The European Parliament has approved stricter standards to measure and monitor air pollutants, marking a significant step towards cleaner air in EU cities. The revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) sets a zero-pollution goal for 2050 and introduces interim air quality standards for 2030 that closely align with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The new law aims to reduce premature deaths caused by air pollution, estimated at 300,000 annually in Europe.
The European Union has taken a significant step towards protecting marine life beyond national borders by ratifying the High Seas Treaty. This agreement aims to safeguard biodiversity in international waters and the seabed. The EU’s endorsement is a major boost, as it played a key role in treaty negotiations. The treaty requires 60 countries to ratify it before it comes into effect. With 89 countries having signed and four ratified so far, the EU’s ratification brings the total closer to the target. This move sends a strong signal that the EU prioritizes ocean protection and encourages other nations to follow suit.
The European Parliament has approved a proposal to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty, an international agreement that protects energy investments. The treaty has been criticized for undermining efforts to combat climate change, as it allows energy companies to sue governments over policies that damage their investments. Several EU member states, including Denmark, France, and Germany, have already announced plans to leave the treaty, and the final decision is expected to be made in May. The EU’s withdrawal would significantly weaken the treaty, which currently has 50 signatories. The treaty secretariat has not responded to a request for comment, but Green EU lawmaker Anna Cavazzini has called the treaty “absurd” and said that it has “cost citizens billions in taxpayers’ money in the form of legal costs before private arbitration tribunals and compensation payments to multinational corporations.”
Moldovan authorities have seized over $1 million in illegal political financing from a Moscow-backed political group. The funds were confiscated from approximately 150 individuals at the Chisinau airport upon their return from a trip to Moscow. The political group, known as “Victory,” is opposed to Moldova’s plans to join the European Union. The seizure of the funds raises concerns about Russian attempts to influence Moldovan politics and destabilize the country amidst tensions with Ukraine, where Russian troops are stationed in the breakaway Transnistria region.
An unprecedented campaign has been launched in Europe to expand reproductive rights throughout the region. Led by groups fighting for reproductive freedom in eight countries, the campaign aims to collect 1 million signatures in the coming months to pressure EU leaders into committing to increasing access to abortion services. While legal abortion is generally available in the EU compared to the United States, there are exceptions and restrictions in several countries. The proposed EU mechanism would address these gaps by providing financial support for people to get care internationally if needed. Activists are mobilizing in advance of European parliamentary elections in June, seeking to make abortion rights a key issue for candidates and voters.
Taiwan’s envoy to the European Union has called on the bloc to maintain a strong stance against China’s intimidating and coercive actions. Roy Lee emphasized the importance of respecting Taiwan’s democratic processes and the international order, warning that appeasement only emboldens Beijing. Amidst tensions following Taiwan’s recent elections, the EU has expressed caution while supporting Taiwan’s shared values and cooperation. Despite obstacles within the EU, Taiwan seeks continued support from the bloc to defend its democracy and regional stability.
TikTok has submitted a risk assessment report on its new app, TikTok Lite, to the European Commission, averting a potential fine. The EU executive had raised concerns about TikTok Lite’s reward program and its potential addictiveness for children. The company has until Wednesday to present arguments on the reward program, which will determine if the Commission temporarily suspends it until it assesses its safety for children. The Commission is also investigating TikTok Lite’s launch in France and Spain, examining whether it breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) rules.
Members of the European Parliament are demanding that the EU take more drastic measures to support Ukraine by seizing Russian state assets. The lawmakers argue that the current plans to provide billions of euros in aid are insufficient, and that Russia should be held accountable for the damage caused by its invasion.
Brussels has finalized two years of negotiations on a reform of the bloc’s budgetary rules. This reform aims to encourage investment while maintaining fiscal discipline among member states. The newly approved rules are designed to be more flexible and growth-oriented, according to EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni. The commissioner expressed optimism that the reform represents a well-balanced compromise. However, the rules still require the endorsement of the EU’s 27 member states prior to implementation.
Senegal’s newly appointed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for a renewed partnership with the European Union (EU) that focuses on mutual benefit and supports Senegal’s development goals.
