Rio police free hostages in raid that leaves eight dead
Robert Hodgson
EU hails benefits of multi-billion-euro environmental action
A cost-benefit analysis by the European Commission says nearly €3.5 billion of EU money pumped into real-world environmental schemes through the LIFE programme gave a tenfold return on investment – justification, green groups say, for massively ramping up spending.
EU awaits details from Hungary and Slovakia in Russia oil spat
The EU executive is awaiting further details from Slovakia and Hungary about their oil supply situation before taking any further action in a dispute over Kyiv's sanctions against Russian oil firm Lukoil, which has continued supplying the two countries via Ukraine through over two years of war.
Serbia: Fresh protests threaten EU-backed lithium mining plan
A government U-turn on a blocked lithium mining project immediately followed by an agreement to supply the EU with critical raw materials has triggered a wave of protest across Serbia.
EU court finds Spanish region unlawful in allowing wolf hunting
The strictly protected status of European wolves has been confirmed in two judgments by the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg this month, but the political right is looking to open up the growing population to hunting.
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EU approves huge state subsidy for Spanish green hydrogen production
Spain's ambition to become a key producer of 'green' hydrogen - seen as a key part of the Europe's transition away from fossil fuels - has moved a step closer to reality with approval EU of substantial state aid.
Hungary brushes off ministerial no-shows at EU Council health summit
EU Council presidency holder Hungary claims progress in its push for an EU action plan on cardiovascular health and a potentially contentious plan to boost organ donation despite a diplomatic ruckus over the actions of its nationalist prime minister.
CO2 purity rules could sink Europe’s CCS ambitions, industry warns
The EU is pinning its climate ambition on carbon capture and storage (CCS) to prevent billions of tonnes of CO2 emissions in the coming years, but a technical hitch could delay the deployment of a technology that even its cheerleaders recognise has barely got off the ground.
Far-right barred from top rank of EU Parliament environment committee
Italian Social Democrat Antonio Decaro will chair the European Parliament's environment committee, while the freshly minted nationalist group Patriots for Europe was denied one of four deputy posts thanks to a manouvre by the centre-right European People's Party.
EU approves €105m Dutch green farming subsidy
Farmers who relocate away from Natura 2000 sites can be offered public money, Brussels said, after green measures drew a howl of protest.
EU moves to secure lithium supplies from Serbia amid protests
Brussels has signed a cooperation agreement with Serbia on the supply of critical raw materials, in a move that is also seen as a pivot by the Balkan nation, traditionally an ally of Russia, towards the EU.
Von der Leyen 2: Relief mixed with concern from green groups
While the Commission president remains committed to the European Green Deal and promises a 90% emissions cut target for 2040, environmental groups have signalled varying degrees of concern over a shift in focus away from nature towards industrial competitiveness.
EU executive rejects auditors' call for ‘reality check’ on hydrogen
The European Court of auditors claims European Commission targets to deploy 'green' hydrogen to meet emissions targets are unrealistic, but the executive remains bullish.
Hungary claims progress on air pollution and water at EU summit
Hungary hailed a 'successful' first, informal, summit of EU environment ministers and officials during its EU Council presidency, but drew fire from Germany for excluding civil society representatives from the meeting in Budapest.
Hungarian presidency seeks to reignite debate on GMO deregulation
The agrotech industry fears a planned easing of regulation for new generation GM plants could be delayed for years by Hungary's decision to reopen the debate on whether they should be treated as equivalent to conventional crops.
Green vote could make or break von der Leyen’s bid for second term
EU government leaders have overwhelmingly backed German former defence minister Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as president of the European Commission. Now she needs to convince MEPs.
Allow battery makers to benefit from green power, governments urge
Proposed small print to EU rules on battery manufacturing could have wider consequences for Europe's energy transition, policy makers have been warned.
Centre-right EPP group warns Commission to ease off on green policy
MEPs have decided against splitting the European Parliament's largest committee into separate panels on environment and health, prompting a call from a leading European People's Party lawmaker not to overwhelm it with more environmental legislation.
No majority, no obvious coalition: What is next in France?
The victorious left/green New Popular Front and an unexpected surge in votes for president Macron's liberal Ensemble alliance have beaten Marine Le Pen's nationalists into third place in France’s legislative assembly elections.
Scottish nationalists collapse and Tories decimated in Wales
Scotland has turned its back on its once dominant nationalist party, while Wales has sent the Conservatives packing.
Irish nationalists see UK result as a step towards reunification
The republican party Sinn Féin has hailed further gains in Northern Ireland as progress towards a single Irish state on the island, despite pro-UK unionist candidates winning a higher share of the vote overall.
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