3D printing gets a living upgrade

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. Nature has spent billions of years perfecting the art of building with living cells. A team of researchers is now learning from that process – and finding ways to speed it up. For Massimo Vassalli, professor of bioengineering at the […]

What music reveals about the human brain

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. During conversation, our brains are constantly predicting which word comes next. That ability helps us understand speech in a noisy café, or anticipate a friend’s next sentence. This skill for prediction is also linked closely to our enjoyment of music. […]

Restoring Europe’s wetlands to combat climate change and boost economies

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. Wetlands are surprisingly effective at locking away carbon. Marshes, floodplains and peatlands together cover less than a tenth of the Earth’s surface, yet peatlands alone hold around a third of all the carbon stored in soil worldwide. In waterlogged wetland […]

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

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Anastasia Kourti, a third year medical student at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a member of the Greek Women in STEM network. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this […]

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 […]

Commission concludes eligibility checks for two European Citizens’ Initiatives on digital identity and age-verification, and on migration and asylum

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. Today, the European Commission concluded the eligibility checks for the registration requests of two European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) entitled: ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification‘ and ‘Save Europe Act‘. The Commission registered the initiative ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No […]

Commission approves €300 million Irish State aid scheme for temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive companies

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 Commission. The European Commission has approved a €300 million Irish scheme to provide temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive companies in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. Through the condition to reinvest a significant share of the aid received in decarbonisation measures, […]

‘We face a new ordeal’: Gaza’s search for the dead goes on

UN News A Palestinian civil defence team searches for the remains of victims under the rubble, more than two years after a building was targeted.This article is published in association with United Nations. After thousands of buildings were destroyed in the Gaza Strip during the Israel-Hamas war, local teams and civil defense personnel continue the arduous and delicate mission to remove rubble and search for the remains of missing persons believed to still be buried under the debris of homes […]

When partisan interest conflicts with the public good

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by one of our passionate readers, Mr. Antonio Cristóbal Luque Ambrosiani. The opinions expressed within reflect only the writer’s views and not necessarily The European Sting’s position on the issue. Our European society is founded on the principle of the separation of powers, which ensures that those who […]

UN chief urges Iran and US to ‘urgently resume negotiations’ as Gulf strikes escalate

© NASA The Strait of Hormuz which separates the United Arab Emirates and Iran is a strategically important shipping routeThis article is published in association with United Nations. Renewed strikes and counterstrikes between Iran and the United States in the Gulf region have raised fears of a return to all‑out war, with Washington denying Tehran’s claim that it had closed the crucial Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. The US said it had struck around 140 […]

US-Iran war: Renewed attacks in Strait of Hormuz prompts another global energy alert

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. Renewed attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz unsettled energy markets on Wednesday and prompted calls from the UN maritime agency, IMO, for “maximum restraint and de-escalation”. Amid reports that three merchant vessels were hit along with Iranian targets, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned “reckless attacks” […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

When Crisis Shapes the Womb: Why Climate Change and War Are Becoming Women’s Health Emergencies

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 […]

From prosthetics to paper and AI: Europe’s innovation summit backs new tech

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article was published in association with the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine. In a conference space at the edge of Brussels, networking reaches a crescendo as a DJ plays music in the background. On the floor, everyone is showcasing their work – from semiconductor chips to advanced renewable energy technologies and eco-friendly […]

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 […]

Venezuela earthquakes leave 680,000 children in need of assistance: UNICEF

Photo credit: Luis Garcia The UN System is present in La Guaira, the region most severely affected by the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela.This article is published in association with United Nations. Some 680,000 children are among the 1.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance following the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June, the UN child rights agency UNICEF reported on Sunday as rescue efforts continue. Damage to hospitals, schools, and water systems is exacerbating the situation for affected families, […]

Commission opens investigation into possible anticompetitive conduct by Sanofi regarding the promotion of a flu vaccine for vulnerable patients

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 a formal antitrust investigation to assess whether Sanofi has breached EU competition rules by carrying out a communication campaign that disparages the only rival flu vaccine recommended for vulnerable patients with risk factors. Sanofi, headquartered in France, is a […]

Central African Republic peace gains must be preserved: UN envoy

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. The Central African Republic (CAR) “has made remarkable and tangible progress towards lasting peace and security” in recent years, but security remains fragile in border areas, including with war-torn Sudan, UN Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza told the Security Council on Tuesday.  Ms. Rugwabiza commended the Central African people and Government for their […]

Commission welcomes political agreement to protect workers from cancer-causing chemicals

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 agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive (CMRD). Once formally adopted, the strengthened Directive can avert around 1,700 cases of lung cancer and 19,000 […]

Global learning losses threaten an entire generation

© UNICEF/Ahmed Mohamdeen Elfati Girls study in a partially destroyed classroom in Khartoum State, Sudan.This article is published in association with United Nations. Conflict, displacement and climate shocks are disrupting education for an estimated 258 million school-aged children and adolescents worldwide, raising fears that millions risk losing not only years of schooling but future opportunities altogether, according to a new report released Tuesday.  TheBreaking Barriers: Understanding Educational Exclusion in Crises report by Education Cannot […]

Childbirth, Climate Change and the Loss of Traditional Birth Practices

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Lívia Maria, a medical student in Brazil with a strong academic interest in global health. 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 The European Sting’s one.This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Luiza Souza da Rocha Matos, a Brazilian medical student at the UNIME University. 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 […]

Global Ebola cases top 1,000 as UN races to reach DR Congo’s most vulnerable

© UNICEF/John James A tent used to isolate Ebola patients is disenfected in Bunia, DR Congo.This article is published in association with United Nations. As global confirmed Ebola cases reach 1,000, nearly three million children and adolescents are at risk in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), while efforts increase to treat prisoners near the epicentre of the current outbreak, UN agencies warned on Monday. Making […]

Powering resilience: How Indonesia is building a more secure energy future

UN Indonesia Solar power is widely used on the islands of Java, Madura, and Bali.This article is published in association with United Nations. As countries grapple with energy price shocks, supply disruptions and the growing impacts of climate change, energy security has become a pressing concern.  In Indonesia, United Nations agencies have worked alongside the Government to build a more reliable and resilient energy system which is also helping communities to adapt to a […]

EU launches Connectivity Agenda Platform to strengthen links between Europe and Central Asia through the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus

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 launched the Connectivity Agenda Platform and concluded agreements with international financial institutions expected to mobilise up to €2 billion for strategic connectivity investments in the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus. The Platform was unveiled at a high-level ministerial […]

Climate crisis: UN chief lays out solutions blueprint for clean energy transition

© Unsplash/Michu Đăng Quang The emissions from electricity or gasoline that power air conditioners contribute to global warming. "It's time to come clean" and do more to promote renewable energy, the UN Secretary-General told the London Climate Action Week.This article is published in association with United Nations. As a deadly heatwave continued to grip Europe on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued an impassioned appeal for more ambitious global action on climate change caused by fossil fuels, to prevent irreversible damage. In a major keynote speech at London Climate Action Week, the UN chief […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]
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