European Union

The deputy foreign minister of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, met with a dozen Belgian investors in Brussels on Wednesday (9 October) to hear about their experience with his country and help solve potential issues.

Sylvie Goulard (France), the commissioner-designate for the internal market, is due to face more questions from MEPs in a resumed hearing on Thursday at 9.30 am CET.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Sylvie Goulard (France), the commissioner-designate for the internal market, is due to face more questions from MEPs in a resumed hearing on Thursday at 9.30 am CET.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Will it still be possible to reach an agreement before the UK leaves the EU? MEPs discussed challenges and consequences in a debate on the Brexit talks.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Will it still be possible to reach an agreement before the UK leaves the EU? MEPs discussed challenges and consequences in a debate on the Brexit talks.

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Sassoli to Bercow: ‘Extension on Brexit is needed if there is an election or referendum”

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Sassoli to Bercow: ‘Extension on Brexit is needed if there is an election or referendum”

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

A new EU-wide platform for vaccines, which will bring together all different stakeholders, is needed in order to identify the gaps and fix the problems of the vaccines ecosystem’s complexity, Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, a health expert, told EURACTIV.com in an interview.

Human rights defenders are essential to democracy. Yet, the intimidation of human rights defenders in the European Union has become a serious problem and the implications for democracy are profound. Decision-makers at all levels have a responsibility to protect civic space in the European Union, writes Birgit Van Hout.

Harmful EU financing driving deforestation shows the need for Commissioner designate Frans Timmermans to commit to new rules on corporate responsibility for deforestation and environmental harm, writes Giulia Bondi.

Written by Tania Lațici,

© naypong / Fotolia

Often labelled as one of today’s main disruptive technologies, drones have indeed earned this label by prompting a fundamental rethinking of business models, existing laws, safety and security standards, the future of transport, and modern warfare. The European Union (EU) recognises the opportunities that drones offer and sees them as opening a new chapter in the history of aerospace. The EU aviation strategy provides guidance for exploring new and emerging technologies, and encourages the integration of drones into business and society so as to maintain a competitive EU aviation industry.

Ranging from insect-sized to several tonnes in weight, drones are extremely versatile and can perform a very large variety of functions, from filming to farming, and from medical aid to search and rescue operations. Among the advantages of civil and military drones are their relative low cost, reach, greater work productivity and capacity to reduce risk to human life. These features have led to their mass commercialisation and integration into military planning. Regulatory and oversight challenges remain, however, particularly regarding dual-use drones – civil drones that can be easily turned into armed drones or weaponised for criminal purposes.

At EU level, the European Commission has been empowered to regulate civil drones and the European Aviation Safety Agency to assist with ensuring a harmonised regulatory framework for safe drone operations. The latest EU legislation has achieved the highest ever safety standards for drones. Another challenge remaining for regulators, officials and manufacturers alike is the need to build the trust of citizens and consumers. Given that drones have been in the public eye more often for their misuse than their accomplishments, transparency and effective communication are imperative to prepare citizens for the upcoming drone age.

Read this briefing on ‘Civil and military drones: Navigating a disruptive and dynamic technological ecosystem‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Shortly after 17.00 on Wednesday, MEPs will call on the EIB to better reflect climate and environment priorities, in the presence of its President Werner Hoyer.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Shortly after 17.00 on Wednesday, MEPs will call on the EIB to better reflect climate and environment priorities, in the presence of its President Werner Hoyer.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Since the June agreement on the eurozone budget, blockages have persisted between the 19 members of the euro area. But France is now taking an active role in persuading the others of the need to pin down practical details. EURACTIV France reports.

This cartoon is published as part of the project “20 Visions for Europe”, gathering unique visions from public officials, intellectuals, artists, diplomats, athletes, civic actors and business representatives. The project is part of EURACTIV’s celebration of 20 years of free,...

First it was hundreds, then thousands and finally tens of thousands of GDR citizens who took to the streets in 1989. This culminated on 9 October in a demonstration in Leipzig of at least 70,000 people. Contrary to what was feared, the security forces did not intervene. Europe's press commemorates the peaceful revolution, which a month later culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall, and takes a critical look at the world today.