What is the progress in the EU’s flagship Green Deal, its vast environmental and climate program designed to make the future liveable in the face of seismic change to our planet? It was introduced in 2019 with the ambitious target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.  The Covid pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced the EU to re-prioritise its actions, but the pace has picked up again, served, in part, by a speedier transition to renewables and alternative energy sources.  Tune in to this edition of “Europe Calling”, where we’re by joined the EU Environmen ..read more

As a result of the EU’s Digital Services Act, online platforms have to introduce new measures to reduce harms and counter risks online, introduce strong protections for users' rights online, all without restricting freedom of expression.   Striking this balance has been tricky, but highly necessary, as explained by the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager, in this new episode of the podcast “Europe Calling”.   Find out how the EU is aiming to better protect citizens online by countering illegal goods, services and content, banning certain targeted a ..read more

As Russia’s aggression in Ukraine continues and Moscow’s cuts in European gas deliveries start to bite, how can European consumers and industries get through the coming winter months?   The European Union is putting in place measures to help member states soften the blow for citizens facing soaring energy prices, to help industries worried about energy supplies, and to help Ukraine.   European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, walks us through key issues of supply diversification, EU support for consumers and the impact of sanctions on Russia. We’re also joined by the ..read more

Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, which began on 24 February, has caused the greatest security and humanitarian crisis in Europe for almost a century. In response, the European Union has demonstrated its solidarity with and support for Ukraine, and its determination to isolate Russia internationally and weaken its capacity to wage war.   In this edition of Europe Calling, we look at the war waged by Russia against Ukraine, and how the EU is responding with unprecedented decisions. Our guests from the EU institutions are Matti Maasikas, EU ambassador to Ukraine, and Ma ..read more

In early 2022 Europeans woke to three potentially dire security threats to them and their way of life: more conflict in insecurity in Ukraine, increasing hybrid warfare and cyber attacks, and the possibility of new arrivals of refugees and migrants following the military withdrawal in Afghanistan and the resumption of power by the Taliban. These threats may have their origin hundreds or thousands of kilometres away. But their impact may be felt far closer to home. Reform of Schengen and management of the EU’s external borders takes on a fresh urgency.  The fifth episode the European ..read more

Changing perceptions of people with disabilities, helping to integrate them into employment that matches their ambitions and enabling them to exercise their full rights in a diverse, inclusive society are the cornerstones of the EU’s approach – and a personal commitment by Commissioner for Equalities, Helena Dalli.   In this fourth episode of the European Commission’s podcast Europe Calling, Commissioner Dalli uses the occasion of the International Day of People with Disabilities (3 December) to reaffirm the Commission’s resolute determination to build a union of equality for all individu ..read more

The European Union’s commitment to its social model remains stronger than ever as the continent emerges into a post-pandemic world. The recent Porto Social Summit called for faster progress towards achieving the EU’s Pillar of Social Rights, which forms the backbone of the EU’s approach to social policy. Restoring and creating new opportunities for employment is a key priority for the European Commission, especially in the context of the green and digital transitions at the heart of the EU’s ambitions for economic transformation. The third episode of the European Commission’s podcast Europe Ca ..read more

The European Union’s focus is shifting from crisis management to promoting a strong, sustainable recovery. With vaccination gathering pace, the Commission is putting the European Green Deal and digital transformation at the heart of its strategy to future-proof Europe’s economy. The EU’s internal market – the largest in the world, covering 450 million people – will also be integral to boosting competitiveness, driving growth and creating jobs. And NextGenerationEU, the Union’s €750 billion recovery plan unlocked just two weeks ago, offers a unique opportunity to confront the continent’s l ..read more

Over a year ago, Europe implemented lockdown measures to control the spread of COVID-19.  After a year of uncertainty and abrupt changes in all aspects of our lives, the situation now looks much brighter. The vaccination roll-out is promising, while a new therapeutics strategy presented today foresees measures for speedier emergency EU-wide responses. However, the battle with COVID-19 is still not over. How can Europe improve its responses to health crises and what will it take to create a new normal with the virus still among us? Tune in to the first episode of the Europe Calling and lis ..read more