US makes $1 billion contribution to UN child rights and food agencies

© WFP/Htet Oo Linn Families in Myanmar have been hit hard by rising prices, with the most vulnerable struggling to meet their daily needs.This article is published in association with United Nations. Two United Nations agencies have together welcomed more than $1 billion in assistance from the United States to support their operations targeting millions of children and hungry families in more than 40 countries. This week the US State Department announced a more than $800 million contribution to the […]

Teen scientists are tracking plastic pollution across Europe’s rivers

The spread of antibiotic resistance through plastic pathwaysThis article was published in association with the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine. Along a small stream in Spain, groups of teenagers are at work. One hovers around a black tarpaulin covered in wet pieces of plastic. Another stands on a small bridge, fishing with a net. Others sort small pieces of plastic, […]

Enlargement: MEPs assess the progress of five Western Balkans countries 

EIB Group invested €822 million in the Western Balkan countries in 2025This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Wednesday, Parliament reviewed the EU accession progress of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Albania In a report adopted by 483 votes in favour, 103 against and 70 abstentions, MEPs welcome Albania’s swift progress in recent years, calling on the […]

Georgia and Türkiye: No EU accession progress without reforms 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. MEPs warn of continued democratic backsliding in both countries and call for reforms and a stronger EU response. Georgia With serious continued democratic backsliding in Georgia, MEPs regret that the ruling Georgian Dream party has not taken any steps to reverse the negative trends. […]

New EU system for return of illegally staying third country nationals 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Wednesday, MEPs approved changes to EU policy on the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU. The new rules seek to simplify and speed up procedures, with full respect for fundamental rights and international law, including the principle of non-refoulement and […]

Human rights violations in Nicaragua, Belarus and Burkina Faso 

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, Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situations in Nicaragua, Belarus and Burkina Faso. Political prisoners in Nicaragua – the cases of Carlos Brenes, Salvadora del Socorro Martínez Aburto and Brooklyn RiveraMEPs strongly condemn the Ortega-Murillo regime’s systematic repression, arbitrary detentions, […]

Cuba: MEPs call for EU sanctions and a push towards transition 

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. On Thursday, Parliament condemned the systematic repression carried out by the Cuban regime and demanded profound economic and political change. In a resolution approved by 283 votes to 199 and 85 abstentions, MEPs say that after five decades of a communist regime Cuba is […]

Parliament condemns Russia’s drone incursions in the EU 

Commission presents action plan to counter drone threatsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. The EU will not be intimidated by Russia’s campaign of destabilisation and is determined to defend its security, MEPs say in a resolution adopted on Thursday. Drone incursions and airspace violations of EU territory are not isolated incidents but an integral part of Russia’s […]

‘Darkest chapter’: Record child violations in 2025, with national forces leading the way

© UNICEF/Oleksii Filippov A bouquet of flowers and soft toys placed near the site of a missile strike, left in memory of the children killed in the early morning attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on 24 April 2025.This article is published in association with United Nations. For the first time, soldiers and Government forces were responsible for more grave violations against children in armed conflict than non-State armed groups – and 2025 set a grim new record for the total number of child victims.  The findings come in the annual UN report on Children and Armed […]

Climate Change Has a Gender: The Impact on Women’s Health

Juliana Ribeiro is a fourth-year Brazilian medical studentThis article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Konstantina Chronake, a 4th-year medical student at the University of Crete in Heraklion, Greece. 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 […]

Commission approves €1 billion Slovak State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity

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. The European Commission has approved a €1 billion Slovak scheme to support clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the […]

2026 State of the Digital Decade report shows progress but urges closing structural gaps to reach 2030 goals

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission published the fourth State of the Digital Decade report, showing thatEurope has made progress on its 2030 digital transformation targets, such as secure and sustainable digital infrastructures and the digitalisation of public services – but the challenge now is delivering results […]

Commission approves €85 million Irish State aid for agricultural companies facing increased fuel prices

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 an €85 million Irish State aid scheme to support agricultural companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April […]

Triple climate threats affect nearly half the world’s children

© UNICEF/Sukhum Preechapanich Children in Thailand are enduring extremely hot temperatures and drought. (file)This article is published in association with United Nations. Drought, extreme heat and heatwaves are the most prevalent trio of hazards endangering millions of children globally, warned a newly released climate report by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). About 1.1 billion children now face at least three overlapping climate hazards, threatening their health, education and survival, […]

Commission welcomes political agreement on seeds and other plant reproductive materials

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 welcomes the political agreement reached last night by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament on the revision and simplification of EU rules for plant reproductive material (PRM). Today’s agreement modernises current rules, enabling producers and companies to benefit […]

Europe’s bathing waters remain safe to swim

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the vast majority of bathing waters in Europe met the European Union’s most stringent ‘excellent’ bathing quality standards in 2025, according to the latest annual Bathing Water report published today. This represents 85% of Europe’s bathing sites, with […]

Navigating crises and delivering results with the EU Budget in 2025

EU long-term budget: MEPs want a 10% increase to support EU priorities This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the College of Commissioners adopted the Annual Management and Performance Report for 2025 (AMPR). The AMPR highlights the key role the EU budget played in navigating multiple crises that year and shows that it continued to deliver for European citizens. The EU budget […]

Commission strengthens migration management along the Channel route

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 Commission is presenting an EU action plan for the Channel migratory route, setting out a comprehensive European response to the challenges posed by illegal migration along this route. The action plan puts forward operational measures starting in countries of origin and transit […]

Commission will engage with industry following European Citizens’ Initiative on the disabling of videogames by publishers

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 will engage with consumers and publishers by the end of 2026 to explore ways to improve industry standards, as a response to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) ‘Stop Destroying Videogames’.    Modern video games often rely on publishers’ servers to function. Publishers may stop supporting […]

While world waits for details on Iran-US accord, UN calls for Hormuz aid corridor

© NASA/GSFC/Jacques Descloitres The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow shipping route linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. Maritime transport has been almost entirely at a standstill since Israeli-US bombing of Iran began on 28 February, upending global energy and humanitarian supply lines.This article is published in association with United Nations. As representatives of Iran and the United States reportedly prepared to sign a new peace agreement at the end of the week, the UN on Monday stressed the urgent need to open an aid corridor to transit the choked-off Strait of Hormuz and prevent a global hunger […]

Deal on air passenger rights: MEPs secure improved traveller protection 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. MEPs have secured an air passenger rules deal that maintains compensation for three-hour delays, ensures faster reimbursement, fee-free child seating and flight price transparency. On Monday evening, a provisional agreement on a review of air passenger rights rules reached by Parliament and Council negotiators […]

June plenary session opening: Metsola presents procedural reforms 

EU must respond decisively to any form of coercion against EU member states This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. President Metsola opened the 15-19 June plenary session in Strasbourg by announcing several changes to plenary procedural rules. Roberta Metsola opened the session by reminding MEPs that, as agreed by the Conference of Presidents on 21 May, certain innovative measures would be put to […]

Commission approves €8 million Croatian State aid for fishing companies facing increased fuel prices

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 an €8 million Croatian State aid scheme to support fishing companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission […]

Ukraine: Latest Russian attack kills civilians, damages cultural landmark

© UNOCHA Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ukraine's most significant religious and cultural landmarks.This article is published in association with United Nations. eral civilians were killed and dozens more were injured in the latest wave of overnight attacks in Ukraine that targeted the capital Kyiv, the city of Kharkiv and the country’s history and cultural heritage, the United Nations said on Monday. The Russian strikes damaged homes, schools and […]

Instability, war and closed borders: How aid workers get emergency food to hungry Afghan children

© WFP/Danijela Milic A WFP truck delivers essential food supplies to thousands of people in Parwan Province, Afghanistan (file)This article is published in association with United Nations. The odyssey begins in Indonesia and ends, 15,000 kilometres later, in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Along the way, critical food aid destined for young Afghan students crosses nine countries, over land and sea, skirting geopolitical unrest and conflict zones. Hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan […]

More strikes impact Lebanon hospitals as humanitarian situation deteriorates

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is being pushed further into crisis as hostilities continue between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants – and essential services and healthcare are targeted. A reported strike near Hiram Hospital in the region around Tyre injured 10 staff members and caused structural damage […]

Refugee turned peacemaker: The young woman leader transforming communities in the Central African Republic

© WFP/Aurore Vinot The Central African Republic, one of the poorest countries in Africa has a history of conflict.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. In the heart of the Central African Republic (CAR), a nation long marked by conflict, Nina Mireille Yankinon stands as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and hope, dedicating her life to helping communities torn apart by war.  CAR has faced recurrent cycles of conflict […]

Security Council weighs future of UN war crimes mechanism as closure nears

UN Photo/Manuel Elías A wide view of the Security Council. (file)This article is published in association with United Nations. The Security Council on Friday weighed the future of the UN mechanism responsible for completing the remaining work of the international tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, as members debated how to preserve its legacy while bringing its mandate to an orderly close. The discussion focused […]

EU and Brazil deepen ties through Digital Partnership

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 and Brazil will sign a Digital Partnership in Brasilia today, bringing their digital cooperation to a new strategic level. Building on more than two decades of close collaboration, the partnership will strengthen EU-Brazil cooperation on shared digital priorities, including data governance, […]

Guterres welcomes US-Iran peace deal as ‘critical step’ toward ending conflict

© NASA/GSFC/Jacques Descloitres The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but vital shipping route linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. It lies between Iran to the north and Oman and UAE to the south.This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary General António Guterres welcomed on Sunday a new peace deal between the United States and Iran, calling it a “critical step” toward ending the conflict. According to a statement issued by his Spokesman, the agreement provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of […]

DR Congo: Ebola spreads as agencies brace for child victims

© WHO/Joël Lumbala The World Health Organization (WHO) is among the UN agencies supporting the authorities in responding to the latest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.This article is published in association with United Nations. The deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is continuing to spread with a spike in child infections an increasingly likely scenario in the days ahead, UN agencies said on Friday. “Every day, cases are being identified in new health zones. And that […]

Menopause and Climate Change: Confronting Structural Sexism

Juliana Ribeiro is a fourth-year Brazilian medical studentThis article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Juliana Ribeiro, a fourth-year Brazilian medical student . 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, nor […]

EU agrees to accelerate defence industrial base ramp-up and simplify defence procurement

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 welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to simplify security and defence procurement, facilitate defence investments and support the defence industry. The Commission proposed the defence omnibus a year ago, as part of the EU’s simplification agenda […]
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