The scenario highlights that climate neutrality is not only an environmental goal: it is also a major economic opportunity, enabling a lasting reduction of total energy costs, a significant decrease in fossil fuel imports, and value creation at the heart of European industries. Through new analyses, in depth projections and fresh insights into flexibility needs, electrification and the central role of nuclear power, this 2026 edition sheds light on the decisions that must be taken today to build a competitive, sovereign and low carbon Europe.

This debate will address one of the EU’s most pressing challenges – restoring competitiveness. Reducing energy prices was a central topic at the European Council in March 2026, which highlighted the need for reforms that take into account the different situations across Member States. In this context, the EU ETS revision should reduce carbon price volatility and mitigate its impact on electricity prices and related costs. At the same time, growing competitiveness challenges have led many Member States and organisations to call for easing the ETS framework to reduce its negative impact on energy prices and industrial competitiveness.

On the anniversary of the Antwerp Declaration (11 February), European industry highlighted the increasingly challenging conditions, primarily due in their view to restrictive climate policies and the high costs associated with them. The importance of system stability and predictability has also been emphasised by Member States within the “Friends of Industry” initiative. Their statement adopted on 26 February stressed the need to limit excessive volatility in allowance prices and to maintain mechanisms supporting investments in low-emission technologies while safeguarding the competitiveness of European industry.

As the EU ETS strongly influences investment decisions in energy and district heating, improving market predictability and transparency is crucial. This includes limiting speculation, strengthening stabilisation mechanisms such as the MSR, and ensuring sufficient allowance supply for 2031–2040 and beyond, if needed. Integrating international carbon credits and addressing the issue of peaking electricity units' operating costs under the EU ETS are also important. Maintaining free allocation of ETS allowances after 2030 for district heating, serving around 70 million Europeans, is considered essential by some stakeholders.

Moreover, in many Member States, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, public support and access to EU funding will be essential to keep the decarbonisation of electricity and heating feasible and affordable for households and businesses. Therefore, there is a growing consensus that the Modernisation Fund must further facilitate the just transition of almost half of the EU's countries beyond 2030. These Member States argue that the size of the Fund should be increased to reflect the scale of investment needs for the broader energy transformation, including electricity networks, dispatchable generation capacity, system flexibility, and district heating modernisation.

With key policy decisions approaching, the ongoing discussions on the future of the EU ETS are particularly timely, as they will shape investment conditions, energy prices and the pace of the energy transition in the years ahead. Join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss how the EU can support a predictable and affordable transition in the energy sector as part of the upcoming revision of the EU ETS.

Join us for the 3rd ENEFIRST+ podcast where we focus on the specific cases of Poland and Croatia - where Euractiv's Christoph Schwaiger speaks with Paweł Gilewski from KAPE in Poland and Vesna Bukarica from EIHP in Croatia.

The discussion explores the rise of opinion‑led and engaging political content, the spread of material that sits in regulatory grey areas, and young users’ negative experiences with politics online. It also looks at the growing role of engagement-driven content in shaping opinions, emotions and civic participation.

Experts from Sitra, the European Parliament and CONNECT International debate whether tools such as the Digital Services Act, algorithmic transparency and stronger oversight can help rebuild trust and improve the quality of online political debate.

Continue the conversation and check out Sitra’s latest report “Algorithms and democracy – How social media shapes young Europeans’ worldviews”.

These include sustainable finance, investments, CAP simplification, small mid-caps, defence, chemicals, automotive, environment, digital, and food and feed safety.These initiatives aim to help EU businesses grow and boost their productivity and global competitiveness by making the business environment simpler, less costly, and more efficient.

In parallel, the Commission also aims to improve the practical implementation and enforcement of EU legislation to ensure rules are applied consistently and effectively across Member States.

However, some stakeholders warn that initiatives presented as simplification could drift into deregulation, meaning rules are weakened or removed rather than made clearer. At the same time, a key challenge of the simplification initiatives is to ensure that EU rules are clear, proportionate, and effectively applied across all Member States.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss how simplification of the EU regulatory framework can drive its competitiveness and productivity. Questions to be addressed include:
• How can the EU enhance productivity and competitiveness through simplification ?
• How can digital tools be leveraged to simplify compliance and reporting?
• How can the EU ensure that simplification does not lead to deregulation?
• What changes and impact can businesses expect from the Commission’s simplification initiatives?
• What measures are needed to ensure effective and consistent implementation across Member States?

One of the key innovations of the revised Directive is the introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. Under the Directive, micropollutants must be removed through quaternary wastewater treatment, with the costs financed via EPR by the sectors considered responsible for the pollution caused by the use of their products. The European Commission has identified the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries as the two sectors mainly responsible for the micropollution in wastewater.

There is broad support for the EU’s environmental objectives, but opinions diverge on how these goals should be achieved and on the practical implementation of the Directive. Fair burden-sharing remains a central concern, with responsibility currently focused on just two industries.

Concerns have been raised that the scheme risks imposing disproportionate financial burdens, potentially threatening the availability and affordability of essential medicines, for example, while other industries are not incentivised to become more sustainable. To be effective, the EPR framework should be built on robust scientific data, transparent methodologies, and a genuine application of the polluter-pays principle, reflecting actual contributions to pollution. Greater policy coherence is also seen as necessary to safeguard EU competitiveness.

Others underline that the scheme has the potential to unlock much-needed private investment in the water sector and accelerate the deployment of advanced treatment technologies.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore how the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and its EPR scheme can be implemented effectively, fairly, and sustainably, while balancing environmental ambition with industrial competitiveness and public health needs.

Questions to be addressed include:

- How can the EPR scheme be designed to ensure a fair and evidence-based application of the polluter-pays principle?
- What are the implications of the Directive on medicine availability, patient access, pharmaceutical innovation, and EU competitiveness?
- How can policymakers ensure balanced burden-sharing while securing the investments needed to achieve Europe’s water quality objectives?
- How can the UWWTD be implemented in a way that aligns environmental objectives with broader EU health, industrial, and innovation policies?
- How can all relevant stakeholders collaborate to deliver the UWWTD’s environmental objectives while ensuring access to medicines?

As part of these efforts, the European Commission is set to publish early 2026 its Strategic Roadmap for digitalisation and artificial intelligence in the energy sector which will aim at accelerating the deployment of digital tools (including AI technologies) across key decarbonisation sectors, such as power-grid optimisation, energy efficiency, and demand-side flexibility.

Panel 1: Powering the intelligence – How to integrate data centres in the EU energy system

Data centres are highly resource-intensive, consuming large amounts of electricity and requiring considerable grid hosting capacity. Europe faces the challenge of finding ways to balance the future backbone of the digital economy with its sustainability and decarbonisation goals.

The publication of the Heating and Cooling Strategy in the first quarter of 2026 will support the decarbonisation efforts in the sector by improving its efficiency and system integration.

In addition, the revision of the Energy Efficency Directive will promote a new rating scheme for data centres and foster their integration into the energy system.

This panel aims to explore both current and future solutions for the sustainable integration of data centres into the European energy system. Questions to be discussed include:

• What are the existing solutions to harness data centres’ energy intensive profile and make them fit for a decarbonising energy system?
• Data centres are expected to boom in many geographies around the continent. Is Europe ready to face this challenge?
•How can the new EU legislative framework underpin this process without jeopardising the climate goal?

Panel 2: AI – What’s in it for the energy sector?

Despite their energy intensive profiles, data centres and AI applications can substantially support the clean transition of the energy sector by boosting renewables efficiency, enhancing grid stability and fostering automatisation. The upcoming Strategic Roadmap for digitalisation and artificial intelligence in the energy sector will address such opportunities and the further arising challenges of AI integration in the energy sector.

This panel will explore how AI will integrate, benefit or challenge our energy systems. Questions to be discussed include:

• What AI applications are ready for deployment to support the clean transition of the energy sector?
• How can AI support Europe’s strategic autonomy in the energy sector?
• What role can AI play in reducing the energy cost of resource-intensive infrastructure like data centres themselves?

Some stakeholders argue that the future CEF will have to be carefully designed to reflect these rising investment needs in national electricity grids as a whole power system. This remains an important aspect to large-scale energy projects by enabling market integration, flexibility, and the reliable operation of interconnected and resilient power systems on every level. Their modernisation and development are therefore essential for the deployment of offshore wind, large-scale energy storage and other strategic energy assets that serve both national and EU-wide markets. At the same time, most of the smaller-scale renewable energy sources and energy storage facilities are connected to the distribution grid, enabling the development of prosumers and energy communities as well as further electrification of heating and transport sectors.

Stakeholders broadly agree on the importance of CEF, while highlighting the need for adequate and predictable funding, clear eligibility criteria and stronger recognition of electricity networks – particularly distribution grids – as critical infrastructure. Many claim that focusing exclusively on cross-border projects is insufficient, arguing that domestic grids, both transmission and distribution, should be acknowledged as integral to the functioning of the internal energy market.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the future role of CEF-Energy in boosting electrification and strengthening Europe’s electricity networks. Questions to be discussed include:

- What role should the Connecting Europe Facility play in financing electricity grids, including distribution networks and national infrastructure, alongside cross-border projects?
- What solutions can be proposed for the next CEF with the aim of delivering on time and efficiently all essential energy projects, taking into consideration the perspective of the fast-changing external environment?
- How can CEF better support large-scale strategic projects that rely on strong domestic grids while delivering cross-border benefits?
- How can CEF contribute to strengthening the physical and cyber security of critical energy infrastructure in the current geopolitical context?

The European Commission is currently working on the revision of the NLF – a timely opportunity to modernise Europe’s regulatory toolbox, simplify procedures, and strengthen the competitiveness of EU industries. The upcoming reform will need to address the realities of an increasingly digital, interconnected, and sustainability-driven economy, while preserving the confidence that underpins the Single Market.

In this context, some stakeholders see an opportunity to make product compliance in Europe simpler, more consistent, and more efficient by enhancing the consistency of the quality infrastructure ecosystem. Better coordination between national authorities and more uniform application of standards would ease administrative burdens and support a more predictable environment for conformity assessment bodies (CABs), enabling them to fulfil their role in verifying that products placed on the market are trusted.

As technologies advance and products become more dynamic, acknowledging this evolution is essential in modernising the NLF’s regulatory tools. The current framework is designed for products with static features. However, a rising number of products is now subject to changes after their placement on the market, including software updates, connected functionalities, or new sustainability performance claims. To strengthen consumer trust and help businesses maintain compliance throughout the product lifecycle, the revised NLF should introduce new mechanisms to enable the assessment of evolving product claims.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the ongoing revision of the New Legislative Framework, and what role it can play in fostering competitiveness. Questions to be addressed include:

- What should the main priorities be to ensure that the NLF remains future-proof and continues to uphold trust, safety, and competitiveness?
- As products become increasingly complex and incorporate continuous digital or sustainability claims, does the current NLF still offer adequate tools for manufacturers to demonstrate compliance credibly?
- With regulation now extending beyond products to systems, processes, and digital technologies such as AI and cybersecurity, how should the NLF evolve to stay both practical and risk-based?
- Where is the greatest opportunity for improvement in the NLF to make the European system more agile?

Suppo

Building on these foundations, the AI Continent Action Plan and Apply AI Strategy, launched in 2025, aim to make Europe a global leader in AI. These initiatives seek to boost research and industrial capacity, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure that AI technologies uphold fundamental rights and democratic principles. They include measures to support AI adoption across sectors, enhance skills through the AI Skills Academy, and facilitate compliance with the AI Act via dedicated services.

At the same time, large-scale disinformation campaigns remain a major challenge for Europe. The rapid spread of false narratives online threatens media freedom and democratic resilience, requiring timely detection and effective countermeasures. AI-based tools, combined with human expertise, can play a role in monitoring and analysing vast volumes of content across platforms and languages, supporting fact-checkers and media professionals in identifying emerging risks.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference, supported by the Horizon Europe project AI4TRUST, to discuss how AI can strengthen Europe’s response to disinformation while safeguarding media freedom and trust. Questions to be addressed include:

- How can AI-based tools complement human fact-checking and improve detection of disinformation across platforms and languages?
- What policy frameworks are needed to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical use of AI in combating disinformation?
- How can the EU foster collaboration between researchers, media professionals, and policymakers to build a resilient information ecosystem?
- What role should European initiatives such as the AI Act, Democracy Action Plan, and European Media Freedom Act play in supporting these efforts?

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement no 101070190.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By allowing combustion engines to still play a role in new vehicles beyond 2035, the Commission says it will provide the flexibility manufactures need to achieve the car CO2 targets. At the same time, by stimulating demand through zero and low-emission corporate fleets, the EU seeks to drive the transition to clean mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

However, e-mobility companies and climate experts have raised concerns that the new CO2 rules could weaken the market signal for zero-emission vehicles and delay investments in their production. They could affect the European automotive sector’s global competitiveness and slow innovation rather than supporting a stable and ambitious clean-mobility transition. They see corporate fleet targets as key to driving demand for electric vehicles made in Europe.

Other stakeholders argue that gaining credits for the use of green steel, as well as meeting local content requirements in vehicles, would be complex and expensive. It would make manufacturers’ compliance with CO2 targets subject to factors they cannot control. Some also argue that corporate fleet targets are the wrong instrument to tackle the challenges companies most face in adopting zero and low emission vehicles.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the European Commission’s Car CO2 and Clean Corporate Vehicles proposals. Questions to be addressed include:

• What are the implications of the new Car CO2 and Clean Corporate Vehicles proposals for the automotive sector?
• How can demand instruments, such as the Corporate Fleets Regulation, support carmakers in meeting their 2030 and 2035 targets while advancing EU’s climate goals?
• How can the EU design flexibility mechanisms that support both industrial innovation and automotive decarbonisation?

Through initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Initiative, which aligns with the New European Bauhaus and the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Commission aims to support more accessible and sustainable housing. It is also currently preparing a plan for affordable housing to uphold Europe’s housing transition.

Still, some stakeholders encourage further EU actions to support more affordable and greener housing. Residential and commercial buildings together make up nearly 40% of Europe’s overall energy consumption, and improving their efficiency could lower household expenses while advancing the EU’s long-term climate goals. Others also highlight that low coordination between EU, national and local authorities affect investment, calling for clearer EU policy and stronger cooperation between member states. This could foster innovative financing models and attract private capital, whilst encouraging public-private partnerships.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore how capital markets and real estate can play a role in more affordable and sustainable housing in Europe. Questions to be addressed include:

• How can public-private cooperation be strengthened to scale up affordable housing supply?
• How can we align ambitious sustainability objectives with the need for affordable housing?
• Which proven approaches demonstrate that new housing can be both environmentally responsible and financially accessible?
• What role do listed real estate companies and institutional investors play in bridging the investment gap?
• What regulatory measures are needed to create a stable, long-term investment environment?
• How can cooperation among policymakers, industry, and civil society drive both affordability and competitiveness?

The discussion explores practical steps to modernise outdated frameworks, reduce regulatory fragmentation, and rebuild manufacturing capacity to ensure reliable access to affordable medicines. Saltofte emphasises the need for predictability, harmonisation, collaboration, and accountability to secure Europe’s healthcare future. Watch the full interview for insights into how Europe can maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

- The role of the European Health Data Space in unlocking innovation and competitiveness.
- Why cardiovascular health could redefine care delivery and prevention strategies.
- How regulatory reform and better funding coordination are critical to Europe’s ambition to lead in medtech and pharma.

Watch the full interview to learn how Europe can turn ambition into action and secure the health of its citizens for decades to come.

The discussion explores the EBA’s latest consumer protection campaign, which focuses on financial education and practical steps to prevent fraud. Papp outlines common warning signs, from urgent requests and overpromising offers to untraceable payment methods, and shares advice on what to do if you fall victim. She also touches on broader regulatory efforts, including strong customer authentication and upcoming requirements to further reduce payment fraud. Watch the full interview for insights into how Europe is tackling this growing challenge.

The discussion also explores the importance of ethics and compliance in corporate culture, the challenges of applying EU health and safety legislation across all businesses, and the need for greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Galli emphasises how collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders drives progress and ensures safer workplaces. Watch the full interview for more.

This new approach brings together existing stockpiling efforts across different sectors, improves access to critical resources, and combines EU-level reserves with national contributions. While it covers a broad range of essential goods, health-related supplies such as personal protective equipment, medicines and vaccines are a key component. Public-private partnerships will help make the system more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective in responding to crises across all sectors, including public health.

Created after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) plays a key role in improving the EU’s readiness for future health crises. Its work focuses on the procurement and stockpiling of medical countermeasures (MCMs), including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), medicines and vaccines. Through tools like the Joint Procurement Agreement, which allows the EU and participating countries to buy medical countermeasures together, HERA helps ensure coordinated access to essential supplies across Member States.

However, challenges remain. These include limitations in national capacities, the need for robust EU-level coordination and funding (for example via HERA and the Multiannual Financial Framework), and the need to apply lessons learned from COVID-19. These lessons include improving supply chain resilience, ensuring stockpile rotation, quality and product compliance, and strengthening governance.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to explore the EU Stockpiling Strategy and its role in strengthening Europe’s health resilience. Key questions to be discussed include:

- How does EU legislation and funding mechanisms support health emergency preparedness? What role does the MFF proposal play?
- How does local production relate to Europe's competitiveness? What can EU do to strengthen European manufacturing?
- How can the EU ensure all Member States have access to high-quality, effective PPE?
- How is the EU currently managing stockpiles and logistics, and is there a need for innovation?
- How effective is the Joint Procurement Agreement in ensuring access to medical supplies across the EU?
- What are the main challenges facing the EU in health emergency response, and how can they be addressed?

The discussion covers:

• Allegations of systemic issues in Spain’s tax enforcement and appeals process
• The impact on fundamental rights and access to justice
• Broader implications for EU governance and rule of law
• What actions Brussels could consider in response

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this interview are solely those of the interviewee and do not reflect the position of Euractiv's Advocacy Lab.

According to the European Parliamentary Research Service, 51% of the EU population aged 16 and over is overweight, and 17% is obese. Rising rates of overweight and obesity, poor diet, alcohol consumption and metabolic dysfunction are key drivers of NCDs across Europe. Among the conditions linked to these risk factors is Steatotic Liver Disease (SLD), a spectrum of liver disorders characterised by excess fat accumulation in liver cells that can progress to inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Despite its growing prevalence – affecting an estimated four in ten adults worldwide – SLD remains largely absent from EU health strategies, including Healthier Together.

The lack of attention to liver health within the broader NCD agenda risks leaving a major gap in prevention and care, which in turn could significantly undermine efforts to reduce the impact of chronic diseases across Europe. A more integrated approach that links obesity, metabolic health and liver disease prevention is urgently needed.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore how the EU can strengthen its response to NCDs, ensure obesity is addressed as a key risk factor, and integrate under-recognised conditions such as SLD into a more holistic approach to NCD policy. Key questions to be discussed include:

• What is the current state of NCD prevention in the EU, and how might this evolve in the next policy cycle?
• Which strategies are most effective for addressing obesity and other key risk factors, and how can Member States strengthen prevention and early intervention?
• How can the EU maintain health as a priority across interconnected sectors such as food, digital and social policy?
• How can liver health be better integrated into existing and future NCD strategies?
• What tools are available for early detection and management of SLD, and how can their uptake be supported across Member States?

Women’s health is also gaining attention at the European level. This year, the European Parliament’s health committee is set to launch an own-initiative report on a strategy for women’s health, while the European Commission has published a Roadmap for Women’s Rights calling for gender-sensitive healthcare to address health inequalities and gender-specific health risks.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health condition affecting mothers after childbirth, and in severe cases can lead to suicide. It is the most common psychological condition after birth, affecting around 12% of mothers in Europe, yet it often goes undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, lack of awareness, and insufficient support, leaving many women without the care they need. Despite growing attention on both women’s and mental health, few EU-level initiatives specifically address PPD, highlighting the need for coordinated action and stronger policy support for maternal mental well-being.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss mental health in Europe, with a particular focus on women’s health and postpartum depression. Questions to be addressed include:

– How can the EU further embed mental health considerations across all policies to improve prevention, access to care, and social inclusion?
– What steps are needed to strengthen women’s health policies, including gender-sensitive healthcare and strategies to address health inequalities?
– How can awareness, support, early detection and treatment of postpartum depression be improved across EU Member States?
– What role can policymakers, patient groups, and other stakeholders play in strengthening policy action for maternal mental well-being?
– Which policy initiatives or best practices could serve as a model for improving screening, diagnosis, and treatment of PPD?

This is a Euractiv event funded by Biogen

The European Business Tax Forum (EBTF) and The Ex’tax Project Foundation (Ex’tax) would like to welcome you to the launch of the 2025 Total Tax Contribution (TTC) Study in light of the current megatrends, followed by a symposium focusing on fiscal barriers and enablers for the circular economy.

At this event, the 7th edition of the TTC Study will be presented, followed by a panel session, discussing how the current megatrends could impact the different elements of the Total Tax Contribution for both businesses and policy makers. The Tax & Circular Economy Symposium will explore questions such as:
-What will be a healthy tax mix for governments and businesses?
-How would a taxshift from labour to green taxes impact strategic investment decisions and innovative business models?
-Can every business be a ‘winner’, by evolving its portfolio towards solutions of the future?

This event will highlight how the recently published European strategy on research and technology infrastructures will maximise their impact for our prosperity, resilience, and technological sovereignty. It will showcase how these infrastructures turn public investment into tangible results, supporting the green and digital transitions, unlocking medical breakthroughs, and underpinning the European Research Area. Through concrete examples and open discussion, participants will explore how Europe’s world class infrastructures form an integrated ecosystem from frontier science to technology validation and how coordinated EU and national action can ensure sustainable, world-class capacities benefiting all European users and citizens.

While the technologies and challenges involved on the supply side are well understood and progress is under way, attention is increasingly turning to demand, a crucial but complex part of the equation. Beyond simply electrifying their processes, industrial consumers can play an important role in supporting the electricity system. For example, large and predictable baseload consumption can help optimise grid planning, reducing uncertainty regarding future electricity demand in order to accurately size our electricity grids while avoiding overbuilds. Industrial consumers also facilitate the integration of renewable energy by consuming power when overall demand is low, helping to reduce curtailment. Flexibility services offered by industrial consumers, to the extent this is technically feasible and economically desirable, can also play an important role in keeping the electricity system in balance.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the role of industrial power consumption in Europe, and what opportunities it can create for the power system. Questions to be discussed include:

-How can predictable industrial demand help integrate more renewables and reduce system costs?
-What is the flexibility potential of key industrial sectors, such as aluminium, steel and cement?
-How can industry contribute to grid flexibility while remaining competitive globally?
-What incentives are needed to make industrial electrification investments viable and timely?

Since then, questions have emerged about whether Europe can align regulatory frameworks with scientific innovation quickly enough to maintain global leadership. Will tools such as regulatory sandboxes, clear roadmaps and centralised validation processes enable trust and collaboration across stakeholders, or risk falling short of expectations?

Experts from Humane World for Animals, Cefic and the Dutch government debate whether the EU can build a future ready system that protects people and the environment while driving innovation and competitiveness.

They explore why semiconductors are essential for Europe’s sovereignty and competitiveness, how strategic investments are reshaping the landscape, and what tangible results have already been achieved under the EU Chips Act. The discussion looks at:

- Why chips are crucial for Europe’s future and global supply chains
- How the EU Chips Act aims to strengthen Europe’s fabrication and design capacity Ensuring a level playing field for investment with other continents
- How semiconductors contribute to clean energy and power efficiency
- Supporting industrialisation and innovation through EU-level cooperation
- Stimulating new startups and research collaboration to grow Europe’s chip ecosystem

Patrick and Romano share insights on Europe’s progress so far and the next steps needed to translate research excellence into industrial success.

As part of its efforts to decarbonise energy-intensive industries, the European Commission is designing the legislative proposal Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). The IAA will build on the provisions of the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) to speed up permitting procedures and the clean transition in these sectors while maintaining competitiveness. Part of the strategy is to create markets that drive early demand for low-carbon products in the EU. Called “Green Lead Markets”, these markets aim to create strong, policy-backed demand for products made with clean technologies, notably hydrogen-based products, in sectors like steel, fertilisers, chemicals, and transport.

The goal of Green Lead Markets is to actively stimulate the market for green products through different measures and lead to cost reductions. Those include carbon footprint labels, green public procurement, and buyer obligations, supporting industrial competitiveness while reducing emissions. However, criticisms of Green Lead Markets remain, for instance on the high cost of green products. Some argue that the EU has an opportunity to become the global standard-setter for low-carbon products, but achieving this will need coordinated market strategies, investment, and regulation.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore Green Lead Markets and the potential they hold for driving industrial decarbonisation across the EU. Questions to be discussed include:

- What is the role of Green Lead Markets in decarbonising industries in the EU?

- How can the EU ensure Green Lead Markets create lasting demand for green products? What role will the upcoming IAA play in this?

- How will Green Lead Markets help Europe stay competitive?

In addition, the United States imposed in August 2025 new tariffs that are far higher than this 15% on a broad range of industrial products, in the context of Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium derivatives. About 40% of US machinery imports from the EU are now subject to a 50% tariff on the metal content of the product. Moreover, it leads to additional bureaucracy. It is impossible for companies to find out where steel was cast and aluminium melted for each part. That is why some companies have stopped exports completely to the United States. These dynamics are particularly acute in industries where global competitiveness relies on innovation, scale, and stable market access.

European industrial exporters—especially manufacturers of machinery and hightech equipment—are facing increasing challenges as access to key markets like the United States and China becomes more restricted. Some stakeholders believe that Europe’s current trade strategy might not be fit for purpose. Considering this, industrial policy and trade diplomacy will be central in shaping Europe’s response to these challenges. These could strengthen the EU’s capacity for innovation, resilience, and sustainability, ensuring that European manufacturers remain competitive despite shifting global value chains.

Beyond the transatlantic relationship, the EU’s ability to deepen collaboration with other global actors such as China, India, and Mercosur will be essential. These partnerships not only offer alternative growth markets for European industrial goods but also serve as testing grounds for advancing fair trade practices or sustainability standards.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to explore the implications of the recent EU-US trade deal and assess its impact on Europe’s export-oriented industrial sector. Questions to be addressed include:
- What is the current state of transatlantic trade in industrial goods?
- What is the impact of the US tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives and on key EU industrial sectors?
- How are European machine manufacturers adapting to market pressures?
- What is the role of emerging EU Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Mercosur, India, and other actors?
- Could these FTAs compensate for losses in traditional markets like the US?

This pause on the global stage puts the spotlight on Europe. The EU is tasked with doubling its efforts to modernise and decarbonise the maritime sector by working to ensure that the transition to clean fuels is not only possible, but economically viable.

Policymakers and industry are now faced with translating the IMO's global climate ambition into practical measures that safeguard Europe’s competitiveness - by ensuring a sufficient and affordable supply of sustainable fuels, upgrading port infrastructure across Member States, and supporting shipowners in adopting new technologies. These steps will be key in keeping Europe at the forefront of maritime innovation and industrial leadership.

Among alternative fuels, clean ammonia is gaining momentum as a zero-carbon energy carrier. Produced using renewable and low-carbon energy, ammonia emits no carbon when combusted, and benefits from an existing global production and trade network. Leveraging this infrastructure can help reduce costs and accelerate the transition to cleaner fuels – provided that production, safety, and environmental standards are robustly managed.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss how Europe can turn the IMO’s delay into an opportunity for leadership, and to explore the role of ammonia in decarbonising the maritime sector - from global regulation to EU implementation.

This Policy Conference focuses on boosting economic competitiveness through digitalization and strategic investments. It explores the connections between the Multiannual Financial Framework and the proposal for the European Competitiveness Fund, the Startup and Scaleup Strategy, and Competitiveness Compass to deliver concrete policy options for accelerating digital investments and strengthening Europe’s tech strategic autonomy, by creating a clear, agile governance framework that secures Europe’s leadership in the global digital economy.

Organised by: Adigital
Media Partner: Euractiv

For example, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the share of electric vehicle sales increased in 2024 in 14 out of 27 EU member states. However, it either stalled or declined in the remaining ones, including in key markets such as Germany and France, largely due to the phasing out or reduction of subsidies.

To tackle these challenges, the European Commission has put forward several proposals aimed at accelerating ZEVs adoption. The most recent suggests extending exemptions from tolls and road user charges for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles (trucks and buses) until June 2031, replacing the previous 2025 deadline.

Nevertheless, some stakeholders argue that more can be done to stimulate the ZEV market across different vehicle segments, and suggest a range of policy options.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore the right mix of policy instruments needed to drive ZEVs demand and support Europe’s climate and industrial objectives. Questions to be discussed include:

• Why is ZEVs demand lagging in parts of the EU despite regulatory clarity and growing supply?
• What tools do governments have at their disposal to stimulate demand (e.g. fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, public procurement strategies, mandates)?
• Can a pan-EU approach be effective, or should incentives remain within the remit of national governments?
• Are mandates a viable solution for corporate fleets? What risks and opportunities do they present?
• What lessons can be drawn from frontrunner countries such as Norway, Switzerland and others?

Listen to this hybrid event to examine the risks and opportunities, and jointly debate what kind of DNA will truly serve Europeans in the years ahead.

Panel 3 – How Can the Digital Networks Act Truly Deliver for Europeans?

Central question: How can we ensure that the DNA becomes a tool that delivers best-in-class connectivity and fosters competition?

To that end, this panel will cut through perception to examine the realities: the financial health of telecom companies, the state of network roll-out, as well as the dynamics between tech and telcos.

The discussion will unpack persistent arguments driving the DNA debate (investment gaps, traffic growth, AI’s impact) and the telecom sector’s push for consolidation. Most importantly, the panel will consider what legislative design choices could make the DNA genuinely effective for European consumers, businesses, and innovators.

Join this hybrid event to examine the risks and opportunities, and jointly debate what kind of DNA will truly serve Europeans in the years ahead.

Panel 1 – An Uneven Playing Field for Connectivity: Myth or Reality?

Central question: Should rules originally designed to regulate telecom operators be extended to the wider tech sector?

In its white paper on how to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs and recent DNA call for evidence, the European Commission asserts there is increasing convergence between telecoms and the tech sector (particularly cloud and content providers). Telecom providers, for their part, build on this assumption to advance claims that the regulatory framework therefore should converge as well.

This panel will unpack the structural and functional differences between the two sectors, while also examining the collaborative dynamics that underpin their relationships. We will walk through the patchwork of existing EU frameworks to answer one question: is extending the EECC to digital actors necessary, fair, or even workable?

Panel 2 – How Does the DNA Risk Threatening the Open Internet?

Central question: What concrete risks does the Digital Networks Act pose to the open internet?

This panel will examine the reality of collaboration between telecoms and tech, and assess dangerous proposals that keep resurfacing – in the DNA call for evidence and earlier public consultations, for example.

A central theme will be how any form of dispute resolution for IP interconnection would evolve into network fees – and how such measures would fundamentally reshape the way the internet functions today. Experts with first-hand experience will share their insights, underscoring the real-world stakes for competition, innovation, and end users.

To better protect workers, the European Commission has introduced several key initiatives, including the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027. The Occupational safety and health (OSH) Framework Directive also sets out core principles aimed at improving workers’ wellbeing. All these efforts are supported by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), which advocates for safer and healthier workplaces.

However, despite these EU initiatives, legislation on workers’ health and safety is still not aligned across EU member states. Some stakeholders are therefore calling for more comprehensive, all-encompassing and worker-centered EU policies.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore how to protect workers’ health and safety in the EU, and how innovation is transforming industrial workplaces. Questions to be addressed include:

• How do the EU’s reindustrialisation efforts shape new industrial workplaces? How do they impact workers’ health and safety?
• What practical EU legislative tools and measures can be implemented to address these challenges?
• How can efficient practices for worker protection be shared across EU member states?
• How can we proactively design EU worker-centric policies that equip the workforce for future workplaces, driven by rapid technological change? How to ensure that work legislation is uniform across member states?

Circularity focuses on the entire life cycle of many products via material use reduction, product maintenance and servicing, as well as strategies such as reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling. These actions extend the life of materials, preserve value across supply chains, and minimise resource waste. A circular economy, with its potential to drive sustainable competitiveness, increase strategic autonomy and promote innovation, offers concrete solutions to some of the EU's most pressing industrial and environmental challenges.

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) aims to improve the circularity, energy performance, recyclability, and durability of products like textiles or steel and aluminum. While circularity policies are often framed around consumer products, industrial circularity presents a different set of challenges and opportunities. Consequently, stakeholders have raised concerns that the regulation does not currently differentiate between business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) circularity needs.

To address these challenges, the European Commission is advancing other initiatives, including the Circular Economy Act and a revision of the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE). These aim to support the EU’s goals under the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal to increase recycled material in the EU economy, particularly in areas like waste from electrical and electronic equipment.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the future of B2B circularity in the EU. Questions to be addressed include:

• What are the main issues faced by industry in becoming more circular? How can it be ensured that all resources are used?
• How can the EU address current regulatory gaps, including the need to distinguish between B2B and B2C circularity requirements?
• How effective is the ESPR in promoting circularity, and what improvements are needed?
• What policy tools can drive and encourage circularity across all industrial sectors? What role can industry play in shaping the next policy agenda?
• How will the Circular Economy Act strengthen existing EU initiatives?

The Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) represents a critical milestone. This labeling system for low-emission steel has the potential to become a game-changer, driving the establishment of lead markets for clean steel while fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability throughout the value chain. 
In collaboration with our media partner Euractiv, this high-level event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, standardization bodies, and civil society to explore how robust labeling frameworks can stimulate demand for low-emission steel. Discussions will focus on the role of harmonized standards in ensuring transparency, building consumer trust, and enabling public and private procurement practices that reward climate-friendly solutions. 

Key topics include the current political landscape, the design and implementation of effective labeling systems such as LESS, and their potential to accelerate investments in breakthrough technologies. The event will also address challenges such as certification, traceability, and alignment with international markets. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of Europe’s steel industry and its pivotal role in achieving climate neutrality. 

One of the regulations included in the package, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), mandates companies to report on their sustainability impacts, risks and opportunities on a yearly basis, and for that report to be audited by an independent third party.

Several companies that have reported this year under the current CSRD argue that the practices of the authorised audit firms have made reporting too extensive and complex, and therefore too expensive and not time-efficient internally, on top of not always focusing on the most material elements of a company’s sustainability footprint. In this quest for overall simplification of the Directive, some stakeholders are calling for auditing requirements to also be streamlined.

One issue that stakeholders see with the current transposition of CSRD is that less than a quarter of EU Member States authorise Independent Assurance Service Providers (IASPs), which results in a highly concentrated market around a small amount of authorised companies. By opening the market to IASPs, companies in scope will have access to a wider range of assurance providers. This can lead to making specialised expertise more accessible, especially for smaller companies that will be in scope of the CSRD in 2029, thus lowering the cost and burden of compliance, without lowering the ambition and effectiveness of the Directive.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss how the simplification of sustainability reporting and assurance can become a reality and an opportunity for EU competitiveness. Questions to be addressed include:
- What impact does sustainability reporting have on investment levels?
- What makes double materiality reporting essential?
- What are the benefits of opening the market to IASPs?
- How can the European Commission best review the concentration of the assurance market and ensure diversification?
- What could be the ideal guidelines for companies to conduct voluntary reporting and assurance, so that it remains affordable for organisations of all sizes?
- What are some concrete examples of the ways in which the revision of CSRD can strengthen Europe’s economy? How do these compete on an international level?

These include Solar Radiation Modification (SRM): intentional, large-scale approaches designed to cool the planet by enhancing the reflection of sunlight back into space. They are not a substitute for emissions reductions, but could potentially help manage the consequences of a significantly warmer world, including widespread crop failures, the collapse of critical ecosystems, the inundation of low-lying nations, and the intensification of climate-driven conflict and displacement.

Some have called them 'technologies of desperation' – an idea that only exists because of persistent delays in mitigation efforts.

While deployment is not currently an option - due to serious environmental, social, ethical, and geopolitical concerns - public research in this field remains underfunded, especially in the EU. This gap is opening the door for private capital to step in, often without the transparency or public oversight of such sensitive work demands. Without public funding, the EU risks limiting its ability to build in-house expertise needed to shape the science and influence the crucial international governance decisions that will eventually need to be made.

In late 2024, the EU’s Chief Scientific Advisors, at the request of the European Commission, released an opinion on SRM, recommending that European institutions support responsible and comprehensive research, including on risks and side-effects. Ideally, such research should be backed by public funding that is additional to funding dedicated to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

But this idea is controversial. Critics warn that it could undermine mitigation and adaptation efforts or lead us down a slippery slope toward eventual deployment. Others argue that, without a clear governance framework, we risk having SRM research that is fragmented, opaque, and potentially irresponsible, often led by unaccountable private actors.

A well-defined set of rules could ensure that research remains transparent, accountable, and firmly separated from any premature push for deployment, while keeping the focus squarely on urgent climate action.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference for a discussion on the scientific, ethical, and political dimensions of Solar Radiation Modification research. Together with leading experts and policymakers, we’ll explore:

- What is SRM, what might it offer in the future, and why is it so controversial?
- Could SRM shift global power dynamics, and how can the EU position itself to lead in shaping global rules and safeguards?
- Where are the biggest knowledge gaps and how can public research help fill them, transparently and ethically?
- What would responsible SRM research look like?
- How do we get it right for future generations, ensuring that today’s decisions don’t create tomorrow’s regrets?

This year, the Commission published a communication on the Action Plan on Basic Skills and the Union of Skills, setting out key actions. To boost digital skills across Europe, it will update the Digital Competence Framework in 2025 to include emerging technologies like AI, develop guidelines to strengthen digital literacy in vocational education and training (VET), and create a toolkit to integrate basic skills into apprenticeships. The Commission will also promote high-quality teaching materials through EU Code Week and develop EU-wide best practices by 2026 for assessing digital skills in schools to ensure consistent evaluation.

Following the midway point of the Digital Education Action Plan adopted in 2020, the Commission will present a 2030 Roadmap in 2025 to promote equal access to digital education, support AI literacy, and build long-term partnerships with EU-based EdTech providers. Separately, it will implement a STEM Education Strategic Plan to encourage more students, especially girls and women, to pursue STEM studies and careers, while using Erasmus+, the Digital Europe Programme, and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to establish transnational university-business partnerships to train people in sectors with severe skills gaps.

In the run up to EU Code Week 2025, which will take place from 11-26 October, join this Euractiv Virtual Conference to take stock of the Digital Education Action Plan just after its halfway mark and explore what’s next for digital skills in Europe. Some questions to be discussed include:

– What does examining the Digital Education Action Plan at its midway point reveal about its successes and challenges? What will be the focus for the second half?
– What should the 2025 update of the Digital Competence Framework include to reflect emerging technologies and support digital skills development?
– What role do digital skills play in improving the EU’s global competitiveness, and which sectors could benefit most from stronger digital capacities?
– Is current EU action enough to close the digital skills gap, or is more legislation and investment needed, and if so, on which areas should it focus?

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The conversation dives deep into:
- How lithium is extracted sustainably from the Salar de Atacama
- SQM’s community outreach efforts and long-term partnerships with indigenous communities
- Addressing water use and environmental concerns in one of the driest places on Earth
- Empowering indigenous women through the AMA project
- Building trust, transparency, and international cooperation with the EU
- Planning for a future beyond mining for local communities

Javier emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships, co-created programs, and respectful engagement, offering a compelling look at how the future of clean energy must also be socially and ethically responsible.

The European Commission is preparing a new Bioeconomy Strategy, set for adoption by the end of 2025, to boost innovation and strengthen Europe’s bioeconomy. The strategy is expected to outline measures that will help bring bioeconomy innovations to market, creating new opportunities for green jobs and sustainable economic development.

A key focus of the strategy will be enhancing circularity and sustainability while supporting the EU’s broader decarbonisation efforts. It will establish the necessary framework conditions to support bioeconomy startups, entrepreneurs, and new business models, ensuring they can thrive in a competitive market.

By aligning with major EU initiatives such as the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal, the strategy will harness the potential of the bioeconomy to support European businesses and advance the EU’s environmental, climate, and competitiveness goals.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the upcoming Bioeconomy Strategy, its potential to drive sustainable economic growth, support innovation, and strengthen Europe’s green transition. Some questions to discuss include:

- What policy measures are needed to accelerate bioeconomy innovation?
- How can the strategy help businesses scale up and compete globally?
- What gaps and challenges should be addressed to unlock the full potential of Europe’s bioeconomy?

The 2024 Draghi Report, along with the European Commission’s newly introduced Competitiveness Compass for the EU, highlights key challenges facing Europe’s sustainable growth and global competitiveness. These include slower productivity growth compared to other regions and the disruptive impact of emerging technologies. The report identifies three key areas for action: closing the innovation gap, advancing a competitive decarbonisation strategy, and enhancing security by reducing external dependencies.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore the challenges facing the EU’s battery raw materials industry. Questions to be addressed include:

- What is the current state of industries supplying critical raw materials, such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, for the EV battery value chain?
- Does the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass effectively address the industry's concerns? Where do the major challenges lie?
- What actions are needed to build a robust and resilient EU battery raw materials industry?
- What measures can be taken to ensure sustainable domestic raw material production and recycling while expanding capacities to meet growing demand?

By bringing diverse perspectives to the table, this policy debate aims to stimulate forward-thinking dialogue on how Europe can accelerate the transition to a resilient, competitive, and secure green economy. Speakers will look at the role of R&I as an enabler of the green transition and explore how its policy, economic and societal impact can accelerate in the coming years. We invite you to join this timely conversation and contribute to shaping the future of EU research and innovation for sustainable prosperity.

This policy dialogue will set the scene for the full-day "R&I for a Competitive Green Transition" conference, organised by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, on 24 June 2025 in Brussels. Topics introduced in this policy dialogue session will be explored in more depth during this conference, which is a satellite event of the European Research and Innovation Days.

More information and registrations for the conference: Events | The research and innovation community platform

Large companies operating in these areas play a vital role. Their investments not only generate employment but also foster skills development within local communities and stimulate innovation ecosystems. This type of corporate commitment can serve as a model for public policies aimed at promoting balanced growth across the European Union.

The event will showcase Amazon as an example of how widespread, localized investment across multiple regions can drive economic activity—through job creation, GDP contribution, and the broader social and economic revitalization of communities. It will bring together Amazon leaders, EU and regional policymakers, and experts to explore concrete success stories and replicable models for reindustrialization, territorial cohesion, and the role of public-private collaboration in driving regional transformation.

However, these sectors, who are major global GDP contributors, are amongst the highest emitters of CO2 and face increasing pressure to decarbonise and align with the EU’s climate targets. To address this challenge, the European Commission has recently launched the Clean Industrial Deal, which is designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of European industry and to foster competitiveness. As part of this initiative, the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act also aims to speed up industrial access to energy and decarbonisation.

According to a recent Fraunhofer IPA report on how hard-to-abate industries can achieve net zero, achieving these goals will require investment in new technologies, such as electrification of heat, carbon capture or hydrogen production. These solutions have the potential to reduce emissions while maintaining high productivity across Europe’s heavy industry and manufacturing.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore strategies to reduce carbon emissions in European heavy industry, while ensuring competitiveness of the sector. Questions to be addressed include:

- What role can existing and emerging technologies play in the decarbonisation of Europe’s heavy industry and manufacturing? How can the EU effectively foster innovation?
- How can the EU strike a balance between its climate ambitions, industrial competitiveness and productivity?
- What strategies can help ensure the cost competitiveness of low-carbon solutions for heavy industry?

Listen to a discussion with industry, academia and policymakers to explore how European regulations can better support innovators and how innovations like RegTech can enable seamless regulatory compliance. The event will provide a deep dive into the potential of turning regulatory compliance into a competitive advantage, showcasing how technologies like AI have a unique momentum to empower organisations to streamline their reporting, reduce costs, and adapt to evolving realities as first-movers in their fields.

Participants will gain insights from compelling case studies on streamlining compliance in highly regulated sectors including healthcare, sustainability, and finance.

And in a major step forward, WHO Member States recently forged a draft agreement, to be discussed at the World Health Assembly in May, which aims to strengthen global collaboration on prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemic threats. EU Health Ministers argue they should have access to the 800 billion euros set aside for the EU’s over-arching Union Preparedness Strategy saying, “without essential medicines, Europe’s defence capabilities are compromised.”

One growing health concern is the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which occurs when germs no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. The emergence and spread of these drug-resistant infections are also accelerated by human activity, such as conflicts that lead to mass displacement of civilian populations.

While the EU is taking steps to address potential health emergencies, including the acute threat of future virus pandemics as well as combatting the rise of the ‘slow pandemic’ of AMR, health and policy experts argue that further cooperation, transparency and improved procedures are needed among member states.

Against the backdrop of emerging public health issues, join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the evolving EU policy landscape for health security to ensure Europe is prepared for new and emerging cross-border health threats. Questions to be addressed include:

• How can the EU initiatives on cross-border health threats be effectively implemented to ensure effective impact at both EU and national levels?
• What further measures can the EU and its member states take to ensure greater preparedness and response for future health security threats following the unprecedented damage done by COVID-19?
• Given the rise of AMR, what policies should be prioritised at the EU level to coordinate research, surveillance, and stewardship efforts?
• How can we ensure public-private working practices are successfully set up to face AMR?
• In the current geo-political climate how important is it to have on-shore manufacturing for medical counter measures in Europe?

Since then, the European Parliament has proposed thousands of amendments to the text, with many observers warning that these changes risk watering down the original proposal and weakening its impact.

In this Policy Triangle discussion, Tilly Metz MEP, Dr Joanna Swabe from Humane World for Animals Europe, and Nancy De Briyne from the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe explore whether the Commission’s proposal and Parliament’s response can deliver meaningful progress on animal welfare during transport or risk falling short of expectations.

He also shares his views on how the sector can contribute to the European Green Deal, the need for simpler regulation, and the importance of promoting safe and informed alcohol consumption. Providing clear information, he says, empowers consumers to make better choices and supports a balanced approach. Watch the full interview for more.

Several regulations are covered by the package. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the EU Taxonomy will all see major changes. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has also been slightly amended.

These new measures are designed to enhance Europe's global competitiveness by alleviating regulatory pressures on businesses, potentially saving companies billions of euros. For instance, the CSRD has been reduced in scope, now affecting only companies with over 1000 employees.

However, the proposal has sparked controversy. Critics argue that loosening these regulations could undermine corporate accountability and hinder progress toward the EU's climate goals. Some stakeholders also argue that SMEs have not been sufficiently included in the consultation period leading to the publication of the package, as opposed to big corporations who have contributed widely.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss what the omnibus package means in practice, how it affects European SMEs, and how it can impact the EU’s sustainability credentials. Questions to be addressed include:
- What does the revision of the CSDDD, CSRD, and EU taxonomy mean concretely? How will it impact European manufacturers?
- Are the updated regulations implementable and manageable for companies of all sizes across Europe?
- What are the challenges that European SMEs could face with the new omnibus?
- How would supply chain due diligence requirements be impacted? What can be expected in terms of European competitiveness?
- Can it be expected that the omnibus will be fully implemented in its current form?

Through a presentation followed by a panel discussion, we will delve into the vast potential for electrifying European industry, the existing technologies and the need for tailored support across sectors. We will also examine the impact of electrification on industrial sovereignty and competitiveness.

Finally, we will identify key success factors and provide recommendations to accelerate this essential transformation.

We eagerly anticipate discussing these insights with you!

Building on this dialogue, in March 2025, the Commission introduced an Automotive Action Plan, outlining concrete measures to strengthen the industry's resilience, ensure its sustainability, and unlock its full innovative potential.

While the plan takes a broad approach to the automotive industry, some stakeholders argue that it lacks specific actions addressing the needs of the commercial vehicle sector, although the Heavy-Duty Vehicle (HDV) sector plays a crucial role in Europe's economy and environmental goals.

Listen this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the importance and potential of the Heavy-Duty Vehicle sector within the framework of the Automotive Action Plan. Questions to be discussed include:

• How can the Automotive Action Plan better address the challenges and opportunities of the HDV sector?
• How can policymakers and industry leaders collaborate to enhance innovation and competitiveness in the HDV sector?
• How can European manufacturers stay competitive in the face of increasing global competition in the commercial vehicle market?

The European Green Deal emerged from a political landscape shaped by growing climate awareness and the electoral green wave. However, successive crises—from COVID to energy instability—have reshaped priorities, making the path forward more complex. As concerns over competitiveness, security, and strategic independence grow, how can the Green Deal adapt while staying on track? 
 
This discussion explores whether the European Commission is truly listening to civil society, the role of disinformation in shaping public perception, and how to align environmental and economic goals for a just transition.
 
We’re thrilled to host three experts and hear their thoughts on this topic: Elina Bardram, Director, Adaptation & Resilience, Communication, and Civil. Society Relations, DG CLIMA, European Commission; Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle, Member of the European Parliament; Petros Fassoulas, Secretary General, European Movement International.

This collaboration was done in the context of the REAL DEAL, a research project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101037071.

In the current geopolitical incertitude, rising trade wars and protectionism, the European Commission has established as one of its main priorities for the starting mandate the reinforcement of the automotive industry and European companies' competitiveness.

In this context, the IAM in general and parts distribution and wholesaling in particular, represented by FIGIEFA, call on a holistic approach of the entire automotive ecosystem for this Action Plan and future European legislation. The Roland Berger Aftermarket Panorama study that will be presented at this event will show the extent to which the IAM is capital in driving the sector and the whole industrial competitiveness for Europe, together with an unmatched economic and societal impact.

In the aftermath of the publication of the European Commission Automotive Industrial Action Plan released on the 5th of March, we will assess what is ahead of us by bringing the voice of the IAM industry, consumers, and policymakers together. We will discuss the strengths of the plan, important missing elements, and how the Independent Aftermarket is a key part of the industry that needs to be in the core of the European institutions strategies if they want this plan’s objectives to be achieved.

Over the past years, with an acceleration of global and regional crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health problems among people aged between 15 and 24 have only been exacerbated, and even doubled, as the figures show. Feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness are much more common in young people than in adults. Excessive use of digital technology in youth also has more significant negative effects, including reduction in physical social contacts, social comparison, increased anxiety or decreased self-esteem, cyberbullying, addiction to online gaming etc.

According to OECD data, the economic burden of mental wellbeing among youth can rise to up to 4% of EU GDP annually, equivalent to over €600 billion per year, owing primarily to reduced productivity, healthcare costs, and social welfare expenditure.

In 2023, the European Commission announced that, as of 2025, the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) will include additional data on mental health to ensure a stronger monitoring and assessment of progress on mental health across the EU. However, some stakeholders argue that a lot more focus should be placed on prevention and promotion of youth mental wellbeing, and that a systemic change is required in order to improve the situation.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss how the EU could foster a more supportive environment for youth mental health. Questions to be addressed include:
- How can the EU increase support for prevention and promotion of youth mental wellbeing? What would a systemic change look like?
- What are some of the best practices regarding youth mental wellbeing implemented across Europe? What do successful initiatives look like?
- What forms of partnerships should prevail – between the public, private, civil society sectors - to implement successful initiatives?
- How can youth perspectives be best reflected in youth policies?

In this podcast, host Xhoi Zajmi and Euractiv’s tech reporter, Jacob Wulff Wold, discuss the state of AI in journalism, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Scaling up and prioritising investments in repurposed infrastructure – such as pipelines for transporting hydrogen and carbon dioxide – are seen as central for energy system integration and stability. These investments are also important deliverables for the new 5-year term of the European institutions, which prioritise growth and competitiveness alongside climate neutrality and strategic energy sovereignty.

A European hydrogen backbone is a major step to deliver on decarbonisation. Within this framework, repurposing gas pipelines to hydrogen service can cut investment costs by 50-80% compared to creating new pipelines.

The EU Industrial carbon management strategy calls for the implementation of a net-zero industry act target of at least 50 million tonnes of CO2 storage capacity. This will require connecting emitters with storage sites. However, little detail is provided on how to enable hydrogen and CO2 infrastructures on time and at the right scale to serve transition to a new energy landscape.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the role of repurposed pipelines in delivering the EU’s decarbonisation targets. Questions to be addressed include:
- What are the best strategies to address the contribution that hydrogen and carbon dioxide infrastructure can provide to achieve EU climate targets in a cost-efficient manner?
- How can the current regulatory and funding frameworks for hydrogen and carbon dioxide infrastructure help - or hinder - the necessary investments?
- How and to what extent does repurposing of natural gas pipelines help in reducing energy costs for industry competing on a global scale and lowering the bills for EU households?

The strategy includes a mix of regulatory, financial, and voluntary measures for 2021-2030, focusing on forests' multifunctional role. Key actions involve promoting sustainable forest management, increasing forest size and biodiversity by planting 3 billion trees by 2030, and offering financial incentives for forest owners and managers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. And currently under review by the European Parliament and the Council is the introduction of regulation on EU forest monitoring, reporting, and data collection.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to reflect on the EU Forest Strategy for 2030 and assess its progress as it nears the halfway point.

Questions to be addressed include:

- As the halfway mark approaches, what are the key achievements of the EU Forest Strategy so far, and where does it fall short?
- Have member states aligned their efforts, or are there significant disparities in implementation? Which countries have seen the most success, and why?
- How have forest owners, managers, and the broader forest industry responded to the strategy? Are the financial incentives and support measures sufficient to enable them to adopt environmentally friendly practices?
- Has the planting of 3 billion new trees by 2030 progressed as planned, and what challenges remain in achieving this goal?

Life Terra is co-financed by the European Commission through the LIFE Programme (LIFE19 CCM/NL/001200).

The content of this publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The Agency does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

Sustainably sourced wood provides a reliable, renewable, material, offering various applications in construction, furniture, packaging, clothing, bio-chemicals and renewable energy. Renewable raw materials, such as wood, play a crucial role in developing a more circular economy. As losses and degradation always take place, no material can be reused or recycled forever. Virgin renewable raw materials can be supplied according to principles of circular economy, for example wood from regenerative forestry.

These wood-based solutions align with the objectives of the European Commission’s proposed EU Circular Economy Act, which aims to transform industrial resource use, minimise waste, and boost Europe’s competitiveness. Wood can serve as an effective alternative to non-renewable materials like plastics. When combining with other construction materials like concrete and steel, wood can pave the way towards more sustainable low-carbon building.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the role of wood-based value chains and renewable carbon in achieving a more circular economy in Europe. Questions to be discussed include:

- What role do wood-based value chains currently play in the EU circular economy? What is their potential?
- How can the EU promote the utilisation of wood in hybrid construction?
- What are the environmental benefits of the use of renewable carbon as a resource?
- What policy measures are needed to benefit from renewable carbon and wood-base?

As part of this dialogue, Liquid Gas Europe will present its Outlook for the Production of Renewable Liquid Gases in 2040 and 2050, offering an in-depth analysis of how bioLPG and other renewable liquid gases will contribute to Europe's energy transition. This outlook will provide critical insights into production forecasts, market growth, and their role in achieving decarbonization goals?

The Clean Industrial Deal presents a transformative opportunity to decarbonize households, transportation, and industries, positioning Europe as a global leader in renewable liquid gas production. Against the backdrop of the Affordable Energy Act and the Competitiveness Fund, which aim to address the urgent need for accessible and renewable energy, this event will explore how targeted policies and innovative solutions can empower rural communities and industries alike?

This dialogue will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and rural stakeholders to discuss actionable strategies for transitioning to renewable energy sources while ensuring competitiveness and economic resilience for rural areas?

Organised by: Liquid Gas Europe
Media Partner: Euractiv

Europe faces a unique challenge: maintaining an open economy in an increasingly complex and hostile geopolitical landscape while ensuring the technology industry remains a key resource for its competitiveness and resilience.

The European Commission will pursue an ambitious agenda to increase resilience of its technological base, and to enable innovation by focusing on technology adoption, investments and regulatory simplification. ITI will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the way forward for Europe and its international partners to advance key economic security goals while fostering innovation and competitiveness.

With industrial electrification currently accounting for 33% of Europe's electricity consumption, the potential for expansion remains significant. The Antwerp Declaration's emphasis on streamlining industrial processes whilst maintaining competitiveness has created new opportunities for accelerating electrification across sectors. However, key questions remain about implementation, financing, and maintaining European industrial competitiveness.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss how Europe can leverage industrial electrification to strengthen its competitive position whilst advancing its climate objectives. Questions to be discussed include:

- How can electrification accelerate the industrial transition while supporting European competitiveness?
- How can the EU address the current barriers to electrification?
- What specific policies or legislative actions are needed at the EU level to accelerate industrial electrification, and how can they align with existing frameworks?
- How can we foster research and innovation in sectors where electrification is not yet feasible?
- How does the EU plan to finance the implementation of its electrification initiatives?

As Europe shifts to greener energy, businesses are struggling with higher energy costs, making it harder to compete globally. Energy companies face several challenges: accessing and balancing investments in renewable energy and grid modernisation, with the need to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies.

With the EU’s multiannual financial framework and the Clean Industrial Deal on the horizon, the newly appointed European Commission will face the challenge of harnessing these tools for Europe's energy transition, while addressing the pressure of global competition.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the financing of the EU energy transition in the context of increasing global competition. Questions to be addressed include:

- How can Europe remain an industrial leader while pursuing its climate objectives?
- How can EU legislation be improved to provide a clear, long- term framework for the green transformation?
- How can private and public sectors collaborate effectively to accelerate investments in renewable energy?

The EU-Kazakhstan relations were recently strengthened by the Annual Cooperation Council which took place in October 2024, which aims to strengthen political, economic and trade cooperation. Cooperation in the raw material sector was particularly reinforced by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in November 2022.

Kazakhstan’s recent accession to the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) Forum, which serves as a new platform for cooperation in the CRMs area, also broadened EU-Kazakhstan relations further.

In the context of the upcoming European Commission’s Raw Materials Week 2024, listen to this Euractiv Conference to explore the future of EU-Kazakhstan relations in the CRM sector and the emerging opportunities driven by the EU’s green and digital transitions. Questions to be discussed include:

- What are the implications of the Mineral Security Partnership Forum for EU-Kazakhstan cooperation in the CRMs area?
- How can the MSP Forum support sustainability and diversification of the CRMs supply chains in EU-Kazakhstan trade relations?
- Does the scaling up of Kazakhstan’s CRMs production align with the EU’s green and digital transition ambitions?

The European Union's proposed regulation on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) has sparked significant debate within the technology industry over its implications on Europe's ability to innovate in next-generation technologies such as 5G and 6G. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on innovation, competitiveness but also national security and defence capabilities.

Over a roundtable lunch hosted by Euractiv in collaboration with Qualcomm, representatives from industry, academia, and government will delve into the future of SEPs and standardisation in Europe.

Questions to be discussed include:
- How will the proposed regulation impact national security and defence capabilities?
- What is the role of courts and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in resolving intellectual property disputes, particularly in the context of SEPs?
- How can we achieve a balanced approach that protects both patent holders and implementers in the SEP landscape?

For the last decade there has been a lot of focus in the EU on additional reporting and anti-abuse measures, which ultimately had lead to a high cost of tax compliance. According to the Draghi Report this has resulted in the EU having proportionally smaller companies compared to the US. In the current context, the European Business Tax Forum (EBTF) estimated it was the right time to make a status on tax transparency in Europe while continuing promoting a fact-based public debate by disclosing the tax contribution of major multinationals in Europe.

Listen to this hybrid conference with the support of Euractiv to discuss the current state of Tax Transparency in Europe and how companies are preparing for the upcoming reporting requirements, and to find out how the European MNC’s are contributing to the public finances globally and how this has been evolving.

Questions that will be discussed include:
- What differences can be seen in the various sectors and around Europe in terms of the current level of tax transparency?
- Will the upcoming reporting obligations be sufficient for informing stakeholders adequately?
- What are examples of best transparency practices?
- What role do European MNC’s play in increasing the future EU competitiveness?

In the latest study on urban mobility transition by EIT Urban Mobility, findings show that investments in innovation are already yielding significant results in improving traffic congestion and reducing emissions in several European cities. By 2030, technological progress in mobility solutions could help reduce CO2 emissions by 21%.

According to the report, public transport emerges as the most affordable and inclusive solution to reduce urban mobility emissions. By 2030, public transport ridership could increase by up to 7%, while private car trips could drop by up to 16%. Moreover, findings show that shifting to active transport modes like walking and cycling could generate €1,170 in health savings per capita between 2022 and 2050.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the costs and benefits of the EU’s urban mobility transition and how the EU can ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to a cleaner, more efficient urban mobility system. Questions to be addressed include:
-What are examples of innovation in urban mobility? How can they be advanced?
-How can cities finance new infrastructure and technology upgrades while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all citizens? What role do public and private investments play in this?
-What could be the economic impacts of the transition? How can the EU mitigate negative outcomes for vulnerable populations?

Yet European steel’s viability and leadership in breakthrough decarbonisation projects - worth billions in investments - are now under threat. Global steel overcapacity, unfair trade practices, high energy costs, and increasing carbon prices are eroding Europe’s industrial competitiveness, as highlighted in the recent Draghi Report.

Can the EU’s renewed focus on industrial competitiveness and the proposed Steel Action Plan be the solution? What does it take to shape an actionable, timely European Steel Action Plan to address these crucial challenges?

Listen to this EUROFER Conference - running alongside the exhibition “Steel: At the Heart of Europe – Stronger with European Steel”, hosted at the European Parliament from 19 to 21 November - to discuss these pressing questions with Members of the European Parliament, steel industry leaders, and social partners.

At this pivotal time - just days before the new European Commission begins its work, with President Ursula von der Leyen’s pledge to take decisive action within the first 100 days - panellists will exchange views on:
· What immediate actions are needed to secure investments in green steel and protect quality jobs in Europe;
· How to craft a strategic, full set of measures across all policy areas to ensure Europe’s competitive edge in the race for climate-neutral production;
· Why an EU Steel Action Plan is urgently needed not only to safeguard a sustainable future for the sector, but to ensure the resilience of Europe’s entire industrial ecosystem.

Organised by: EUROFER
Media Partner: Euractiv

With the Draghi report underscoring the importance of a competitive and sustainable Europe, and growing momentum for harmonising climate policies across the Single Market, this event offers a timely platform to discuss how the forthcoming EU Green Claims Directive (GCD) can support these objectives, and the role that Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) plays in this transition.

The GCD is set to be a cornerstone in enhancing transparency and integrity in green claims, helping to combat greenwashing and provide consumers with reliable information. However, it is also important to ensure that the Directive does not unintentionally hinder the use of the VCM, which is an essential tool for mobilising substantial private sector investment in climate action. Far from being a ‘licence to pollute,’ high-integrity carbon credits support valuable environmental projects and accelerate the transition to net-zero.

With the GCD soon entering interinstitutional negotiations, this event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss how the GCD aligns with the EU’s broader climate objectives and how the VCM can continue to play a vital role in the EU’s decarbonisation efforts, all while maintaining transparency, trust, and market integrity.

Organised by: The Business Alliance for Climate Action (BACA)
Media Partner: Euractiv

The F.R.E.I.H.E.I.T project (Fact-checking & Reliable European Information to Help Europe Integrate Together) aims to address foreign interference in European media. Through fact-checked, independent editorial production, freelance journalists from Europe and the Eastern Neighbourhood are working to combat disinformation and promote reliable information.

Media freedom remains under pressure in many Eastern Neighbourhood countries. Critics claim that Georgia struggles with disinformation, Moldova faces news bias, and Russian propaganda is replicated in Azerbaijan. There are also reports of an increase in disinformation in Armenia, and a deterioration of free speech in Belarus.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the state of media freedom in Europe. Journalists from the F.R.E.I.H.E.I.T project, reporting from Eastern Europe, will bring their on-the-ground experience to the conversation. Some questions to be addressed include:

- What are the most pressing challenges to media freedom within the EU, and how do they differ from those in the Eastern Neighbourhood?
- Does the European Media Freedom Act adequately address these issues? What improvements could be made?
- How can EU countries provide more support to Eastern Neighbourhood journalists facing media freedom challenges?
- How can EU-Eastern Neighbourhood collaboration be strengthened to combat shared disinformation threats?

The sole responsibility for any content supported by the European Media and Information Fund lies with the author(s) and it may not necessarily reflect the positions of the EMIF and the Fund Partners, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the European University Institute.

However, different district heating systems are at different stages of progress towards net-zero. Some systems, particularly low-temperature district heating networks, have already been fully decarbonised through the use of technologies like heat pumps and geothermal energy. In contrast, large-scale district heating systems that require high temperatures face more limited options, such as biomass, electrode boilers (as part of power-to-heat solutions), and energy storage.

A key principle of the energy transition is to ensure that no one is left behind, including customers of district heating systems. This transition presents a range of challenges, not only technical and technological, but also regulatory and economic. These difficulties will be especially pronounced in large, densely developed cities. To address this, it is essential to establish regulatory frameworks and effective mechanisms, in line with the Fit for 55 package, that will support investment and ensure the transformation is both feasible and acceptable for heat recipients.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the road to net-zero of district heating systems. Questions to be discussed include:

- What is the future role of district heating systems? With rising heatwaves across Europe, what potential do these systems have to provide both heating and cooling?
- What technological and regulatory solutions can be implemented to meet the new targets for energy-efficient district heating and cooling systems?
- How can the cost burden of the transformation be minimised for end users? What financial and regulatory tools are required to support the transition?
- What is the potential of power-to-heat solutions and thermal storage, and how can they complement the role of large-scale cogeneration units?
- Do heating networks pose limitations to the energy transition? How can high-temperature district heating systems be decarbonised?
- What regulatory frameworks are necessary for the district heating sector to effectively manage the transformation process?

The forthcoming "Digital Fairness Act" will impact a range of industries, from e-commerce to entertainment, which will need to adhere to new standards, including transparent marketing practices and measures to prevent addictive behaviours, all aimed at creating a safer and more equitable digital environment for consumers.

The Commission has also launched a fitness check of EU consumer law on digital fairness to assess whether the current legal framework is sufficient to guarantee a high level of consumer protection in the evolving digital landscape.

Where the upcoming implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act specifically aims to regulate AI systems and their application in industry and the Digital Services Act (DSA) regulates online content, these new measures seek to level the digital playing field, address unfair practices, and ensure consumers are thoroughly protected both online and offline.

Lsiten to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the protection of consumers in the digital environment. Questions to be discussed include:

- What role does the Digital Services Act play in holding online platforms accountable for ensuring a high level of safety and privacy for consumers?
- What role should public consultation and stakeholder engagement play in shaping future digital fairness legislation to ensure it addresses real consumer concerns?
- What lessons can be learned from the lottery industry in their ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers and prevent addictive gambling behaviours?

As an example, we will discuss the Spanish Renewable Awards. Spain has defaulted on more than 25 international arbitration awards amounting to €1.56 billion in compensation for the retroactive withdrawal of renewable premiums. This amount is further increased by over €315 million in legal and financial overcosts resulting from non-compliance with the rulings. The situation has become so bad that numerous enforcement procedures and asset seizures are in play through courts in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Australia, and the United States.

The Spanish Government has been accused of taking an ideological position to refuse to settle these claims and has attempted to persuade the European Commission to retrospectively declare these awards as ’state aid’. If this is proven to be the case, what message does this give to large renewable investors about the rule of law in Europe?

Join us for this important and lively discussion with renewable energy investors, senior litigators and European officials.

Organised by: Aream Group SA
Media Partner: Euractiv

Scientific evidence underlines the urgent and exacerbated need for more sustainable and healthier food systems. This is due to factors related to the climate crisis, such as soil degradation and a decline in biodiversity, as well as other factors such as increased obesity levels in many countries.

Many stakeholders argue that the transition to sustainable food systems needs to be accomplished in a manner that respects and preserves Europe's natural resources. Farmers play a key role in this transition. Recent protests throughout the EU highlighted that the upcoming mandate will be critical in delivering the necessary assistance and funding farmers' needs for this transition.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the way forward to more resilient and sustainable food systems in the EU. Questions to be discussed include:

- What are the main financial challenges currently faced by farmers in the transition towards sustainable food systems?
- How can EU policy frameworks be adapted to provide more flexible and financial support to farmers transitioning to sustainable practices?
- How can we create favourable market conditions that protect natural resources while transitioning to sustainable food systems?

However, the rapid development of neurotechnology raises important questions regarding its societal impact and regulatory requirements. As neurotechnologies intersect with various EU legislative and policy initiatives, a comprehensive and integrated approach will be necessary for the EU to establish a legal framework governing these technologies.

Moreover, certain applications of neurotechnology could pose challenges related to fundamental rights, such as concerns about mental surveillance or consent to collection and processing of brain data. The EU will need to identify potential gaps in existing fundamental rights’ protections and address them to ensure neurotechnology advances responsibly. A key element of the EU's approach will be engaging stakeholders and ensuring inclusiveness in discussions on the regulation and application of neurotechnology.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss neurotechnology's rapid evolution and its legal implications in the EU policy-landscape. Questions to be discussed include:

-With the evolution of other technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the effects of neurotechnologies become even more elusive. How can we anticipate their long-term consequences?
-Do neurotechnologies fit into existing fundamental rights’ protections or do we need new human rights frameworks and rights for the brain?
-How can we ensure equal access to these technologies and address the risk of exacerbated or even new types of inequalities?
-How do we prepare a legislative framework for neurotechnology, with a focus on inclusive and participatory discussions?

Launched in 2021, the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) aims to revitalise transatlantic cooperation through coordinated approaches to key global trade, economic, and technology issues. Both regions have strong incentives to collaborate, but the specifics will depend on the outcomes of the elections and the policies adopted by new or continuing leadership. Moreover, the EU and the US may seek to renegotiate or reaffirm trade agreements to face global competitors such as China.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss what impact the upcoming US elections might have on transatlantic cooperation and how EU-US relations may develop in the coming years. Questions to be addressed include:

- How might European multinationals and SMEs, production and exports be impacted by the US election outcome? Is there scope for reduced trade barriers?
- What does industrial competitiveness mean for free trade? What role does the US Inflation Reduction Act play in transatlantic relations?
- What scope is there for new agreements and collaborations, addressing supply chain disruptions and labour market challenges? And how does that fit with reducing dependencies on global competitors such as China?
- What could be the implications of the upcoming US elections for EU security and defence, and the outcome of the war with Ukraine?

This wasteful practice harms not only the environment due to high heat-trapping potential of methane, it also harms the health of local communities in the vicinity. Conversely, if this gas was captured instead of wasted into the atmosphere, it would produce revenues for producers, energy security for purchasers, and help slow near-term global warming.

Unfortunately, this major opportunity isn’t on the radar of companies, banks and governments for several reasons. This is in part due to poor data on flaring and emissions, the lack of internal incentives to prioritize their reduction, and high competition for other company priorities. Even when gas-recovery prospects are identified, project development can be expensive and risky, and the economic feasibility can be hampered by tax regimes, expensive borrowing costs, and poor visibility on upstream demand for abated gas.

This event will bring stakeholders together to discuss a new whitepaper from CATF, illustrating how the EU’s You Collect We Buy initiative can be shaped to capture and market gas that would have been leaked, vented or flared.

Ahead of the EU’s anticipated engagement at COP29 on methane reductions in the energy sector, this event will consider how to build the necessary engagement, coordination, and partnerships to capitalise on these opportunities, and create economic, energy, and climate benefits for all.

CATF's Report "Developing an Implementation Plan for ‘You Collect We Buy’ Capitalising on the gas capture opportunity" can be accessed here: https://www.catf.us/resource/developing-implementation-plan-you-collect-we-buy/

However, many countries – including in Europe – are not on track to meet the global goals. HIV continues to pose a public health threat in the EU/EEA countries where an estimated 765 000 people are living with the virus and approximately 23 000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Advocates have been calling for stronger actions at EU and national levels to end the HIV epidemic in Europe.

A new report published by BCG (commissioned by Gilead Sciences), “Going the extra mile to end the HIV epidemic”, lays out the need for sustained funding and investment in HIV prevention, innovation, and other policy efforts such as adopting a range of testing options. The report also highlights the importance of coordination and commitment from a variety of stakeholders, including governments, public health leaders, healthcare providers, and community-led organisations and people living with HIV.

Significant progress has been made in the fight to end the HIV epidemic, but we are currently at risk of falling short of the 2030 targets. An extra effort is required to achieve the global goal. Just 5 years out from 2030, join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the actions needed to end the HIV epidemic in the EU. Questions to be addressed include:

- Considering the UN SDGs, what steps can the EU take to accelerate its efforts to end the HIV epidemic in Europe by 2030?
- To what extent can the EU support its Member States in their fight against HIV? How can the Commission coordinate initiatives at EU and national levels?
- What role do biomedical innovations play in ending HIV in Europe and worldwide? How can they be accelerated?
- How can the EU and its Member States contribute to sustained funding and guarantee access to innovative treatments?
- What are the best practices for HIV testing?
- What is the role of the new EU Institutions in this important fight and to maintain the political momentum for action?

Discussion of the upcoming elections with representatives of Uzbekistan’s political groups and civil society.

Panel II: EU and Central Asia – What avenues for future cooperation?

In 2022 and 2023, the Central Asian Heads of State and the President of the European Council held their first-ever high-level meetings, resulting in the preparation of a further joint roadmap for deepening ties between the EU and Central Asia. An EU–Central Asia leaders' summit is due to take place in 2024 and will be an opportunity to match the EU's political relevance in the region with its status of major donor and investor.

This intensification of high-level relations reflects Central Asia's growing geostrategic importance in the light of recent global developments. These developments also provide further avenues for partnership and cooperation in areas such as energy, agrifood, raw materials and connectivity.

Energy remains a cornerstone of cooperation, as the region holds significant reserves of oil and natural gas. This could present potential for more energy partnerships, as well as investments in pipeline infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and the development of green hydrogen initiatives. Raw materials are another critical area of cooperation, with the EU's high-tech industries and green transition relying on these materials. Enhanced cooperation in mining and sustainable extraction technologies could be pivotal in meeting the EU’s industrial needs while promoting sustainable practices in Central Asia.

The launch of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform in Astana on 12 June marked a milestone in strategic integration. This transport corridor is aimed at connecting Europe and Central Asia within 15 days or less to improve trade and connectivity and follows the Global Gateway Investors Forum in January this year.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to learn more about the untapped opportunities in the Central Asian region and what the new avenues for cooperation with the EU are. Questions to be discussed include:

- What role can the EU's Global Gateway play in modernising Central Asian infrastructure and further integrating the region with European markets?
- What new market opportunities are there for agrifood trade and Central Asian produce within the EU?
- What are the opportunities for EU investment in the region?
- What will EU-Central Asia cooperation look like under the new EU mandate?

In line with this, the development of the new European AI Office ahead of the new mandate will centralise AI expertise across the EU and play a key role in implementing the AI Act.

Looking ahead, a shift to the right following the European Parliament elections may result in fewer regulatory initiatives in tech, a weaker push for market integration, but increased support for defence innovation, according to Euractiv.

Large-scale disinformation campaigns, particularly Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), as defined by the European External Action Service (EEAS), pose a major challenge for Europe and could be a significant focus in the upcoming mandate.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the new legislative agenda for 2024 to 2029 and explore the anticipated challenges and opportunities for the tech sector.

Questions to be discussed include:

- What will be the legislative priorities for the tech sector in the new Commission mandate, particularly regarding AI and disinformation?
- How will the new European Parliament formation impact tech policies in the next mandate?
- What will be the major challenges and opportunities for tech policy from 2024 – 2029?
- What are the key priorities for the tech industry in the coming years?

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement no 101070190.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The revised Renewable Energy Directive mandates European countries to conduct national renewable energy spatial mapping within a year. By February 2026, they must designate Renewable Acceleration Areas. The timeline is tight, but it’s essential to approach this exercise mindfully, considering both the biodiversity and community values. But countries need to go smart to go fast.

TNC's new study "Land use and Europe’s renewable energy transition: identifying low-conflict areas for wind and solar development" reveals that Europe has enough low-conflict land to achieve 45% of renewables by 2030. However, it will not happen on its own – achieving this goal requires conscious adoption of smart siting practices as an imperative in the implementation. The launch event will bring together energy, biodiversity and social science experts. They will discuss how smart siting measures can accelerate sustainable and equitable renewable energy deployment, to achieve the required speed and scale of energy transition to tackle climate change.

Europe’s renewables potential can be unlocked through thoughtful planning, balancing energy needs with environmental stewardship. Smart siting is the key to achieving our renewable energy goals while safeguarding our natural heritage and communities.

Organised by: The Nature Conservancy
Media Partner: Euractiv

In this context, the European Commission approved a new legislation on environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings in February 2024. These scores serve as an informational tool for companies to assess their risks and impacts on people and the environment. The legislation aims to bolster investor’s confidence in sustainable products, while encouraging companies to explore carbon removal projects in Europe.

As such, carbon and biodiversity credits can also play a role in corporate environmental strategies. These credits can incentivise companies to compensate for their carbon footprint through carbon removal projects, such as forest conservation and ecosystem restoration projects.

Some stakeholders believe that ESG ratings can benefit carbon removal companies. However, some are concerned about companies claiming that they are reducing their carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits, and about a lack of transparency on ESG ratings methodology and data sources. To address those inconsistencies, the Commission presented a new
‘Proposal for regulation on transparency and integrity of ESG rating activities.’

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the ESG legislation and its implications for carbon removal projects in Europe. Questions to be addressed include:

· How can the ESG legislation impact companies’ investment in carbon removal projects in Europe? What are the opportunities for companies specialised in carbon removal?
· How can corporations integrate carbon and biodiversity credits into their environmental strategies?
· What are the potential implications of higher carbon credits price on companies’ costs and their products?
· How effective is the new proposal on transparency and regulation on ESG ratings in ensuring companies reduce their carbon emissions?

Life Terra is co-financed by the European Commission through the LIFE Programme (LIFE19 CCM/NL/001200).

The content of this publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The Agency does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

Joined in this podcast by Managing Director and Chairperson Vlasios Oikonomou, the two colleagues discuss the main considerations that embody the spirit of the EU’s Energy Efficiency First principle. They also introduce a core part of their project which involves 8 case studies in four different EU countries – Italy, Poland, Greece, and Croatia.

As quantum is a highly strategic field, all major world regions are investing in it. For example, China has committed to invest around $15 billion, while the US has pledged $5 billion in the next decade. On the other hand, the EU has so far committed around $8 billion (around €7.5 billion).

The EU’s Digital Decade strategy aims for Europe to have its first supercomputer with quantum acceleration by 2025, paving the way to being at the cutting edge of quantum capabilities by 2030.
The European Chips Act also includes measures to foster the low-cost, high-volume manufacturing of quantum chips in the EU, so that they can power a whole range of innovative quantum devices.
Aiming to put Europe at the forefront of developing quantum technologies, the EU has already invested €1 billion in its Quantum Technologies Flagship, a long-term research and innovation initiative launched in 2018.

However, quantum technologies can also pose threats without responsible and sensible governance.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the opportunities and challenges of quantum technologies for the EU. Questions to be addressed include:

- How can the EU compete at a global level when it comes to developing, deploying, and regulating quantum technologies responsibly?
- What role can quantum technologies play in tackling global challenges, including climate change, disease, poverty?
- What policy developments could be expected in the next EU mandate to ensure new technologies are deployed in the most efficient and secure manner?
- What is needed for sensible governance of quantum technologies, given the limited knowledge and understanding we have so far about quantum?

Two important documents adopted by the European Commission in the final phase of the last political term - the Grid Action Plan and the European Wind Power Package – can act as a tailwind for the offshore wind projects. However, both need to be translated into legislation and need to be fully implemented.

This conference will take stock of the current state of offshore wind development in the Baltic Sea region two years after the historic Marienborg Declaration. It will discuss how policy makers can help project developers to implement ambitious offshore plans in the region by addressing the following issues:

1. What kind of regulatory framework at EU and Member State level is needed for existing and new offshore projects?

2. What incentives are needed to enable new offshore investment and help the EU meet its targets?

3. How can European industry contribute to this task for the benefit of the European economy and citizens?

The European Commission proposed an overhaul of EU rules for protecting animals in transport and introduced new regulations on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats in December 2023. However, the rules regarding the welfare of farm animals have not been updated in over 20 years.

We’re thrilled to host three experts and hear their thoughts on this topic: Frank Verdonck from the European Food Safety Authority, Ana Granados Chapatte from the European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders, and Dr Joanna Swabe from Humane Society International/Europe.

Economic cooperation, focused on trade and investment, has been a longstanding cornerstone of EU-Kazakhstan relations. Kazakhstan's natural resources, particularly oil, gas, and minerals, have attracted European companies seeking access to energy markets and investment opportunities. The EU has also been an important market for Kazakh exports, notably oil, metals, and agricultural products.

With regards to agricultural products, EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski visited Kazakhstan from 27-31 May 2024, accompanied by a large business delegation of senior representatives from the EU agri-food sector. The purpose of the visit was to facilitate European agricultural food and beverage exports to Kazakhstan and expand their presence in the Central Asian markets.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss EU-Kazakh relations and the drivers for increased economic and trade cooperation.

Questions to be discussed include:
- Further to May's high-level EU delegation visit to Kazakhstan, what are the next steps in facilitating European agricultural trade with the country and the wider region?
- What will be the wider impact of the agri-led mission to Kazakhstan? Will it lead to an expansion of trade in other sectors?
- Will enhanced EU-Kazakh economic cooperation improve Kazakhstan's ability to trade more globally?
- How can the EU’s focus on sustainable development and green technologies create opportunities for further economic collaboration?
- What will the priorities of EU-Kazakh cooperation be following the June 2024 EU elections?

The current CAP, covering 2023 to 2027, saw a significant push towards greener policies, with a strong focus on environmental requirements, specifically, increased environmental conditionality. However, following the protests, the European Commission has made proposals to appeal to farmers, with many of these proposals focusing on environmental matters.

‘Good agricultural and environmental conditions’ (GAEC) have been relaxed to ease the administrative burden on farmers, providing Member States with more flexibility in policy implementation. Furthermore, some policies on this mandate’s agenda have been scrapped, such as the pesticide regulation (SUR).

Striking a balance between the needs of farmers and sustainability remains a significant challenge that will likely define the next Commission mandate.

As various political parties release their election manifestos, they are including action plans on agrifood policy for the years ahead.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the new legislative agenda for 2024 to 2029 and what changes are foreseen for the agrifood sector.

Questions to be discussed include:

- What proposals have been made, adapted, or withdrawn so far?
- What will the priorities be for the agrifood sector in the new Commission mandate, particularly for CAP?
- How will the outcome of the elections impact future agrifood policies?
- How will policymakers strike a balance between sustainability and the needs of farmers?

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The European Commission set different milestones that are essential to achieve in order to reach the climate-neutral economy objective by 2050. In that context, the 2030 climate and energy framework sets different key targets for the year 2030, notably in terms of emission reductions, the share for renewable energy, and improvement in energy efficiency. Achieving the EU's long-term climate objectives depends on the successful implementation of the 2030 framework.

Among the challenges, a successful transition needs to go hand in hand with economic growth, competitiveness and security of supply, and will also depend on public acceptance. In that context, the next European Commission will have a crucial role to play in setting a regulatory framework while ensuring sustainable growth for all.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the way forward for a successful transition and the next steps to achieve the EU’s climate goals. Questions to be addressed include:

- What are the main challenges the EU faces in meeting its objectives, and how does it plan to address them?
- What will be the key priorities for the next European Commission to achieve the EU’s climate goals?
- What role does innovation play in achieving the EU's climate goals?
- What are the strategies to ensure a just transition for all communities and sectors affected by the shift towards a sustainable economy?

The role of large companies that operate in these areas cannot be overstated. Their contributions, spanning job creation, upskilling of local workforces, and community investments, play an important role in transforming these areas. Moreover, private sector initiatives can serve as a model for a pan-EU strategy that would breathe new life into these areas.

“Regional Revitalization: The Transformative Power of Investment in Rural and Post-Industrial
Areas Across Europe” will highlight the experiences of these companies and serve as a platform to discuss effective models that EU leaders can look to when navigating regional revitalization. The event will feature insights from experts through roundtable discussions on a variety of topics, such as the current status of post-industrial regions in Europe, the EU's perspective on job creation and economic impact that results from re-industrialization, and shared experiences of revitalizing rural and post-industrial regions.

Panels will include representatives and experts from various sectors, including distinguished figures from various European institutions. Professionals from key industries such as automotive, food, and logistics will also share their perspectives and experiences on how private sector companies can play a crucial role in boosting local economies across European regions.

In March, MEPs adopted the proposed revision of the Directive. It aims to progressively decrease greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sectortowards climate neutrality by 2050.

Specifically, all new buildings should be zero-emission as of 2030, while Member States must enact measures for energy consumption reduction and renovate a portion of poorly performing non-residential buildings. Additionally, there is a focus on decarbonising heating systems.

Improving building energy efficiency not only reduces bills and energy poverty but also enhances Europe's energy independence, stimulates the economy, and generates green jobs, particularly in construction.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Some questions to be discussed include:

- Is the Directive sufficiently aligned with the EU's climate ambitions?
- Are the measures feasible for Member States to implement?
- What existing initiatives address energy efficiency and the renovation of buildings?
- Are measures needed to support the construction industry in fulfilling the Directive's objectives?

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 893858.

This website reflects only the author’s view and the Research Executive Agency or European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

In light of the recent farmer’s protests all over Europe, but most notably in Brussels, the future of the agricultural sector is under the microscope like no other sector at the moment. Special attention will be paid to any new developments, plans, and legislation, putting a lot of pressure on the new leaders of the EU.

Within the heating sector, district heating is proving particularly difficult to decarbonise, as district heating systems operate mostly on fossil fuels. However, some stakeholders argue that power-to-heat technologies could be a good solution, as they use renewable energy for heating.

By converting electricity into heat, power-to-heat technologies have the potential to help raise the share of renewable energy in the district heating sector. Power-to-heat could be particularly important in large heating systems which, due to their high heat demand, and with a lack of local renewables, are the most difficult to decarbonise.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the potential of power-to-heat technologies in decarbonising district heating. Questions to be discussed include:
· How can power-to-heat help in reaching the objectives of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Directives?
· What role can power-to-heat play in energy stabilisation? And what implications can this have on energy grids?
· What are the next steps to support the necessary rollout of power-to-heat technologies in district heating?

To address these challenges, the European Commission introduced the Forest Monitoring Law in November 2023, a regulation on a monitoring framework for resilient European forests. This proposal is part of the EU forest strategy for 2030, which seeks to strengthen the protection, restoration and resilience of forests in the EU.

More resilient and diverse forests are essential to cope better with environmental disturbances and to adapt to climate change. This strategy also calls for adequate monitoring of EU forests to help forest owners and managers adjust management practices to forest disturbances.

While stakeholders generally support this proposal, some find it vague and call for stronger initiatives to achieve forest resilience. They also highlight the need for other key indicators to track forest evolution, and for a more unified monitoring framework across EU member states.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss how to make EU forests more resilient against climate change and disturbances. Questions to be addressed include:

- In the framework of the Forest Monitoring Law proposal, how can we guarantee effective strategic planning and progress monitoring at the EU level?
- What support mechanisms are available to assist forest owners and managers in implementing resilience-building measures? How can their forests remain economically viable?
- To what extent can the EU harmonise forest resilience management in its member states?

Life Terra is co-financed by the European Commission through the LIFE Programme (LIFE19 CCM/NL/001200).

The content of this publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The Agency does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

Cet événement a pour ambition de mettre en lumière les enjeux cruciaux liés à l'emploi à domicile, en particulier dans le contexte de la prochaine législature européenne. Face au vieillissement démographique, aux défis du care et aux métiers en tension, il s'agit de sensibiliser les décideurs politiques et les acteurs du secteur aux défis et opportunités de ce domaine souvent méconnu mais essentiel pour l'avenir de nos sociétés.

À travers un format interactif, les participants auront l'opportunité d'échanger leurs visions, leurs propositions et leurs engagements autour de thématiques telles que l'emploi, l'égalité de genre, l'immigration, la professionnalisation, la protection sociale et les soins à domicile. Chaque candidat ou représentant aura l'occasion de présenter ses projets pour le secteur, tandis que les intervenants des institutions européennes apporteront un éclairage sur le rôle de l'Europe dans ces domaines.

Le débat sera modéré par un expert de chez Euractiv, garantissant neutralité et dynamisme. Ce forum s'inscrit pleinement dans la dynamique de la campagne européenne, visant à sensibiliser les citoyens et à encourager une participation active aux élections.

In today's geopolitically tense landscape, the Single Market is designed to ensure European economic power and industrial strength. But the impact of this varies across EU Member States and European companies, particularly SMEs. Recognising these disparities is crucial, especially when considering the cost burden of the green and digital transitions.

With the upcoming EU elections and a new European legislature on the horizon, significant shifts are anticipated in the Single Market and its development. Some industries, like the mechanical and plant engineering sector, even call for a radical masterplan to deepen the Single Market. How this could look is still uncertain. But the new setup of the EU institutions could influence integration levels, cooperation dynamics, and competitiveness among Member States, shaping the market's future and its ability to confront evolving economic challenges.

To support European green ambitions, the European Commission launched the Farm to Fork Strategy in 2020. One of its aims is to bolster organic food sales and production with a focus on a fair and sustainable supply chain. This initiative was reinforced through the Organic Action Plan which seeks to achieve 25% of organic agricultural land by 2030. However, currently, only 10% of EU agricultural land is organic.

Organic farming is more labour-intensive and produces lower yields than conventional farmers, while generating similar income. Despite receiving economic support through the CAP, organic farmers feel they remain inadequately remunerated because their selling prices are lower than the retail prices.

While the EU seeks to boost organic farming and food supply, some stakeholders argue that the EU needs a more robust implementation to transition towards fair and organic food systems. Others believe that the text on new genomic technologies (NGTs) approved by the European Parliament could help reach the target on organic agricultural lands.

Join this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the sustainability of organic farming and its implications for reaching European green ambitions. Questions to be addressed include:

• How can the EU strengthen the position of organic farmers in the supply chain?
• How can the gap between organic produce selling prices and retail prices be addressed?
• How compatible are the NGTs and organic farming in light of the target for agricultural lands set by the European Commission?
• What steps are needed to further develop organic food supply and demand?

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

While increased usage of generic medicines has led to unprecedented savings for healthcare systems, many perspectives on this segment remain focused solely on their cost saving potential. This perception can underplay the range of generic medicine contributions to added societal value. Neglecting these contributions can exacerbate the challenges that healthcare systems are facing today.

A case where generic medicines contribute to societal value is by ensuring access, thus helping to reduce disease burden in underserved markets, such as in most Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries.

The report “Beneath the Surface: Unravelling the True Value of Generic Medicines” presented in this online panel explores the broad spectrum of contributions of generic medicines to European health systems, through an examination of their critical role in increasing access, financial sustainability, supply chain resilience and better outcomes for patients.

During this event, panellists and the audience will exchange ideas on:

• Creating a regulatory environment that promotes access.
• The functioning of national markets in ensuring the availability and sustainability of medicines for patients.
• Coordination at European and National levels to mitigate shortages.
• Supporting innovation to achieve better health outcomes.

Consider nickel, lithium, ferrous scrap, steel, renewables, hydrogen, batteries, electric vehicles, high tech machineries, defence and medical equipment, transportation and energy infrastructure, and more. Though seemingly disparate, all these components share a vital link: each is integral to a unified value chain, wherein the strength of the whole hinges on the resilience of its individual parts.

Can the EU’s resilience be imported or only come from within?

Listen to this EUROFER Conference to discuss thought-provoking questions with high-level EU representatives and policymakers tasked with aligning industrial policy to the green transition, CEOs, business leaders and leading researchers, representing the entire manufacturing value chain - from raw materials and steel to renewables and automotive.

At a crucial time just before the commencement of a new EU cycle, panellists will exchange views on:

• The urgent need for a new industrial policy ensuring a robust business case for decarbonisation investments in the EU across the full value chain;
• The key ingredients to maintain European industry’s competitiveness on global markets, starting from access to affordable clean energy;
• The critical role of robust trade measures to tackle overcapacity, ensure a level playing field and avert deindustrialisation.

As the EU confronts mounting health challenges, the growing burden of NCDs compounded by an ageing population, fiscal constraints, persistent health disparities and a health workforce crisis, Europe’s future political leadership must reflect on lessons learned from the last five years, and look to the road ahead to safeguard the resilience and sustainability of Europe’s health systems and economies.

Listen to the discussion with leading policymakers and experts in EU health policy who will explore key questions including:

• What are the major successes and lessons learned in health policy during the 2019-2024 institutional mandate?
• What should the EU’s health policy priorities be for the next political cycle?
• How can stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem best collaborate to achieve a successful European Health Union?

It is no coincidence that the European Commission unveiled its Industrial Carbon Management Strategy on the same day as the publication of its 2040 climate target, early February. Without a massive deployment of CCUS technologies, the EU will not be able to decarbonise its industrial activities.

Along with the ICMS, the Net Zero Industry Act emphasises the role of CCUS technologies in reaching Net-Zero by 2050 and being a critical solution in securing the future of European industries.

Listen to this event organised by the Carbon Capture & Storage Association – the leading European CCUS trade association with 120+ members across the entire value chain - to explore the CCUS industry perspective about achieving the CO2 storage targets set by the European Commission.

Key discussion points will include:

• Assessing the impact of CCUS on industrial decarbonisation processes.
• Advancing solutions for compelling business cases to increase CO2 storage and transport infrastructure investments.
• Identifying key policy measures to promote the use of CCUS technologies.

It is no coincidence that the European Commission unveiled its Industrial Carbon Management Strategy on the same day as the publication of its 2040 climate target, early February. Without a massive deployment of CCUS technologies, the EU will not be able to decarbonise its industrial activities.

Along with the ICMS, the Net Zero Industry Act emphasises the role of CCUS technologies in reaching Net-Zero by 2050 and being a critical solution in securing the future of European industries.

Listen to this event organised by the Carbon Capture & Storage Association – the leading European CCUS trade association with 120+ members across the entire value chain - to explore the CCUS industry perspective about achieving the CO2 storage targets set by the European Commission.

Key discussion points will include:

• Assessing the impact of CCUS on industrial decarbonisation processes.
• Advancing solutions for compelling business cases to increase CO2 storage and transport infrastructure investments.
• Identifying key policy measures to promote the use of CCUS technologies.

The impacts are increasingly felt in our societies and economies. Since 2000, the European Commission’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been the main legal framework for water protection in Europe, aiming to ensure an integrated approach to water management, while respecting the integrity of whole ecosystems.

More recently, in 2023, the European Commission was drafting a ‘Water Resilience Initiative’, which has, for the moment, been withdrawn from the Commission’s agenda.

Already, different stakeholders have put in place public-private partnerships with long-term strategies to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems that need continued policy support.

Two days ahead of World Water Day, join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss what can and needs to be done to protect EU waters and ecosystems:

• What action can be taken to mitigate the recent rise in water-related disasters and the consequences for people and the economy?
• What role do the Water Framework Directive and the Water Resilience Initiative play in protecting waters and ecosystems?
• How does the withdrawal of the Water Resilience Initiative impact the EU’s water strategy?
• How do the interdependencies between climate, water systems, and natural ecosystems highlight the necessity for integrated environmental management approaches?
• And what role do public-private and cross-sectoral partnerships play in restoring water ecosystems? How can these initiatives be encouraged and scaled up?

Sustainable biodiesel is a primarily EU-produced fuel, which can replace imported fossil fuels in various sectors, such as transport, as a renewable alternative. Consequently, the EU is transitioning to sustainable biofuels, like biodiesel, to cut greenhouse gas emissions and bolster energy security.

In November 2023, an amendment to the Renewable Energy Directive entered into force, increasing the EU’s ambition to integrate energy from renewable sources in the EU energy mix. For the transport sector, the text introduces a binding target for Member States to either reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy used by 14.5% or achieve a 29% share of renewables within the final consumption of energy by 2030. Additionally, the text sets a target of 4.5% with double counting (or 2.25% in real energy terms) for advanced (waste- and residue-based) biofuels.

Join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss biofuels and their potential for the decarbonisation of the transport sector in the EU. Some questions to be addressed include:

• What are the key policy challenges for the biofuels sector?
• How do sustainable biofuels support the EU’s food and feed strategic autonomy?
• How do biofuels support the energy transition and energy security in the EU?
• How efficient and cost-effective are biofuels for the decarbonisation process?
• How effective is the revised Renewable Energy Directive so far? - How should the EU biofuels policy agenda look for the next legislative term?
• How can the negative impact of biofuels production due to indirect land use change be avoided? Does the revised Renewable Energy Directive go far enough in this regard?

Within the European Union, which has faced criticism from citizens, non-governmental organizations, and other civil society groups, the challenge of greater involvement in European policy-making is consistently highlighted. From 2002 to 2010, the percentage of Europeans expressing dissatisfaction with politics increased from 31% to 43% (EPRS).

Participatory budgeting (PB) emerged as a solution to rejuvenate democratic participation, reinforce civil society, modernize public services, and combat corruption in the EU. According to the EPRS, the number of participatory budgeting experiments in the EU surged from 55 to over 1,300 between 2005 and 2012, engaging more than 8 million EU citizens.

Currently, PB is primarily employed at the municipal level, where citizens are invited to propose and vote on initiatives to be executed through the local budget. Although there are instances at regional and national levels, this practice has yet to be implemented on a European scale.

In the context of the H2020 project DEMOTEC, listen this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss PB and its potential at an EU level. Some questions to be discussed include:

• How will PB work in practice concerning specific policies at an EU level?
• How can PB complement representative democracy? Is it a valuable tool for improving citizens' trust in EU institutions?
• What challenges are associated with implementing such a process at an EU level?

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under Grant Agreement no 962553.

This website reflects only the author's view and the Research Executive Agency or European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

The EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans proposal aims to develop “an EU-wide forest observation framework” (European Commission) providing open access to the condition and management of the EU's forests.

The framework will use remote sensing technologies and geospatial data together with monitoring on the ground. The monitoring will focus on parameters connected to EU policy priorities, such as climate change, biodiversity, health, invasive alien species and forest management. In addition to monitoring the EU's progress towards its goals, the collected data would enable better forest management and take timely action in case of forest disturbances and disasters.

The legislative proposal could also introduce strategic plans for forests, developed by competent national authorities, and lay out Member States’ strategic vision for their forests and the forest-based sector for the upcoming decades. The proposal is expected before the end of 2023.

Join this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the proposed new EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans. Some questions to be discussed include:

• Does the proposal do enough to protect the EU's forests, and to fight climate change?
• What are the key strengths and weaknesses of this proposal?
• Will the proposal help to identify primary forests?
• What is the impact on foresters and Member States with large forestry industries?

Am 22. November 2023 hat das Europäische Parlament den Vorschlag der Kommission abgelehnt. Der Rat muss noch über seinen Standpunkt zu dem Vorschlag entscheiden, um festzustellen, ob er endgültig abgelehnt wird oder ob er zur zweiten Lesung an das Parlament zurückgeht.

Deutschland hat sich verpflichtet, das 50-Prozent-Ziel auf nationaler Ebene umzusetzen. Der integrierte Pflanzenschutz (IPM) ist ein zentrales Element in den Plänen der Regierung zur Erreichung dieses Ziels.

Es wurden Anstrengungen unternommen, um den Ausstieg aus schädlichen Pestiziden abzumildern, zum Beispiel durch die Entwicklung alternativer Pflanzenschutztechniken und die Aktualisierung der sektor- und anbauspezifischen Leitlinien zum integrierten Pflanzenschutz. Trotz dieser Bemühungen werden IPM-Verfahren in Deutschland jedoch nur in begrenztem Umfang eingesetzt.

Der Deutsche Bauernverband (DBV) betonte, dass die Landwirte bereits sehr viel unternehmen, um einen IPM-Ansatz im Pflanzenschutz umzusetzen. Eine zusätzliche Reduzierung des Pestizideinsatzes wäre eine große Herausforderung, insbesondere für einige Sektoren und Regionen in Deutschland.

Nehmen Sie an der virtuellen Euractiv-Konferenz teil, um über die Verordnung zur nachhaltigen Nutzung von Pflanzenschutzmitteln und den deutschen Vorschlag zur Umsetzung des 50-Prozent-Ziels zu diskutieren. Zu den Diskussionspunkten gehören unter anderem folgende Fragen:

• Hat die Ablehnung des Vorschlags im Europäischen Parlament Auswirkungen auf das deutsche Ziel einer 50-prozentigen Reduzierung?
• Kann Deutschland sein Ziel erfüllen?
• Was sind die Folgen für die deutschen Landwirte?

Kofinanziert von der Europäischen Union.

Die geäußerten Ansichten und Meinungen entsprechen ausschließlich denen des Autors bzw. der Autoren und spiegeln nicht zwingend die Ansichten der Europäischen Union wider. Weder die Europäische Union noch die Zulassungsstelle können dafür verantwortlich gemacht werden.

As part of its decarbonisation efforts, in 2023 the European Commission released a Net-Zero Industry Act for a simplified regulatory environment and a rapid deployment of carbon solutions.

The Act aims at promoting investments in the production capacity of products that are key in meeting the EU’s climate neutrality goals. To facilitate and enable carbon capture and storage projects and increase the availability of CO2 storage sites, the Act sets a target of 50 million tonnes of annual CO2 storage capacity by 2030.

In addition to this, the adoption of the Industrial carbon management strategy by the European Commission should help identify the gaps to deploy these systems at scale.

Industry stakeholders argue that while the EU has set ambitious objectives, the deficiency in transport and storage infrastructure remains an issue in the absence of substantial policy support. Hard-to-abate industries such as cement, steel, chemicals, are in particular need of additional technology options as they chart their transition and make investment decisions.

Join this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss where we stand on the road to reaching the target of 50 million tonnes of CO2 stored by 2030. Questions to be addressed include:
- Is the Communication on industrial carbon management enough to raise awareness about the role of CCS?
- How challenging is the business case for building a better transport and storage infrastructure?
- What kind of policy support would be needed for appropriate transport and storage infrastructure to be put in place?

Through the proposal, the EU aims to offer an attractive and innovation-friendly environment for research, development, and production of medicines in Europe. The EU plans to create this environment by promoting world-class innovation, governed by stable and consistent rules that keep pace with innovation and which increase competitiveness while reducing red tape and costs.

One of the sectors impacted by the proposal is that of biotechnology, which has been instrumental in the discovery and development of therapies, diagnostics, vaccines and, most importantly, advanced medicines. These ‘next generation medicines’ are delivered through a complex and interdependent biotechnology ecosystem, where companies of all sizes contribute to establishing a pathway to patients.

General Pharmaceutical Legislation. Questions to be discussed include:

• How can Europe’s biotechnology industry maintain its competitiveness in the global medical market?
• How can we establish a framework that fosters the growth of small biotech innovators?
• What are the reactions of investors to the challenges faced by small biotech companies, and how do these reactions influence the trajectory of innovation in the biotech industry?
• What strategies can be employed to establish a successful innovation pathway for biotech companies, while considering and aligning with the objectives of the reformed GPL?

Join global technology trade association ITI, EU lawmakers, industry leaders, and tech policy experts for this in-person event to explore how policymakers can transition to a more innovative digital economy, strengthen open trade, and further deepen the single market.

This event will include a keynote interview and panel conversation with a leading EU policymaker moderated by ITI’s global President and CEO Jason Oxman.

Stakeholders argue that one solution to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in shipping could be energy efficiency labels which, contrary to what currently exists, would enforce good performance, not just define it.

In 2021, the International Maritime Organization, agreed to judge the climate impact of ships through a labelling system, called the carbon intensity indicator (CII). In this system, an ‘A’ grade stands for the cleanest ships and ‘E’ for the dirtiest. The grades are a measure of a ship’s carbon emissions per ton-mile of transport work in the previous calendar year and all grades above “E” are compliant. However, campaigners argue that these global requirements are too easy to pass, with no consequences for those who fail them.

One way of accelerating climate action could be through the EU’s ‘port state control’ - the principle through which states decide the conditions for ships to enter their ports. European ports could require shipping fleets to achieve ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades , by implementing energy-saving technologies or using clean alternative fuels.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the role that climate labels and the Carbon Intensity Indicator can play in reducing climate emissions of the maritime shipping sector by 2030. Questions to be discussed include:

- How can we make sure that CII metrics accurately reflect and incentivise environmentally friendly practices?
- Would an openly accessible global database of A-E ship grades help accelerate shipping decarbonisation?
- In what way could the CII be amended to reward the use of renewable hydrogen-based fuels?
- What contribution can cargo owners and investors make to decarbonise the shipping industry?

With the changing business environment, volatility in the energy markets, and tightening of the financial markets, large multinational companies (MNCs) have been forced to quickly adapt and innovate.

Join this European Business Tax Forum (EBTF) hybrid conference with the support of Euractiv, to discuss the role and resilience of European MNCs in contributing to public finances and the social welfare system during the pandemic and recovery thereof.

Questions to be discussed include:

- What is the current level of total tax contributions paid by MNCs following the pandemic? How has it changed compared to previous years?
- What have the policy responses been with regards to MNCs and taxation in the post-Covid pandemic environment with rising energy prices and inflation?
- What is the link between tax and sustainability?

Tantôt décrite par ses détracteurs comme inenvisageable, tantôt présentée comme unique solution aux défis de demain, la notion de protectionnisme européen est un enjeu majeur des élections européennes de 2024. Alors que les responsables politiques européens s’apprêtent à soumettre leur mandat au vote populaire, un discours protectionniste assumé incarne-t-il une réponse politique pertinente face aux extrêmes et à l’euroscepticisme ? Une souveraineté européenne est-elle envisageable, tant au regard des intérêts nationaux que des enjeux économiques européens ?

Cet événement a pour vocation de remettre à plat les grandes décisions stratégiques de l’Union européenne des cinq dernières années et à les analyser à l’aune du protectionnisme européen. Elle posera aussi la question du rôle que celui-ci peut jouer dans les élections européennes.

Keynote | La souveraineté européenne peut-elle être une réponse à la crise des urnes ?

Table ronde 1 | La souveraineté industrielle européenne à l’ère de l’IRA

L'adoption de l'Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) aux Etats-Unis en août 2022 remet plus que jamais la question du protectionnisme européen au cœur des débats. Alors que l’enjeu est de maintenir une compétitivité industrielle européenne face à la Chine et aux Etats-Unis, sans renier nos engagements de décarbonation. La Commission a vocation à devenir leader mondial de l'industrie verte. Dans ce contexte, elle a présenté en début d'année le plan industriel du Pacte Vert, qui inclue notamment les réglementations Net Zero Industry Act et Critical Raw Materials Act.

A l'ère de l’IRA, une politique protectionniste européenne est-elle nécessaire ? Est-elle possible, et quels impacts économiques et géopolitiques pourrait-elle engendrer ?

Table ronde 2 | Quels sont les grands enjeux des élections européennes 2024 ?

L’Europe se trouve actuellement confrontée à de nombreuses crises: défi climatique, immigration, réindustrialisation, indépendance énergétique ou encore tensions géopolitiques.

Dans ce contexte, et alors que seul un français sur deux s'était rendu aux urnes pour les élections européennes de 2019, le spectre de l’abstention plane encore et toujours pour 2024.

Comment parler d'Europe en 2024 ? Quels liens peut-on établir entre polycrises et abstention ? Quelles réponses apporter aux Français ?

Cet événement est organisé par Euractiv en partenariat avec Europa Expérience.

According to the European Commission, a sustainable bioeconomy is necessary to build a carbon neutral future in line with the climate objectives set out in the Paris Agreement. Bioenergy, currently the EU’s largest renewable energy source, remains a key component of the energy mix in 2023 and can contribute to meeting the EU renewable energy targets of at least 32% by 2030.

The 2018 update of the Commission’s Bioeconomy Strategy aims to accelerate the deployment of a sustainable European bioeconomy to maximise its contribution towards the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the Paris Agreement.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the future of the EU’s bioeconomy. Questions to be addressed include:

- What are the key policy challenges related to the bioeconomy and the sector’s new policy “manifesto”?
- What have been the EU’s updated Bioeconomy Strategy successes so far, and what can be improved?
- How can the EU bioeconomy help achieve related goals for climate-change mitigation, energy security, innovation and strategic autonomy?

SEPs incentivise innovators to contribute their best technologies to open standards, so that economies and societies at large can benefit from open access to these technologies and globally interoperable solutions. Royalties obtained through licensing are reinvested by patent-holders, thereby creating a virtuous circle of R&D, patenting, licensing and re-investment into R&D and standards.

On 27th April, the European Commission proposed a new regulatory framework for SEPs which would radically alter many aspects of SEP licensing in Europe. Many stakeholders are concerned that the proposals will undermine an important incentive for European innovators to invest in research and development for 5G and 6G and, in turn, threaten Europe’s technological leadership in global standards.

As part of the EU’s zero pollution ambition, which is a key commitment of the European Green Deal, the EU’s chemicals strategy aims to phase out the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the EU, unless their use is essential. The EU is planning to ban around 10,000 PFAS substances.

However, many industry stakeholders argue that this potential ban makes no differentiation between the substance groups of PFAS and banning all of them will affect the technologies that are needed to reach climate neutrality and thus the green transition. They also argue that this regulatory approach jeopardises entire production processes in machinery and plant engineering – particularly new technologies in the energy transition – and lacks sufficient scientific foundation.

Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the potential impacts of a blanket ban of PFAS on industry and what scope there is for a different classification of certain PFAS. Questions to be discussed include:
- What are the risks and disadvantages of using PFAS for health and the environment? How could these be averted?
- What impact can be foreseen for industry in the eventuality of an undifferentiated ban of PFAS?
- How can a comprehensive scientific risk assessment be carried out for the restricted substances, and what could be a solution for a more proportionate classification of PFAS?

In July 2023, the spotlight turned to Madrid as Spain took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Spanish Presidency has in particular focused on advancing the negotiations on the AI Act, while addressing complex ethical, legal, and societal considerations, alongside ensuring the promotion of a framework that cultivates trust and facilitates the responsible and human-centred development and use of AI technologies in Europe. The three-way negotiations between Council of the EU, European Parliament and European Commission to finalise the AI Act are now at an advanced stage, and the aim is to reach an agreement before the end of 2023.

In parallel with the EU’s regulatory advances, a wide array of international initiatives is in the making. G7 leaders agreed to establish the Hiroshima AI Process in May, calling for creating international guidelines that will also address the use of generative AI, by the end of 2023. In the meantime, Council of Europe is also negotiating a convention on AI and human rights, democracy and the rule of law, due to be finalised in early 2024. Such initiatives will play a key role until the AI Act starts fully applying sometime in 2026, following what is expected to be a two-year implementation period.

While there seems to be a global consensus on the need for regulating AI, there is no agreement yet on how to go about it. For different AI regulations to be most effective, it will be crucial to ensure the multitude of initiatives lead to approaches that align with each other.

Listen this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the AI Act and the potential of cross-continental cooperation in fostering global AI governance.

 Questions to be discussed include:

- How has the Spanish Presidency fostered AI regulation dialogue with international partners to promote responsible AI use?
- How can cross-continental cooperation enhance AI governance? What are the opportunities for such collaboration?
- How can global initiatives for regulating AI complement the AI Act, and vice versa?
- Where are we seeing commonalities among AI policy frameworks? What are the core tenants for AI governance that should be replicated amongst all initiatives on AI?
- What are the implications of strict regulation of AI on Europe’s global competitiveness?

And the time is now. The digital economy has a real impact on the Spanish GDP: it accounted for 22% in 2022 and, with a joint effort, it can reach 40% in 2030. Spain has strengths and characteristics to lead the European digital transformation during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The 2020s are the European Commission's Digital Decade, with ambitious targets in four areas to accelerate progress in skills, government, infrastructures and business. Achieving the Digital Decade goals could unlock over €2.8 trillion in economic value, equivalent to 21% of the EU’s current economy, and a majority (55%) of this potential economic value is reliant on cloud computing.

This event wants to share the experience from best-in-class organizations in Spain, using emerging digital technologies like the cloud, generative AI or smart algorithms to innovate key industries, from Tourism and E-Commerce to Banking and Energy. This initiative tends to be a business and political landmark within the agenda of activities for the Spanish Presidency and a space to generate ideas and proposals for the next European elections.

Organised by: Adigital
Media Partner: Euractiv

This event will discuss the latest science around hydrogen emissions and its climate implications. To date, hydrogen leakage has been seen as a safety concern. It can cause significant near-term warming by increasing amounts of short-lived GHGs in the atmosphere through chemical reactions. Depending on how much is emitted, anticipated climate benefits can be severely undercut in the near term.

Ensuring hydrogen is deployed strategically and effectively is therefore crucial. This requires an appropriate policy framework and ensuring that companies incorporate plans to deal with hydrogen emissions at an early stage in project design.

Listen this Euractiv Virtual Conference to learn more about the latest science on hydrogen emissions and discuss its implications. Questions to be addressed include:
- What steps should industry take to limit hydrogen emissions throughout the supply chain?
- What are the top 3 policy opportunities in the next 5 years and most suitable policy measures to limit hydrogen emissions?
- How can we best harness the current flow of investments, including from the EU Hydrogen Bank, to mitigate and address risk?
- What developments have there been in testing new technologies? How have new technologies progressed the use of hydrogen recently?
- What are the most important technological lessons learned from other countries that the EU should consider?

To address them, on 24 October the European Commission announced its new Wind Power Action Plan, aimed at maintaining a healthy and competitive wind energy supply chain, with a clear and secure pipeline of projects, attracting the necessary financing and competing on a level playing field globally.

The Plan sets out immediate actions to be taken together by the Commission, the Member States and industry, by focusing on six main areas: acceleration of deployment through increased predictability and faster permitting, improved auction design, access to finance, a fair and competitive international environment, skills and industry engagement, and Member States commitments.

Join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the Commission’s newly announced Wind Power Action Plan. What will be its role in making the wind industry a ‘European success story’, as President von der Leyen called it in her State of the Union speech? And how is it going to address the unique challenges that the wind industry is facing?

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strategic Partnerships on Sustainable Raw Materials, Batteries, and Renewable Hydrogen Value Chains was signed on 7 November 2022. The MoU provides a political framework for enhanced cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan, particularly in light of the current geopolitical context.

This strategic partnership aligns with the EU's policy to guarantee access to a secure, diversified, cost-effective and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and refined materials, which is seen as crucial for the green and digital transitions, as well as for the decarbonisation of energy production.

Coinciding with EU Raw Materials Week, this Euractiv Hybrid Conference will discuss EU-Kazakh trade and economic relations. Questions to be discussed include:

- What role can the MoU on Strategic Partnerships on Sustainable Raw Materials, Batteries, and Renewable Hydrogen Value Chains play in this context?
- How will the MoU contribute to the green and digital transformation of both economies?
- How can the MoU serve to strengthen EU-Kazakh relations more generally?

The PPWD requires Member States to take measures to prevent the generation of packaging waste and to minimise the environmental impact of packaging. The proposal was voted on in the ENVI Committee of the European Parliament on 24 October 2023.

According to the European Commission, from 2009 to 2020, the total mass of packaging waste generated in the EU rose by 20%. Paper and cardboard represented the most common packaging waste materials, at 41%. Environmental organisations report that three billion trees are cut down every year worldwide to meet the demand for paper packaging.

Listen to Euractiv's Virtual Conference that discusses the proposed revision to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. Questions to be addressed include:

- Does the proposed Regulation go far enough to reduce the environmental impact of packaging, in particular for our forests?
- Could the PPWR lead to a reduction in logging activities?
- Considering factors such as environmental and food safety measures, are there alternative packaging options available?

To guide the EU's shift towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy system, one promising approach involves the active involvement of a portion of the European population, coupled with crowdfunding for energy transition initiatives. However, according to the European Commission, currently the EU market for crowdfunding is underdeveloped compared with other major world economies.

Some public and private projects, when packaged in an engaging and well-known context, can partially finance the energy transition through funding support from the general public. Such projects offer a path for both the general public and stakeholders to engage in climate action.

In the case of professional football, a Horizon 2020-funded project, GREENFOOT, develops and implements crowdfunding schemes for renovating stadiums, practice facilities, and related buildings with energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RES) measures.

Re-listen this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to discuss the potential of crowdfunding for accelerating the energy transition in the EU. Questions to be addressed include:

- Can crowdfunding play a role in bridging the energy transition funding gap?
- Have crowdfunding patterns changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis?
- How can we encourage crowdfunding among communities, in particular for green initiatives?

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 893858.

This website reflects only the author’s view and the Research Executive Agency or European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

Air transport is increasingly perceived as one of the key carbon-intensive sectors. It's often labelled a hard-to-abate industry, primarily because of technological limitations that make it difficult to directly reduce carbon emissions. The recently adopted EU policy measures and regulations, intended to make transport more sustainable, have established a stringent framework for the aviation value chain. In the absence of revolutionary net-zero aviation fuel and propulsion technologies, the aviation sector faces a monumental task to achieve the carbon dioxide emission targets set by the European Green Deal, among other EU strategies and policies.

Currently, the largest infrastructure project in Europe is being built in Poland - Centralny Port Komunikacyjny. CPK is a planned multi-modal transport and interchange hub that will integrate air, rail and road transport in the region. As part of the project, a new airport and a major rail hub will be built in the centre of Poland, connecting CPK with the rest of the country and other European countries via newly constructed high-speed railway lines.

In its commitment to combating climate change and fostering a shared green future, CPK has embedded sustainability into its investment programme from the very beginning. The aim is to transform the mobility industry in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. Highly ambitious climate mitigation and pollution reduction targets have been set during the planning and design phases, positioning CPK to become the first "Net-Zero Ready" airport in the region upon its inauguration. This undertaking aims to set new standards for green airports globally.

This unique sustainable strategy will be showcased by CPK in collaboration with LOT Polish Airlines at the event titled "Sustainable Journey: Navigating the Future of Aviation". The presentation, which will bring together representatives from the European Commission, CPK (the new Polish airport investor and its future operator), LOT (the Polish national air carrier), IATA (The International Air Transport Association), and industry experts, will culminate in a panel discussion. This debate will focus on ensuring European aviation's sustainability without undermining its global competitiveness and will also contemplate potential solutions, opportunities, and recent proofs of concept.

Organised by: CPK
Media Partner: Euractiv

Esteemed panelists from the industry, policy, and standardization fields will attend this webinar bringing their valuable perspectives and insights to the table. Intellera and Modulos will offer an early view of available tools and methodologies to navigate and comply with AI governance. To assess and mitigate the risks of AI and ensure that data science practices are strictly linked to AI governance, regulatory frameworks are dissected into requirements and controls where practitioners can operate providing evidence of their fulfilment at each stage of the AI lifecycle.

Beyond compliance, ensuring good governance of AI applications indeed strengthens the reputation the organization enjoys among its customers, increasing the components of trust, reliability, and security of AI applications.

Drawing parallels to the transition triggered by the GDPR, we find that organizations often lack the know-how to develop competent AI resources within the stringent 24-month timeframe imposed by the Act. This webinar offers guidance in this complex transition: given the right processes, organizations can meet regulatory requirements, foster innovation and uphold their reputation in the landscape of AI governance.

Organised by: Intellera Consulting & Modulos
Media Partner: Euractiv

And the time is now. The digital economy has a real impact on the Spanish GDP: it accounted for 22% in 2022 and, with a joint effort, it can reach 40% in 2030. Spain has strengths and characteristics to lead the European digital transformation during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The 2020s are the European Commission's Digital Decade, with ambitious targets in four areas to accelerate progress in skills, government, infrastructures and business. Achieving the Digital Decade goals could unlock over €2.8 trillion in economic value, equivalent to 21% of the EU’s current economy, and a majority (55%) of this potential economic value is reliant on cloud computing.

This event wants to share the experience from best-in-class organizations in Spain, using emerging digital technologies like the cloud, generative AI or smart algorithms to innovate key industries, from Tourism and E-Commerce to Banking and Energy. This initiative tends to be a business and political landmark within the agenda of activities for the Spanish Presidency and a space to generate ideas and proposals for the next European elections.

Organised by: Adigital
Media Partner: Euractiv

In 2022, the European Parliament voted on the revision of the EU Renewable Energy Directive. According to industry stakeholders, this was a strong statement about the continued importance of sustainably produced crop-based biofuels such as renewable ethanol to achieving EU goals for fighting climate change.

Stakeholders from the energy sector are concerned that the sustainability of biofuels and the importance of domestic biofuels production are still being ignored or even undermined. According to them, fears about the effects of EU biofuels production on food security in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are unfounded, and myths about food versus fuel have been debunked. But questions about the sustainability of cropbased biofuels persist in certain policy circles, and their future role in the EU transport mix is still up for debate.

Rew-Watch the EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to examine the evolving role of lowcarbon renewable fuels in achieving EU climate, energy and food security goals and consider the policy steps required to ensure that Europe can meet its commitments for 2030 and beyond. Questions to be addressed include:
- With a ban on sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars approaching, do liquid fuels still have a role to play in transport decarbonisation?
- What is the outlook for the definition of carbon-neutral fuels as the ICE ban approaches?
- What role does EU biofuels production have in ensuring domestic sources of protein, biogenic CO2, industrial applications?
- Will the EU achieve its 2030 renewable energy targets? What should the 2040 targets look like?

On 5 July 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new Regulation on plants produced by certain new genomic techniques, as part of a package of legislative proposals to support the EU’s Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies.

There is significant demand in the EU and globally for NGT plants, because of their potential to contribute to addressing current challenges in the agri-food system, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

The scientific and NGO communities are divided on this issue. Some welcome the Commission’s new Regulation proposal, believing it could be an important part of the EU’s bioeconomy revolution. Others believe that there are considerable risks, such as, in the agricultural field, the unknown effects on wild relatives of crops and the unintended release of new genetic traits into nature.

On 24 October the Alliance for Science is publishing a new research report on the potential economic losses to the European economy of non-adoption of NGTs, a cost which, according to the report, will run into hundreds of billions of euros annually during the next decade.

Re-Listen to the EURACTIV hybrid conference to discuss the way forward for new genomic techniques. Questions to be discussed include:

- What is the growth potential of the use of NGTs in agriculture? And what are the risks that should be taken into account?
- Can NGTs play a role in meeting the EU’s climate targets?
- What role could NGTs have in ensuring food security?
- What would the economic benefits of using NGTs be for the European Union?
- What are the next steps for NGTs in the EU legislative process?

Under the Regulation, any operator or trader who places these commodities on the EU market, or exports from it, must be able to prove that the products do not originate from recently deforested land or have contributed to forest degradation.

One of the categories affected by the regulation is that of smallholders, important stakeholders in the production value chain. According to the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), smallholders account for about 41% and 27% of total oil palm planted areas in Indonesia and Malaysia, respectively, and for about 35% - 40% of the global production of palm oil.

As the supply chain of independent smallholders is generally informal and there is often minimal documentation of transactions between the smallholder and other stakeholders, the CPOPC believes there is a risk that the Regulation will further exclude palm oil smallholders from the supply chains to Europe.

Re-watch the Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products, and particularly its impact on smallholders. Questions to be discussed include:

- What is the current state of play of the implementation of the European Union Regulation on Deforestation (EUDR) across EU Member States? What is the level of readiness in the implementation of EUDR?
- What steps are necessary from both the EU and the producing countries to ensure the successful implementation of the EUDR from a multilateral perspective?
- How can cooperation among stakeholders be sustained in the coming months and years to support the EUDR?
- What challenges and potential impacts does the EUDR pose for smallholder farmers, and how can we ensure that they are not left behind?
- What financial mechanisms could be established to provide support for smallholders in complying with the EUDR?
- How can governments and private companies be encouraged to invest in capacity-building for smallholders, to help them comply with the EUDR?

Dans un contexte de dégradation environnementale alarmant, la PAC et les législations européennes en cours de négociation ont pour but d’atteindre les objectifs du Pacte vert pour l’Europe. Mais avec la guerre en Ukraine, l’augmentation des coûts de production et les évènements climatiques extrêmes, un grand nombre d’États membres, dont la France, se sont vus octroyer des dérogations sur les mesures environnementales, et comptent bien les renouveler en 2024.

Plus largement, la PAC est au cœur de cette articulation entre compétitivité, souveraineté alimentaire et respect des objectifs environnementaux. De même, tandis que la France a dévoilé son Pacte-loi d’orientation et d’avenir agricoles (PLOAA) pour renouveler les générations d’agriculteurs, la PAC doit pouvoir répondre à ce défi immense, à la fois français et européen.

Réécoutez cette conférence virtuelle organisée par Euractiv qui abordait les questions suivantes :

- Quel premier bilan peut-on faire du PSN français, près d’un an après la mise en place de la nouvelle PAC (2023 - 2027) ?

- La trajectoire de la PAC est-elle compatible avec les objectifs du Pacte vert pour l’Europe ?

- Comment la PAC peut-elle favoriser le renouvellement des générations d'agriculteurs ?

- Le PSN français doit-il être amendé en 2024, compte tenu des nouvelles législations européennes en cours de négociations ?

In 2021, recognising the need for comprehensive cancer care, the European Union introduced the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, aiming to address the entire cancer pathway. This plan aims to tackle the challenges faced by patients with haematological malignancies, among others, through its four primary areas of action: prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.

To address the specific needs of patients with haematological malignancies, the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan includes flagship initiatives. One of them (Flagship 5) aims to establish an EU Network by 2025, connecting recognised National Comprehensive Cancer Centres in every Member State. These centres have the potential to significantly enhance the assistance provided to cancer patients by facilitating the adoption of quality-assured diagnosis and treatment approaches and promoting collaboration across borders. By fostering the establishment of these specialised centres, the plan strives to improve the standard of care received by patients with haematological malignancies and reduce healthcare disparities that may exist across Member States.

Relisten to Euractiv's Hybrid Conference to discuss the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and how the quality of cancer care for patients with haematological malignancies can be improved. Questions to be discussed include:

- What are the challenges faced by patients with hematological malignancies and how is the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan addressing them?
- Due to the nature of hematological diseases there are no specific screening/preventive mechanisms in place. What policies are needed to improve care of hematological diseases in the EU and in Member States?
- What is the role of stakeholders to close the gap for proper diagnosis and access to adequate and timely treatments?

While the broader process of transformation of the large-scale district heating sector has accelerated in recent years, there are still questions on the trajectory of these changes. For example, from the industry’s perspective, any provision that conditions the applicability of a particular technology or fuel has a huge impact on the overall investment processes carried out within individual district heating systems.

According to a report conducted by the Polish Association of Professional Combined Heat and Power Plants (PTEZ), the next challenge for effective fulfilment of the decarbonization goals under the “Fit for 55” Package will be to implement the provisions of the most relevant directives into national law. This is particularly important for a country such as Poland, where the market for district heating systems is one of the largest in the EU, mainly due to climatic conditions in correlation with high urbanization.

Listen to Euractiv's Hybrid Conference to discuss district heating and its role in helping to meet EU’s ambitious climate goals. Questions to be discussed include:

- How is the “Fit for 55” Package concretely addressing district heating?
- What are the costs foreseen for the transformation of the sector? And what are the scenarios and technology options for the transformation of district heating systems of different sizes?
- What is the timeline for the implementation of the directives under “Fit for 55”? How are different Member States planning to incorporate the regulations into national legislation?

The proposed directive aims to establish a mandatory due diligence framework for EU-based companies and their supply chains to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse human rights, environmental impacts. The directive is expected to cover a wide range of issues. However, there are ongoing discussions about what should be covered in the directive, the size requirements of the companies that should be included, and the impact it can have on SMEs.

With trialogue negotiations set to begin in the coming months, some stakeholders argue that companies need more clarity regarding the standards and duties. Having clearer assessment standards will help collect relevant data from the companies that would be subjected to the new regulations. To achieve this, stakeholders also emphasize the need for an independent level playing field for states and companies, and the importance of exchanging good practices with global actors, such as those regarding sustainable value chain management.

Listen to Euractiv's Hybrid Conference to discuss the implications of the corporate sustainability due diligence directive. How can clear standards help collect the most relevant data from companies? And how can harmonious processes be enforced and lead to a unified global sustainability framework?

Energy storage is a crucial component of Europe's transition to a sustainable energy future. It allows us to capture excess energy from intermittent renewable sources and store it for use when demand is high or renewable generation is low. By providing a reliable and stable power supply, energy storage enhances grid resilience, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and helps mitigate climate change.

Advancements in battery technologies, pumped hydro storage, and other innovative solutions are driving efficiency gains and cost reductions, making energy storage increasingly accessible and impactful. With the continued development and deployment of energy storage systems, energy storage can unlock the full potential of renewable energy, paving the way towards a cleaner, greener, and a more resilient energy landscape.

Relisten this EURACTIV Conference to discuss the potential of energy storage in securing a sustainable future. Questions included:

- What are the key challenges and opportunities in advancing energy storage technologies for a sustainable energy future?
- What financing and support mechanisms are necessary for driving the development and widespread adoption of energy storage technologies?
- How can collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders accelerate the implementation of energy storage?

To ensure a smooth and successful transition, from conceptual ideas to the practical implementation of decarbonisation with hydrogen technologies, it is important to clarify the rules for the hydrogen value chain and to define relevant support schemes for the nascent market.

Rewatch this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to discuss the challenges in achieving a streamlined implementation of hydrogen initiatives in the EU, and to identify strategies to overcome barriers. Questions  included:

-What are the main obstacles facing the transition from ideas to implementation within the hydrogen value chain, and how can they be effectively addressed?

-How can the regulatory framework for hydrogen infrastructure help or hinder the development of the hydrogen value chain?

-Which Member States and EU-level strategies and best practices can be shared to streamline the implementation process and drive the development of hydrogen projects?

The European Commission's 2030 Digital Decade Targets aim to ensure that every EU household has access to a fixed gigabit network, and that 5G coverage extends to all populated areas by 2030. Achieving these goals requires the rapid deployment of high-capacity networks (VHCN). According to the European Parliament, a high-quality digital infrastructure based on such high-capacity networks would underpin almost all sectors of a modern and innovative economy.

The Gigabit Infrastructure Act aims at facilitating and stimulating the provision of VHCN. It promotes the joint use of existing infrastructure and enables more efficient deployment of new infrastructure, reducing the time and cost involved in rolling out these networks.

According to industry stakeholders, with its rapid adoption and efforts to preserve national best practices, operators can gain clarity and more timely access to publicly-owned network and non-network facilities, which are increasingly important for 5G.

Rewatch this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to discuss the foundation that supports Europe’s digital ecosystem. Questions included:

- To what extent can the EU ensure that the legislation is harmonised while preserving existing best practices?
- How can the EU institutions and regulators surmount the obstacles to harmonising the legislation across the EU 27?
- What steps can policymakers take to safeguard the principle of technology neutrality in the Regulation, in line with the technologically neutral approach taken in the Digital Decade Policy Programme?
- How can the EU and Member States strike the right balance between encouraging private investment and leveraging public funding or state aid?

Connectivity and infrastructure development has been enhanced across continents. The initiative has seen the construction of a vast network of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure projects that have significantly improved transportation and trade links between China and participating countries. These developments have facilitated the flow of goods, capital, and ideas, stimulating economic growth in various regions. Knowledge-sharing, cultural exchanges, mutual understanding, and diplomatic ties among nations have also been strengthened.

The 10th anniversary of the BRI also provides an opportunity to reflect on its future prospects. As the world recovers from the global pandemic and focuses on sustainable development, the BRI can play an important role in promoting green and inclusive growth. In particular, by incorporating environmental and social considerations into project planning and implementation.

Enhancing digital connectivity and promoting innovation and technology transfer can be instrumental in fostering future economic and social progress in participating countries.

Rewatch this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to discuss the Belt and Road Initiative and its future path. Questions included:
- What experience and lessons can be learnt from the first 10 years of BRI?
- What are the future prospects of this ambitious endeavour?
- What could be the avenues for deeper cooperation?

This sustainable model not only reduces environmental pressures and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also stimulates economic growth, fosters innovation and competitiveness, boosts employment, reduces material costs and consumer expenses, and reduces dependencies on imports. Failing to adopt circular practices could not only jeopardise the EU's position as a frontrunner in the global climate fight, but also harm the competitiveness of European industries.

Despite efforts made as part of the 2020 ‘Circular economy action plan’, EU-level policy governing European industry has yet to satisfy climate organisations, who argue that the full potential of the EU in regulating the circular economy shift has not yet been utilised. As such, 2024’s new European Commission and Parliament provides a fresh opportunity to renew efforts towards circular economies, and address the risks associated with not adopting circular practices, especially concerning material extraction.

Sectors such as the automotive and textile industry have significant potential for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These sectors are set to be a focus of these renewed efforts.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out more about the potential of a circular EU economy, and how making this shift could contribute to a climate-neutral Europe. Addressed questions included:

- What are the opportunities for climate and circular economy synergies broadly, and across the key sectors of transport and textiles?

- How can the new Commission and Parliament in 2024 be leveraged to renew the push towards circular economies?

- What are the risks of not going circular, especially regarding material extraction?

The significance of this strategy is underscored by the fact that 84% of Europeans are worried about the impact of chemicals present in everyday products on their health, and 90% are worried about their impact on the environment. Compounding these concerns, global chemical production is expected to double by 2030, increasing the already widespread usage of chemicals, including in consumer products.

To work towards the objectives of the EU's chemicals strategy, a reform of REACH was also announced. With respect to risk management, the Commission proposed to ban the most harmful chemicals - namely chemical substances meeting specific hazards criteria - in consumer products, allowing those chemicals only where their use is considered essential. This is referred to as the Essential Use Concept (EUC).

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to learn more about the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) and the definition and application of the Essential Use Concept (EUC). Has the CSS been successful in its ambitions so far, particularly concerning the European Green Deal? What impact could the EUC have on innovation, better regulation and wider policy goals?

This revision aims to prevent the generation of packaging waste, reduce its quantity, and promote reuse and refill. It also aims to ensure that all packaging on the EU market will be recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030, while increasing the use of recycled plastics in packaging.

It additionally proposes some key measures to bring about change. One of these measures focuses on proposing targets for packaging waste reduction at the Member State level, and mandatory reuse targets for economic operators for selected packaging groups.

According to some stakeholders, there are certain aspects of the proposed revision that require further elaboration to ensure effective implementation. They consider that reuse and recycling should be complementary and reuse targets should be realistic and positive for the environment, society, and economy. Furthermore they argue that waste prevention measures are essential, while market restrictions should be evaluated to ensure they do not increase the environmental impact and food waste.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to learn about the proposed revision to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. How can it be fit for all? And how can the key measures be achieved in a way that fits the entire value chain?

Hydrogen is a strategic sector for the decarbonisation and strengthening of Europe’s energy resilience and autonomy. As such, new infrastructure for its transmission and consumption throughout the EU is being planned and developed. However, building infrastructure requires a supportive framework allowing for forward planning and tailored financing mechanisms.

One major project that is being rolled out is H2Med, officially announced by France, Spain and Portugal in December 2022 with the support of the European Commission. In January 2023, Germany announced its willingness to join the project too. Relying on existing infrastructure and new pipelines, H2Med will provide a hydrogen corridor stretching from Portugal and Spain through France towards Germany and other European countries. H2Med will be able to transport around two million tonnes of hydrogen to France each year, accounting for 10% of the EU's estimated hydrogen needs.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to learn about the potential of a European hydrogen corridor stretching from South-Western to Central Europe and the challenges and opportunities of a European hydrogen backbone. What would the infrastructure need to connect supply with demand in the most efficient manner? How can the H2Med project contribute to RePowerEU’s objectives of decarbonisation, building energy security and reindustrialisation? And what are the implications for the entire value chain of hydrogen production, consumption and transportation?

In June 2021, the EU institutions took a crucial first step towards addressing this by introducing 'social conditionality' into the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform.

The new measure of social conditionality requires farmers to comply with minimum social and labour standards in order to receive CAP subsidies. National authorities can decide to reduce – or withdraw in the most severe cases – the CAP subsidies where a farmer does not respect one or several requirements under this EU legislation.

The introduction of this measure is currently voluntary, but will become mandatory in all EU countries as of 2025. France, Italy, and Austria have already opted to introduce social conditionality as of 2023. The impact of social conditionality on workers' conditions will be reviewed by the Commission in a public report in 2027.

While many believe that the introduction of social conditionality is a step in the right direction, some stakeholders argue that the level of sanctions imposed at the national level are too low. They call on the European Commission to develop a coordinated and harmonised system of sanctions across Europe.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to learn  social conditionality and its impact on the working conditions of agri-workers. How do these reforms affect farmers? Are there any potential drawbacks or unintended consequences of introducing social conditionality in the CAP? If so, what might they be, and how could they be addressed?

Co-funded by the European Union.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Food systems are significant contributors to climate change and environmental degradation. Many agrifood stakeholders believe there is an urgent need to reduce dependency on pesticides and antimicrobials, reduce excess fertilisation, increase organic farming, improve animal welfare, and reverse biodiversity loss.

According to the European Commission, there are currently 33 million people in the EU who cannot afford a nutritious meal every other day. This suggests food assistance is essential. Creating a supportive food environment that promotes healthy and sustainable diets will benefit consumers’ health and quality of life, and reduce health-related costs for society.

One of the flagship initiatives of the Farm to Fork Strategy is the proposed legislative framework for sustainable food systems (FSFS). This framework, set to be adopted by the Commission before the end of 2023, aims to accelerate and simplify the transition towards sustainable food systems.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to explore the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy and learn what lies ahead for the future of food and sustainable food systems. Does the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy go far enough? What elements should be included in the proposed legislative framework for sustainable food systems (FSFS) to accelerate the transition towards sustainable food systems?

For the EU, the chief imports from the region are energy and raw materials, including oil from Kazakhstan. The EU seeks to increase its engagement in these sectors and in October 2022 signed a memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan on access to critical raw materials. Oil and gas are crucial for European countries to diversify their supplies away from Russia. An increase in Kazakh oil may be an attractive option for the EU.

Central Asia has historically developed close political, security, economic and human ties with Russia but also with China, Turkey and Iran.

Recently, the region’s countries have found themselves “sandwiched” between some of its key economic partners. Transit countries have been subjected to sanctions from their other major trade and investment partners in the West.

At the same time, a number of countries in the region are going through rather complicated and dynamic domestic changes. Within slightly more than two years, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have seen major constitutional reforms voted in nationwide referendums, adjusting their government systems to the dominant trends in their societies, while facing some significant turmoil in areas of security.

Last October, the first meeting between the EU Council’s President and leaders of Central Asian nations took place in Astana. And a second meeting is scheduled to take place on 2nd June 2023 in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan). The region’s countries receive similar attention from Russia and China who also held similar multilateral meetings last October and last May respectively. The U.S. Secretary of State attended such a meeting at the level of foreign ministers last February.

Other high level regional platforms in the first half of 2023 include the Tashkent Investment Forum and the Astana International Forum, as well as the second EU – Central Asia Economic Forum in Almaty on May 18-19.

Does this intensity of events and contacts involving EU and Central Asia signify a renewed cooperation drive with the region?

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to learn how best the EU can advance its agenda in Central Asia. How will this renewed engagement develop? Are there limitations to the partnership? How can Kazakhstan contribute to the development of interregional cooperation?

ChatGPT is a form of generative AI currently gaining popularity. It is designed to generate human-like text in a chatbot context. This AI-powered chat tool is an example of how generative AI can automate content creation, in this case, by generating responses to user input in a chatbot.

It has the potential to revolutionise many industries by automating the creation of content, analysing large amounts of data and overall improving efficiency, which frees up workers' time. However, generative AI’s potential impact on the work landscape of the information industry has led to scepticism. There are concerns about job displacement and a loss of human perspective and voice.

Another drawback of generative AI is that it reflects society's biases on issues such as gender and race. It can generate fake news, such as ‘deepfakes’: images or videos created by AI that appear realistic but are false and misleading.

Currently, the EU’s approach to artificial intelligence centres on excellence and trust, aiming to boost research and industrial capacity while ensuring safety and fundamental rights.

In December 2022, the Council adopted its common position on the Artificial Intelligence Act which aims to ensure that AI systems placed on the EU market and used in the Union are safe and respect existing laws on fundamental rights and Union values.

Rewatch this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference, part of the Horizon Europe project AI4TRUST, to find out about the benefits and risks of generative AI. Discussed questions included:

- Is there a place for generative AI in our society?
- What repercussions does generative AI have for the information industry? How does it impact journalism and content creation?
- What safeguards can be put in place to regulate generative AI?
- Does the European Commission’s AI Act adequately protect us from the drawbacks of generative AI?

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement no 101070190.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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Educational programmes that provide climate literacy encompass the knowledge and understanding of the science of climate change, its impacts, and the ways in which individuals and communities can take action to address it. Being better educated about climate change means that citizens are far more likely to understand the problem and are empowered to make changes in their own lives.

Sustainability education aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to create a more sustainable future. This includes teaching about the causes and consequences of climate change, as well as practical solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

As the world shifts towards a more sustainable future, there is an increasing need for workers with green skills, such as renewable energy technicians, sustainable building designers, and green business managers. Education can help prepare individuals for these in-demand jobs and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Education is also a powerful tool for engaging communities and inspiring action on climate change. For example, schools can engage their students and families in sustainability projects and initiatives, such as planting trees, reducing energy use, and composting.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to learn about the role that education plays in building a sustainable future and empowering young people to tackle climate change. What could be the most efficient tool in equipping today's youth with the skills needed to make a real difference in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change? How can public-funded projects contribute to this?

Life Terra is co-financed by the European Commission through the LIFE Programme (LIFE19 CCM/NL/001200).
The content of this publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The Agency does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

In 2019, the EU passed a directive on the quality and safety of human organs intended for transplantation. The directive sets out common quality and safety standards for the procurement, testing, preservation, and storage of organs across the EU Member States. The aim of this directive is to ensure that all organs used for transplantation meet high safety and quality standards.

The highest number of transplants are kidney transplants, followed by liver and heart transplants. According to data from the European Union, in 2021, there were over 36,000 organ transplants carried out in the EU, yet there were over 41,000 new patients registered on the waiting list. This suggests that many persons who need a transplant are still waiting for a suitable donor organ.

As the demand for organs exceeds the supply, some individuals may still die while waiting for a suitable donor organ to become available. This shortage is exacerbated by the reluctance of some individuals and families to donate organs, as well as the lack of an effective system for identifying potential donors. Another challenge is the lack of coordination and standardisation among EU Member States. This can lead to inconsistencies in the quality and safety of transplanted organs, and can also make it more difficult to share organs between countries.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out how to empower transplant patients, facilitating a meaningful dialogue between organ donors and their families, caregivers and transplant professionals.  Discussed questions included:
– How can different stakeholders partner and not work in silos in order to improve the overall healthcare system and positively impact patient outcomes?
– How can transplantation be encouraged and included more in the global health discussion?
– How can we reduce the gaps for people who are waiting for a transplant?
– How can the shortage of available organs be overcome?

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The new regulation sets benchmarks for domestic capacities and for critical and strategic raw materials supply chains to diversify EU supply by 2030. At the same time, the CRMA includes a strong international component by focussing on international cooperation as an essential element of a successful raw materials supply strategy. Where do we go from here? And what do Parliament and the Council need to do so that concrete projects can start?

The first reaction from European industry was rather positive. The fact that critical raw materials are on the political agenda has been welcomed. On the one hand, critical raw materials such as lithium for batteries are crucial for various manufacturing industries. On the other hand, with the European mining equipment industry for example, there are sectors in the EU that provide both the network and the technology to ramp up a sustainable, clean extraction and production of raw materials, both in the EU and in third countries.

Also, the creation of a Critical Raw Materials Club together with like-minded countries is being discussed, with the aim of strengthening global supply chains, expanding Free Trade Agreements and combating unfair trade practices.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to learn more about the implications of the EU’s Critical Raw Material Act for European industry and technology providers, and how extraction, processing and recycling of critical raw materials by European companies can be supported.  Discussed questions included:
- What are the prospects for a critical raw materials “club” in the current complex geopolitical context?
- What is needed to ramp up sustainable exploration in the EU and ensure the required acceptance?
- How can Member States and private companies be supported in maximising the recovery and reuse of critical raw materials?
- How effective can the CRMA be in monitoring and mitigating risks of disruptions to the supply chain as well as enhancing circularity and sustainability?

The Covid-19 pandemic underlined the widespread impact of inequalities on health outcomes. Factors such as age, race, socio-economic group, geography, and pre-existing health conditions all contributed to a vastly unequal 'experience' of the pandemic. But it became clear during the pandemic that coordinating health research and innovation among European countries can help reduce health inequalities.

The European Union's investment in research, technology and innovation is leading to improvements in the generation of harmonised data for risk assessment, advancement of technologies, better informed decision-making, and production of knowledge. For example, with the use of new medical technologies in diagnostics, it is possible to improve clinical decision-making and treatment choice. All these improvements contribute to a more cost-effective and sustainable healthcare system.

The EU is also taking other practical steps to reduce healthcare inequalities, notably via its €5.1 billion EU4Health 2021-27 strategy. This is complimented by Member States putting forward their own national strategies to tackle inequalities.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out the role of research and innovation in the healthcare sector, most notably in fighting health inequalities. Discussed questions included:

- What are the biggest health inequalities and consequent challenges across the EU? How are different Member States tackling them?
- How have new technologies helped achieve notable improvements at local level?
- In which ways can innovations in diagnosis contribute to strengthening the health of individuals and communities while combating inequalities?
- What have we learned from Covid-19 in fighting inequalities?

In order to address the long-term problems facing the EU, promoting economic growth is one of the top priorities for the incoming Presidency. The economic output of Europe is what determines its strength, resilience, and global standing. Therefore the EU should continue to create the ideal conditions for a sound and open economy built on private investment, free competition, and successful digitalisation.

On February 1st, Brussels presented its ‘Green Deal Industrial Plan’ to boost Europe’s clean industries. The strategy follows the US’s recent announcement of its 'Inflation Reduction Act' to subsidise US industries to the tune of €400 billion, and China’s ongoing industrial policy that has seen the country become a leader in solar energy. "Europe is determined to lead the clean technology revolution,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

While discussions on the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are still ongoing, boosting transatlantic trade relations will be a vital but challenging objective for Sweden's EU presidency. Geostrategic challenges, such as Russia's aggression against Ukraine, have highlighted how important coordination between the two blocs is.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Presidency Debate to learn about the role of the EU Swedish Presidency in boosting EU’s competitiveness. Discussed questions included:

- What will the EU do to help its companies to be competitive on global markets?
- What is the future of the transatlantic relationship?
- What advancements can be made in the fields of trade and digital cooperation?

The regulation involves EU-wide targets to reduce by 50% the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 2030, in line with the EU’s Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies. New measures will ensure that all farmers and other professional pesticide users practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This is an environmentally friendly system of pest control which focuses on pest prevention and prioritises alternative pest control methods, with chemical pesticides only used as a last resort.

However, these plans have not been popular among some Member States, who officially requested a further impact assessment from the European Commission on 27 December. The Commission has to submit the necessary data at the latest six months after the request came into force. There are concerns that this could potentially delay or derail moving ahead with the regulation’s ambitions.

In contrast, a recent European Parliament report pushes to increase the Commission’s 50% reduction target to 80% by 2030 for “the use of more hazardous plant protection products”. This would move the legislation closer to the demands of a recent citizens’ initiative, ‘Save bees and farmers’, which had called to aim for a general reduction of synthetic pesticides by 80%.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to learn about the proposals for a new Regulation on the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products.
-Are these proposals comprehensive enough to reduce the bloc’s environmental footprint?
-Is a 50% reduction in the use and risk of pesticides a feasible target for Member States to achieve?

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Participatory budgeting, a process in which community members directly decide how to allocate a portion of a public or community budget, is an innovative solution to overcome this perceived democratic deficit and dissatisfaction among citizens. It is especially relevant when the process involves individuals who feel excluded from political and policy processes. It also serves to increase civic engagement and promote transparency and accountability.

Participatory budgeting is becoming an increasingly popular democratic tool in Europe. Globally, Europe is the region with the most participatory budgeting projects.

Whilst active citizen engagement, such as participatory budgeting, can bring democracy closer to citizens, questions remain about whether it will give a voice to the voiceless or simply amplify voices we already hear.

There are concerns about the diversity of participants such as the youth, people with migratory backgrounds, and lower-income citizens, who tend to not take part in these initiatives. Minority groups such as immigrants can struggle with language and cultural barriers.

Young people are statistically underrepresented in both national and EU parliaments. Some stakeholders argue that by letting young people decide how to spend a part of the city budget empowers them, providing a valuable lesson in civic education.

In the context of the H2020 project DEMOTEC, relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to learn the potential of participatory budgeting in the national context and at EU level. How effective are projects in fostering civic engagement and countering the democratic deficit and citizen dissatisfaction? How can participatory budgeting be inclusive for all?

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement no 962553.

This website reflects only the author’s view and the Research Executive Agency or European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

In this perspective, microorganisms can play an important role. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be formulated into many different types of products, including foods and dietary supplements. Scientific evidence points to the positive functions that microbes perform as probiotics for a sustainable and healthy diet, while contributing to a low environmental impact. It is recognised that diet can modify the intestinal microbiome, which in turn has a positive impact on overall health.

Probiotics have received the attention of regulatory authorities worldwide with an interest in protecting consumers from misleading claims and information. However, the EU is in the unique situation where consumers cannot be informed about the presence of probiotics as a category of ingredients in food and food supplements. The Regulation 1924/2006 does not make any reference to probiotics. To address this shortcoming, the Commission issued a guidance on the implementation of Regulation 1924/2006 by stating that a product that “contains probiotics/prebiotics” should be considered a health claim ‘per se’.

Despite the current regulatory restrictions, the term ‘probiotic’ is used widely in the media, on many products sold online, on cosmetics and cleaning products. A large variety of probiotic products are available in several regions of the world and European consumers can purchase these products on-line.

The lack of a harmonised regulatory framework and clarity on the definition of the term “probiotics” at EU level has brought individual Member States to adopt national guidelines/rules. National guidelines have already been issued by Italy, Spain, France, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, and many European countries are allowing the use of the term ‘probiotic’ on labels and in communication. Such a situation can create uncertainty for companies and fragmentation of the Single Market, as well as confusion for consumers.

In the recent recommendation of the Fit4Future Platform (F4F) that delivered the opinions to the Commission on simplification and unnecessary cost reductions, the platform acknowledged the potential of Biosolutions and endorsed some recommendations. Notably, it suggested to improve the harmonisation of the use of the term ‘probiotics’ in the context of health claims across EU Member States to provide clarity for industry and consumers, and to develop industry guidelines for food cultures as food ingredients.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to find out about the probiotics sector, its challenges and opportunities, and how increased clarity can benefit European industry while providing better information and transparency for consumers. Addressed questions included:

- By filling the regulatory gaps to scale-up innovation capacity, what further growth can the sector achieve?

- What are the consumer expectations regarding the use of probiotics and how can these be met?

- How can the European Commission facilitate a dialogue amongst stakeholders and Member States regarding the use of the word “probiotic” and find a way forward?

- Can a harmonised approach on probiotics be reached at EU level to ensure the correct functioning of the European Single Market?

- What role does research and innovation play?

To leverage human potential and ensure that users in Europe fully benefit from these digital solutions in an informed manner, the EU has paired Europe’s digital transition with the provision of digital skills. Under the framework of the 2030 Digital Agenda, the EU has set the target of at least 80% of all adults should have basic digital skills.

Those with a digital mindset hardly look to technology to replace people, but to perform their duties safely and more efficiently. This gives time back to staff to innovate and improve their way of working. Technical tools are emerging at impressive rates. Still, European innovators and start-ups need a sufficient labour force to test the efficacy and safety of these new technologies, before they go to European markets, and beyond. EU 27 Unicorns are in the making but need a talent pool.

EU’s Skills Agenda sets objectives, for the 2023 year of skills, around investments in lifelong learning and ensuring Europe’s competitiveness. As digital transitions advance globally, it is increasingly important to ensure that citizens are prepared to navigate the future.

Online platforms and distance learning programmes can help those currently active in the labour force surmount barriers to upskilling by eliminating commutes to classrooms and giving full-time professionals the freedom to learn at their own pace. Recognising the disparities in access to educational tools and devices, several telecommunications companies launched initiatives to distribute devices and other learning aids for students and teachers. Still, secure high-quality connectivity is an essential companion to improving digital skills and education. This is especially vital in rural and remote communities.

According to the EU proposal to make 2023 the European Year of Skills, only 37% of adults take part in training opportunities on a regular basis. The same document highlights that over 75% of companies in the EU report challenges related to finding staff with appropriate skills. Does this speak to a lack of willingness to upskill or a lack of access and the resulting opportunity loss?

This EURACTIV-GIGAEurope Digital Debate addressed the following questions:

- Are reskilling and upskilling merely a matter of mindset or are those with a willingness unable to find the right training opportunities?
- What is the European Commission doing to raise awareness and ensure that the average EU citizen can avail themselves of the educational opportunities outlined in the European Year of Skills Agenda?
- How is the Commission engaging the private sector, specifically the connectivity community?

With growing shares of variable generation, the volatility in the electricity supply-demand balance is increasing, requiring significantly higher system flexibility. Industry stakeholders suggest that technology that ensures generation adequacy in periods of low variable renewables supply (i.e. wind, sun) should fall under the category of investments needed to create a greener and more secure energy system.

The Commission has acknowledged the importance of flexible solutions by including these in the consultation text. This suggests it’s the perfect time to involve multiple stakeholders in a full exchange on the importance of flexible solutions to the energy system we are building for ourselves and for future generations.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to learn more about “flexibility” to facilitate a more resilient energy market and a decarbonised energy system. What are the different flexibility needs and the available technical solutions? What investments are needed and how can the electricity market design benefit from these investments?

According to the European Media and Information Fund (EMIF), a possible approach to countering disinformation on the war in Ukraine is to create a network of media outlets and journalists covering the conflict on the ground and to ensure that they connect with media professionals, stakeholders and policymakers in the EU. Doing so, would support the voices of local journalists, equipping EU policymakers with more reliable information to explore the changes in geopolitical dynamics that the Russia-Ukraine conflict has brought.

Creating such a network could populate the social media environment, which has been the main hub for the diffusion of fake news, with more reliable, objective and impartial content. In strengthening collaboration between media outlets and journalists covering the conflict on the ground, action at local, regional and national levels could become more effective.

Trustworthy coverage of the consequences of the conflict on EU policy would strengthen EU-level action. The European Parliament’s Special Committee on Foreign Interference, which took place on 29 September 2022, highlighted the need to develop a more distinctive and centralised voice on Ukraine. According to the Parliament, appointing a single EU spokesperson with the sole task of communicating on the war and responding to narratives and misinformation coming out of Russia, could be a step towards combating the spread of false information on the war at an EU level.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to learn more about the challenges associated with tackling disinformation in the context of the war in Ukraine. What role can media outlets and journalists play in fighting such disinformation? Could the creation of a network of on-the-ground media outlets and journalists, and the presence of a centralised EU voice, be effective approaches for countering disinformation on the war?

The sole responsibility for any content supported by the European Media and Information Fund lies with the author(s) and it may not necessarily reflect the positions of the EMIF and the Fund Partners, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the European University Institute.

Since the energy system cannot be 100% electric, molecules will still be needed. By combining CO2, H2 and O2 with heat and electricity, it will be possible to shift away from traditional derivatives of fossil oil and gas. For example, in the transport sector, hydrogen could be a solution to fuel heavy-duty vehicles and medium-haul aircrafts. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) could be a good alternative for air transport, and e-fuels and methanol for shipping could materialise in the 2030-2040 decade. New industrial processes can also be developed in the cement, steel and chemical industries. All these new energy pathways are based on combinations of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon, which will ultimately be of biogenic or atmospheric origin.

As the Green Deal objective is to make the EU both climate neutral and more energy independent, it is crucial that the development of new pathways doesn’t result in new dependencies, either on hydrogen providers or on critical raw materials.

Switching directly to renewable hydrogen, direct air capture and biogenic carbon may prove difficult considering the current maturity level of these technologies. Another strategy could be to adopt a phased approach prioritising the reduction of CO2 emissions through existing technologies, such as capture and storage of CO2 coming from hydrogen production or hard to abate industries, while steadily building additional production capacities of renewable and low carbon hydrogen to match the growing energy demand.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to learn more about the potential of CO2, H2 and O2 in decarbonising the EU’s energy sector and whether a consensus can be found for "the best strategy". Discussed questions included:

- Which pathways will the use of CO2, H2 and O2 develop and in which sectors should their use be prioritised?
- How can we ensure that the use of hydrogen will not result in new dependencies?
- To what extent can carbon storage contribute to reducing the EU’s carbon footprint? Can carbon storage in the North Sea be an appropriate solution?
- Where will the carbon needed for manufacturing come from? Is direct air capture a realistic future solution?
- Is it realistic to almost double the gross electricity production of the EU to power the new energy system?
- What is the added value of the Fit for 55 and REPowerEU packages? What should be the next steps in terms of legislative developments and initiatives?
- What are the required conditions for European industry to maintain its competitiveness in developing new sustainable energy solutions? Can Europe lead America in this field?

Fusion science and technology have a long history in Europe. ITER, a collaborative research project between 35 nations, is one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world, designed to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy.

The urgency of fighting climate change is giving renewed momentum to these efforts, attracting private capital into different fusion projects, with the objective of making fusion a business reality, and at the same time providing electricity from fusion to the grid. Support through investment and public-private partnerships in order to speed up research can lead to industrial-scale development of fusion technology.

But where does the EU stand when it comes to technological development? What is needed for more progress in this field? Is the regulatory framework fostering innovation?

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out the potential of fusion technology for transforming the European energy mix and achieving a green and sustainable energy transition.
Addressed questions included:

- What is the future of fusion energy in Europe?
- What could stimulate more investment in this novel energy source?
- What are the advantages of ITER and what can be learned from the project?
- What steps are needed for developing a roadmap for the future commercialisation of fusion power in Europe and beyond?

But how do we define circularity? Does it need to happen in a closed loop or is recycling for diverse end uses enough? Do we take into account the future uses of a material as well as its origin?

On average, each European generates almost 180 kg of packaging waste per year. Packaging is one of the main uses for virgin materials as 40% of plastics and 50% of paper produced in the EU is destined for packaging. Without action, the EU would see a further 19% increase in packaging waste by 2030, and for plastic packaging waste even a 46% increase.

The European Commission’s proposed revision attempts to tackle this problem by introducing measures and targets to increase reduction, recycling and reuse of packaging. However, some stakeholders in the food and beverage industry argue that European legislation does not properly define and promote a closed loop vision of ‘circularity’ and 'high-quality recycling'.

PET is the only product stream currently recycled on a large scale. Food and beverage sectors claim that by using recycled PET in non-food applications, nonfood sectors break the circularity loop as recycled PET cannot be used for the purpose it was first designed for: high-quality, food-contact material. This, they say, amounts to greenwashing. Adding to the dilemma, food and beverage sectors believe competition from non-food sectors for recycled, food-contact grade materials may make it impossible to reach the targets for minimum levels of recycled content.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to discuss what circularity actually means and how a fair definition and practice, satisfying both consumers and industry, can be reached. Addressed questions included:
- What is a circular product? Can consumers play a role in the understanding and defining of 'circularity'? And how can we define terms such as greenwashing, downcycling, high-quality recycling?
- Can the Commission’s PPWR proposal ensure that the food and beverage industry can fully close the loop on their packaging?
- Does the PPWR do enough to enable each sector to close the loop on the packaging they put on the market?

According to the European Commission, 80% of European habitats are in poor condition. The proposal aims to cover at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 with nature restoration measures, and eventually extend these to all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. To reach these targets, while accounting for national circumstances, the law would require Member States to develop National Restoration Plans, in close cooperation with scientists, interested stakeholders and the public.

Forests comprise 45% of European land. They act as the Earth’s lungs by absorbing enormous amounts of carbon from the atmosphere and are vital for combating climate change. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, eliminating emissions from deforestation and increasing carbon removals by promoting forest regrowth and landscape restoration could reduce global emissions by up to 30%.

Forests also provide non-carbon services such as providing water and food security and medicines and materials, regulating global rainfall patterns, and reducing the risk of disasters. They also host more than 50% of the world’s land-based species.

The Life Terra project seeks to plant 500 million trees in Europe. Tree planting is regarded as the most cost-effective solution to capturing carbon. It also supports nature restoration and prevents biodiversity loss.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to find out the Commission’s proposal for the Nature Restoration Law in the context of forests. How can tree planting and forest restoration support climate change mitigation? What role can projects like Life Terra play in reaching the Commission's targets, and how can projects like this be replicated elsewhere?

Life Terra is co-financed by the European Commission through the LIFE Programme (LIFE19 CCM/NL/001200).
The content of this publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The Agency does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

In order to meet the European Green Deal's climate goals, the transport sector must undergo a thorough transformation. Batteries, in particular, are fundamental in decarbonising the transport industry and moving towards green mobility. However, they require a significant amount of critical raw materials, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths and copper.

The European Commission, together with relevant stakeholders, is working on different action plans and initiatives to address CRM in supply chains. A review of the current critical raw materials list is expected at the end of the year.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to find out the role of critical raw materials in ensuring a fast and ambitious energy transition across Europe.

The proposal follows the European Green Deal and is seen by policymakers as fundamental for creating a sustainable product policy framework that can empower consumers.

However, some industry stakeholders claim that the proposal is not clear enough and does not create a level playing field for the industry. They are recommending the ban of vague or non-specific environmental claims such as “environmentally safe”, “green”, “nature’s friend", which they argue may be associated with “greenwashing”.

As the industry is investing in sustainable production and consumption programmes, companies are asking for more clarity regarding company sustainability labels. These labels are developed by multiple stakeholder groups who follow robust environmental and social criteria.
Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out what are the different options for ensuring a level playing field for industry and empowering consumers to achieve a successful green transition. Addressed questions included:

• Could the European Commission’s proposal allow for substantiated company-owned sustainability labels which are proven to be robust?
• How will it affect local and small-scale producers in the EU?
• What resources are required in order to create a level playing field and a fairer system for everyone in the industry?
• What are the main challenges in achieving consumer empowerment, and how can they be tackled?

Selon le ministère de l’agriculture, la nouvelle version du PSN (Plan Stratégique National) français veut « encourager une diversité renforcée des systèmes de production » et « inciter au renforcement de la résilience du secteur en recherchant la sobriété en intrants » (engrais, pesticides).

En effet, la première version du PSN proposée par la France a été refusée par la Commission européenne ayant jugé trop faibles les ambitions environnementales et climatiques.

Participez à cette conférence virtuelle organisée par EURACTIV afin d'aborder les questions suivantes :
- Comment le gouvernement français se positionne-t-il en cette période de crise alimentaire mondiale ?
- Des dérogations exceptionnelles sont-elles justifiables au vu de l’urgence climatique ?

Les points de vue et opinions exprimés n’engagent que l’auteur ou les auteurs et ne reflètent pas nécessairement la position de l’Union européenne. Ni l’Union européenne ni l’autorité chargée de l’octroi ne sauraient en être tenues pour responsables.

At the same time, the EU would have a first-mover advantage in an economic bloc that aims to open up and for the first time seeks to become more involved in international value chains. Furthermore, from a geopolitical viewpoint, more intensive cooperation with countries from South America, that share the same values as Europe, was deemed important.

However, several EU Member States and MEPs signalled their opposition to the agreement due to increased deforestation in the Amazonian rainforest and the perceived lack of efforts to tackle climate change by Mercosur countries. With the election of Lula da Silva as President of Brazil, new opportunities are arising for EU-South American cooperation. Following his inauguration in January, all eyes will be on Lula and the possible acceleration of the trade agreement’s ratification process.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to find out what opportunities the change in Brazilian leadership can bring to the Mercosur Trade Agreement negotiations. What can be improved to increase its chances of ratification? When will the Commission publish a complementary declaration on sustainability issues? How likely is it that the Council and EU Parliament will ratify it? What role would this trade agreement play in global geopolitics in the context of current challenges? And how could European industry benefit from the agreement?

The European Democracy Action Plan (EDAP) has been put forward by the European Commission to tackle threats to democratic processes and norms within Europe. Technology companies must do their part in protecting these values. But industry must also proactively reflect on its roles and obligations to democratic societies above and beyond the letter of the law.

To explore emerging challenges, obligations, and desires, the ‘Democratic Values in the Digital Age’ programme collected leading experts from academia, think tanks, NGOs, policy, and the private sector to delve into these issues. Over the course of three workshops, a variety of voices and perspectives examined some of the more prominent digital issues facing democracy.

This included:

Workshop 1: Strengthening Media Freedom and Pluralism,
Organised by University College Dublin - Centre for Digital Policy.

Workshop 2: Countering Disinformation,
Organised by GLOBSEC.

Workshop 3: Democracy and Resilience in the Era of European Crises,
Organised by the Central European Digital Media Observatory (CEDMO).

The programme’s closing event featured a high-level panel who reflected on the workshops, discuss findings, and brainstorm future paths. This closing event was also accompanied by a final report on the workshops, which intellectually underpinned the discussion.

Event series powered by: Microsoft
Media Partner: EURACTIV

To contribute to these goals, the EU is looking to simplify and streamline labelling requirements for some categories of chemicals and chemical products, and the use of digital labelling. This could increase the cost-effectiveness and overall competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.

Product-specific information requirements will ensure consumers know the environmental impacts of their purchases. All regulated products will have Digital Product Passports. This will make it easier to repair or recycle products and facilitate tracking substances of concern along the supply chain. The proposal also contains measures to end the destruction of unsold consumer goods, as well as expand green public procurement and provide incentives for sustainable products.

Industry stakeholders call for a digital EU-harmonised label to support consumer behaviours and the end of life management of packaging. The benefits of digital labelling include more flexibility to adapt to changes and potential for innovation, easy access for consumers, efficient communication of information, and support for the supply chain and waste sorting facilities.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to learn what potential there is for harmonised digital solutions for separate collection of waste and labelling in the EU. How can challenges like multi-language packaging be addressed? What are the advantages and limitations of digital labelling and digital product passports?

Many commercial farmers have identified ways to leverage digital technologies to make existing agricultural practices more precise. Precision farming techniques are expanding within the sector. They also vary and range from simple, low-cost practices (such as replacing sprayer nozzles to avoid overuse of pesticides) to employing sensors and meters that help conserve usage of agricultural inputs such as water, fertilisers, and plant protecting products (PPPs). According to a 2022 European Commission impact assessment, the use of this technology can help farmers to achieve up to a 27.9% reduction in herbicide use for crops of pulses such as peas. The same document suggests that adopting these techniques under certain conditions would have little or no impact on crop yields.

More complex approaches use drone technology for geo-spatial imaging and mapping, harness big data and AI technology to better understand fluctuations of farming conditions, and leverage cloud computer systems that foster peer-to- peer learning. By offering (in many cases) near real-time data, farmers can make more informed decisions.

Proponents also champion precision farming for its role in maximising the use of agriculture inputs while minimising the sectors impact on the environment. However, there are barriers to adoption. Many of these systems require high-quality connectivity in rural areas, enhanced digital skills, and regulatory assurances that farmers will be able to fully benefit from their investments.

This EURACTIV-GIGAEurope Digital Debate examined the role that digital technologies can play in global efforts to address food security issues and make agriculture more sustainable. Addressed questions included:

- What are the current attitudes and adoption rates of precision agriculture tools of Europe’s farms?

- What environmental challenges do farmers face and what is the role precision agriculture can play in tackling these?

- What is industry doing to address farmers’ concerns around privacy and data ownership?

- What sort of regulatory assurances can policymakers provide if farmers invest in precision farming tools?

A first Renewable Energy Directive (RED I) adopted in 2009, followed by a second (RED II) in 2018, have led to the implementation of increasingly stringent sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements for certain bioenergy sectors.

In July 2021, the European Commission submitted a new proposal for the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) to the European Parliament and the Council, strengthening the sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction criteria, especially for forest biomass, following a study by the JRC. The Council and the Parliament adopted their positions which will be the basis for the ongoing trilogue negotiations.

The position adopted by the European Parliament introduces a new definition of primary woody biomass that refers to all wood taken directly from forests with a few exceptions. This definition includes residues from responsible forest management such as small wood, branches on the ground, crowns, etc. This definition is then used to cap the use of "primary woody biomass" and make it ineligible for financial support. Some stakeholders question the logic of the European Parliament gradually reducing the share of primary wood counted as renewable energy while at the same time asking for an increased RES target of 45% by 2030.

Many industry stakeholders claim that wood energy is a consequence of responsible forest management, a necessary by-product of forest maintenance, timber production and support to the forest in the face of climate change. They assert that forest biomass is thus a renewable, low carbon energy source, creating local jobs and contributing to the EU's climate and energy independence objectives.

Some countries in the wood-energy sector that rely on wood as their primary source of renewable energy have expressed concern. They argue that the definition of the European Parliament, which includes residues from good forest management, puts the entire wood energy sector at risk, and more broadly, renders the responsible management of forests more difficult in the face of climate change.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to learn about the proposal regarding the introduction of a new definition of primary woody biomass in the revision of RED II and its implications for the wood-energy sector, in the framework of the ongoing trilogue negotiations.

Technological advances and digital tools can also provide support when it comes to consumer choice. Algorithms could suggest tailored options to consumers based on health profiling and consumer history, genetic research and health data. To facilitate this, and prepare our societies for the future, some stakeholders argue that the front-of-pack nutritional label currently being reviewed by the European Commission needs to take a different, more progressive approach.

They claim that the current use of different front-of-pack schemes in the internal market could result in additional costs for businesses, consumer confusion and a lack of trust. To avoid this, a common approach amongst Member States has been proposed. They want legislation to be updated to take account of how our future diets are likely to look.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out the opportunities and challenges facing the EU regarding front-of-pack labelling. Is there scope for a future where our smart devices and AI provide us with all the relevant information we need to eat or purchase based on our personal data? What steps need to be taken in this direction? And how can citizens be provided with the necessary information to make the right nutritional choices, especially those with health deficiencies?

There is a lot at stake for consumer choice. According to the wider food and beverage industry, the upcoming proposal should be easy to interpret and, based on dietary guidelines, ensure that consumers are well informed about the nutritional benefits of food and drink products. But some industry stakeholders are concerned that the focus of EU policymakers on specific nutrients risks entrenching negative perceptions around certain food products, despite scientific evidence that supports their positive contribution to European diets.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out the importance of a balanced approach in assessing the nutritional benefits of beverages and food products. What are the potential implications of a new, mandatory front-of-pack labelling system to help inform consumer choices? Taking the example of the fruit juice sector, the debate discussed the latest policy developments, industry perspectives and scientific research in this area and look ahead at what to expect in 2023.