Euractiv
Financing mechanisms for the energy sector: Ensuring a fair transition for all Member States
- Title
- Financing mechanisms for the energy sector: Ensuring a fair transition for all Member States
- Runtime
- 5:23
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Climate neutrality translates into commitments undertaken by various industries, communities and other stakeholders. The European energy sector is already committed to be carbon neutral before 2050.
However, some countries are already fully decarbonised in terms of power generation, while others have to overcome structural preconditions and redefine their entire energy system. For example, Poland is one of the most coal-reliant EU countries, still needing adequate mechanisms to address the challenges ahead.
New EU funding under the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021—2027 as well as external investment sources bring opportunities for a successful climate transition. Nevertheless, a just energy transition remains a challenge due to the sheer scale of investments required across Europe. Getting the financing right will determine whether emerging business opportunities become socially sustainable and economically viable over time.
- Title
- The 2030 Climate Target Plan: What will it take to reach the target?
- Runtime
- 1:18:01
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- In mid-September, the European Commission came forward with a much-awaited update of its emissions reduction target, which sits at the heart of the European executive’s climate action strategy under the European Green Deal. For the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 to remain in sight, the European Union will have to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, according to the Commission.
For that to happen, a series of measures will have to be taken, including the revision of a set of legislation that defines the European legal framework on energy and climate. That exercise would entail the redrafting of Directive 2003/87/EC establishing the EU Emissions Trading System as well as the rewriting of the Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Energy Taxation, Energy Performance of Buildings and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Directives, amongst others. It might also prompt a reworking of the Guidelines on State aid for environment...
- Title
- Aviations’s contribution to a green and sustainable recovery
- Runtime
- 3:52
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Direct emissions from aviation account for about 3% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions and more than 2% of global emissions.
The EU is taking action to reduce aviation emissions. These have been included in the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) since 2012. On 3 July 2020, the European Commission published the Roadmap for the legislative initiative aimed at amending the EU ETS regarding aviation. This initiative, planned for the second quarter of 2021, will serve to implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) by the EU in a way that is consistent with the EU’s 2030 climate objectives. This proposal will be part of the broader European Green Deal. And the proposed ReFuelEU Aviation regulation aims to boost the supply and demand for sustainable aviation fuels in the EU.
Improving sustainability is a priority for most aviation com...
- Title
- 30 Jahre deutsche Einheit: Wie steht es um die ostdeutsche Landwirtschaft?
- Runtime
- 1:35:46
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Es war ein tiefgehender struktureller Wandel, der die ostdeutsche Landwirtschaft nach der Wiedervereinigung vor 30 Jahren erfasste. Die Landpreise sind seitdem in die Höhe geschnellt, während sich Großinvestoren ganze Landstriche aneignen. Das stellt insbesondere junge Landwirte vor große Probleme: Land kaufen oder pachten, um einen landwirtschaftlichen Betrieb zu gründen, werden zunehmend zur Herkulesaufgabe.
Die Politik ist sich des Problems bewusst und möchte den Landwirten unter die Arme greifen sowie ländliche Räume attraktiver machen. „Wir wollen, dass die zwanziger Jahre das Jahrzehnt der ländlichen Räume werden”, erklärte Landwirtschaftsministerin Julia Klöckner (CDU) Anfang des Jahres.
Die Politik hat eine Vielzahl innovativer Lösungen gefordert, um den Weg für eine erfolgreiche Zukunft der ostdeutschen Landwirte zu ebnen. Dazu gehörten die Reform des öffentlichen Ausschreibungsverfahrens zur Kontrolle der Bodenpreise und die Einf...
- Title
- Sustainable Finance: Opportunity or threat for the manufacturing industry?
- Runtime
- 3:38
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Since the publication of the Sustainable Finance Package in 2018, the European Commission has sent clear messages to investors in Europe that the financial sector must not harm the planet and its citizens, and must avoid green washing.
The objectives of the Green Deal build on the ambition to make Europe's economy the most sustainable in the world. Sustainable finance is supporting the Green Deal in channeling investments into the transition towards a climate-neutral economy. This will not only affect the financial industry, but it will also change the real economy.
The decision about which projects, technologies and industrial products can obtain financing implies opportunities for companies as well as risks. Industry argues that such top-down decisions, if not made carefully, can cause damage to Europe's industrial fabric. Policymakers have the task to create a framework that is also pursued by the financial sector, encouraging sustainable practices, instead...
- Title
- Intégration des personnes défavorisées sur le marché de l’emploi : changer de paradigme
- Runtime
- 3:20
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Le taux d’emploi varie au sein des différents groupes de la population en fonction de plusieurs facteurs comme l’âge, le genre, l’origine ethnique, le handicap et le niveau de compétences. Certains groupes sont confrontés à des obstacles particuliers lorsqu’ils souhaitent entrer, rester ou progresser dans le monde du travail.
D’après la Commission européenne, les marchés de l’emploi sont inclusifs quand toutes les personnes en âge de travailler peuvent obtenir un travail rémunéré, en particulier les personnes vulnérables et défavorisées. La mise en avant des marchés du travail inclusifs signifie : faciliter l’intégration (ou la réintégration) des personnes sur le marché de l’emploi, supprimer les facteurs dissuasifs à l’égard du travail, promouvoir des emplois de qualité et prévenir la pauvreté des travailleurs, aider les personnes à rester sur le marché du travail et à progresser dans leur carrière.
Il a été d...
- Title
- How to Save Christmas – Over A Coffee… with Adina Vălean
- Runtime
- 13:09
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Saving Christmas isn’t an opportunity which presents itself often in one’s career. Adina Vălean,
European Commissioner for Transport has been granted at least the possibility of slaying the Ghost
of Christmas Future, by navigating safe passage through a sea of COVID-19 challenges facing the EU.
Driving Home for Christmas will be on the Commission’s playlist this festive season, with Vălean
hoping the European Council can find a way to enable seasonal travellers to test before departing,
and test soon after arrival at another destination in Europe. Vălean spoke with EURACTIV’s Brian
Maguire, Over A Coffee (virtually), about the pandemic’s destructive impact on Europe’s transport
system, but also the opportunities which are now presented.
At the centre of the Commission’s fight to shape a more sustainable transport ecosystem, Vălean
points to data, and the capacity of digitalisation to increase sectoral resilience an...
- Title
- A sustainable brewing sector: What does it mean and how can it be accelerated?
- Runtime
- 6:02
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with the on-going threat of climate change, has put the spotlight on Europe's food and drink sector. Suppliers, distributors and retailers have a collective responsibility to ensure their produce remains safe, nutritious, affordable and plentiful....observing the best sustainable practices throughout the process.
To achieve this, stakeholders along the supply chain will need help to mitigate and adapt to current threats. Access to the best science and innovation will be key. Although much progress has already been achieved by the sector, the diverse number and type of breweries must continue to make improvements in areas such as the use of water, energy, transport and packaging.
The brewing sector is central to a circular European economy and progress goes hand-in hand with the aims of the new European Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy. Committing to reduce CO2 emissions, waste and providing the reuse of secondary products thr...
- Title
- The EU's Rule of Law Approach Explained
- Runtime
- 6:44
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- EU leaders are fond of talking about the bloc’s values but a much more fundamental question is whether we should have common rules about the way in which our governments are built, how power is exercised and maintained in check.
Here, EURACTIV looks at what the rule of law is, why it matters not only for the countries at the centre of the debate and what steps the EU is currently taking.
- Title
- Transport Vlog - Carmakers' corona second wave woes
- Runtime
- 3:20
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Want to know more about transport in the EU? We've got you covered. Check back in regularly for bite-sized updates on planes, trains, automobiles and much more.
This week: carmakers have to meet CO2 reduction targets by the end of the year but the virus has dampened their plans to sell lots of electric vehicles in 2020, leaving them no choice but to turn to accounting tricks...
- Title
- Chemical Recycling: Can it solve the plastic crisis?
- Runtime
- 4:54
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The world is drowning in plastic. About 60% of the more than 8,700 million metric tonnes of plastic ever made is no longer in use, instead sat mostly in landfill or released to the environment. That equals over 400kg of plastic waste for every one of the 7.6 billion people on the planet.
There are several legislative proposals trying to address the issue. The Circular Plastic Alliance aims at reaching 10 millions tonnes of recycled content on the EU market by 2025, the EU Single-Use Plastic Directive requires to integrate 25% recycled plastic by 2025 in PET bottles and 30% by 2030 in all types of beverage bottles, and the EU Plastic Strategy aims to make all plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030.
The Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan says it will support projects "exploring the potential of chemical recycling". Chemical recycling means recycling of plastics into feedstock for new chemicals. The chemical recycling technology serves a dual p...
- Title
- Tackling migration through cohesion: what role for regions and civil society?
- Runtime
- 6:21
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- With the EU’s New Pact on Asylum and Migration presented recently, the issue of migration remains on the top of the agenda for decision-makers across the bloc. Though most often thought of as the competence of the national governments, local and regional authorities as well as the civil society have a role to play.
EURACTIV looks into the migration challenges regional authorities face, how the EU’s cohesion policy can help and what the future holds for migration management from the perspective of civil society.
- Title
- Macron-Erdogan row, Poland Non-mention, Lockdown 2
- Runtime
- 4:07
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Erdogan and Macron row like only Presidents can, VDL's wishy-washy on Polish abortion ban, and lockdown two is the only Covid plan!
- Title
- Aviation’s contribution to a green and sustainable recovery: The case of business aviation
- Runtime
- 1:18:34
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Direct emissions from aviation account for about 3% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions and more than 2% of global emissions.
The EU is taking action to reduce aviation emissions. These have been included in the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) since 2012. On 3 July 2020, the European Commission published the Roadmap for the legislative initiative aimed at amending the EU ETS regarding aviation. This initiative, planned for the second quarter of 2021, will serve to implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) by the EU in a way that is consistent with the EU’s 2030 climate objectives. This proposal will be part of the broader European Green Deal. And the proposed ReFuelEU Aviation regulation aims to boost the supply and demand for sustainable aviation fuels in the EU.
Improving sustainability is a priority for most aviation co...
- Title
- Financing mechanisms for the energy sector: Ensuring a fair transition for all Member States
- Runtime
- 1:34:56
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Climate neutrality translates into commitments undertaken by various industries, communities and other stakeholders. The European energy sector is already committed to be carbon neutral before 2050.
However, some countries are already fully decarbonised in terms of power generation, while others have to overcome structural preconditions and redefine their entire energy system. For example, Poland is one of the most coal-reliant EU countries, still needing adequate mechanisms to address the challenges ahead.
New EU funding under the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021—2027 as well as external investment sources bring opportunities for a successful climate transition. Nevertheless, a just energy transition remains a challenge due to the sheer scale of investments required across Europe. Getting the financing right will determine whether emerging business opportunities become socially sustainable and economically viable over time.
- Title
- Intégration des personnes défavorisées sur le marché de l’emploi
- Runtime
- 1:14:19
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Le taux d’emploi varie au sein des différents groupes de la population en fonction de plusieurs facteurs comme l’âge, le genre, l’origine ethnique, le handicap et le niveau de compétences. Certains groupes sont confrontés à des obstacles particuliers lorsqu’ils souhaitent entrer, rester ou progresser dans le monde du travail.
D’après la Commission européenne, les marchés de l’emploi sont inclusifs quand toutes les personnes en âge de travailler peuvent obtenir un travail rémunéré, en particulier les personnes vulnérables et défavorisées. La mise en avant des marchés du travail inclusifs signifie : faciliter l’intégration (ou la réintégration) des personnes sur le marché de l’emploi, supprimer les facteurs dissuasifs à l’égard du travail, promouvoir des emplois de qualité et prévenir la pauvreté des travailleurs, aider les personnes à rester sur le marché du travail et à progresser dans leur carrière.
Il a été d...
- Title
- Sustainable Finance: Opportunity or threat for the manufacturing industry?
- Runtime
- 1:32:09
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Since the publication of the Sustainable Finance Package in 2018, the European Commission has sent clear messages to investors in Europe that the financial sector must not harm the planet and its citizens, and must avoid green washing.
The objectives of the Green Deal build on the ambition to make Europe's economy the most sustainable in the world. Sustainable finance is supporting the Green Deal in channeling investments into the transition towards a climate-neutral economy. This will not only affect the financial industry, but it will also change the real economy.
The decision about which projects, technologies and industrial products can obtain financing implies opportunities for companies as well as risks. Industry argues that such top-down decisions, if not made carefully, can cause damage to Europe's industrial fabric. Policymakers have the task to create a framework that is also pursued by the financial sector, encouraging sustainable practices, instead...
- Title
- Transport Vlog - Halloween Special
- Runtime
- 3:21
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Want to know more about transport in the EU? We've got you covered. Check back in regularly for bite-sized updates on planes, trains, automobiles and much more.
This week: The Commission's worst nightmare starts to come true? How Chinese trains might upset the EU sometime soon.
- Title
- Media4Europe conference: Stars4Media and news media's recovery
- Runtime
- 3:31
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- During the Media4Europe conference, held on October 14th, 2020, the Stars4Media results were unveiled. This project supports innovation in the media sector, through training and cross-border cooperation: 21 Initiatives were co-financed, involving 105 media professionals from 42 media outlets in 17 countries.
This project is co-funded by the European Commission, based on a ‘rising stars’ budget earmarked by the European Parliament. During the conference, media stakeholders and MEPs considered the continuation of the underlying ‘rising stars’ programme, and agreed that Creative Europe should be increased, including more support to media transformation. More: stars4media.eu
- Title
- European Green Deal: delivering ambitions through a System Change Compass
- Runtime
- 1:19:54
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The European Green Deal is Europe’s strategy for long-term prosperity. To fully deliver that ambition, The Club of Rome and SYSTEMIQ are proposing a System Change Compass.
Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of The Club of Rome, and Janez Potocnik, SYSTEMIQ Partner and former European Commissioner for Science & Research and for the Environment, show how a systemic approach to the European Green Deal can address fundamental barriers to a rapid rollout of the EU Green Deal, and set out the transformations needed to create a resilient economy and prosperous society.
On the day of its public release, the System Change Compass report will be discussed with Kurt Vandenberghe, European Green Deal Advisor, Cabinet of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Adelaïde Charlier, Co-founder of Youth for Climate, Stephen O’Driscoll, Head of Environment, Climate and Social Policy, European Investment Bank and Ludovic Voet, Confederate Secretary, European ...
- Title
- Veggie Burgers, Supermarket Aisles, Pope Statements (Tweets of the Week: S4 E8)
- Runtime
- 3:19
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Veggie burger debate makes us lose hope, French minister is a bit of a dope, and a big change of heart by the Pope.
- Title
- The transatlantic bond: How can a close German-U.S. relationship play a pioneering role for the Euro
- Runtime
- 56:37
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has forced the EU to radically revise its strategy - both internally and in the global arena. Similarly, Germany’s priorities for its EU Council Presidency have also changed. Although the main priority is overcoming the consequences of the crisis together with economic and social recovery, close international cooperation with Europe’s partners remains high on the agenda.
Germany is conscious of the EU’s responsibility to help shape the global order in the spirit of stronger international coordination and cooperation, as well as greater sustainability and solidarity. Part of this overall objective will be an attempt to increase comprehensive and active cooperation between the EU and the United States, including broad-based political dialogue and a positive transatlantic trade agenda. Due to its politically steered system, economically modernised China has developed into an antipole to the United States. The EU must decide how t...
- Title
- Empowering Citizens - The key to a successful digital health transformation
- Runtime
- 3:54
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore the untapped potential for the deployment of digital health tools in Europe. Digital tools can empower citizens to manage their own health, allow healthcare workers to treat patients remotely, enable beneficial research efforts, and equip authorities to accurately track public health through data.
A successful digital health transformation requires empowering citizens to access, understand and trust the benefits that new technologies can bring into their lives. Only through a wide uptake of digital tools can these solutions significantly improve both the quality of health services and citizens’ well-being. Citizens’ empowerment must be put at the centre of European digital policymaking.
During this Roundtable event, the All Policies for a Healthy Europe coalition will discuss the work of its Digital Working Group, focusing on how the European Union can ensure that citizens are fully empowered and truly engaged in t...
- Title
- A sustainable brewing sector: What does it mean and how can it be accelerated?
- Runtime
- 1:21:46
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with the on-going threat of climate change, has put the spotlight on Europe's food and drink sector. Suppliers, distributors and retailers have a collective responsibility to ensure their produce remains safe, nutritious, affordable and plentiful....observing the best sustainable practices throughout the process.
To achieve this, stakeholders along the supply chain will need help to mitigate and adapt to current threats. Access to the best science and innovation will be key. Although much progress has already been achieved by the sector, the diverse number and type of breweries must continue to make improvements in areas such as the use of water, energy, transport and packaging.
The brewing sector is central to a circular European economy and progress goes hand-in hand with the aims of the new European Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy. Committing to reduce CO2 emissions, waste and providing the reuse of secondary products thr...
- Title
- Transport Vlog - Coronavirus gives you wings?
- Runtime
- 4:19
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Want to know more about transport in the EU? We've got you covered. Check back in regularly for bite-sized updates on planes, trains, automobiles and much more.
This week: Could the pandemic hasten aviation's journey towards sustainability?
- Title
- Empowering Citizens - The key to a successful digital health transformation
- Runtime
- 1:56:36
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore the untapped potential for the deployment of digital health tools in Europe. Digital tools can empower citizens to manage their own health, allow healthcare workers to treat patients remotely, enable beneficial research efforts, and equip authorities to accurately track public health through data.
A successful digital health transformation requires empowering citizens to access, understand and trust the benefits that new technologies can bring into their lives. Only through a wide uptake of digital tools can these solutions significantly improve both the quality of health services and citizens’ well-being. Citizens’ empowerment must be put at the centre of European digital policymaking.
During this Roundtable event, the All Policies for a Healthy Europe coalition will discuss the work of its Digital Working Group, focusing on how the European Union can ensure that citizens are fully empowered and truly engaged in t...
- Title
- EUCO, Cyber Work, Female Clothing (Tweets of the Week: S4 E7)
- Runtime
- 3:40
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- European Council is the same old racked, this Fatima advert just doesn’t hack it, and Finnish PM is shamed over low-cut jacket.
- Title
- Plant-based naming and labelling: How draft regulation fits into the Farm to Fork strategy
- Runtime
- 1:23:24
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The plant-based food market is booming in Europe and predicted to grow further in the coming years. The market is expected to increase to 2.4bn euros in 2025, from 1.5bn euros in 2018.
In the EU, terms like “almond milk” or “vegan cheese” are already prohibited. In 2019, a report by the European Parliament’s AGRI Committee included an amendment that proposes to further restrict the naming of dairy alternatives by prohibiting terms, such as “yoghurt style”, “alternative to cheese” or “butter substitute,” along with legislation that prohibits plant-based foods from ‘imitation or evocation’ of their dairy counterparts. This is in parallel to another amendment which effectively seeks to ban plant-based alternatives to meat from using names like “vegan steak” or “plant-based chicken.” A key question is how these amendments may impact consumers.
There is more than a mere legal issue behind a name, as a name conveys information to co...
- Title
- Chemical Recycling: Can it solve the plastic crisis?
- Runtime
- 1:13:21
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The world is drowning in plastic. About 60% of the more than 8,700 million metric tonnes of plastic ever made is no longer in use, instead sat mostly in landfill or released to the environment. That equals over 400kg of plastic waste for every one of the 7.6 billion people on the planet.
There are several legislative proposals trying to address the issue. The Circular Plastic Alliance aims at reaching 10 millions tonnes of recycled content on the EU market by 2025, the EU Single-Use Plastic Directive requires to integrate 25% recycled plastic by 2025 in PET bottles and 30% by 2030 in all types of beverage bottles, and the EU Plastic Strategy aims to make all plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030.
The Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan says it will support projects "exploring the potential of chemical recycling". Chemical recycling means recycling of plastics into feedstock for new chemicals. The chemical recycling technology serves a dual p...
- Title
- Transformation of African economies - The case of Botswana as a gateway to doing business in Africa
- Runtime
- 1:15:26
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- As the world enters further into the 21st Century, now faced with the unprecedented advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, EU-Africa relations continue to evolve steadily, with both sides addressing key complementary priorities, such as trade and investment, sustainable development, job creation, industrialisation, peace and security, and migration.
In order to achieve “A Stronger Europe in the World”, the European Commission identified the development of a new strategy with Africa as a key priority, by “working hand in hand with our neighbours and partners”. With the conclusion of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement on the horizon, this partnership is of increased importance.
In recent EU negotiations, a clear shift in narrative from “development” to “fostering partnerships” is apparent – as seen during the 10th African Union - European Commission meeting in Ethiopia early this year. This shift is also central to the aspirations of the African Union...
- Title
- European meat sector: What role for poultry meat in the F2F strategy?
- Runtime
- 1:32:05
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Poultry is the most widely consumed meat in the world, and is enjoyed by many as part of a balanced diet. But the meat sector in general has come under intense scrutiny during the coronavirus crisis and has been a bone of contention throughout ongoing debates concerning the sustainability of the EU agricultural sector.
Speaking at the recent AGRIFISH Council meeting, EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski addressed the criticism of the livestock sector, saying that the EU must work to support alternative methods of livestock farming and look to support the farmers who voluntarily introduce high standards of animal welfare.
The recently released EU’s Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy softened its stance on meat compared to the previous draft versions but offered staunch support for alternative proteins and said it would work to encourage people to consume “less meat.”
The strategy also laid out a commitment to “help reduce the environme...
- Title
- Transport Vlog - Racers start your engines
- Runtime
- 4:07
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Want to know more about transport in the EU? We've got you covered. Check back in regularly for bite-sized updates on planes, trains, automobiles and much more.
This week: What motorsport can tell us about the direction of the global car industry.
- Title
- Protecting an evolving workforce: The case for agile protection
- Runtime
- 3:40
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Deepening the EU data economy and investments in AI are top priorities on the agenda of the von der Leyen Commission. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, the digital transformation in all sectors is speeding up, intensifying our reliance on software, data and AI.
Digitalisation has created many opportunities, transforming business landscapes and the world of work, but has also created threats. In the EU, approximately 30% of workers think they could become jobless by automation by 2024. Social protection needs to be adapted to ensure that emerging risks are managed efficiently.
Responsibility for insurance, savings and pensions choices is increasingly falling to individuals themselves, as financial support from traditional sources - including employers and governments - shrinks. Surveys and studies have shown that platform workers face many challenges such as low wages, limited ability to save or to invest in pensions, and limited access to social protection schem...
- Title
- Quarantined VDL, Barless Brussels, Happy Commissioner Reshuffle (Tweets of the Week: S4 E6)
- Runtime
- 3:51
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Ursula Von der Leyen is all on her own, Brussels becomes a booze-free zone and the reshuffled Commission is what we’d already known.
- Title
- Transport Vlog - Space policy odyssey
- Runtime
- 3:37
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Want to know more about transport in the EU? We've got you covered. Check back in regularly for bite-sized updates on planes, trains, automobiles and much more.
This week: space policy will be a crucial cog in climate action. Not by giving humans an escape path to another world but by providing the tools to help fight against global-warming.
- Title
- Protecting an evolving workforce: The case for agile protection
- Runtime
- 1:15:42
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Deepening the EU data economy and investments in AI are top priorities on the agenda of the von der Leyen Commission. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, the digital transformation in all sectors is speeding up, intensifying our reliance on software, data and AI.
Digitalisation has created many opportunities, transforming business landscapes and the world of work, but has also created threats. In the EU, approximately 30% of workers think they could become jobless by automation by 2024. Social protection needs to be adapted to ensure that emerging risks are managed efficiently.
Responsibility for insurance, savings and pensions choices is increasingly falling to individuals themselves, as financial support from traditional sources - including employers and governments - shrinks. Surveys and studies have shown that platform workers face many challenges such as low wages, limited ability to save or to invest in pensions, and limited access to social protection schem...
- Title
- A bridge to jobs - How to support young people’s transition to work during and beyond the pandemic?
- Runtime
- 5:14
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The recent StartNet virtual conference discussed the European Commission’s recent policies to improve young people’s transition to work with European Commissioner Nicolas Schmitt as well as best practices from practitioners involved in youth vocational training projects.
- Title
- Unlocking the benefits of diversity in the workplace
- Runtime
- 3:06
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The European Commission announced in March 2020 that it will launch a five-year gender equality strategy. It will revive plans for mandatory quotas of women on company boards, amid slowing progress towards gender equality among top management. The EU commissioner for equality, Helena Dalli, said that quotas “can be a very ugly word” but were also “a necessary evil, in the sense we have to use quotas because otherwise we will wait another 100 years for things to change by themselves”.
Under a 2012 draft directive, European-listed companies would face fines if they failed to ensure that at least 40% of their non-executive board seats were taken by women. But the proposal ran into opposition from central and northern European Member Sates and has since been stuck in the Council.
EU officials point to the experience of countries that have introduced binding quotas, such as France, Germany, Italy and Belgium, which has led to a rapid increase of women in th...
- Title
- The Business End of Farm to Fork: How can companies help deliver truly sustainable food systems?
- Runtime
- 4:00
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The EU’s new flagship food policy - The Farm to Fork Strategy (F2F) - was released on May 20th, confirming the aspiration of the EU executive to transform the way of producing, distributing and consuming food in the EU and beyond. The strategy is at the heart of the European Green Deal aiming to make food systems economically efficient, fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly.
The strategy also aims to accelerate our transition to food systems that are sustainable as well as resilient to crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The use of innovative technologies in producing food, and the corresponding investments companies need to make, will be essential in achieving these goals.
On the consumption side, the F2F Strategy aims to improve the availability and price of nutritious and sustainable food and to promote adoption of healthy and sustainable diets by consumers. Key elements include improving consumer information, strengthening sustainable food procure...
- Title
- EU v UK, Jourova v Orban, Vivaldi Government (Tweets of the Week: S4 E5)
- Runtime
- 3:42
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Commission takes UK to court, spat erupts as Orban falls short, and Belgium finally has a government... of a sort.
- Title
- What's the European approach to trustworthy AI?
- Runtime
- 3:43
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Artificial intelligence brings vast opportunities to transform industries and solve important
challenges at scale. At the same time it also brings the responsibility to build AI that works for and has the trust of everyone.
- Title
- Can sustainable industries in Europe be globally competitive? The case of batteries
- Runtime
- 3:23
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The European Commission has announced its intention to revise the EU Batteries Directive and create a new regulatory framework for batteries, with a view to providing Europe with an effective battery value chain to achieve the ambitious EU climate change, circularity and clean transport targets.
The revision of the directive will affect production as well as end-of-life management. To be effective and avoid unintended negative consequences, it is important that all stakeholders, including producers and recyclers, contribute to the revision process.
Industry wants the new regulatory framework to consider elements such as: raw materials in emerging battery technologies; a science and risk-based approach as the basis for decision making; collection targets; second life and reuse of batteries; recycling processes and efficiencies; assessing batteries footprint; responsible sourcing; labelling requirements.
- Title
- The Business End of Farm to Fork: How can companies help deliver truly sustainable food systems?
- Runtime
- 1:14:00
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The EU’s new flagship food policy - The Farm to Fork Strategy (F2F) - was released on May 20th, confirming the aspiration of the EU executive to transform the way of producing, distributing and consuming food in the EU and beyond. The strategy is at the heart of the European Green Deal aiming to make food systems economically efficient, fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly.
The strategy also aims to accelerate our transition to food systems that are sustainable as well as resilient to crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The use of innovative technologies in producing food, and the corresponding investments companies need to make, will be essential in achieving these goals.
On the consumption side, the F2F Strategy aims to improve the availability and price of nutritious and sustainable food and to promote adoption of healthy and sustainable diets by consumers. Key elements include improving consumer information, strengthening sustainable food procure...
- Title
- Unlocking the benefits of diversity in the workplace
- Runtime
- 1:08:22
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The European Commission announced in March 2020 that it will launch a five-year gender equality strategy. It will revive plans for mandatory quotas of women on company boards, amid slowing progress towards gender equality among top management. The EU commissioner for equality, Helena Dalli, said that quotas “can be a very ugly word” but were also “a necessary evil, in the sense we have to use quotas because otherwise we will wait another 100 years for things to change by themselves”.
Under a 2012 draft directive, European-listed companies would face fines if they failed to ensure that at least 40% of their non-executive board seats were taken by women. But the proposal ran into opposition from central and northern European Member Sates and has since been stuck in the Council.
EU officials point to the experience of countries that have introduced binding quotas, such as France, Germany, Italy and Belgium, which has led to a rapid increase of women in th...
- Title
- Non-Discrimination Terminology in the Media
- Runtime
- 3:21
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Over the years, the European Union has put in place legislation to tackle discrimination, such as the Racial Equality Directive. While the Directive was adopted two decades ago, various problems still persist in the national implementation of European non-discrimination law. There is a lack of awareness of victim’s rights, existence and work of specialised bodies and redress mechanisms, and sometimes an unclear understanding of how racism manifests itself.
One important way to promote awareness is to increase and improve the media coverage on discrimination in general and racial or ethnic discrimination in particular. This can be done by enhancing journalists’ capacities regarding the rights of citizens and appropriate terminology for reporting on discrimination issue. This media training addresses these needs by clarifying the relevant legal concepts and discussing the role of the media in tackling racial discrimination.
Disclaimer: The content of this publicati...
- Title
- Resolving plastic packaging waste: Can deposit return schemes provide a breakthrough?
- Runtime
- 3:07
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- While the prevalence of single-use plastic has grown dramatically over the last 20 years, the systems to contain, collect, reuse and recycle it have not kept pace. Plastic drinking bottles could be made out of 100% recycled plastic, known as rPET, and campaigners are pressing drinks companies to significantly increase the amount of recycled plastic in their bottles.
The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive sets a 90% separate collection target for plastic beverage bottles by 2029. Policymakers are debating whether deposit return schemes (DRS) can be the solution to achieve this target. Several EU countries have demonstrated that DRS can help meet the SUP targets much earlier than 2029 and guarantee a closed loop for plastic bottles.
DRS are a system where consumers buying a product pay an additional fee (a deposit) that is reimbursed upon the return of the packaging or product to a collection point.
On the one hand, DRS have the benefit of yielding hi...
- Title
- Can sustainable industries in Europe be globally competitive? The case of batteries
- Runtime
- 1:16:40
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The European Commission has announced its intention to revise the EU Batteries Directive and create a new regulatory framework for batteries, with a view to providing Europe with an effective battery value chain to achieve the ambitious EU climate change, circularity and clean transport targets.
The revision of the directive will affect production as well as end-of-life management. To be effective and avoid unintended negative consequences, it is important that all stakeholders, including producers and recyclers, contribute to the revision process.
Industry wants the new regulatory framework to consider elements such as: raw materials in emerging battery technologies; a science and risk-based approach as the basis for decision making; collection targets; second life and reuse of batteries; recycling processes and efficiencies; assessing batteries footprint; responsible sourcing; labelling requirements.
The existing EU Batteries Directive (2006/66/...
- Title
- Driving the Green Deal: How can biofuels help decarbonise EU transport?
- Runtime
- 5:34
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- According to the European Green Deal, transport accounts for a quarter of the European Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, a substantial contributor to climate change. A 90% decrease in transport emissions, and an increase in renewable energy sources, will be necessary in order to reach climate neutrality by 2050.
Steps have been taken in the right direction, with the EU adopting one of the most ambitious renewable energy policies in the world in 2018; the revised Renewable Energy Directive. This Directive strengthens the sustainability of bio-energy - allowing Europe to maintain its role as a global leader in the fight against climate change.
But will the EU be able to fully mobilise all of the tools it has at hand to reach carbon-neutrality by 2050 – without overlooking the current 2020 goals? As stated in the EU's 2020 Renewable Energy Goals Progress Reports, more than half of Member States still need to meet their targets, with a clear deceleration since...
- Title
- Resolving plastic packaging waste: Can deposit return schemes provide a breakthrough?
- Runtime
- 1:23:20
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- While the prevalence of single-use plastic has grown dramatically over the last 20 years, the systems to contain, collect, reuse and recycle it have not kept pace. Plastic drinking bottles could be made out of 100% recycled plastic, known as rPET, and campaigners are pressing drinks companies to significantly increase the amount of recycled plastic in their bottles.
The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive sets a 90% separate collection target for plastic beverage bottles by 2029. Policymakers are debating whether deposit return schemes (DRS) can be the solution to achieve this target. Several EU countries have demonstrated that DRS can help meet the SUP targets much earlier than 2029 and guarantee a closed loop for plastic bottles.
DRS are a system where consumers buying a product pay an additional fee (a deposit) that is reimbursed upon the return of the packaging or product to a collection point.
On the one hand, DRS have the benefit of yielding hi...
- Title
- Trans-Europ Express Returns?
- Runtime
- 5:30
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Want to know more about transport in the EU? We've got you covered. Check back in regularly for bite-sized updates on planes, trains, automobiles and much more.
This week: Germany wants to bring back the glitzy days of train travel on the Trans-Europ Express. But what's already stopping you making a rendezvous on the Champs Elysee or grabbing a coffee in Vienna at a late-night cafe?
