European Union

Monday, 2 May

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Monday, 2 May

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

The European Parliament’s spokesperson will hold a last-minute briefing on the 2-5 May plenary session today at 16.30.

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

The European Parliament’s spokesperson will hold a last-minute briefing on the 2-5 May plenary session today at 16.30.

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

UK-funded researchers have investigated the new tactics of a "troll factory" in St Petersburg involved in the Kremlin's large-scale disinformation campaign to justify the war in Ukraine.

Under the EDA-managed Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED), more than 30 experts from 13 countries across Europe met on 26 April 2022 to prioritise the way forward on the role of data for circular economy in European Defence.

Experts from EDA’s participating Member States, defence-related industry and Research-and-Technology Organisations (RTOs) gathered in two sessions of IF CEED working groups (so-called ‘Project Circles’). The core of the discussion covered how to improve circularity by information sharing across the defence-related value chain, while protecting classified or business-sensitive data.

The Project Circle ‘WFD’ discussed the implementation of the article 9(1)(i) of the Waste Framework Directive regarding the reporting of substances of very high concern. It focused on the associated ‘SCIP’ (Substances of Concern In Product) database, its use within the defence supply chain, the implementation of the Directive’s provisions across Member States and issues related to compliance with defence-specific requirements, such as rules on export of military systems.

Then, the Project Circle ‘Circular Data’ started its work on the broader use of data as an enabler for circularity in Defence. Presentations explored the potential uses of data and the concept of ‘Digital Product Passport’, by building on recent initiatives in civilian applications able to cross-fertilise and transfer innovative technologies to the defence sector. Participants shared experiences and views on the needs, benefits and barriers of the implementation of a data-sharing scheme in the military context. They discussed topics such as higher standards of data protection needed for classified information and the relevant scope of data to be shared across supply chains.

Both Project Circles established first priorities, aiming at making the most of data management to develop circularity principles in the defence sector.

The Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED) is co-funded by the European Union (under the LIFE programme) and the Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs - Directorate of Defence.

More info:

• IF CEED website

Germany's environment and agriculture ministries are apparently currently working on restrictions for the production of biofuels so that more grain can be used as human food as agriculture markets remain strained due to the war in Ukraine. EURACTIV Germany reports.

A majority of Ukrainians think that the war with Russia will take a couple of months or longer - up to the end of the year – but it will culminate with a victory over Putin’s Russia, writes Roman Rukomeda.

A century after its fraught foundation, Northern Ireland looks set for a constitutional earthquake this week with the pro-Irish party Sinn Fein on course to win regional elections.

A proposal by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees to delegate some services to other United Nations agencies has sparked outrage among Palestinians, who have warned of a plot to "dismantle" the body.

In today’s edition of the Capitals, find out more about Bulgaria refusing to join the investigation of Russian crimes in Ukraine, Albania going digital in May, and so much more.

While some have warned that new LNG infrastructure would jeopardise Europe's climate goals, this is not the case as gas will be required up until 2050 and governments are still striving to build up their renewable energy production, writes Lukas Trakimavičius.

US President Joe Biden's administration plans to step up diplomatic engagement with Pacific Island countries, Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said on Monday (2 May), including inviting Pacific leaders to the White House later this year.

The Greek government is expected to raise with its EU partners Ankara’s decision not to join western sanctions against Russia, questioning Turkey’s narrative of being a neutral broker, EURACTIV has learned. “It’s inconceivable that Turkey has managed to escape western...

In an interview with EURACTIV, Finnish Green MEP Alviina Alametsä said that a majority in parliament and the public in her country are now in favour of NATO membership, for which it hopes to have “some signals and symbols of support during a possible membership application”.

Increasing shares of renewable and low-carbon energy sources, such as biomethane, is central to the success of transport decarbonisation. A viable, practical regulatory solution to fully recognize their role in the EU’s CO2 standards is a crediting scheme for renewable fuels.

Albanians will have to use the government’s e-services portal from Monday to receive the vast majority of public services, including collecting copies of their birth certificates, paying taxes, and more. The Albanian government will shut down hundreds of service windows...

The chief negotiators for Kosovo and Serbia will meet in Brussels on 13 May to reach a permanent agreement on a license plate dispute after six months of previous EU-led negotiations failed to find a resolution. The license place issue stems from...

Germany now favours an EU embargo on Russian oil, having previously opposed further energy sanctions against Russia, according to information obtained by several national media. Meanwhile, EURACTIV was informed that the EU is considering banning imports of oil transferred by...

Energy ministers from European Union countries hold emergency talks on Monday (2 May), as the bloc strives for a united response to Moscow's demand that European buyers pay for Russian gas in rubles or face their supply being cut off.