Decade after shock TV fiction, Flemish shun separatism
Ten years ago, French-speaking Belgians were shocked to see Flanders had seceded, only to find out later the TV programme was a hoax. That scenario is unlikely today, say Belgian separatists.
Focus
Dieselgate casts doubt over low emission zones
Many European cities use low emission zones, and some are considering to ban dirty cars. But there are limits to how well the EU standards can be used to determine which cars are clean.
Focus
Future Cities: Shaping Europe from the bottom up
As leaders focus on strategic issues, the other EU, the EU of city-states, is evolving and shaping Europe's future from the bottom up.
News in Brief
- Wallonia sues Volkswagen over Dieselgate scandal
- Report: EU commissioners want to cut Poland's funding
- Italy's Monte dei Paschi bank faces state bailout
- Muslim woman set to become Romania PM
- EU dodges decision in US visa row
- States must ratify EU-Singapore deal, ECJ lawyer says
- EU court: Morocco deals don't apply to Western Sahara
- UK mass surveillence is illegal, EU court says
Vienna: A reluctant cosmopolis
Vienna excels in quality of life surveys due to its local government, but Austria's capital may need to show more openness to foreign influences if its success is to endure.
The stress hormone and EU garden cities
European town planners still borrow from the “garden city” ideals of the 19th century, but they might be doing more harm than good.
Brussels 2030
The EU capital has had an awful year. Looking forward, the city needs to urgently make itself a better place for people to live in and visit, starting with its notorious problems with congestion, pollution and bureaucracy.
European cities vow loyalty to the UK despite Brexit
Mayors of EU cities don't want Brexit to ruin their relations and say they could play a role in bringing the EU closer to citizens, if only the institutions let them.
Cities demand access to EU migration funds
Cities are struggling to deal with the influx of refugees and asylum seekers, but EU funds go to national governments, and mayors complain they are getting no help.
A world without waste
A garbage crisis in Naples, Italy, gave birth to the "zero waste" movement, but is the rest of Europe brave enough to change the way it thinks about trash?
Back to the Future by Hyperloop
Cars that run on petrol or diesel are meant to be a rarity by the year 2050. Progress is slow. But some Nordic cities have radical visions of how a "Hyperloop" could change that.
Old cities, new shapes
After centuries of development, the European model of cities is trying to put people first.
EU cities try their own 'Ubers'
As some places struggle to deal with the impact of firms like Uber and Airbnb, other cities are embracing the change and seeking to learn.
Europe's rare youthful villages
Some villages in the EU are bucking the trend by attracting young people. But unless there is outside funding and local action, Europe's countryside will be full of ghosts.
Copenhagen harbour swimming
Copenhagen harbour, like many of its kind, used to stink of oil and garbage. Now, people swim in canals around the parliament, passing shoals of fish and jellyfish.
Student villages on the water
Students will soon be able to move into converted shipping containers in Gothenburg. Architects hope to spread their idea of cheap, waterside living across Europe.
Analysis
Juncker's unrealistic promise of free wifi
The commission president said "every European village and every city" will have public internet access in 2020, but the statement was not backed up by any legally binding target.
Danish-Swedish border checks cause stress, delays
Number of people going by train between Denmark and Sweden dropped 12 percent since Sweden introduced anti-migrant ID controls. After 60 years of Nordic free travel, people hate the scheme.
Stakeholders' Highlights
- Public Support Needed to Promote Zero Waste in More Municipalities
- EU Cannot Afford to Ignore the Western Balkans as Populism Surges
- Fethullah Gulen Calls for an Investigation on the Assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey
- Amid EU Talks on Migration, Children on the Move Remain Forgotten and Unprotected
- Alex Salmond Receives Coppieters Award for his Service to Scotland and Europe
- “Aligning Corporate Governance and Culture” - Panel Discussion on 11 January
- Strong Support for Hamburg Declaration on Human Rights Defenders
- How to Use Bioenergy Coming From Forests in a Sustainable Way?
- Report Reveals Corrupt but Legal Practices in Development Finance
- MEPs and Business Representatives Debate on the Future of the EU at Winter Mingle
- Fifty Key Factors in the Public Sector Accountants Need to Prepare for
- School “as Vital as Food and Medicine” for Children Caught up in Conflict
Latest News
- EU legal guide on emissions still not ready
- EU and Switzerland agree on free movement
- EU looks to trade treaty for better Turkey relations
- EU tightens money laundering rules
- Copyright file moves to pro-digital commissioner
- EU presidency strengthened Slovakia's government
- EU vows to mend terrorist data share failures
- EU hopes Trump will back down on visa war
Populist mayor takes Rome in setback for Renzi
Virginia Raggi's rise to power indicates falling support for the PM, who vowed to resign if voters don't back his constitutional reform in a referendum in autumn.
European cities and regions rally to stop TTIP
Local government representatives from around Europe gathered in Barcelona to call for the EU to suspend free-trade negotiations.
EU cities want say on refugee policy
Overwhelmed by refugees and let down by national governments, European cities had to step in. Now they want more funding and a seat at the table on migration policy.
Domino effect: Denmark follows Sweden on EU border checks
“May I see your ID?” - five little words on a train platform in Copenhagen on Monday mark the end of 60 years of Nordic free travel, as first Sweden, then Denmark impose new border checks amid the refugee crisis.
Climate host Paris's green goals bogged down by bureaucracy
The French capital, host of climate talks four weeks from now, has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. But a multi-layered regional administration limits the impact of its actions.
Danish project lets algae convert CO2 into protein
Green algae feed on CO2 and convert it into protein. Researchers are testing their potential for industrial use, in a project funded by the EU.
Spain solar power clouded by government U-turn
Spanish government-led policies over the years have had a devastating effect on solar and renewable energies.
Poland's love affair with coal won't end soon
The coal-based energy sector provides a livelihood for hundred of thousands of people in Upper Silesia and has the potential to swing elections.
One industry's waste is another's resource
The issue of circular economy is back on the agenda in Brussels this week, but the world's first industrial symbiosis is over forty years old.
Climate change: nations talk, but cities act
The fight against climate change will be won or lost in the cities where most Europeans live, work, and most of all, use the energy produced in Europe.
Climate Change - what are the regions doing?
Free download of EUobserver's Regional Focus Magazine 2015 for subscribers.
Mayors to 'lead by example' on climate change
Mayors from Europe and other continents have called on world leaders to adopt a “bold climate agreement” at the end of the year in Paris.
Belgian town 'opts out' of EU-US trade treaty
A 2.5 sq km-town in the Brussels region has declared itself a “zone outside of TTIP”.
Brussels restricts cars, but 'not enough'
The EU capital is about to pedestrianise its city centre, but critics say the measure is not enough to combat air pollution.
Stakeholders' Highlights
- EJC President Breathes Sigh of Relief Over Result of Austrian Presidential Election
- Congress Re-elects Klaus Heeger & Romain Wolff as Secretary General & President
- Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling Joins EGBA
- What About our Kids? Protect Children From Unhealthy Food and Drink Marketing
- Restoring Trust and Confidence in the European Parliament
- Child Rights Agencies Call on EU to put Refugee and Migrant Children First
- A New Vision on Clean Tech: Balancing Energy Efficiency, Climate Change and Costs
- Children Cannot Wait! 7 Priority Actions to Protect all Refugee and Migrant Children
- Regio-Mob Project Delivers Analysis of Transport and Mobility in Rome
- Civil Society Disappointed by the Commission's Plans for Sustainable Development Goals
- 15 Fully-Funded PhD Positions Open – The Post-Crisis Legitimacy of the EU (PLATO)
- Tell the EU Council: Protect our Rights to Privacy and Security