European Union

Ten years after the first etanercept biosimilar entered the European market, biosimilars have helped expand access to biologic therapies for millions of patients

In today's edition: Ireland's tech priorities, Meta's big lobbying streak, AI gigafactories

In today's edition: nicotine pouches, deadly heat, dioxine

In today's edition: PFAS, gene editing, farm policy

Written by Monika Kiss and Linda Kohl.

The EU aviation sector generates around €830 billion to €851 billion annually (about 4.4-5 % of EU GDP) and supports 1.8 million jobs directly and 14 million jobs indirectly. The workforce includes aircrew, ground handling staff, air traffic management personnel, controllers, maintenance workers, and freight staff, with aircrew forming the largest group.

Key challenges include atypical employment forms such as subcontracting, agency work, and temporary arrangements, as well as irregular schedules, fatigue and workload pressures, which can affect working conditions and wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified job losses, staff shortages and operational strain, followed by recovery-related recruitment difficulties and labour disputes. Future challenges include decarbonisation, digitalisation, automation and AI, alongside expected traffic growth and geopolitical and energy-related uncertainties that increase pressure on the sector.

EU legislation affecting aviation workers sits at the intersection of safety regulation, labour law and social security coordination. European Union Aviation Safety Agency regulations harmonise safety, licensing and operational standards across EU Member States, while EU labour directives set minimum rules on working time, transparent and predictable employment conditions, posting of workers and work-life balance. Social security coordination rules determine the applicable Member State system for mobile workers, often linked to the ‘home base’ concept for aircrew. However, labour enforcement and employment conditions remain largely national, leading to variation in protections across countries and contract types.

The European Parliament has repeatedly raised concrete concerns, such as the incorrect application of posting rules to mobile aircrew, uncertainty over how authorities determine ‘home base’ for labour and social security rights, inadequate enforcement of fatigue and flight-time limits, and difficulties ensuring consistent labour standards for airline staff operating across multiple Member States.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Air transport workers in the EU: Working conditions and regulatory challenges‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Climate surcharge will be kept at around €0.10 per litre at the pump, negotiators agreed

Also, in Wednesday’s edition: Irish presidency, influencers, World Cup

Finaliste il y a quatre ans, l’équipe de France rêve de tripler la mise, mais dans un Mondial à 48 nations d’autres prétendants au titre auront aussi leur mot à dire. Revue d’effectifs, entre favoris, outsiders et petits Poucet.

Substance approvals and import residues remain sticking points

Belgium says it has not received visa applications from Taliban representatives expected in Brussels this month for "technical-level" discussions

A business that was previously owned and operated by a Ghanaian entrepreneur is reportedly facing operational challenges after changing hands and being placed under new management. According to reports circulating on social media, the establishment had built a reputation for serving customers consistently and maintaining stable operations .

Former Hearts of Oak head coach Didi Dramani has praised his players and technical staff for their commitment and resilience after guiding the club to a third-place finish in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.

The Kpone Traditional Council (KTC) has officially announced the death of its Paramount Chief, Nii Tetteh Otu II, who ruled the Kpone State for 37 years. The announcement was made by the Mankralo of the Kpone Traditional Council, Nii Ofosu Oblie VI, at a solemn gathering of chiefs, elders, and members of the community at Kpone in the Kpone-Kata .

Yesterday's key developments: The US military said . . . .

The move aims to reduce dependence on foreign communication systems

Social media giant spends €10 million annually on shaping EU policy industry, per report

Diplomatic sources warn future legislation could severely restrict sales

After a Trump World Cup curveball, von der Leyen turns to the Schuman quarter’s finest footballing talent

Former Nokia boss warns of hostile digital shutdowns as Brussels intensifies efforts to reduce Europe's dependence on foreign tech

When Europeans boo the US team at the 2026 World Cup, they will be discrediting Trump's opponents