All posts tagged: European

How PPWR 2024 reshapes European business operations

How PPWR 2024 reshapes European business operations

Published by skeptic

The advent of PPWR 2024 is set to transform business operations across Europe, compelling companies to rethink their approach to packaging by prioritising sustainability and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. This paradigm shift demands innovation in design and materials, urging businesses to align with new recyclability norms and extended producer responsibility. As industries brace for these changes, questions arise regarding the adaptations required in supply chains and the role of digital infrastructure. Understanding the strategic implications of PPWR 2024 presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses aiming to thrive in this evolving landscape. How will firms navigate these uncharted waters? PPWR 2024 explained The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2024 represents a pivotal legislative development aimed at transforming packaging practices across Europe to foster sustainability and reduce environmental impact. This thorough framework mandates that all packaging be designed for recyclability by 1 January 2030, thereby enhancing the recyclability performance of packaging materials. The regulation is a critical step toward minimising waste and promoting a circular economy, requiring companies to markedly adapt their packaging strategies. …

European tech industry coalition calls for ‘radical action’ on digital sovereignty — starting with buying local

European tech industry coalition calls for ‘radical action’ on digital sovereignty — starting with buying local

Published by skeptic

A broad coalition drawn from across the ranks of Europe’s tech industry is calling for “radical action” from European Union lawmakers to shrink reliance on foreign-owned digital infrastructure and services to bolster the bloc’s economic prospects, resilience, and security in increasingly fraught geopolitical times. In an open letter to European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU’s digital chief, Henna Virkkunen, which TechCrunch reviewed ahead of publication, more than 80 signatories (representing around 100 organizations) said they want regional lawmakers to rethink current support efforts so that they are centered on fostering uptake of homegrown alternatives with the strongest commercial potential — from apps, platforms, and AI models to chips, computing, storage, and connectivity. Companies spanning areas including cloud, telecoms, defence, along with several regional business and startup associations, have put their names to the letter — which was sent to the Commission on Sunday — urging the bloc to switch its tech strategy onto a quasi-war footing by committing to support “sovereign digital infrastructure.” The plan pushes for reducing reliance on foreign-owned …

Keir Starmer promises more ‘democratic control’ of the NHS – how do other European countries do it?

Keir Starmer promises more ‘democratic control’ of the NHS – how do other European countries do it?

Published by Sam

Sir Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, announced on March 13 that the government will move to abolish NHS England in the next two years. During this period, the government plans to bring its functions under the UK’s health ministry, with the aim of bringing the health service “into democratic control”. What does this mean, and what difference will it make? When the NHS was established in 1948, part of the aim was to make the local health problems of patients across the country the concern of the national government. The plan succeeded. Today, the NHS is politically highly important – it matters enormously to patients and the public, and has one of the largest spending budgets in the UK. At the same time, it is technically difficult to manage, with local needs and opportunities and complex organisation that are hard and sometimes inefficient to manage centrally. Striking the balance between delivering high-quality patient care and addressing the technical complexity of doing so is a continual challenge for governments. The solution chosen as part of …

The European Green Deal’s secret weapon: Education

The European Green Deal’s secret weapon: Education

Published by skeptic

Dr Alexandru Muresan from the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Renergia, a EUSEW Young Energy Ambassador, discusses the importance of education and workforce development in supporting the European Green Deal’s transition to sustainable energy. As the EU and its member states make significant investments in green technologies and infrastructure, it is imperative to address the human element of this transition. There is a pressing need for a specialised workforce, and many countries are already experiencing shortages in key areas. At the same time, the success of the European Green Deal depends on the ability of citizens to understand and adopt new technologies and practices. Climate change: A catalyst for renewables and innovation Climate change can be regarded as a disruptive ‘black swan’ event, compelling the allocation of substantial financial resources for investments in renewable energy sources, advanced energy infrastructure, energy storage solutions, hydrogen-based technologies, energy efficiency, and other sustainable innovations. However, I propose examining this situation from a different perspective—one that merges social, civic, and professional dimensions. Improving energy literacy Many EU Member States have implemented …

‘Why should we invite them?’: Lavrov ridicules European presence at Ukraine peace talks – video | Russia

‘Why should we invite them?’: Lavrov ridicules European presence at Ukraine peace talks – video | Russia

Published by Sam

Russia’s foreign minister has dismissed the prospect of a place for Europe at talks between the US and Russia to end the fighting in Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference alongside his Serbian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov said: ‘If they are going to weasel out some cunning ideas about freezing the conflict, while actually intending – as is their custom, nature and habit – to continue the war, then why should we invite them at all?’ European leaders have been unnerved by the willingness of Donald Trump, the US president, to engage the Kremlin directly over Ukraine and have been attempting to find a place for themselves in the talks Source link

13 marvelous images from the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards

13 marvelous images from the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards

Published by skeptic

A polar bear sits seemingly unbothered by a heavy snowstorm pummeling down. Photographer Daniel Valverde Fernandez captured the moment (seen above) the bear gave a vigorous shake to send the powder flying into the swirling winds. The image earned runner-up honors in the Mammals category of the 2024 European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Spanish photographer Jaime Rojo took the top prize for his ethereal image (seen below) of monarch butterflies in the trees of Mexico’s El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. “In the Forest of the Monarchs.” Overall WinnerHuddled together, overwintering monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) hang in the trees of Mexico’s El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. At these high altitudes it is cool and relatively humid, and the monarch butterflies have adapted to the same ecological conditions as the trees, mostly Oyamel firs (Abies religiosa). The butterflies are well protected from the elements by the tree canopy and also by their congregation in huge numbers, but even the smallest changes in the forest cover can have a negative impact on the sensitive microclimate to which …

Oak Hill Bio and Chiesi enrol first European patient in bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment study

Oak Hill Bio and Chiesi enrol first European patient in bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment study

Published by skeptic

Oak Hill Bio and Chiesi Group have launched a groundbreaking study of a revolutionary bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment for extremely premature infants. Oak Hill Bio, a company specialising in treatments for neonatology and rare diseases, and Chiesi Group, an international biopharmaceutical firm, have announced the enrolment of the first European patient in their Phase 2b clinical study for OHB-607, a drug aimed at preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely premature infants. This marks a significant step in the effort to develop a bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment, a serious lung condition currently lacking approved therapies, and could bring about the first major respiratory therapeutic breakthrough for extremely preterm infants in over thirty years. Victoria Niklas, Chief Medical Officer at Oak Hill Bio, shared her excitement: “As a neonatologist, I am thrilled that we have restarted this groundbreaking clinical trial. OHB-607 has the potential to improve outcomes for infants born extremely prematurely. At Oak Hill Bio, we are committed to advancing neonatology and delivering the best possible care and outcomes to infants, together with our partners at Chiesi.” Diego …

Senior European officials facepalm over Scholz’s Putin call   – POLITICO

Senior European officials facepalm over Scholz’s Putin call   – POLITICO

Published by Sam

“We need to act unified, we need to coordinate, this call was not coordinated between allies, even [though] we got a very deep brief later on,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Scholz said that during his phone call with Putin, he urged the Russian president “to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to withdraw its troops.” According to a German government spokesperson, Scholz had informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the call beforehand. “The Federal Chancellor urged Russia to be prepared to negotiate with Ukraine with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace,” the spokesperson said in a statement. Asked whether he would speak to Putin, the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell said: “I don’t think so.” He added: “It doesn’t look like he [Putin] is willing to negotiate, to the contrary.” “What I see in general is that Putin only listens to facts on the ground,” said Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp about the call. Source link

Winners of the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024

Winners of the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024

Published by José

The German Society for Nature Photography (GDT) recently announced their winning images from the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024, selected from nearly 18,000 entries from 38 countries in 11 categories. This year’s overall winner was Jaime Rojo, with a remarkable photograph of Monarch butterflies clustered in trees in Mexico’s El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Competition organizers were kind enough to share some of the winning and honored photographs with us here. To receive an email notification every time new photo stories are published, sign up here. Source link