Commission sets the direction for prosperous livestock sector and a self-sufficient protein system

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 the Livestock Strategy to ensure Europe’s valuable livestock sector remains strong and resilient in the long term. The Strategy, the first of its kind, sets out actions to help livestock farmers address economic, environmental and market challenges. This long-term […]

Commission issues €11 billion in its seventh syndicated transaction of 2026

EU must respond decisively to any form of coercion against EU member states This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has raised €11 billion of EU-Bonds in its 7th syndicated transaction for 2026. The dual-tranche transaction concerned a €6 billion new 5-year EU-Bond maturing on 13 October 2031, and a €5 billion tap of the 20-year EU-Bond maturing on 12 October […]

Commission presents EU Action Plan on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence

Apply AI Strategy: Building trustworthy AI can be Europe's competitive advantageThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has presented an Action Plan for a structured response to address the risks and harness the opportunities of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models for cybersecurity. New advanced AI models are redefining cybersecurity. AI can be misused to identify vulnerabilities, automate attacks […]

When AI hurts people, who’s to blame? Global experts grapple with accountability

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. Who is legally responsible when Artificial Intelligence causes harm? The issue took centre stage on Tuesday – day two of the first ever UN summit on AI governance, where leading experts warned of mounting evidence of human rights violations linked to the revolutionary technology. “Across 11 Global […]

EU aid for Spain, Romania and Cyprus to tackle recent natural disasters 

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, plenary voted in favour of channelling €144.1 million in EU funds to support Spain, Romania and Cyprus after devastating wildfires, floods and heatwaves in 2025. By 642 votes to 13, and with one abstention, MEPs backed the proposed release from the European […]

European Parliament achieves upgrade to air passenger rights 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Faster and simpler compensation process for delayed flights, fee-free child seating and air fares inclusive of carry-on luggage will become part of EU air passenger rulebook. On Tuesday, MEPs confirmed the changes to air passenger rights rules agreed with the Council of the EU […]

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 […]

MEPs debate Irish Presidency priorities with Taoiseach Micheál Martin 

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, Micheál Martin set out Ireland’s priorities: to enhance EU competitiveness, values, and security, under the banner of “strength with unity”. Welcoming Ireland’s Taoiseach, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said, “We are entering a critical six months for our continent. With the Irish […]

Venezuela quake: UN continues to scale up as damage estimate reaches $37 billion

© UNOCHA/Veronique Durroux Rescue teams continue to search through buildings which collapsed during the earthquakes in Venezuela.This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN and its partners are ramping up assistance for people affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela, working alongside the Government’s response effort, as a new UN estimate puts direct physical damage at $37 billion. “We and our partners are continuing to scale up assistance to impacted […]

Venezuela quake: UN continues to scale up as damage estimate reaches $37 billion

© UNOCHA/Veronique Durroux Rescue teams continue to search through buildings which collapsed during the earthquakes in Venezuela.This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN and its partners are ramping up assistance for people affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela, working alongside the Government’s response effort, as a new UN estimate puts direct physical damage at $37 billion. “We and our partners are continuing to scale up assistance to impacted […]

MEPs strengthen the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism and close loopholes  

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Environment Committee MEPs have backed extending the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism to downstream goods and setting up a fund to support industry’s low-carbon transition. The Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety adopted its position on proposed changes to the CBAM by […]

Occupied Palestinian Territory: Aid restrictions in Gaza, ‘senseless’ infant deaths in the West Bank

UN News Humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip remain dire, with families in urgent need of shelter, healthcare and food.This article is published in association with United Nations. Ongoing restrictions and closures of border crossings continue to hamper delivery of critical supplies into the Gaza Strip, amid mounting concern for children there and in the West Bank, the United Nations said on Monday.  UN teams in Gaza continued to collect food and fuel from the Kerem […]

Europe’s raw materials ambitions need industrial investment

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. Europe will need significantly more investment if it wants to secure the critical raw materials required for its green, digital and defence transitions, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) warned in an opinion adopted at its June plenary session.  The […]

Heat, Flood, Fire: The Climate Crisis and the Body

About the author Sadia Khalid is a Scientist-Physician (MBBS, MD) at Tallinn University of Technology. She is driven by a commitment to advance public health and scientific understanding. With research interests spanning molecular medicine, infectious diseases, bacteriology, hepatology, and gastroenterology, she aims to contribute meaningful, evidence-based insights that support health, safety, and community awareness.This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Sadia Khalid, a Scientist-Physician (MBBS, MD) at Tallinn University of Technologye. 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 […]

Sudan’s people subject to ‘relentless’ drone strikes in El Obeid

© UNFPA/Sufian Abdulmouty El-Obeid Maternity Hospital in North Kordofan State has come under increasing pressure as tens of thousands of people, many in dire need of healthcare, flee the violence engulfing neighbouring South Kordofan State.This article is published in association with United Nations. The war in Sudan threatens to spiral further as the strategically-important town of El Obeid continues to face “relentless” drone attacks by advancing paramilitary militias, the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, said on Friday. Speaking at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, he called for urgent […]

Global push for AI governance amid warnings of ‘catastrophic harm’

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. Can artificial intelligence benefit all of humanity – safely, fairly and without causing “catastrophic harm”? That is the question at the heart of a major UN summit opening in Geneva on Monday. Governments, tech companies, academics and civil society will spend two days at the Global Dialogue […]

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 […]

Civilian dangers multiply as drones transform Ukraine’s battlefield

UN Ukraine The aftermath of a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv in May 2026.This article is published in association with United Nations. As drones reshape the battlefield in Ukraine, they are also creating new and increasingly complex dangers for civilians, threatening recovery efforts, agriculture and global food security long after the fighting ends. “The battlespace has become a lot deeper, a lot wider and a lot more lethal,” Paul […]

Climate Change and Women’s Health: Why Pregnancy Must Be Part of the Climate Conversation

AbouShlouaThis article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Sadia Khalid, a Scientist-Physician (MBBS, MD) at Tallinn University of Technologye. 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 […]

El Niño forecast to intensify, increasing likelihood of extreme weather

UN News/Daniel Dickinson Farmers in Madagascar are participating in early warning networks which provide information about weather patterns including El Niño.This article is published in association with United Nations. More blistering heatwaves and other weather extremes are becoming increasingly likely across the world now and in coming months, linked to strengthening El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific, the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Friday. “El Niño will also give an extra boost to global temperatures,” […]

Taking the world’s temperature: WHO chief spotlights global health emergencies

© WHO/Josua Mulala Raymond Protective equipment is provided for response providers as at least six Ebola survivors have been health workers who got sick while supporting patients in DR Congo.This article is published in association with United Nations. The hantavirus global outbreak is officially over, Ebola outbreaks are growing in Africa and responders are helping recovery efforts in quake-hit Venezuela, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief said on Thursday, announcing updates on global health emergencies. Key takeways Taking the world’s temperature on pressing health matters, […]

Ukraine: Rescuers work to save trapped residents after wave of Russian attacks

© UNICEF Rescue workers attend the site of an overnight attack in Kyiv, UkraineThis article is published in association with United Nations. Aid agencies in Ukraine on Thursday rushed to respond to a massive uptick in deadly strikes by Russia, including one of the largest attacks on Kyiv to date. According to reports, at least 18 people died in the capital, where densely populated residential areas sustained significant damage […]

Racism significantly impacts access to sport: Independent expert

UnsplashThis article is published in association with United Nations. From high participation costs and restrictions on Palestinian athletes – to bans on Muslim women wearing hijabs – racism continues to shape who gets to participate in sport, a new UN report published on Thursday has found. Despite sport’s ability to promote diversity and inclusion, the report noted […]

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 […]

Remarks by President von der Leyen at the dinner hosted by the Taoiseach for the start of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Taoiseach, dear Micheál, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for such a warm welcome. It is a particular pleasure to join you in this historic Aula Maxima, where both you and Commissioner McGrath were conferred with your degrees. There could hardly be a more fitting […]

Commission greenlights Belgium’s fourth payment request for €567 million under NextGenerationEU

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 positively assessed Belgium’s fourth payment request for €567 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 […]

Venezuela’s earthquake-hit hospitals pushed to the brink as disease risk grows

© WHO/PAHO PAHO has mobilised emergency health supplies from its Strategic Reserve in Panama following the earthquakes that struck the country on 24 June.This article is published in association with United Nations. A week after earthquakes tore through northern Venezuela, hospitals in La Guaira are buckling under the weight of the disaster – and the risk of disease outbreaks in shelters is rising fast. An assessment by the UN-backed Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) found that all eight health […]

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 […]

Expanding areas under Israeli control in Gaza increase risks to civilians, UN warns

© WFP/Maxime Le Lijour A man clears rubble by hand in Jabalia, Gaza.This article is published in association with United Nations. The continued expansion of areas under Israeli control in Gaza since October’s ceasefire agreement is placing civilians at greater risk and severely constraining humanitarian operations, the UN and humanitarian partners warned on Wednesday. The alert comes amid continued displacement and mounting humanitarian pressures across the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).  […]

World News in Brief: Risk of atrocities in Sudan, UN programme prevents climate displacement, more civilians killed in Ukraine

© UNICEF/Ahmed Mohamdeen Elfati Girls study in a partially destroyed classroom in Khartoum State, Sudan.This article is published in association with United Nations. Drone attacks by advancing rebel fighters who are besieging El Obeid, Sudan, continue to result in civilian casualties, putting around half a million civilians at grave risk of large-scale atrocities. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Wednesday that drone strikes had recently damaged schools, a site housing internally […]

Ukraine: Rescuers work to save trapped residents after wave of Russian attacks

EU, Ukraine and Canada to co-host high-level meeting on returning Ukrainian childrenThis article is published in association with United Nations. Aid agencies in Ukraine on Thursday rushed to respond to a massive uptick in deadly strikes by Russia, including one of the largest attacks on Kyiv to date. According to reports, at least 18 people died in the capital, where densely populated residential areas sustained significant damage […]

Venezuela earthquake disaster: needs ‘skyrocketing’, say relief agencies

Venezuela earthquake disaster: needs ‘skyrocketing’, say relief agenciesThis article is published in association with United Nations. In Venezuela, a rescue operation in La Guaira has succeeded in getting a toddler out alive from under the rubble, six days since the double-earthquake disaster. The miraculous story of the three-year-old’s rescue in the worst-hit northern region came as tens of thousands of people remained without […]

Commission opens antitrust investigation into Align Technology’s conduct regarding Invisalign clear aligners and intra-oral scanners

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 has opened a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Align Technology has breached EU competition rules by tying its intra-oral scanners to its dental clear aligners branded as Invisalign in the European Economic Area (‘EEA’). This investigation, which follows a complaint […]
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