Ukraine: Deadly Russian attacks severely damage aid warehouses

© UNICEF/Oleksii Fili Local residents wander among debris following a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, on 19 July 2026.This article is published in association with United Nations. Russian attacks and drone strikes killed at least two children and injured dozens more across Ukraine over recent days while severely damaging three critical aid warehouses, UN agencies reported on Monday. The UN aid coordination agency, OCHA, said attacks over the past days killed and injured dozens […]

Commission publishes guidelines on transparency obligations for providers and deployers of certain AI systems

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 published guidelines to assist providers and deployers of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in meeting the AI Act’s transparency obligations, which start to apply on 2 August 2026. Transparency obligations will help people recognise when they are interacting with AI or […]

Peak heat in Europe just broke historic 1970s records

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. This year marks the hottest June recorded for Western Europe and the second warmest globally, according to the latest report from a climate tracking service released on Thursday. “Heatwaves like this are what we expect to see in a changing climate,” said John Kennedy, head of climate […]

Fertiliser prices: MEPs approve support for farmers  

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 Tuesday, Parliament adopted measures designed to alleviate the impact on EU farmers of rising fertiliser prices. MEPs decided to fast-track the changes to the EU common agricultural policy (CAP)asproposed by the Commission, to ensure farmersget aidin time tobuy fertilisers for the nextgrowingseason. To […]

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 […]

Electricity grids: MEPs back plans to accelerate energy project permit process 

Commission approves Bulgarian, German and Slovenian State aid schemes providing temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive companiesThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. The proposal adopted on Thursday will allow faster permitting for electricity grids and renewables projects, to help cut energy prices through the domestic supply of clean energy. MEPs on the Industry, Research and Energy Committee have backed a proposal to speed up the granting […]

Local leaders and EIB join forces to pool public and private funds for affordable houses

MEPs adopt proposals to tackle Europe’s housing crisis This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. European Investment Bank, regions and cities on 2 July discussed the EU’s housing policy with President Calvino, Members of the European Parliament and associations. During their debate in a plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions, they also voiced concerns that the next EU […]

EU and Armenia strengthen their partnership, boosting resilience, trade and connectivity

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 in Yerevan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, together with Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, met with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. The visit follows the recent general elections that showed the strength of Armenia’s democracy and its commitment to continuing the path of […]

Teen scientists are tracking plastic pollution across Europe’s rivers

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. 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, […]

Europe heatwave breaks records as UN agencies ramp up health warnings

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. Climate and Environment As a record-breaking heatwave grips large parts of Europe, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), national weather services and partners are mobilising heat-health action plans for millions of people facing dangerous temperatures.  The extreme heat is also impacting economic activities, infrastructure, agriculture and ecosystems, the UN weather […]

Sudan: Security Council warns of mass atrocity risk in El Obeid

© UNOCHA/Mohamed Elgoni The conflict in Sudan is forcing millions of people to flee their homes for temporary shelters.This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN Security Council has expressed alarm over reports of substantial military reinforcements by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) around El Obeid in Sudan, warning of the risk of a potential ground offensive on the city. In a statement on Saturday, Council members voiced concern over the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Faith, fear and trust: Inside DR Congo’s fight against Ebola

© WHO/Joël Lumbala Health teams in personal protective equipment (PPE) respond to the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo.This article is published in association with United Nations. In a village in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), health workers arrived a few days ago to help bury a person who had died from Ebola. Instead, they were threatened, told armed rebels would be called if they stayed, and forced to leave. The family […]

Commission decides to refer France to the Court of Justice of the European Union over restrictions on veterinary companies and vets that violate EU law

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 decided to refer France to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with the rules on the freedom of establishment and the free movement of services, as set out in the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union (TFEU) […]

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 […]

Commission presents OceanEye initiative to put EU at the forefront of ocean observation

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 adopted OceanEye to expand the EU’s role in ocean observation. The initiative aims to position the EU as the world’s leading provider of ocean intelligence by contributing to 35% of the global ocean observing system by 2035 and securing 35% […]

EU deploys largest ever wildfire response for 2026 summer

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. With wildfire risks rising across Europe, the European Commission is helping finance and coordinate the deployment of a record number of firefighters, aircraft and emergency experts under the Civil Protection Mechanism 777 firefighters from 14 European countries will be strategically pre-positioned in high-risk areas […]

UN warns Ukraine war risks spiralling ‘out of control’

© UNOCHA A heavily damaged apartment building in Sloviansk, eastern Ukraine.This article is published in association with United Nations. The United Nations on Thursday warned of a dangerous escalation in the war in Ukraine after a wave of large-scale Russian strikes and threats of further attacks, with Secretary-General António Guterres saying “the death spiral must stop.” Addressing the Security Council in New York, Mr. Guterres said […]

Commission proposes new authorisation for mobile satellite services for EU’s resilience 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 adopted a proposal for the selection of mobile satellite services (MSS) providers who will be authorised to use the harmonised 2 GHz frequency band beyond 2027, when the current licenses expire. Spectrum for mobile satellite services is a strategic asset for […]

Autism Spectrum Disorders in Global Health: Awareness, Early Diagnosis, and Inclusive Care

a second year medical student at the faculty of health sciences university of BueaThis article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. NGO MAKONG MARTHE MYRANDE, a second year medical student at the faculty of health sciences university of Buea, Cameroon. 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 […]

EU and Mexico deepen long-term ties at a historic summit

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 EU and Mexico have taken a major step forward in their partnership by signing the Modernised Global Agreement (MGA) and interim Trade Agreement (iTA). At the 8th EU-Mexico Summit in Mexico City, both sides agreed to deepen their political and economic cooperation […]

Commission publishes guidance to strengthen Europe’s resilience by clarifying the application of EU water laws

This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission published today guidance to ensure simpler and more harmonised implementation of EU water laws by reducing uncertainties about compliance.It aims to support Europe’s overall resilience agenda, which includes water resilience. This guidance is part of the Commission’s efforts to support Europe’s […]

DRC Ebola outbreak: hundreds of suspected cases, no vaccine

WHO Africa Health workers wearing protective clothing to prevent transmission.This article is published in association with United Nations. A fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has health workers rushing to stop transmission while the roll out of any potential vaccine is months away, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.  WHO’s representative in DRC, Dr Anne Ancia, told […]

Commission proposes €144 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund to help Spain, Romania, and Cyprus recover from climate disasters

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has proposed the mobilisation of €144 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to aid Spain, Romania and Cyprus in their recovery from devastating climate-related disasters in 2025. This financial support underscores the EU’s commitment to standing by its Member States in times of crisis, […]

Commission greenlights Lithuania’s sixth payment request for €178 million under NextGenerationEU

European Commission issues €11 billion in its 2nd syndicated transaction of 2026This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The Commission published its fifth State of the Schengen report, reviewing developments in the Schengen area over the past year and setting priorities for the year ahead. The Schengen area continues to demonstrate resilience, underpinned by collective efforts at both EU and national level. […]

Scientists race to understand the health risks of microplastics

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 was published in association with the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine. Visitors to Utrecht’s Wilhelmina Park in the summer of 2023 may have come across an unusual sight: volunteers on stationary exercise bikes, cycling for science. The bikes were set up in different parts of the park – in its centre, […]

Somalia at ‘real risk of famine’ as Middle East war fallout continues

© UNICEF/Zerihun Sewunet A boy rolls a water container in Dollow on the Somali border with Ethiopia.This article is published in association with United Nations. At least six million people in Somalia are going days without enough food, UN aid teams warned on Friday, highlighting that nearly two million of this number are young children “at high risk of illness or death”. “The humanitarian context in Somalia is worsening faster than we originally […]

EIB Group President Calviño visits Albania to announce new investments for small businesses, supporting innovation, digitalisation, and green production

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. The President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, Nadia Calviño, visited Albania today to launch new financing for key energy, climate, and digitalisation projects in the country, including a €20 million agreement to support small businesses. During the visit, President Calviño met with Prime Minister […]

Hantavirus-hit ship evacuation completed as quarantines begin

© WHO/Hedinn Halldorsson WHO Director-General Tedros and a health expert during operations involving the MV Hondius off Tenerife amid the hantavirus response.This article is published in association with United Nations. The passengers and crew have disembarked from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius in Tenerife and many have returned to their home countries, as the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said the operation demonstrated a “triumph of solidarity”. The repatriation effort, coordinated by Spanish authorities with support […]

Cities need real support to deliver Europe’s ambitions

EU must respond decisively to any form of coercion against EU member states This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee. The European Economic and Social Committee says Europe’s cities are central to economic growth, social cohesion and the green and digital transitions. In its response to the European Commission’s proposed EU Agenda for Cities, the EESC welcomes the overall vision but […]
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