THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE: THE WHY, WHICH AND HOW OF IT »
The concept of the European Capital of Culture puts culture at the heart of European cities. It highlights the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe and celebrates the cultural features that Europeans share. To date, more than 60 cities across the EU and beyond have been designated European Capital of Culture four of which were Spanish cities.
SPECIAL TWO-PART SERIES ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: (2) EUROPEAN UNION’s PROPOSAL FOR AI REGULATORY FRAMEWORK »
"The European Commission has proposed the first-ever legal framework on AI, which addresses the risks of AI and positions Europe to play a leading role globally. The regulatory proposal aims to provide AI developers, deployers and users with clear requirements and obligations regarding specific uses of AI. At the same time, the proposal seeks to reduce administrative and financial burdens for business, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises."
Can’t Stop Binge Shopping? Take a Soul-Searching Look at the Impact of Wasteful Textile Production on the Environment! »
The global textile and clothing industry used 79 billion cubic metres of water in 2015, while the needs of the EU's whole economy amounted to 266 billion cubic metres. Textile production is estimated to be responsible for about 20% of global clean water pollution. And the fashion industry, 10% of global carbon emissions – more than international flights and maritime shipping combined.
TIKTOK NIXED IN EUROPE AND THE U.S. ON THE GROUNDS OF ESPIONAGE »
The EU, the U.S. and other countries are banning TikTok from devices they have supplied their staffers. The reason: cybersecurity. TikTok user data are believed to be shared with Beijing. TikTok employees are cited as saying that "everything is seen in China."
TOXIC FALLOUT FROM THE WORLD CUP »
At the World Cup final, Argentina wrestled the magnificent $20 million, 18-carat solid gold World Cup trophy from France, the defending champion. Enthusiastic sports commentators raved about “the best supermatch of all time.” But when the dust of the desert has settled, there’s nothing left in Doha but the bitter taste of defeat – a defeat brought on by the failure of sportswashing to gloss over the Qatari image and present the Gulf state to the world as a liberal modern state. Among the debris from the Qatar fallout is the tarnished image of the European Parliament, some of whose MEPs, staff and lobbyists are accused of accepting succulent sportswashing bribes from Qatar. Upbraiding the suspects, EP President Roberta Metsola said, “Shame on you for violating the trust of the people of Europe.”
EU ON THE QATAR TOXIC FALLOUT: “DEMOCRACY IS NOT FOR SALE” »
"The European Parliament is under attack. European democracy is under attack. To those third countries who think Europe is for sale, make no mistake, we would rather be cold than bought"
THE EU BATTLECRY: SAVE FUEL NOW OR RISK FREEZING IN WINTER! »
"The European Union faces the risk of further gas supply cuts from Russia, due to the Kremlin's weaponisation of gas exports, with almost half of our Member States already affected by reduced deliveries. Taking action now can reduce both the risk and the costs for Europe in case of further or full disruption, strengthening European energy resilience." Accordingly, the European Commission has proposed a gas-demand reduction plan to prepare EU for supply cuts.
HR/VP JOSEP BORRELL: HOW HIS MIND WORKS »
Josep Borrell: "Many voices are warning of the recession that the war against Ukraine could cause. The war against Ukraine has been accompanied by a sharp rise in inflation which is leading to significant increases in interest rates. We have also observed in recent weeks a rapid fall in share prices on financial markets and a spectacular loss of value on cryptocurrencies. This could trigger a new financial crisis. But faced with bleak economic outlook, we should avoid false solutions. We must keep trade open, as trade barriers would only worsen affordability and have an asymmetrical impact on the poor. We should help stimulate local production. . ."
SPANISH POLITICAL LEADERS CRUCIAL TO EU DIPLOMACY, TWO-PART SERIES: (2) Josep Borrell »
As the crisis advances, the risk is clear: encouraged by the Russian propaganda apparatus, many could be tempted to blame Europeans and the West for the catastrophic situation rather than the war of aggression led by Vladimir Putin. This is wrong. . . We should avoid false solutions, help stimulate local production in emerging and developing countries, instead, rather than dumping in-kind donations of food with adverse developmental effects.
