The rise of the shadow tanker fleet is a ticking time bomb for both the global environment and international maritime security. These vessels, operating outside the reach of established regulations, are increasingly involved in transporting oil and oil products from countries such as Iran, Venezuela, and Russia — states that face international sanctions. While this…
A former MEP has taken up a senior role with the EU Commission, it has emerged. Philippe Lamberts is a former co-leader of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament. The Belgian politician has now taken up a role advising the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The main task of the 61-year-old Belgian…
Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash A conference has been told that greater use of digitalisation in the construction and housing industry can bring opportunities to tackle the issue of housing affordability in Europe. Since housing is not just a need but a human right a pan-European response to the various challenges is needed, the…
Photo by Matthew TenBruggencate on Unsplash Campaigners say that the COP29 climate conference left a trail of broken promises. Speaking on Monday, they also claim that it failed to deliver the outcomes urgently needed to address the escalating climate crisis. The event in Baku was full of drama throughout the two weeks and concluded in…
Photo by Eelco Böhtlingk on Unsplash A conference held in Estonia has heard that low-carbon hydrogen is a key component of the energy transition and can make it happen. But, the event was also told, it needs infrastructure and financing to develop its potential. Discussing and identifying strategic actions for the development of sustainable infrastructure…
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash In her bid to become Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Commissioner-Designate Teresa Ribera’s fielded difficult questions from MEPs in the European Parliament. Her appearance has now led to a furious row between the two biggest groups in the parliament. The Socialists claim that the EPP’s…
Photo by You-Chen Hsu on Unsplash Climate change has greatly affected countries around the world. As a member of the international community, Taiwan also faces serious challenges in this area. In recent years, we have witnessed the most severe drought in a century, intense rainfall, and devastating typhoons, writes Peng Chi-ming. President Lai Ching-te is…
Photo by Chris Gallagher on Unsplash MEPs have voiced concerns about the impact a second Trump presidency may have on current efforts to tackle the issue of climate change, evidence of which was seen with the worst floods in Spain in generations. The result of climate change or not the dreadful events in Spain the…
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Climate campaigners have called for EU political leaders to step up the fight against global warming. The group, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, said it cautiously welcomes the conclusions of last week’s meeting of EU environment ministers. This set out the EU’s negotiating position ahead of COP29…
Photo by kazuend on Unsplash The European Commission’s decision to delay introducing a key new law has met with a drastically different response. It comes after the EC announced a postponement of the implementation of the EU regulation to combat deforestation by 12 months. The regulation, which lays down due diligence obligations for companies importing…
