Wednesday

10th Jan 2018

EUobserved

UK silent on EU origins of plastic bags law

UK prime minister Theresa May is expected to announce that a ban on free plastic bags will extend to all shops. By doing so, the UK will fulfil a requirement of an EU directive.

News in Brief

  1. US and EU are 'enemies' of Russia, poll finds
  2. EU lawyer says EU-Morocco fisheries deal 'invalid'
  3. EU council chief mauls Polish government
  4. Davis and Hammond visit Berlin in pursuit of Brexit deal
  5. Zeman leads polls ahead of Czech presidential elections
  6. 160 arrested in German-Italian anti-mafia blitz
  7. Mas quits as Catalan pro-independence party leader
  8. Trump to attend 'shared future' talks at Davos meeting

Germany to let slip 2020 climate target

Prospective governing coalition partners give up on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent in 2020, saying instead they will achieve that in the early 2020s.

Investigation

VW to EU: We will fail on recall promise

German carmaker told EU commission in a private meeting it expected only 75 percent of cars will be fixed by the end of 2017.

Stakeholders' Highlights

  1. EU2017EEEstonia Completes First EU Presidency, Introduced New Topics to the Agenda
  2. Bio-Based IndustriesLeading the Transition Towards a Post-Petroleum Society
  3. ACCAWelcomes the Start of the New Bulgarian Presidency
  4. Mission of China to the EUPremier Li and President Tusk Stress Importance of Ties at ASEM Summit
  5. EU2017EEVAT on Electronic Commerce: New Rules Adopted
  6. European Jewish CongressChair of EU Parliament Working Group on Antisemitism Condemns Wave of Attacks
  7. Counter BalanceA New Study Challenges the Infrastructure Mega Corridors Agenda
  8. Dialogue PlatformThe Gülen Community: Who to Believe - Politicians or Actions?" by Thomas Michel
  9. Plastics Recyclers Europe65% Plastics Recycling Rate Attainable by 2025 New Study Shows
  10. European Heart NetworkCommissioner Andriukaitis' Address to EHN on the Occasion of Its 25th Anniversary
  11. ACCACFOs Risk Losing Relevance If They Do Not Embrace Technology
  12. UNICEFMake the Digital World Safer for Children & Increase Access for the Most Disadvantaged

Latest News

  1. US and EU face 'common' China challenge, says US official
  2. Commission reveals plastic tax to cover Brexit budget hole
  3. EU seeks to extend Morocco fish deal, despite legal opinion
  4. UK silent on EU origins of plastic bags law
  5. Italian rivals say country should stay in euro
  6. Macron was right: democracy must tame the internet
  7. New Polish PM aims for 'progress' on rule of law
  8. Hungarian and Polish NGOs urge EU funds against crackdown

Investigation

EU to spend €1.6 million on car emissions tests

The budget was requested by MEPs. The organisation that uncovered Volkswagen's cheating says 'Dieselgate' showed the importance of funding of 'third-party' testing.

EU will formally renew glyphosate on 12 December

The European Commission will also reply to a million-strong citizens' petition to ban glyphosate, and clarify EU rules concerning scientific studies on which the herbicide's renewal was based.

EU still giving gas projects 'fast-track' status

The European Commission published on Friday a list of projects of common interest, which receive preferential treatment. Environmental lobbyists accuse the Commission of trying to fool the public with number games.

Optimism in Bonn about fusion reactor, despite Brexit

Brexit 'may have significant effect' on nuclear fusion research project, say EU auditors, but scientist involved says it is a question of 'when' not 'if' fusion power is scaled up commercially.

Meat 'taboo' debated at Bonn climate summit

Animal agriculture is responsible for a significant share of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, but until recently it 'was an issue that was really brushed under the carpet'.

EU fails again to agree glyphosate renewal

Member states failed to agree on a licence renewal for weedkiller glyphosate. A new vote will take place before 22 November at the European Commission's appeal committee.

Stakeholders' Highlights

  1. European Jewish CongressWelcomes Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel and Calls on EU States to Follow Suit
  2. Mission of China to the EUChina and EU Boost Innovation Cooperation Under Horizon 2020
  3. European Gaming & Betting AssociationJuncker’s "Political" Commission Leaves Gambling Reforms to the Court
  4. AJC Transatlantic InstituteAJC Applauds U.S. Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital City
  5. EU2017EEEU Telecom Ministers Reached an Agreement on the 5G Roadmap
  6. European Friends of ArmeniaEU-Armenia Relations in the CEPA Era: What's Next?
  7. Mission of China to the EU16+1 Cooperation Injects New Vigour Into China-EU Ties
  8. EPSUEU Blacklist of Tax Havens Is a Sham
  9. EU2017EERole of Culture in Building Cohesive Societies in Europe
  10. ILGA EuropeCongratulations to Austria - Court Overturns Barriers to Equal Marriage
  11. Centre Maurits CoppietersCelebrating Diversity, Citizenship and the European Project With Fundació Josep Irla
  12. European Healthy Lifestyle AllianceUnderstanding the Social Consequences of Obesity

Stakeholders' Highlights

  1. Union for the MediterraneanMediterranean Countries Commit to Strengthening Women's Role in Region
  2. European Heart NetworkThe Time Is Ripe for Simplified Front-Of-Pack Nutrition Labelling
  3. Counter BalanceNew EU External Investment Plan Risks Sidelining Development Objectives
  4. EU2017EEEAS Calls for Eastern Partnership Countries to Enter EU Market Through Estonia
  5. Dialogue PlatformThe Turkey I No Longer Know
  6. World Vision7 Million Children at Risk in the DRC: Donor Meeting to Focus on Saving More Lives
  7. EPSU-Eurelectric-IndustriAllElectricity European Social Partners Stand up for Just Energy Transition
  8. European Friends of ArmeniaSignature of CEPA Marks a Fresh Start for EU-Armenia Relations
  9. Nordic Council of MinistersNordic Energy Ministers Pledge to Work More Closely at Nordic and EU Level
  10. European Friends of ArmeniaPresident Sargsyan Joined EuFoA Honorary Council Inaugural Meeting
  11. International Partnership for Human RightsEU Leaders Should Press Azerbaijan President to End the Detention of Critics
  12. CECEKey Stakeholders to Jointly Tackle the Skills Issue in the Construction Sector