The race to build a pandemic-proof world

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. Six years after COVID-19 killed millions, battered health systems, disrupted lives and brought the global economy to a virtual standstill, the world is still grappling with how we can prepare better for the next pandemic. The need is even greater amid growing threats to global stability and […]

EU mobilises civil protection assistance for earthquake-hit Colombia

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 Union continues to mobilise assistance for Colombia following the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake.  Sweden has offered 150 tents and 360 blankets, Germany is sending 3,000 kitchen sets and 2,500 water filters, while Luxembourg has offered 79 tents through the EU Civil Protection […]

Qusra siege eases as UN reaches trapped families, but crisis deepens in Gaza

© UNOCHA/Themba Linden A UN team inspects an unexploded bomb lying on a main road in Khan Younis, Gaza.This article is published in association with United Nations. Humanitarian workers have reached Palestinian families who had been trapped for days by Israeli settlers in Qusra village in the northern West Bank, the UN said on Monday, as officials warned that the standoff must not become “the new normal.” UN teams on the ground reached the […]

‘Warned but not protected’: Four in ten adults in England ignore heat alerts

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. As amber heat-health alerts spread across England this summer, a new study has found that the warnings are being received – but not changing behaviour. Research published by the United Nations University’s Institute for Water, Environment and Health found that seven in ten adults in England had […]

Reducing Healthcare’s Carbon Footprint: How Hospitals Can Lead the Way in Sustainability

Imane El Maimouni is a 22-year-old fifth-year Moroccan medical student at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of CasablancaThis article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Sanaz Bardbar, an MD–MPH student at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. 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 […]

South Sudan: UN mission decries deadly attacks, works to calm tensions after ‘nothing but devastation’

© UNMISS Police officers from the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, continue to work towards protecting communities.This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has condemned recent armed group attacks in Warrap state which reportedly left more than 60 civilians dead and 50 others injured.  The near simultaneous attacks – which occurred on Sunday in two communities in Tonj North county – caused widespread displacement as well as the destruction […]

Ebola in DR Congo: Childhood deaths rise; hopes raised over new vaccine

© WHO/Josua Mulala Raymond A health worker is disinfected at an Ebola treatment centre in the eastern DR Congo.This article is published in association with United Nations. More than 300 children have died in the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN said on Friday, as health experts urged trials of the only vaccine against the disease to halt further spread of the rare Bundibugyo species. Children and […]

Commission opens in-depth State aid investigation into arbitration award ordering Spain to pay compensation to JGC Holdings Corporation

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 opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether an arbitration award ordering Spain to pay compensation to JGC Holdings Corporation (‘JGC’) for changes to a renewable electricity support measure is in line with EU State aid rules. The Commission’s investigation In […]

The climate pattern putting millions at risk: El Niño explained

© UNHCR/Santi Palacios Women walk through a flooded village at sunset, affected by the return of El Niño in South Sudan.This article is published in association with United Nations. El Niño is putting millions of lives at risk in eastern and southern Africa but the UN is ensuring that communities are better prepared to deal with its impact. The story from a human perspective A farmer in Zambia who hasn’t seen a maize harvest.  A mother […]

Commission greenlights Belgium’s fifth payment request for €225 million under NextGenerationEU

EU support to help 507 Belgian workers find a new job This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission positively assessed Belgium’s fifth payment request for €225 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU. This is an important step in the delivery of the reforms and investments tied to this payment request, in the areas of clean and digital transition, […]

Parliament backs modernised EU-Mexico partnership and easier trade 

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Wednesday, MEPs gave their green light to two agreements paving the way for closer political ties and expanded trade between EU and Mexico. The EU-Mexico modernised global agreement (MGA) will replace the current framework, in place since 2000, promoting new opportunities for business, […]

Diplomats go virtual to witness Gaza displacement site up close

UN News Children collect water from a truck in a displaced persons camp in Gaza. (file)This article is published in association with United Nations. Representatives from 12 countries carried out a “virtual diplomatic field visit” to a displacement site in the Gaza Strip and heard from some of the residents about their pressing needs, the United Nations said on Thursday.  The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Ramiz Alakbarov, and his […]

Digital euro: MEPs ready to start negotiations  

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Thursday, plenary backed talks with the Council on a digital euro proposal that would offer citizens a secure way to reduce reliance on non-EU providers. With 416 votes in favour, 169 against and 22 abstentions for the creation of a digital euro, and […]

Commission proposes five joint defence projects to strengthen Europe’s industrial capabilities

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 in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission proposed five new large-scale projects, known as the European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs), to help EU countries strengthen their defence capabilities by developing key military systems together.  The industrial projects focus on five priority areas: drones and counter-drone systems; maritime and seabed defence; space; air and […]

The hidden biodiversity battle to save Europe’s forests

This article was published in association with the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine.This article was published in association with the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine. In the village of Suonenjoki, the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) stands surrounded by a forest of pine trees. The local soils are not fertile and pine is pretty much the only species that can grow there. But in a […]

UN envoy urges parties to ‘stay the course’ towards peace in eastern DR Congo

© MONUSCO UN peacekeepers recently rescued 191 people in Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo, while under fire from militiamen belonging to two armed groups.This article is published in association with United Nations. The new head of the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has urged parties to the peace processes for the volatile eastern region to maintain momentum and fully implement their commitments. James Swan delivered his first briefing to the Security Council nearly a […]

Commission proposes €540 million in financial relief and other supports for farmers facing fertiliser crisis

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission presents measures to help farmers facing sharply rising fertiliser costs and to support Europe’s food security, delivering on the recently announced Fertiliser Action Plan. In recent months, geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions have pushed prices of fertilisers up across Europe. […]

Commission updates EU Air Safety List: Air Express Algeria added, air carriers from Kyrgyzstan removed

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 Commission published its 48th update of the EU Air Safety List yesterday. First released in 2006, the EU Air Safety List informs passengers of airlines that are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union because they do not […]

World Ocean Assessment highlights urgent need for science and global action

© Permanent Mission of the Netherlands Left to right: Bahia Tahzib-Lie is Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations, Richard Vevers, Sylvia Earle and Fabien Cousteau at the Explorers Club in New York City.This article is published in association with United Nations. In the wood-panelled rooms of New York’s storied Explorers Club, where portraits of pioneering adventurers line the walls, diplomats, scientists and ocean advocates gathered on Tuesday evening with a shared sense of urgency – and anticipation. They were joined by renowned ocean advocate Sylvia Earle and explorer […]

Bulgarian businesses to get €340 million financing boost under new agreement between EIB Group and Allianz Bank Bulgaria

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. A range of Bulgarian businesses will be eligible for around €340 million in financing under a new agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group and Allianz Bank Bulgaria. The accord enables Allianz Bank Bulgaria to increase loans for Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as […]

Climate Change and Women’s Health:Observations from the Next Generation Healthcare Professionals

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Hijran Pirmammadova, a 20-year-old Azerbaijani medical student,born in Baku,Azerbaijan. 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 the topic, […]

School in northwestern Ukraine opens following EU-supported energy-efficiency upgrade

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. Lyceum No. 12 in the city of Kovel, Volyn oblast, has reopened following a comprehensive energy-efficiency modernisation, improving learning conditions for more than 1,200 students and staff. The school building, constructed over 30 years ago, was fully renovated. The works included insulation of the façade and […]

EU and US launch strategic partnership on critical minerals

EU and US launch strategic partnership on critical mineralsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the EU and US signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership on critical minerals and agreed an EU-US Critical Minerals Action Plan. These initiatives reflect the EU’s commitment to deepen cooperation on critical raw materials. This is a key step […]

Time running out on development goals as finance dries up, UN warns

© WFP The conflict in the Middle East is impacting the cost of food in many parts of the world.This article is published in association with United Nations. Rising conflicts, the climate crisis and shrinking development finance are putting growing pressure on the poorest and most vulnerable countries – pushing development goals further off track. The warning comes in the Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2026 (FSDR), a new UN report launched on Monday, which finds […]

Forests are more than a resource: How Belarus protects its vital ecosystem

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. Forests cover more than 40 per cent of Belarus. At the same time, the country recorded twice as many forest fires last year compared to the year before. Ahead of the International Day of Forests, observed on 21 March, deputy resident representative of the UN Development Programme […]

World News in Brief: Yemen appeal, Middle East war roils Somalia, needs grow in Colombia

© UNICEF/Alaa Noman - YPN A mother holds her child near their home in the Al Adani neighbourhood of Al Hawtah, Yemen.This article is published in association with United Nations. UN aid teams in Yemen on Wednesday warned that the situation in the war-torn nation remains dire in a call for $2 billion in aid to deliver lifesaving assistance for 12 million people. This number includes women and children and comes after more than a decade of […]

The Basij Is Falling Apart: this Is What the End of the Islamic Republic Looks Like

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by one of our passionate readers, Ms. Sara Rahmati, an international relations graduate currently based in Berlin with an interest in Public International Law. The opinions expressed within reflect only the writer’s views and not necessarily The European Sting’s position on the issue. For forty-seven years, Iranians have […]

EESC continues to push for a solution to Europe’s housing crisis

MEPs adopt proposals to tackle Europe’s housing crisis Following the presentation of the European Affordable Housing Plan by the European Commission last December, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has gathered together all relevant stakeholders at European, national and local level to take stock of the ongoing housing emergency and discuss the way ahead. The Committee aims to tackle speculation, address investment […]

Commission presents action plan to counter drone threats

Commission presents action plan to counter drone threatsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission today presented its Action Plan to counter the increasing threats posed by drones to EU security. In recent years, the EU has faced growing and multi-faceted challenges relating to drones and meteorological balloons, including hostile overflights, airspace violations, disruptions to airports, as […]

53 migrants die in latest shipwreck tragedy off Libya coast

© SOS Méditerranée/Flavio Gasperini More than 1,300 people were reported dead or missing after embarking on the Central Mediterranean sea route to Europe last year, according to UN migration agency (IOM) data. The photo shows migrants and refugees being rescued in the Mediterranean after drifting in an overcrowded wooden boat (file).This article is published in association with United Nations. Fifty-three migrants including two babies are dead or missing after a large rubber dinghy capsized off the coast of Libya, the UN migration agency said on Monday. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the boat overturned in the perishingly cold waters of the central Mediterranean […]

Commission annual report on Single Market and competitiveness calls for joint action in light of unprecedented challenges

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission adopted the 2026 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report, the sixth in an annual series, evaluating the functioning of the Single Market and assessing the conditions for businesses to innovate, grow, and compete while delivering sustainable prosperity for European citizens. […]

New measures to protect EU steel market from global overcapacity

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Tuesday, the International Trade Committee adopted a series of measures to counteract the negative impact of global overproduction on the EU steel market. By 36 votes in favour and 2 against, with 5 abstentions, MEPs on the International Trade Committee have adopted their […]

Debate on Europe’s future in a time of uncertainty

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 Economic and Social Committee. At a time of growing geopolitical, economic and social uncertainty, the EESC’s Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) is opening the year with a high-level debate on how Europe can strengthen its autonomy, resilience and preparedness. The event will feature a […]
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