The Commission has adopted the financing decision awarding €319 million of EU solidarity fund (EUSF) support to Croatia following the devastating series of earthquakes that hit Sisak-Moslavina, Karlovac and Zagreb Counties in December 2020 and January 2021. This catastrophe came only a few months after the devastating earthquake that hit Zagreb and its surroundings in…
Month: January 2022
European Capitals of Culture
Since 1 January 2022, three cities in Europe hold the title of European Capital of Culture for one year: Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg), Kaunas (Lithuania), and Novi Sad (Serbia). Holding the title of European Capital of Culture gives cities the chance to boost their image, put themselves on the world map, promote sustainable tourism and rethink their development through culture….
New Rules on Digital Contracts
New EU rules on digital content and on the sale of goods have entered into application. From now on, it will be easier for consumers and businesses to buy and sell digital content, digital services and goods and ‘smart goods’ across the EU. Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, said: “2022 is starting off on a very positive note for…
Is Investment in Gas Green?
The EPP group says gas “can bridge the gap” and reduce CO2 emissions faster. In a statement, it said, “To reduce Europe’s CO2 emissions, we also need gas. Not for ever and everywhere, but for a transitional period and in certain situations.” It goes on, “Gas is the cleanest fossil energy source and gas infrastructure…
Green Deal Needs Nuclear Power to Work
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) has signalled support for the European Commission’s proposal to include nuclear energy and fossil gas in the so-called “Taxonomy Regulation”, which sets out the criteria for green investments. “Without the promotion of nuclear energy, the scenario of high energy prices could worsen in the future. When it comes…
Pressure Mounting on EU to Boycott the Winter Olympics in China.
Pandemic Lockdowns can Sometimes Have a Silver Lining.
Daft as that may sound, the recent (and ongoing) lockdown in the Netherlands has proved a real boon for several Flemish cities which have enjoyed a huge influx of Dutch visitors over the festive season. The Dutch, desperate to escape their own locked down country, have skipped over the Belgian border to flood numerous towns…