Sudan’s crisis deepens with communities trapped in ‘siege conditions’

This article is published in association with United Nations. Civilians across Sudan’s Kordofan region are facing extreme hardship as conflict intensifies, warned the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) on Wednesday. Communities in Dilling and Kadugli in the south are trapped in “siege conditions,” according to children’s agency UNICEF. Additionally, there have been reports of sustained attacks in recent […]

Life and Dignity: The Promise Europe Must Keep

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by one of our passionate readers, Mr. Antonio Cristóbal Luque Ambrosiani. The opinions expressed within reflect only the writer’s views and not necessarily The European Sting’s position on the issue. There is one right that comes before all others, the right to life. Not just staying alive, but […]

EIB Group’s financing in Poland grew to €5.7 billion in 2024

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group’s financing in Poland rose 10% on the year in 2024, reaching €5.7 billion and helping accelerate modern development of cities and regions, as well as energy transition. Support to business competitiveness and national security complemented the EU bank’s comprehensive engagement […]

MAGA My God: Trump’s full trade war against China, EU, Canada, Mexico, you name it

Bang, the new US administration recently launched 25% tariffs on EU steel and aluminium, almost everything imported from Canada and Mexico as well as 20% on Chinese imports. The Wall Street stock exchange felt its worst day last Monday with investors in panic after Trump’s promulgation of trade wars against everybody. MAGA (Make America Great […]

In the face of ‘unprecedented pressure’, EU calls for primacy of international law and partnership

This article is published in association with United Nations. The European Union remains committed to upholding international law and defending the United Nations Charter amid growing security threats, the bloc’s top diplomat told the Security Council on Tuesday. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion and continuing war against Ukraine, underscored […]

UN emergency aid fund releases $110 million for neglected humanitarian crises

This article is published in association with United Nations. Amid deep cuts to global humanitarian funding, the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, CERF, on Thursday allocated $110 million to neglected crises across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The UN’s top aid official, Tom Fletcher, said that more than 300 million people urgently need assistance. But funding […]

World’s largest conference on women calls for equality amid gender backlash

This article is published in association with United Nations. Gender equality is a critical goal at a time when the demand for rights faces a global backlash, top UN officials told thousands of diplomats, business and civil society delegates gathered at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday for the world’s largest annual conference focused on […]

EIB lends Latvian energy utility Latvenergo €200 million loan to refurbish power-distribution network

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending Latvian energy utility Latvenergo AS €200 million to upgrade the country’s electricity distribution network. State-owned Latvenergo AS will use the EIB credit to make the electricity-distribution system both more efficient and more capable of delivering clean power. This project, […]

Equalizing the Stethoscope: Addressing Gaps in Global Medical Training

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Shinjan Shoilee, a fourth-year medical student at Bangladesh Medical College, Dhaka. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on […]

EP to establish two new standing and two special committees

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Friday, the European Parliament political group leaders have decided on the creation of two new standing committees and two special committees. Responding to citizen’s expectations and reflecting EP priorities for the 10th legislature, European Parliament political group leaders (President Metsola and chairs of […]

November infringements package: key decisions

This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee.

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Overview by policy area In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission pursues legal action against Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper […]

Germany: EIB and Haspa join forces to finance small businesses, mid-caps and small renewable energy projects

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide a multi-beneficiary intermediated loan (MBIL) of €100 million to Haspa, Germany’s largest savings bank based in Hamburg. Haspa will then provide financing to small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and mid-caps with up to 3 000 employees in Germany. The financial […]

Middle East: Gaza food markets ‘in decay’ as starvation looms

This article is published in association with United Nations. Reports of ongoing bombardments, likely starvation and despair continue to emerge from Gaza where many basic daily staples now “barely exist”, UN humanitarians warned on Wednesday. In an alert, the World Food Programme (WFP) described markets “in decay” across the enclave. “Fresh foods, eggs, and meat barely […]

Commission approves €1 billion Portuguese State aid scheme to support investments in strategic sectors necessary to foster the transition to a net-zero economy

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved a €1 billion Portuguese scheme to support investments for the production of equipment necessary to foster the transition towards a net-zero economy, in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis […]

Bosnian manufacturer expands into new markets with EBRD and EU support

The Commission today presented the Automotive Package to support the sector's efforts in the transition to clean mobility. It sets an ambitious yet pragmatic policy framework to ensure 2050 climate neutrality and strategic independence while providing more flexibility to manufacturers. It also responds to calls by EU industry to simplify rules. The automotive sector has been key to Europe's industrial strength for decades, sustaining millions of jobs and driving technological innovation. As the world is changing, the car industry is transforming through new technologies and actors. Today's package maintains a strong market signal for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) while giving the industry more flexibility to achieve CO2 targets, and supports vehicles and batteries made in the European Union. The corporate vehicles initiative will support the uptake of zero- and low-emission vehicles. The automotive omnibus enhances competitiveness by saving costs, expected to be approximately €706 million per year, and cutting red tape, while providing greater investment certainty. Commission President von der Leyen said: “Innovation. Clean mobility. Competitiveness. This year, these were top priorities in our intense dialogues with automotive sector, civil society organisations and stakeholders. And today, we are addressing them all together. As technology rapidly transforms mobility and geopolitics reshapes global competition, Europe remains at the forefront of the global clean transition.” Staying the course towards clean mobility with pragmatism The Commission presents a package that addresses both supply and demand of the automotive sector's transition: on the supply side, it presents a review of the existing CO2 emission standards for cars and vans and a targeted amendment to those for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). On the demand side, it proposes an initiative to decarbonise corporate vehicles with binding national targets for zero- and low-emission vehicles. The CO2 standards now provide further flexibilities to support the industry and enhance technological neutrality, while providing predictability to manufacturers and maintaining clear market signal towards electrification. From 2035 onwards, carmakers will need to comply with a 90% tailpipe emissions reduction target, while the remaining 10% emissions will need to be compensated through the use of low-carbon steel Made in the Union, or from e-fuels and biofuels. This will allow for plug-in hybrids (PHEV), range extenders, mild hybrids, and internal combustion engine vehicles to still play a role beyond 2035, in addition to full electric (EVs) and hydrogen vehicles. Prior to 2035, car manufacturers will be able to benefit from “super credits” for small affordable electric cars made in the European Union. This will incentivise the deployment on the market of more small EV models. For the 2030 target for cars and vans, additional flexibility is introduced by allowing “banking & borrowing” for 2030-2032. An additional flexibility is granted for the vans segment, where the electric vehicle uptake has been structurally more difficult, with a reduction of the 2030 CO2 vans target from 50% to 40%. The Commission is also proposing a targeted amendment to the CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles with a flexibility easing the compliance with the 2030 targets. Regarding corporate vehicles, mandatory targets are set at the Member State level to support the zero- and low-emission vehicle uptake by large companies. Having more zero- and low-emission vehicles on the market, both first- and second-hand markets – will benefit all customers. As companies' cars cover higher yearly mileages, it also means more emission reductions. It will also make zero- or low- emissions and “Made in the EU” a pre-requisite for vehicles benefitting from public financial support. Strengthening Europe's own battery industry With €1.8 billion, the Battery Booster will accelerate the development of a fully EU-made battery value chain. As part of the Battery Booster, €1.5 billion will support European battery cell producers through interest-free loans. Additional targeted policy measures will support investments, create a European battery value chain and foster innovation and coordination across Member States. These measures will enhance the cost competitiveness of the sector, secure upstream supply chains and support sustainable and resilient production in the EU, contributing to the derisking from dominant global market players. Less red tape and stronger enabling conditions for the transition The Automotive Omnibus will ease administrative burden and cut costs for European manufacturers, boosting their global competitiveness, and freeing up resources for decarbonisation. Businesses are expected to save approximately €706 million per year, bringing the administrative savings thanks to all omnibuses and simplification initiatives the Commission has presented so far to around €14.3 billion per year. Among other things, it proposes to reduce the number of secondary legislation that will be adopted in the upcoming years and to streamline testing for new passenger vans and trucks. This will reduce costs while maintaining highest environmental and safety standards. The roll-out of electric vans in domestic transport is supported by measures that place them on an equal footing with internal combustion vans regarding drivers' rest times and rules. The Omnibus also introduces a new vehicle category under the Small Affordable Cars initiative, covering electric vehicles up to 4.2 meters in length. This will enable Member States and local authorities to develop targeted incentives, stimulating demand for small EVs made in the EU. The Commission is also updating and harmonising car labelling rules, for customers to have complete information about the cars' emissions when making purchases. Background Today's proposals build on the Automotive Action Plan, and input from industry and key stakeholders gathered during the Strategic Dialogue under President von der Leyen's leadership since January 2025. In January 2025, President von der Leyen launched a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry, bringing together industry representatives, social partners, Member States, regions and civil society. Three Dialogue meetings have taken place to date, providing a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities the sector faces. For more information Questions and answers Factsheet - Taking action for a clean and competitive European automotive sector Factsheet – Revision of the CO2 standards and Corportate vehicles Proposal Automotive Package – webpage (all proposals will be available) Automotive Action Plan – webpage Clean Industrial Deal Net-Zero Industry Act

This article is brought to you in association with EBRD. In Bosnia and Herzegovina‘s industrial landscape, one company stands out: GAT. Specialising in manufacturing parts for the aviation, motorcycle, automotive, lighting, measuring technology and medical industries, GAT has carved out a niche for itself. With expertise in computer numerical control (CNC) milling, CNC turning and surface protection, […]

Canada joins Horizon Europe programme

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Canada is joining the growing group of non-EU countries who have associated to the EU’s research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe, and will work jointly on large-scale projects tackling our biggest challenges. Today, Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, and […]

EIB and Banca Etica provide over €165 million to support gender equality, refugee inclusion and development in southern Italy

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Banca Etica President Anna Fasano have signed a €60 million agreement with the main goals of promoting labour market integration and better services for refugees, making it easier for women-led companies to access finance and supporting projects in cohesion […]

Governments want to make green good for business locally, without stalling economic progress globally

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: John Letzing, Digital Editor, World Economic Forum “I wish I hadn’t called it that.” Familiar with the US Inflation Reduction Act? If not, that’s okay, because neither are most people in the US. President Joe Biden may regret […]

Is this a pivotal moment for the rise of the ‘middle powers’?

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Alejo Czerwonko. Chief Investment Officer, Emerging Markets, Americas, UBS AG The global geopolitical map is experiencing its deepest reconfiguration in decades. Global trade is being rerouted, supply chains are being redesigned and new security alliances are being forged. All […]

How IP laws can be reimagined to stimulate innovation

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Jens Martin Skibsted, Partner, Manyone A/S Intellectual Property (IP) laws are a two-edged sword. On the one hand, they enable creators to reap the full value of their creativity without fearing appropriation or imitation. On the flip side, IP […]

European farmers exempted from rules on land lying fallow

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission officially adopted a regulation which grants a partial exemption for European farmers from the conditionality rule on land lying fallow. This follows the Commission’s proposal presented on 31 January, and discussions with Member States in committee meetings. The Regulation will enter into […]

Parliament wants tougher enforcement of EU sanctions against Russia

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. MEPs want more EU-level oversight and better efforts to limit Moscow’s ability to bypass the EU’s restrictive measures. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, Parliament voices its alarm over existing loopholes in the EU’s sanctions regime against Russia. While highlighting the unprecedented nature of […]

World’s first flying taxi, and other technology stories you need to read

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Sebastian Buckup, Head of Network and Partnerships, Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum 1. World’s first flying taxi cleared for take-off A start-up in China has received the first certificate of airworthiness for an autonomous flying […]

An interview with ChatGPT about managing the risks of generative AI

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Nelson Novaes Neto, CTO , C6 Bank, Keri Pearlson, Executive Director, Cybersecurity, MIT – Sloan School of Management Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to radically change the way we work. In some cases, it is expected […]

What will the future of volunteering look like?

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Johnny Wood, Writer, Forum Agenda “In the last few years, the number, frequency and scale of disasters have been phenomenal. And, of course, a lot of them are induced by the changing climate … So we feel a […]

Climate Change and Infectious Diseases: Heightened Concerns Regarding H. pylori.

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Sadia Khalid, early-stage researcher (ESRs), medical writer and research engineer at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do […]

How the management mindset needs to change, and other lessons for the digital transformation from Siemens’ CEO

EU supports digital connectivity with simpler and harmonised rules in Digital Networks Act

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Andrea Willige, Senior Writer, Forum Agenda Siemens’ CEO Roland Busch believes the biggest challenge in business transformation is changing mindsets and empowering employees at all levels. Over 40% of workers’ core skills will change in the next five […]

Bearing Witness to a Planet in Peril: The Intersection of Climate Crisis, Migration, and Injustice

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Sadia Khalid, early-stage researcher (ESRs), medical writer and research engineer at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do […]

12 climate-smart technologies that could transform the way we grow food

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Bibi la Luz Gonzalez, Founder, Eat Better Wa’ik Despite their central role in global food systems, many farmers and smallholders live in poverty, suffer from malnutrition and are landless. Farmers have built up generations of knowledge on the […]

Here’s what to know about the new COVID-19 Pirola variant

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Lora du Moulin, Lead, Global Health and Security, World Economic Forum LLC, Charlotte Edmond, Senior Writer, Forum Agenda The Pirola variant of coronavirus has been observed in several countries around the world, and COVID-19 cases are rising again.Initial […]

Ten European cities awarded with EU Mission Label for their plans to reach climate-neutrality by 2030

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, ten European cities were awarded the Label of the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, one of the EU Missions in Horizon Europe. The EU Mission Label is an important milestone as it recognises the cities’ plans to achieve climate-neutrality already by […]

Better protection for consumers against damages by defective products

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. The new rules would ensure victims get fair compensation when defective products, including digital or refurbished products, cause them physical and psychological harm. With 33 votes in favour, 2 against and no abstention the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) and Internal Market and Consumer Protection […]

Generative AI has disrupted education. Here’s how it can be used for good – UNESCO

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Madeleine North, Writer, Forum Agenda Schools, colleges and universities are having to rapidly adjust to generative AI.Now UNESCO has produced the first-ever global guidance for the use of generative AI in education.The World Economic Forum also addresses “educational […]

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