European Union

Estlink 2, a submarine power cable running between Finland and Estonia, was cut and other cables were damaged on Christmas Day. After departing from Russia, the oil tanker Eagle S was detained by the Finnish coast guard with a missing anchor and seven of its crew members are now under investigation. Europe's media see Moscow's 'shadow fleet' as an instrument of hybrid warfare – and call for tougher countermeasures.

Russian gas stopped flowing through Ukrainian pipelines to Europe at the end of the year after Kyiv refused to negotiate an extension of the transit deal with Moscow as long it continues to wage war against Ukraine. Only small amounts were still being supplied via this route anyway. Gazprom's only remaining pipelines run through Turkey to Hungary and just a couple of other countries.

Written by Krisztina Binder.

To keep up with the constant shifts in labour markets and societies caused by major developments such as globalisation and technological advances, people need to develop their knowledge, skills and competences continuously. A varied and future-oriented skill set unlocks opportunities for individuals, promotes inclusion, social mobility and civic participation, and supplies the economy with the workforce needed for growth and innovation, not least in the context of the green and digital transitions. Offering quality learning opportunities, including upskilling and reskilling, that are accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds is key to making all this possible.

The overall vision and objectives for education and training in the EU encompass lifelong learning that covers all levels and types of learning: formal, non-formal and informal, from early childhood to adulthood. In its 2020 communication on the European education area (EEA), the European Commission identified lifelong learning as an important aspect of education, while in its 2021 resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training for 2021 to 2030, the Council highlighted lifelong learning and mobility as a priority area. The new Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, is responsible for developing a ‘Union of skills’, focusing on adult and lifelong learning among other things. The European Parliament has always embraced a holistic view of lifelong learning, arguing that it should promote personal and professional growth, foster social participation and employability, and empower active citizens. Parliament has called repeatedly for quality, inclusive and accessible education for all throughout life, as well as endorsing stronger links between education and skills requirements. Additionally, Parliament has continually insisted on the importance of Erasmus+ as a key tool for education and training.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Fostering participation in education and training throughout life‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

In 2024 Europe accounted for 55% of total US LNG exports, 34% of total US exports went to Asia while the next 11% went mainly to Latin America.

The post US LNG exports soar, Europe remaining the main destination appeared first on Euractiv.

Fully electric cars account for more than 28% of all cars driven in the Nordic country as of December, according to Public Road Administration data.

The post In Norway, nearly all new cars sold in 2024 were fully electric appeared first on Euractiv.

Spain granted Edmundo González Urrutia asylum on 20 December after Venezuela announced charges of conspiracy and racketeering against him.

The post Venezuela puts a price on the head of exiled opposition candidate appeared first on Euractiv.

The Ukrainian President said in an interview that Donald Trump had told him he would be one of the first to visit Washington after the presidential inauguration this month.

The post Zelenskyy: Trump is capable of stopping Putin appeared first on Euractiv.

Transnistria has for several years paid nothing for supplies from Russian gas giant Gazprom under a tacit understanding with Moscow.

The post Starved of gas, industry shuts down in pro-Russian region of Moldova appeared first on Euractiv.

Prime Minister Robert Fico said in a video message that his Smer party would consider cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine, adding that a Slovak delegation would discuss the situation in Brussels next Tuesday.

The post Slovakia brings its grievances to Brussels after Ukraine’s gas transit ‘sabotage’ appeared first on Euractiv.

Musk, the world's richest man, has become vocal in his support for far right and anti-establishment parties in Europe since spending a quarter of a billion dollars to help secure Donald Trump's return to the White House.

The post Musk likely to host German far-right leader for online chat on X appeared first on Euractiv.

The EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement enters into force today.