Elena Sánchez Nicolás
EUobserver
Belgium
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Past articles by Elena:
Norway rejects EU price cap proposal
Norway opposes the EU proposal to set a dynamic price ceiling for natural gas transactions, instead strongly advocating for commercial agreements to tackle the energy crisis, the country's minister of oil and energy Terje Aasland said. → Read More
Investors in renewables face uncertainty due to EU profits cap
While a cap on revenues from renewables is aimed at redirecting excess profits from low-cost electricity generation back to consumers, analysts and industry groups argue such measures come with risks — and at a bad time. → Read More
Germany nationalises gas giant Uniper amid energy crisis
Germany has confirmed the nationalisation of Uniper, the country's largest gas-importer — in a bid to secure operations and prevent supply shortages following Russian supply cuts. → Read More
EU's top court overturns German data-retention law
Germany's data-retention law — aimed at combating major online crime — is not compatible with EU law, the European Court of Justice ruled. → Read More
EU seeks crisis powers to take control over supply chains
The Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI) introduces a staged, step-by-step, approach — providing emergency powers to the EU Commission to tackle any potential threat which could trigger disruptions or shortages of key products within the EU. → Read More
EU unveils energy crisis plan, but warns of difficult 'winters'
Crisis measures include imposing cuts in power-consumption across the bloc, a cap on the excess revenues made by renewable and nuclear energy, and a "solidarity mechanism" to channel the massive and unexpected profits of fossil fuel firms to citizens. → Read More
EU now mulling options to reduce electricity demand
The EU mulls measures to cut electricity demand, as part of its efforts to tackle skyrocketing energy prices, after focusing efforts on reducing gas consumption amid concerns that Russia could further curb gas flows. → Read More
Droughts prompt calls to cut water use amid harvest fears
With the prolonged lack of rain and high temperatures, fears have emerged over water shortages and droughts decreasing crop yields — prompting calls to use less water and reuse urban wastewater for agricultural irrigation. → Read More
First Ukraine grain ship leaves Odessa port
The ship's departure for Lebanon was made possible thanks to an export agreement reached by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN on 22 July. → Read More
Czech presidency and key nuclear/gas vote This WEEK
MEPs will gather in Strasbourg for the final plenary before the summer break, with a crucial vote on the classification of gas and nuclear. The Czech Republic will present to EU lawmakers its presidency's priorities for the next six months. → Read More
EU sets pesticides and eco-rules to avoid 'pollinator collapse'
New rules to reduce the use of pesticides in the EU and support farmers were finally unveiled, after a three-month delay due to rising concerns over the impact of the war in Ukraine on global food supplies. → Read More
Glyphosate: a step closer to reauthorisation in EU?
The long-running controversy over the herbicide ingredient glyphosate was reignited this week when the EU chemicals agency (ECHA) said classifying it as carcinogenic was "not justified". → Read More
Thousands of toxic chemicals face EU restrictions
The EU unveiled a plan to restrict the use of harmful substances — deemed by campaigners as the "largest-ever ban of toxic chemicals". → Read More
EU will support investigation into war crimes in Ukraine
The European Commission has pledged to support investigations into potential war crimes in Ukraine — following reports of atrocities committed by Russian soldiers in Bucha, Irpin, and other Ukrainian cities. → Read More
EU: Ukraine war makes internal rule-of-law fight essential
Hungary said the EU should demonstrate unity — instead of policing internal rule-of-law breaches. But top EU officials have defended ongoing procedures against Hungary and Poland over concerns of judicial independence and democratic backsliding. → Read More
EU pushes to end throw-away culture and fast fashion
New EU eco-design rules hope to help wean people off "throw away" smartphones and fashion. → Read More
Ukraine war forcing EU to redouble energy diversification
The European Union is expected to redouble efforts on a key home front — by coming forward with a raft of proposals next week aimed at further diversifying energy supplies. → Read More
EU leaders threaten sanctions amid shelling in Ukraine
EU leaders said they remained united on "tough" Russia sanctions amid fears of an escalation on Ukraine's front line. → Read More
Vaccine-waiver row refuses to die at EU-AU summit
The stark gap in Covid-19 vaccination rates between Europe and Africa is likely to feed into the EU-AU summit negotiations. But a patent waiver still looks like a no-go for Europe. → Read More
Price hikes prompt scrutiny of fossil fuel revenues
Energy giants have seen a huge surge in profits while consumers are facing prices going through roof, and there's anger and concern among progressive MEPs and green groups. → Read More