EU shouldn’t leave newer members behind, Dombrovskis says on enlargement anniversary – POLITICO

“We are facing the green and digital transformation of our economies … and it’s very important that in this process we are not leaving countries and regions behind,” Dombrovskis said, speaking ahead of the celebrations of 20 years of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joining the EU. … Read more

Building a future-ready labor market – POLITICO

On April 30, the European Year of Skills comes to an end. Looking back, what stood out most to me is the collective ambition this year inspired across Europe. From policymakers to enterprises, from educational institutions to individuals, there was a united push toward enhancing skills for a future-ready workforce. Looking ahead, the challenge and … Read more

competitiveness and Bolshewokism – POLITICO

In this episode we unpack the EU’s new buzzword and the main point of discussion at this week’s European Council summit: competitiveness. We also bring you another new buzzword from Brussels this week: Bolshewokism. Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO’s chief Brussels correspondent, Barbara Moens, to recap the leaders’ summit and their attempt to … Read more

Why we must de-risk and embrace regenerative farming

Over the past few years, the EU has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change and pushing for sustainability across all its policies. As president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen set the tone by presenting in her political guidelines for 2019-2024 the main pillar of the EU’s work during … Read more

Brussels warns of water conflict danger in EU – POLITICO

“These risks can manifest in multiple forms, some of which include … increased competition over water resources across sectors and uses, including potential risk of conflicts within and among the Member States over transboundary water resources,” the draft states. Some regions are already bickering over supplies. In Spain, drought-stricken Catalonia is trying to persuade the … Read more

Don’t trash European recycling – POLITICO

European farmers are far from alone in feeling bitterly angry about the threat from low-cost, unfair competition and pricing which risks destroying their livelihoods. Europe’s packaging recycling industry faces a similar existential challenge. We are not burning tires or dumping piles of steaming manure at the seat of our legislatures but we share the farming … Read more

Ukraine vows more self-reliance as war enters third year – POLITICO

Ukrainians have questions On the anniversary of Putin’s aggression, however, uncertainty and irritation were undisguised in Kyiv. Ukrainians wanted to know why Western sanctions on Russia are not working, and why Moscow keeps getting components for its missiles from Western companies. Why Ukrainians have to keep asking for weapons; and why the U.S. is not … Read more

EU must find ‘enormous amount’ of money to face global challenges, Draghi says – POLITICO

All the participants appeared to agree on what needs to change to boost EU competitiveness, from lowering energy prices to reducing regulatory burdens, but divisions emerged when talking about public money. “They made clear that a lot of discussions would be needed in the months to come,” the Draghi aide said, adding that Draghi called … Read more

EU competitiveness and licensing of essential technologies – POLITICO

The authors regularly advise the automotive and IT/tech industry. The views expressed in this article are personal. As things stand now, European manufacturers are at a disadvantage, as patent owners from around the world can exclude devices that implement standards from the market unless manufacturers give in to their royalty demands. The proposed EU SEP … Read more

It’s time to security proof Europe’s tech policies – POLITICO

We can no longer afford to diddle around like this! And rarely has anything hammered home just how much we remain stuck in the harsh reality of centuries past as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is, however, far from the only recent wake-up call as to just how far opponents of our liberal democratic order … Read more