commission to address long-standing imbalances between farmers and buyers of primary products.

Europe News

EU ministers offer soothing talk for farmers in CAP reset launch

New agriculture Commissioner envisions no overhaul for the EU's agricultural subsidies system, as ministers began talks on reforms, seeking to maintain a farmer-centric Common Agricultural Policy.

Europe News

Commission asks for help shaping agri-food vision

The EU executive has set up an advisory body aiming to maintain open dialogue among agri-food stakeholders, avoiding the polarisation seen in the last mandate.

Europe News

Health Commissioner touts swifter reform of EU medical devices rules

EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi has signalled that revisiting the EU’s medical device regulations is inevitable, marking a shift from the previously cautious stance of the European Commission.

Europe News

Revealed: The new Commission's first strategic, policy initiatives

A leaked copy of Ursula von der Leyen's second EU executive's work programme reveals that clean industry and defence are on the agenda for the first 100 days, but also sets the path for other policy announcements in the months to come.

Health news

Why does the EU now have two health Commissioners?

How health topics will be divided between two Commissioner for the first time is a poser for the new executive.

Nutrition

European consumers baffled by food labelling spaghetti

Lack of EU actions has led to an overwhelming array of labels and claims, leaving consumers struggling to make informed choices, according to EU auditors.

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