Burkina Faso: MEPs demand immediate return to constitutional order

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, MEPs condemn the military coup in Burkina Faso and express concern about allegations of human rights violations. The military coup of 30 September 2022, the second one in a year, undermines the recent progress made towards an orderly […]

Sea level rise: everything you need to know

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Victoria Masterson, Senior Writer, Formative Content Lost homes, lives and livelihoods are among the worst impacts of rising sea levels. And by 2100, up to 410 million people could be at risk from coastal flooding as the warming […]

How the German car industry became more sustainable and what to learn from it 

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 ActThis article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Florian Wissuwa, PhD candidate, Research Assistant, Chair of Supply Chain and Operations Management, Berlin campus of ESCP Business School, Christian F. Durach, Full Professor, Chair of Supply Chain and Operations Management, Berlin campus of ESCP Business School Numerous […]

To feed the world, we need to waste less fish. Here’s how

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Petter Martin Johannessen, Director General, IFFO – The Marine Ingredients Organisation The world needs more food, but it must be produced sustainably. Currently only around 7% percent of the protein consumed by humans comes from “blue food”, or […]

Antitrust: Commission adopts Guidelines on collective agreements by solo self-employed people

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has adopted today its Guidelines on the application of EU competition law to collective agreements(‘Guidelines’) regarding the working conditions of solo self-employed people.The Guidelines clarify when certain self-employed people can get together to negotiate collectively better working conditions without breaching EU […]

New technology and healthcare

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Shanzay Naveed, a first year medical student from Pakistan. The writer 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 writers and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the […]

3 ways your business can build a community economy

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Tiffany Xingyu Wang, Chief Marketing Officer, OpenWeb The way we interact online is undergoing a massive shift, away from an emphasis on creator-led content and towards more community-driven connection. Web3 is the next iteration of the internet, in […]

Ukraine needs heavy armoury, Europe must be able to take the next step

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 Parliament. Addressing ‘Night of European Ideas’ in Berlin, President Metsola called for further support to Ukraine. “Tanks are needed. We must be able to take that next step.” Night of European Ideas, Berlin, 28th September 2022 – Speech by the President of the European Parliament […]

What’s the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) and why is it important for nature?

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Simon Read, Senior Writer, Formative Content The race to protect the natural world and its biodiversity reaches a critical milestone this December as countries gather for the United Nations’ COP15 meeting. The stakes for the summit – in […]

How firewood became the latest economic indicator 

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: John Letzing, Digital Editor, Strategic Intelligence, World Economic Forum The president of a country supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and weaponization of energy no longer being supplied to Europe, recently had himself filmed chopping firewood. “Europeans won’t be […]

Abuse of workers’ rights reached record highs in 2022. Where are things getting better and worse?

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Victoria Masterson, Senior Writer, Formative Content Workers have rights. But in many parts of the world, these rights are violated. The Global Rights Index 2022 found that abuse of workers’ rights reached record highs in 2022. The report […]

Opinion: What is metawork and can it benefit us?

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Devin Partida, Editor-in-Chief , ReHack.com The metaverse isn’t just a flashy virtual-reality tool for entertainment and communication. With more people taking remote positions daily, it has many potential uses in the modern workplace and beyond. So, how beneficial […]

Czech Presidency outlines priorities to EP committees

Commission greenlights Czechia's fifth payment request for €614 million under NextGenerationEUThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Ministers are outlining the priorities of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU to parliamentary committees, in a series of meetings. Czechia holds the Presidency of the Council until the end of 2022. A first series of hearings takes place from 11 […]

Technologies in Healthcare: Boon or Bane?

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Dr Kartikeya Ojha and Ms Shreya Nandan, two Global Health advocates from India. They are 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 writers and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s […]

What happens to an organization when it has no security culture?

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Jacqueline Jayne, Security Awareness Advocate, KnowBe4 Let’s begin by looking at what culture is and why it matters. Culture is tacit and elusive in its very nature. It is often unspoken, based on behaviours, hidden in the thoughts […]

How digitalization kept aid coming to flood-hit Pakistanis

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Zarrar Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group Recent flooding in Pakistan has upturned the lives of close to 70 million people, affecting 16 million families. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, who has been monitoring the relief efforts, has termed […]

Here’s how automation and job creation can go hand in hand 

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Revathi Advaithi, Chief Executive Officer, Flex We are often told that millions of jobs will be lost to automation in the coming years, but the real impact depends on how we manage the transition. It has the potential […]

Discover how AI is being used to detect tuberculosis

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Ruma Bhargava, Country Lead, Healthcare, World Economic Forum, Rohit Ghosh, Founding Member and Chief Strategy Officer, Qure.ai Tuberculosis (TB) is the second deadliest infectious killer, after COVID-19, which claimed 1.5 million lives in 2020 but is now largely […]

ECB boss pledges to MEPs to fight inflation and restore confidence

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. The European Central Bank President announced future interest hikes, while MEPs voiced concerns about rising energy and food prices, and mortgage rates. On Monday afternoon, during the third hearing this year with the European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, MEPs in the Economic and […]

Single Market: Commission committed to transparency and cooperation with Member States

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Following the recent proposal on new rules for addressing Single Market future emergencies, the Commission is today showcasing the availibility of essential  existing tools to ensure the free movement of goods and services for  smooth functioning of the Single Market. First, the Commission is […]

How Technology Can Bridge The Workforce Gap In Healthcare?

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. George Mathew, a fourth-year medical student at Medical University – Pleven. 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 writers and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view […]

The Inflation Reduction Act offers much-needed certainty for climate start-ups

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Illai Gescheit, Partner, Siemens Energy Ventures, Siemens One of the most challenging things about building a new start-up is the element of uncertainty. This feeling of uncertainty is what founders go to sleep with and what they get […]

What does a post-growth economy look like? One social entrepreneur explains

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Lukas Bester, Freelance Researcher and Writer – World Economic Forum, Sustainable Development Consultant in Emerging Markets With global sustainability deadlines edging closer, social entrepreneurs and climate activists are looking to alternative and unexpected sources for solutions. Tariq Al-Olaimy, […]

New technologies in healthcare

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Bisma Naveed, a fourth year medical student from Pakistan. 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 writers and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the […]

COP27 is a unique opportunity for emerging markets to shape global climate action – we must seize it

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Mirek Dušek, Managing Director, Global Programming Group, World Economic Forum COP27 offers a unique moment for leaders from across the world to build pathways for a more resilient and sustainable agenda that places climate change at the forefront […]

How agribusiness can tackle the food crisis – an expert explains

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Lukas Bester, Freelance Researcher and Writer – World Economic Forum, Sustainable Development Consultant in Emerging Markets, Linda Lacina, Digital Editor, World Economic Forum The World Food Programme has dubbed 2022 a ‘year of unprecedented hunger.’ Hunger levels, always […]

Experts put forward recommendations on how to harness the power of culture for sustainable development

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Ahead of UNESCO’s World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development,  MONDIACULT 2022, taking place in Mexico from 28 to 30 September 2022, experts have issued a new report entitled “Stormy Times. Nature and humans: Cultural courage for change”, which focuses on the important […]

EU innovation performance continues to improve in spite of challenges

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The Commission has published today the 2022 edition of the European Innovation Scoreboard, which reveals that the EU’s innovation performance has grown by about 10% since 2015. Compared to 2021, innovation performance in 2022 has improved for 19 Member States, and declined for eight. […]

New technologies in healthcare: how they can help us to fill the workforce gap?

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Rawshan Saiyara Nawal, a Bangladeshi undergraduate medical student, now in her 3rd year at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College under University of 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 […]

Digital public infrastructure can help solve global challenges. This is how to implement it

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. Author: Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Head of Digital Programmes, Chief Digital Office, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Devesh Sharma, Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation As World Leaders gather for the 77th United Nations General Assembly’s Digital Moment, we […]

Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics Initiative: over 120 companies implement the ESG reporting metrics

This article is brought to you thanks to the collaboration of The European Sting with the World Economic Forum. The impact of aligning ESG frameworks. Global challenges amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic have made Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues even more pressing for policymakers, boards and executives. To promote alignment among existing ESG frameworks, the World Economic […]

EU announces historic €715 million for the Global Fund to save millions of lives from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission announced a new record €715 millionfrom the EU budget tothe Global Fund for the period 2023-2025 at the Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference, hosted by US President Biden in New York. Together with the pledges from EU Member States, Team Europe […]

EU Cohesion Policy: €1.4 billion for Ireland’s economic and social development and green transition in 2021-2027

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Ireland will benefit from €1.4 billion in Cohesion Policy funding between 2021-2027 to support the sustainable development of its economy. The details and strategy for these investments are set out in the Partnership Agreement between Ireland and the Commission that is formally launched today. […]
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