Podcast: Do dads hold the key to sustainability?
Find out in a new Nordic podcast series.
News in Brief
- British PM scrapes through no confidence vote
- Spanish PM calls for EU gender equality strategy
- Farage says bigger Brexit majority if second referendum
- Macron starts 'grand debate' tour after yellow vests protests
- Barnier: up to London to take Brexit forward
- Stimulus still needed, ECB's Draghi says in final report
- May's Brexit deal defeated by 230 votes
- German economy hit by global economic turbulence
Nordics could be first carbon-negative region in world
It is very unlikely that the climate target of the Paris agreement can be met without a system that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – we need negative emissions.
Stakeholders' Views
This EUobserver section provides a platform for EU stakeholders to communicate positions, views and activities.
Common-sense approach needed for EU energy reform
Access to safe, sustainable and cheap energy is a dream of all European Union member states, and also a goal that Poland is steadfastly seeking to accomplish.
Nordic electricity market presented to global energy ministers
Energy ministers from the world's biggest economies, including the G20, were shown how co-operation works in the Nordic electricity market. This co-operation is unique by international standards and is held up as a model globally.
Green stadiums at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
By the time the tournament kicks off on 14 June, all twelve stadiums will all have undergone a standards certification process for sustainable buildings.
Help consumers take cruelty away from EU's Xmas buffet
Will commissioners Phil Hogan and Vytenis Andriukaitis help consumers take cruelty away from the EU's Christmas buffet? Some 80 MEPs have asked the EU commission to delete the requirement of minimum liver weights for foie gras
COP24 Nordic Pavilion: sharing climate solutions with the world
The Nordic Pavilion at COP24 is dedicated to dialogue – TalaNordic – about key themes regarding the transition to a low-carbon society, such as energy, transport, urban futures, the circular economy and green financing.
A touch of football at this year's G20 summit
FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the G20 leaders and placed football at their disposal as a powerful tool to help them address the challenges facing the world today.
An open China brings opportunities to Europe
Some 60 years ago, the first major World Fair after World War II was held in Brussels. Sixty years on, China International Import Expo (CIIE), the first world expo dedicated to expanding imports, will open in Shanghai, China.
ASEM: Global Partners for Global Challenges
As anti-globalisation and protectionist sentiments threaten to come back, it is more important than ever for ASEM members to come together, think in the long term, and take coordinated actions to resist unilateralism and uphold multilateralism.
Time is ripe for an overhaul of the football transfer system
A new accreditation, registration and disclosure system is to be put in place to ensure that agents are regulated to the highest standards. Greater transparency relating to fees is to be introduced, with agents' commissions going through a clearing house.
Brussels deflating children's balloons
Well-meaning intentions on reducing plastic waste in our seas and oceans risks leading to job losses and depriving millions of European children of joy and celebration - without tangible environmental gain.
How the European soft drinks industry generates revenue for economies across the EU
From farming to research and development, the soft drink sector's impact on industries is equivalent to 1.24 percent of EU GDP.
China supports and upholds multilateral trading system
China significantly lowered import tariff rates and non-tariff barriers, liberalised the right to trade, boosted the services sector and reduced restrictions on foreign investment.
China: work together for a better globalisation
Four steps towards making globalisation work better, and improving cooperation between China and the EU.
Life is possible for patients with severe asthma
On World Asthma Day, European asthma patients are joining voices under the theme "Never too early, never too late" to ask for more research on the causes of asthma.
Stakeholders' Highlights
- Kyrgyz authorities have to immediately release human rights defender Azimjon Askarov
- Seminar on disability and user involvement
- International appetite for Nordic food policies
- New Nordic Innovation House in Hong Kong
- Nordic Region has chance to become world leader when it comes to start-ups
- Theresa May: “We will not be turning our backs on the Nordic region”
- Open letter to Emmanuel Macron ahead of Uzbek president's visit
- Raising key human rights concerns during visit of Turkmenistan's foreign minister
- State of the Nordic Region presented in Brussels
- The vital bioeconomy. New issue of “Sustainable Growth the Nordic Way” out now
- The Nordic gender effect goes international
- Paula Lehtomaki from Finland elected as the Council's first female Secretary General
Latest News
- MEPs allow Draghi's membership of secretive bank group
- EU parliament backs Morocco deal despite row
- Barnier open to 'future relations' talks if UK red lines shift
- German spies to monitor far-right AfD party
- On Morocco, will the EU ignore its own court?
- UK parliament rejects May's Brexit deal in historic defeat
- EU suggests majority vote on digital tax by 2025
- MEPs redouble appeal on sexual harassment
Openness for greater prosperity, innovation for a better future
Reform and opening-up is a great process that has seen China and the world achieve development and progress together, with more than 700 million Chinese people lifted out of poverty, China's president Jinping told the Boao Forum for Asia.
Recycling at the FIFA World Cup in Russia
With this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia fast approaching, the impact of major sports events on society and the environment is an important topic in the public discourse.
Icelandic green biotechnology
Barley possesses unique characteristics and qualities that make it perfectly suited to our biotechnology needs.
Poland is no 'energy island' but key piece in Europe energy map
A new expert report firmly dismisses suggestions that Poland is an 'energy island'.
An open China will foster a world-class business environment
China is expanding market access for foreign enterprises and creating a world-class environment where businesses are assured a high-level of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and equal access to opportunities.
An opportunity to help shape a better future for Europe
Political events of the last 18 months have prompted much soul searching and debate over the future of Europe. Romanian MEP, Laurentiu Rebega, believes that the European Conservatives and Reformists Group will best serve his constituents.
Behind the scenes of the Nordic model
The Nordic is comprised of 74 regions and, combined, is the 12th largest economy in the world. The State of the Nordic Region 2018 gives a unique look behind the scenes of the world's most integrated region.
"16+1" cooperation injects new vigour into China-EU cooperation
The "16+1" cooperation - an initiative to intensify and expand cooperation between China and 16 EU and Balkan countries - goes hand-in-hand with fostering closer China-Europe relations, says China's new ambassador to the EU.
Nordic countries prioritise fossil fuel subsidy reform
Nordic countries are cooperating to switch from subsidising fossil fuels to investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
New era for China brings new opportunities to all
Europe is an important partner as China forges ahead on a new journey in the 'new era'.
No ETS deal means it can still be strengthened
The EU Emissions Trading Scheme is the only feasible instrument at the European level to foster a cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Silicones - enabling the next big leap in prosthetics and health
Prosthetics have been used for hundreds of years, but for much of that time saw little technological development. Today, it is possible to replace lost limbs with high-tech prosthetics made with silicone, that function seamlessly and provide a natural appearance.
Catalonia has legal grounds and legitimacy to be its own state
The Catalan people have clearly declared their independence, both legally and democratically. It is now time to sit down and negotiate on the terms of separation.
Why we're taking sugary drinks out of EU schools
Soft drink manufacturers are voluntarily withdrawing their products from secondary schools next year.
Cities united by love of good food
Cooperation between cities can build healthier communities and help kick-start the local economy. The URBACT programme enables EU cities to develop solutions through networking, capacity-building and knowledge-transfer activities.
Propelling the construction revolution with silicones
You might be surprised at how crucial silicones are for the construction sector.
Stakeholders' Highlights
- Nordic design sets the stage at COP24, running a competition for sustainable chairs
- In Kenya, a motorway funded by the European Investment Bank runs over roadside dwellers
- Company Law Package: Making the Best of Digital and Cross Border Mobility,
- Civil Society Worried About Shortcomings in EU-Kyrgyzstan Human Rights Dialogue
- The European Soft Drinks Industry Supports over 1.7 Million Jobs
- Jointly Building Belt and Road Initiative Leads to a Better Future for All
- Civil society asks PACE to appoint Rapporteur to probe issue of political prisoners in Azerbaijan
- Social Mobility – How Can We Increase Opportunities Through Training and Education?
- Energy Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow
- What Kind of Europe Do Children Want? Unicef & Eurochild Launch Survey on the Europe Kids Want
- Nordic Countries Take a Stand for Climate-Smart Energy Solutions
- China: Work Together for a Better Globalisation
Stakeholders' Highlights
- Nordics Could Be First Carbon-Negative Region in World
- Life Is Possible for Patients with Severe Asthma
- Common-Sense Approach Needed for EU Energy Reform
- Nordic Region to Lead in Developing and Rolling Out 5G Network
- China-EU Economic and Trade Relations Enjoy a Bright Future
- Empowering Businesses to Engage with Sustainable Finance and the SDGs
- Cooperation in Nordic Electricity Market Considered World Class Model
- Green Stadiums at the 2018 Fifa World Cup
- China and EU Work Together to Promote Sustainable Development
- European Ombudsman Requests More Lending Transparency from European Investment Bank
- Recycling at the FIFA World Cup in Russia
- European Parliament takes incoherent steps on climate in future EU investments
