Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Despite EU action to reduce its generation, the amount of hazardous waste generated in the EU has continued to increase since 2004. A review published today by the European Court of Auditors sheds light on existing and future challenges in dealing with hazardous waste: improving classification, ensuring traceability, increasing recycling, and combating…
Photo by Tianlei Wu on Unsplash The EU has joined the chorus of criticism of Iran over the execution of a British national. On Sunday the EU issued a statement which reads: “The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the execution in Iran of Iranian-British national Alireza Akbari and recalls yet again its strong opposition against the…
The EU Digital COVID Certificate helped to coordinate travel restrictions between EU countries and was effective in facilitating travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of other EU tools, however, was modest, a report published on Wednesday by the European Court of Auditors concludes. The European Commission moved fast to propose suitable technological solutions, the…
Photo by Linda Robert on Unsplash The EU Commission has decided to identify Cameroon as a non-cooperating country in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, giving it a so-called ‘red card’. From now onwards EU Member States shall be able to refuse the importation of fishery products from Cameroon even when accompanied by catch certificates validated by the national authorities….
Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash The EU Commission has published an analysis by Commission services on the main drivers affecting food security. It looks at the effects on food security of drivers such as climate change, environmental degradation, the economic consequences of COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Based on the latest scientific evidence, this analysis identifies different types…
Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash Today, 1 January 2023 Croatia adopts the euro as its currency and fully joins the Schengen area. The EU said last Friday that this “marks an important milestone” in the history of Croatia, of the euro and Schengen areas and of the EU as a whole. “It follows a period of intensive…
Photo by Megan Lee on Unsplash Three months after President von der Leyen’s announcement in her 2022 State of the Union Address, the European Commission and the Government of Ukraine have signed a €100 million support package for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schooling facilities damaged in Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Support will reach Ukraine through the EU’s humanitarian partners…
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash The Social Climate Fund was proposed by the European Commission in July 2021 and revised by the Council of the European Union in June 2022. The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has been asked by the Council to deliver an opinion on the revised proposal. The Social Climate Fund has the potential…
The European Commission has published their proposal on the Equal recognition of parenthood. The proposal has been long awaited and is aimed at ensuring the right of every child to each of their parents MEPs have said they welcome the proposal of the Commission which aims at prioritising the best interest of the child and safeguarding…
The EU Commission has set new limits for underwater noise—a growing threat to the health and lives of whales, dolphins and many other marine species. The move is hailed as a significant step to help Member States achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) for the ocean in their jurisdiction. “This is a necessary and long awaited…
