What really happened at last night's EU Summit in Brussels - Watch Euronews' special show
With a flurry of summits and special meeting being convened, what is the best way for leaders to chew over the big decisions?
Is the plan of EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to muster up to €40 billion in fresh military support for Ukraine up in smoke after leaders failed to endorse it during the EU Council Summit?
Now that Ursula von der Leyen's blueprint to mobilise up to €800 billion for defence over the next four years has been rebranded 'Readiness 2030', is the plan for a boost to the defence industry now open to wider infrastructure.
Following the EU Council summit which concluded on Friday, the former Commission President is our guest today, chewing over these questions.
Europe Today also brings you a special report from the summit floor, business news and a 'summit in numbers' feature.
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What's the EU country where people can't wait to leave?
More than one in ten European Union citizens wants to leave their region out of choice or necessity, according to the latest Eurobarometer poll. Within the next five years, 7% would like to move out of choice, while 4% would move out of necessity. The highest percentages of people willing to leave were found in Portugal and Hungary, with 16% each, followed by France (15%), and Greece and Poland, at 12% each. On the other side of the spectrum, the highest shares of respondents who ruled out voluntarily moving away from their region soon were found in the Netherlands (94%) and Croatia (90%). People who may pack up and leave—whether by choice or necessity—mainly do so because they can't find quality jobs or have limited economic opportunities (29%). Fed up with politics: Maltese and Slovaks most unhappy However, almost a quarter (23%) of respondents say they feel they are being pushed away by a lack of trust in the political environment of their region or country. The highest levels of discontent among those wishing to leave were reported in Slovakia (50%), Malta (45%), Luxembourg (38%), Croatia and Hungary (both 36%). Spaniards, Greeks and Czechs looking for affordable properties One-fifth (22%) of those planning to leave point to the lack of affordable quality housing, which remains one of the most pressing issues across the continent. The housing crisis is hardest felt in Spain: 40% of people living here say that would be the main reason to migrate. Czechs also reported a high rate, at 30%. According to the latest European Housing Trend report, high housing costs are holding back 64% of potential buyers. Among them, 40% can't save up for a deposit, particularly in the Czech Republic (60%) and Greece (58%). No rent hassles in the Balkans? The European Housing Trend report also indicates which EU countries have the highest percentages of homeowners. Romanians (85%), Croatians (83%), Bulgarians (80%), Brits (75%), Hungarians and Italians (72%) are the most likely to own a property, while Maltese (46%), Germans (34%) and Swiss (30%) are the least likely to be in this situation.
Euronews
6 hours ago
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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
7 hours ago
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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. 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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.
