Ukraine’s children enter fourth school year under invasion as 4.6 million face education barriers

Ukraine’s children enter fourth school year under invasion as 4.6 million face education barriers

This article is published in association with United Nations. This year alone, 4.6 million children in Ukraine are struggling to access education as they endure a fourth academic year under full-scale war. Since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022, children have continued to bear the brunt of the crisis – unable to attend school regularly, learn […]

Commission approved the disbursement of more than €4 billion to four Member States under NextGenerationEU, supporting economic growth and competitiveness

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

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved the disbursement of a total of €4.1 billion to four Member States — Greece, Portugal, Slovenia and Austria — under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU. These disbursements are part of the Commission’s efforts to […]

MEPs push for “military Schengen” to withstand potential Russian aggression 

Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Objective is to facilitate up to €800 billion in defence investment over four years EU-wide time limit for the issuing of permits for defence projects Easier procedures for intra-EU transfers and procurement Simplified eligibility procedures for the European Defence Fund and specific measures for testing projects and actions in Ukraine On Monday, MEPs from four committees approved new proposals to accelerate defence investment and improve the EU’s responsiveness in the face of security challenges. The set of legislative files, part of the so-called “Omnibus V” package of EU simplification measures, aims to speed up the approval of permits for defence projects and the export of defence equipment between EU countries, simplify security and defence procurement and EU cooperation on defence contracts, ensure that EU chemical regulations accommodate defence needs, and simplify the implementation of the European Defence Fund. These proposals also aim to facilitate up to €800 billion in defence investment over the next four years under the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, allowing member states and the industry to react more effectively in response to escalating security challenges. Acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects Agreeing on the need to accelerate permit-granting procedures for defence projects, such as the construction of new industry plants or expansion of existing facilities, MEPs want an EU-wide default time limit for permit decisions to be set at 50 working days. They say, however, that member states must be able to grant extensions of up to 25 working days for large projects and by 50 working days if a project is of exceptional complexity, raises exceptional risks for health, safety or environment, or specific national security clearance is required. Such extensions will be communicated to the project promoter, accompanied by an explanation of their reasoning and an expected decision date. If national authorities do not follow up by the applicable deadlines, the principle of tacit approval should apply, MEPs argue. The report also calls on EU countries to establish single points of contact for defence project promoters, with the digital tracking of applications, annual reporting to the Commission on permit activity and SME support, and EU monitoring of tacit approvals to ensure transparency and consistent implementation. Intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and simplified procurement MEPs back the Commission's approach to simplify intra-EU transfers and procurement of defence-related products. To speed up intra-EU transfers of defence products, EU countries should introduce more exemptions to often complex transfer licensing schemes, in particular transfers concerning the same company, and use simpler licensing arrangements (so-called general transfer licenses) to support innovation and the emergence of disruptive technologies. MEPs also stress the importance of facilitating transfers of defence products needed to implement EU funded projects. Members support a proposal to use the simpler so-called negotiated procedure (direct talks with suppliers, often bypassing open tenders, for urgent needs) for certain common procurements and innovative products and services, e.g. replenishing depleted stocks more quickly. When it comes to this procedure, MEPs want the use of components originating outside EU, EEA EFTA countries, Ukraine and countries that are part of a security and defence partnership with the EU to be limited to 35% of the estimated cost of the final product They also favour changing the rules so that only larger contracts are subject to existing EU procurement rules, allowing countries to focus their resources on the most critical contracts, and of relaxing the rules so that a contracting authority from one EU member state can join the procurement process of another. Facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry In the text, MEPs agree with proposals to simplify the management and implementation of the European Defence Fund (EDF). The committees backed reducing reporting and documentation requirements to boost the participation of SMEs and mid-sized businesses in the fund. They also propose simplifying the list of actions which can be eligible for EU funding and clarify that projects and actions funded by the EDF can be tested in Ukraine. MEPs further clarify how EU’s environmental and chemicals legislation, such as REACH, can apply to defence activities, saying that EU countries already enjoy flexibility in the use of existing exemptions to achieve defence readiness objectives. The have also added provisions for projects where production lines are used for both defence and civilian purposes. Quotes Quotes from committee chairs and co-rapporteurs are available here. Votes results The text on the acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects was approved by 62 votes in favour, 6 against with 11 abstentions. The text on intra-EU transfers of defence-related products and simplified procurement was approved by 59 votes in favour, 13 against with 7 abstentions. The text on facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry was approved by 137 votes in favour, 30 against with 21 abstentions. Next steps Parliament’s plenary will have to endorse the adopted positions during a forthcoming session before negotiations with the incoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council can start on the final shape of the legislations. Background The EU’s Defence Readiness Omnibus package of proposals was presented by the Commission in June 2025. It is designed to simplify regulations and remove administrative hurdles to boost the European defence industry. It aims to speed up defence investments, enhance cooperation, and strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB) by making rules for procurement, financing, cross-border collaboration and permitting more flexible and efficient. It includes proposals for two regulations and one directive, as well as drafts of delegated regulations.

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Transport and Defence MEPs call urgently for easier movement of troops and military equipment across the EU by removing internal borders and upgrading infrastructure. The draft resolution on military mobility, adopted by the Transport and Defence committees on Monday, stresses the urgent need to […]

‘Leave no one behind’: As wealth gap widens, UN calls for new industrial deal for world’s poorest

This article is published in association with United Nations. Ministers and leaders from across the world’s 44 least developed countries have pledged to accelerate industrialisation that benefits all, and strengthen resilience in the face of global challenges, at an international UN conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  “First, we need to end the war. Then, we have […]

Belém COP30 delivers climate finance boost and a pledge to plan fossil fuel transition

This article is published in association with United Nations. In a pivotal outcome at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, countries agreed on a sweeping package to scale up climate finance and accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement – but without a clear commitment to move away from fossil fuels. “A new economy is rising, while the old […]

‘The world is watching’: Guterres and Lula urge unity as COP30 talks near deadline

This article is published in association with United Nations. With the clock ticking on climate negotiations in Belém, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, speaking separately, delivered a united message: the world is watching, and compromise cannot wait. Amid reports of deadlocks on fossil fuels, climate finance and other key […]

‘Decisive battle’: Guterres calls for youth power in fight to phase out fossil fuels

This article is published in association with United Nations. A page feels like it’s turning. After years of debate, the long-awaited roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels may finally be written into the official decisions of COP30. On Tuesday in Belém, ministers from Colombia, Germany, Kenya, the Marshall Islands, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom and several […]

Commission welcomes political agreement on the EU Talent Pool, making the EU more attractive to skilled talent from outside the EU

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council on the EU Talent Pool. Once in place, the EU Talent Pool will be the first EU-wide platform to facilitate international recruitment of jobseekers residing outside the […]

Conflict and hunger ‘two faces of the same crisis’, UN deputy chief tells Security Council

This article is published in association with United Nations. For millions of people worldwide caught up in conflict, “war and hunger are often two faces of the same crisis,” UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told the Security Council on Monday, as it met to examine how food insecurity fuels fighting.  “This Council’s mandate is maintenance of […]

EIB Global sets up climate fund with Germany and Luxembourg as pioneer contributors

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by one of our passionate readers, Ms. Maryam Latif with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Pakistan. The opinions expressed within reflect only the writer’s views and not necessarily The European Sting’s position on the issue.

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank Group’s development arm, EIB Global, is teaming up with Germany and Luxembourg to boost green financing worldwide. EIB Global is creating a trust fund for climate action to which Germany and Luxembourg are contributing a total of €32 million as initial donors. […]

Netherlands: EIB and Qredits boost access to microloans for small companies with InvestEU backing

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

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank will provide a €40 million loan facility to microfinance supporter Qredits to expand its lending portfolio aimed at small businesses in the Netherlands. Qredits will on-lend the money under favourable conditions to the smallest section of the SME segment, specifically one-person businesses, […]

Gazans continue heading home as ‘fragile ceasefire’ holds

This article is published in association with United Nations. A month into the ceasefire in Gaza, families continue to slowly head back to their former homes and communities wherever access is allowed, the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said on Monday.  Staff remain on the ground providing lifesaving services, and some 100 UNRWA shelters are housing more […]

Step on it like Buick: Why the EU needs to open its eyes and look outside the Chinese electric car window

Just last Friday Stefan Szejurny, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, came out to openly say that the EU should stop being “naive” and enforce strict protectionism against cars from China and the US. It seems that Mr. Szejurny, old pal of President Macron, in this anachronistic statement that looks […]

Safeguarding clean water access as climate threats rise

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

This article is published in association with United Nations. As health emergencies multiply linked to the climate crisis, governments are joining forces with the UN to protect access to clean water, while data indicates that 118 million people in Europe alone live near healthcare facilities lacking basic sanitation.   “Healthcare facilities are where the vulnerable seek healing. […]

MEPs and Council agree on measures to boost EU support for security and defence investments  

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. As part of the ReArm Europe Plan, the measures aim to strengthen Europe’s defence technological and industrial base by channelling EU funding to defence and security. The legislation informally agreed upon on Wednesday evening between MEPs and the Danish Presidency of the Council will […]

Egypt becomes second African country to join Horizon Europe

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, Egypt has officially joined Horizon Europe, becoming the second African country associated to the EU’s multibillion-euro research and innovation (R&I) programme. This grants Egyptian researchers, universities, innovators and entities access to all parts of the programme on similar terms to those of EU Member […]

Gaza: Aid efforts continue as UN teams start clearing up to 60 million tonnes of debris

This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN on Monday said it was encouraged by renewed Gaza ceasefire commitments, warning that recent violence risked undermining fragile progress, as recovery efforts – including a large-scale rubble removal project – slowly gain momentum across the war-ravaged enclave. “We are encouraged that the parties have reaffirmed […]

How People Respond to Strict Online Rules

The European Union has built a reputation as a regulatory superpower, shaping global debates on privacy, data, and online accountability. The United Kingdom, since leaving the EU, has worked to define its own digital regulatory framework, most notably through the Online Safety Act 2023. Implementation is already under way. The UK Parliament’s Commons Library reported […]

Israel restricts Gaza aid, saying Hamas must do more to return deceased hostages

This article is published in association with United Nations. Israel announced late on Tuesday that it will limit the flow of aid to Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaching the ceasefire agreement by returning only four of the bodies of deceased hostages so far. The Israeli military body which coordinates with the UN and other international organizations, […]

Commission awards the 2025 Prizes for the most sustainable, inclusive and beautiful projects under the New European Bauhaus

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has announced 22 laureates of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prizes 2025. For the fifth year in a row, the NEB prizes reward outstanding projects and initiatives that combine sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics, demonstrating how the lives of people and communities […]

Ukraine Phoenix Tech Fund Announces the Approval of Major Commitments from Bpifrance, Proparco, EIB, Henri Seydoux, Paving the Way for Launch in Q4 2025

MEPs approve “enhanced cooperation” for €90 bi

This article is published in association with United Nations. Ukraine’s tech sector continues to build, scale, and attract global attention even in the face of war. The launch of Ukraine Phoenix Tech Fund (UPTF), an early-stage €50 million venture capital fund, was announced today as a major effort to back this resilience and help Ukrainian startups […]

France: EIB backs Thales with €450 million loan

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €450 million loan to Thales to finance its research and development investment programme in aeronautics and radar technologies. This programme, is set to run until the end of 2027 and. aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of both […]

World News in Brief: First UN mission to Syria’s Sweida, fresh displacement in Haiti, new lightning record

This article is published in association with United Nations. The first UN inter-agency mission to embattled Sweida governorate in Syria arrived there on Thursday, UN aid coordination office OCHA has reported.  The team went to Sweida City, as well as two districts – Shahba and Salkhad – where they met with local community representatives and partners, […]

Commission proposes partial suspension of Israel’s association to Horizon Europe

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

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission proposed to partially suspend Israel’s participation to Horizon Europe. The suspension specifically concerns the participation of entities established in Israel in activities funded under the Accelerator of the European Innovation Council (EIC). This suspension comes as a reaction to the […]

Greener Hospitals: Transforming Healthcare Facilities for Environmental Sustainability

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Abdullah Humayun, a Final Year MBBS student of Federal Medical College, Islamabad. He 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 […]

Commission proposes to greenlight a payment of €1.6 billion to Austria under NextGenerationEU

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission endorsed a positive preliminary assessment of Austria’s second payment request for € 1.622 billion under the  Recovery and Resilience Facility, the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU. The Commission has preliminarily concluded that Austria has completed the 67 milestones and targets  set out […]

The hype of trade diversion in the era of Trumpism

Even a first year university student in Economics can get that it is unnatural for trade to be stagnant. On the contrary, every single hour, day and so on trade is bound to go up and down depending on market demand and supply. Especially in times of fierce trade wars coming from the other side […]

EU adopts 18th package of sanctions against Russia

Commission adds Russia to list of high-risk jurisdictions to strengthen international fight against financial crime

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of the 18th Russia sanctions package, aimed at further ramping up pressure on the country and supporting EU’s goal of achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The new measures focus on five building blocks: cutting […]

Europe performs well in innovation

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The EU’s innovation performance has made steady long–term progress, increasing by 12.6 percentage points since 2018. This latest edition of the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) reveals significant shifts in national innovation performance. Thirteen Member States improved their score since last year, with Malta (+7.6 […]

Health disparities and inequalities: A huge burden to Africa

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Venuste Ishimwe is currently a 1st-year medical student at University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences in Rwanda. He 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 […]

Gaza: ‘Unbearable’ suffering continues, UN official tells Security Council

This article is published in association with United Nations. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening at an alarming rate, a senior United Nations official warned on Monday, as Israeli military operations and attacks on civilians seeking aid continue to exact a devastating toll on lives and infrastructure. Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Assistant Secretary-General […]

Sevilla conference on development financing shows optimism for multilateralism

This article is published in association with United Nations. It’s been 10 years since the Addis Ababa Action Agenda was established to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the world’s roadmap for ending poverty, protecting the planet and tackling inequalities. Today, a $4 trillion financing gap is hindering progress toward achieving the […]

World News in Brief: Global investment plunges, hurricane season in Haiti, rising cholera and hunger in South Sudan

This article is published in association with United Nations. Global investment fell a full 11 per cent to $1.5 trillion last year – it’s a huge blow for developing nations, the UN trade agency, UNCTAD, said on Thursday. Their latest data shows that the outlook for international investment this year “is negative”, a sharp course correction […]

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