Paris Air Show: Canada seeks stronger ties with EU
Canada makes its move at the Paris Air show. With its US alliance under pressure, Ottawa wants to deepen its relationship with Europe. FRANCE 24's Charles Pellegrin speaks to Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Mark Masluch from Bombardier Défense about what this shift could mean for domestic players and the EU.
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Euronews
an hour ago
- Euronews
Why Brussels doesn't hate AC — but Europe still struggles with it
In a summer when radio failed to deliver a single memorable hit, one subject managed to keep everyone talking: Europe's troubled relationship with air conditioning. It's not a new debate. Every few years, as temperatures climb, the transatlantic divide on cooling habits resurfaces. But this year, it grew unusually fierce, straining cultural ties between Europeans and Americans almost as much as Trump's tariffs or disagreements over Ukraine's future. Americans, baffled that Europeans can live without constant cooling, defended their beloved AC with the same bitterness Italians judge other cultures' pizza toppings or the French bristle at foreigners mangling 'la langue française'. The numbers of this divide are stark: nearly 90% of US households have air conditioning, compared with around 20% in Europe, with some countries falling far below that figure. In France, the topic has even entered the political arena, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen calling for a major air conditioning infrastructure plan. Meanwhile, international news outlets like the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal warned that Europe's slow adoption of cooling technology is already costing lives. Critics have gone so far as to blame EU regulations (or the flagship environmental policy Green Deal itself) for keeping Europeans sweaty. The myth of the AC ban Like most things in the EU, even air conditioning comes with an acronym. The Brussels bubble doesn't talk about AC like normal people do, but about HVAC, namely heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. But does Brussels really hate air conditioning? Despite what some critics imply, the EU has never banned HVACs. Nor do its rules dramatically restrict installations. What the EU does regulate are the types of systems allowed, imposing limits on harmful refrigerants, requirements for greater efficiency, and guidelines for buildings. The reasoning is straightforward. Europe has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. Left unchecked, a sharp increase in inefficient air conditioners would make that goal impossible. So Brussels isn't opposed to cooling, it just wants the technology to align with climate policy. What the F... gas The centrepiece of this policy adaptation is the recently revised F-gas Regulation, which phases out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in many traditional cooling systems, by 2050. Through these rules, manufacturers are being pushed to adopt cleaner alternatives such as carbon dioxide and ammonia. Some industry players argue this has slowed growth in the heat pump market, a technology that provides heating, cooling, and hot water. Brussels counters that falling gas prices, weaker subsidies, and consumer caution are the real reasons, putting its hope on a wave of new, HFC-free models already hitting the market. The Ecodesign Directive, another piece of the puzzle, sets minimum efficiency standards. This effectively bans the least efficient models and nudges manufacturers toward greener designs. The rules tie into the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which requires upgrades in Europe's ageing housing stock through better insulation and, indeed, greener heating and cooling Both measures reflect the same principle: the EU isn't trying to kill air conditioning, it just wants it done sustainably. National quirks... Much of the practical regulation on air conditioning comes from member states, though. Spain, Italy, and Greece, for example, limit how cold public buildings can be set in summer, often no lower than 27°C. The aim is to conserve energy, especially during supply crises. Some historic city centres restrict the installation of external AC units for aesthetic reasons. There are environmental concerns, too. Studies show that AC units can raise outdoor temperatures in dense urban areas by several degrees, worsening the so-called 'heat island effect.' But these are exceptions, not an explanation for Europe's overall low uptake. ...and cultural resistance The rest of this story lies in history and culture. Southern Europe built its cities to cope with heat: thick walls, shaded windows, and street layouts designed to maximise airflow. That's also why white paint dominates the picturesque skylines of Mediterranean places like Santorini in Greece or Vieste in Italy: The bright surfaces reflect sunlight and radiant heat, helping interiors stay cooler. In northern Europe, on the other hand, summers were once mild enough that cooling was rarely needed. Air conditioning, when it appeared in Europe, was seen as a luxury or even a health risk. Many Europeans still believe exposure to cold air can make you sick, and the stereotype persists that AC is for rich people. The energy question Then there's the money issue. European electricity is far pricier than in the US, and the 2022 energy crisis only reinforced the point. Even though prices have since stabilised, the extra expense of running an air conditioner remains prohibitive for many households. AC still represents only about 0.6% of household electricity use across the EU, but its share is rising quickly. The heatwaves of June and July 2025 pushed daily demand up by as much as 14%. Prices spiked above €400/MWh in Germany and €470/MWh in Poland, even as solar power hit record highs. That surge in demand underscores the challenge. Europe's power grid, already strained, must prepare for hotter summers and higher cooling needs. What comes next So no, Brussels does not hate air conditioning. But it does want to ensure that cooling technology fits within Europe's broader climate and energy goals. The European Commission has always made clear that member states are best placed to decide on specific energy-saving measures. But it is also preparing the EU energy sector for an era of recurring and more intense heatwaves, focusing on storage, interconnections, and grid resilience. This could not exclude a specific intervention in the sector in the medium term, although nothing has been pencilled for the moment. In the end, Europe's low adoption of air conditioning isn't the result of bans or bureaucratic hostility. It's rather a mix of culture, cost, tradition, and policy. And as summers grow hotter and heatwaves become the new normal, that balance will be tested more with every passing year.
Euronews
2 hours ago
- Euronews
Google updates terms for app marketplace following EU pressure
Google will make it easier for app developers to direct Android users outside of its own ecosystem to make purchases and transactions, after regulators said the tech giant violated European Union law. In March, the European Commission accused Google's parent company Alphabet of failing to comply with EU rules that bar technology companies from unfairly steering users toward their own products or services. The Commission said the company prevented app developers from informing users about 'other channels for better offers' outside of Google Play, its app marketplace. It also said the company charged fees when developers got new customers that went 'beyond what is justified'. In response, Google said it will make changes to its terms, including reducing developer fees and adding 'flexibility' to direct users from their apps to other links. 'While we still have concerns that these changes could expose Android users to harmful content and make the app experience worse, we're updating our External Offers Program for the EU with revised fees and more options for Android developers, following DMA discussions with the European Commission,' said Clare Kelly, Google's senior competition counsel for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) In a statement provided to Euronews Next, Kelly said Google Play and Android, Google's mobile operating system, have generated more than €3 billion in revenue for European developers. EU regulators have been scrutinising Google, Meta, and Apple since the Digital Markets Act (DMA) went into force in 2023. The law aims to rein in the tech giants' gatekeeping power. In April, the Commission fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for violating the DMA.
Euronews
2 hours ago
- Euronews
EU Research and Innovation Days return to Brussels in 2025
The European Commission's biggest annual research and innovation gathering is back for its sixth edition, promising two full days of debate, discovery and future-shaping policy conversations. European Research and Innovation (R&I) Days 2025 will take place on 16–17 September at The Square in Brussels, with full digital access available via the official online platform. Whether you're a seasoned researcher, policymaker, startup founder, student, or simply curious about where Europe is heading, the hybrid format makes it easy to take part and be heard. Join the conversation about the future of science in Europe – register now to attend the 2025 European Research and Innovation Days online. High-level speakers, big ideas This year's edition arrives at a crucial time for EU policy – as decisions loom on the next long-term budget and a suite of flagship strategies including the Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the European Life Sciences Strategy, the AI in Science Strategy, and the European Innovation and European Research Area Acts. The event offers a timely space for discussion, with more than 20 sessions designed to tackle these pressing themes from a range of angles. The programme kicks off with a keynote from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, followed by opening remarks from Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva. From there, expect a lively series of panels, workshops and conversations with experts from across the continent – and beyond. Key themes on the agenda The agenda will touch on everything from the future of EU research funding to how Europe can become a global launchpad for startups and scaleups. Other sessions will explore how to support breakthrough innovation, strengthen life sciences, and navigate the opportunities and risks of dual-use technologies. There'll also be a strong focus on strengthening Europe's AI capabilities, improving science communication, and boosting industrial competitiveness – with a closer look at key sectors such as automotive and energy. Panels on academic freedom, research security, gender equality in STEM, and Europe's push toward the 3% R&D investment target round out a truly wide-ranging programme. Sessions will run across three parallel halls – Golden, Silver, and Copper – with all content available via livestream for online participants. Broadcast journalist Méabh McMahon of Euronews will return to moderate several key panels throughout the event. Known for her sharp interviewing style and deep understanding of European affairs, she'll be guiding conversations that get to the heart of the EU's research and innovation priorities. Expect candid exchanges, cross-sector insights, and challenging questions — all with the aim of opening up the dialogue between science and society. More than just panels Alongside the main sessions, R&I Days 2025 will feature networking opportunities, project showcases in an exhibition space featuring cutting edge research results, and a number of informal spaces for attendees to connect and collaborate. The programme also offers a look at how research connects to real-world impact. Topics like climate resilience, digital sovereignty, and STEM inclusion will be explored in both technical and accessible ways – ensuring that voices from all parts of the community can take part. Panels like "Protecting Academic Freedom Worldwide" and "Can Europe Afford to Ignore the Gender Gap in STEM?" underscore how science policy and social justice increasingly intersect. Meanwhile, sessions on science diplomacy and research security reflect growing geopolitical tensions and the role that knowledge can play in shaping a safer, more cooperative world. What's at stake? Beneath the lively discussions and policy detail, a key question runs through the event: how to keep Europe competitive, sustainable and inclusive in an age of rapid global change. Science and innovation are key to this ambition. Through frameworks like the European Green Deal, the EU is investing in research to drive climate action and support the green transition. In parallel, the EU Digital Strategy sets out a vision for technological sovereignty, data security and innovation. At the heart of it all is Horizon Europe – the EU's €95.5 billion research programme – which continues to support cross-border collaboration in everything from cancer research to renewable energy. And, looking to the future, the Commission's proposals for the next Horizon Europe programme after 2028 are set to feature prominently in discussions. A space for everyone One of the hallmarks of R&I Days is its inclusivity. The hybrid format means participants can join from anywhere in the world – and access panels in real time or on replay. Live Q&As, chat tools, artificial intelligence and translation features make the experience interactive and engaging for all. It's also a chance for early-career researchers, startups, civil society groups and citizens to get involved. Expect dedicated moments celebrating emerging talent, grassroots innovation and citizen science – all vital ingredients in the EU's innovation ecosystem.
