European success for ITER Remote Handling system

Tampere is well known for its vibrant economic activity and innovation cluster by hosting one of Finland’s most reputable research centres—VTT. Robotics happens to be an area of their expertise, which has the potential to change commerce, logistics, medicine, transportation, missions to space. ITER could be no exemption to this, given the fact that it …

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The EU Organic Awards call for applications is open

On EU Organic Day, the European Committee of the Regions will present awards to the best bio–district, best organic city, and best organic region. The call for applications for the 2024 EU Organic Awards is open until 12 May. The awards, jointly organised by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, …

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Avian influenza: One Health surveillance is key to prevent virus evolving

Avian influenza (AI) virus continues to spread in the EU and beyond, causing high mortality in wild birds, spillover to wild and domestic mammals, and outbreaks in farms. A scientific report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) assesses the risk factors for a potential influenza pandemic and related …

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EU and international partners agree to expand cooperation on critical raw materials

The EU, the US, and other Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) partners, joined by Kazakhstan, Namibia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, announced the launch of the Minerals Security Partnership Forum (or “MSP Forum”). The forum will serve as a new platform for cooperation in the area of critical raw materials (CRMs) vital for the global green and digital transitions. The Critical …

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Green Deal Funding Alert – March 2024

This is the latest edition of the Green Deal Funding Alert, a monthly newsletter that keeps you informed about funding opportunities and initiatives that support sustainable development and the transition to climate neutrality. This edition offers professional support and guidelines for finding the right financing approach for your climate adaptation projects, and provides opportunities for …

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EU39 reaches 70% FTTH/B coverage according to the FTTH Council Europe

According to the Fibre to the Home/Building (FTTTH/B) Market Panorama, the EU39 (27 EU Member States, United Kingdom, 4 CIS countries, Iceland, Israel, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey) reached 70% FTTH/B coverage rate, 244 million homes passed and 121 million FTTH/B subscribers as of September 2023. The Market Intelligence Committee of the FTTH Council Europe presented …

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Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen area

On 31 March, Bulgaria and Romania become Schengen members: the Schengen rules will apply in both Member States including on issuing Schengen visas and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted. The Commission strongly welcomes this achievement, which follows the historic Council decision of December 2023. The Schengen accession of these …

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Support for farmers: Council endorses targeted review of the common agricultural policy

Member states’ representatives in the Special Committee on Agriculture endorsed a targeted review of certain basic acts of the common agricultural policy (CAP) proposed by the European Commission as a response to the concerns voiced by farmers. This review addresses issues encountered, for instance, with the implementation of the CAP strategic plans and aims to deliver simplification, …

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Republic of Korea to join Horizon Europe programme

Korea will join the growing group of countries associated to Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme. Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, and Lee Jong Ho, Korean Minister for Science and Information and Communication Technology concluded negotiations on Korea’s association, marking a significant milestone in commitment to foster mutual collaboration …

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