Latest news with #EU-funded
Euronews
2 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
From protest to progress: the future of farming in Europe
Despite protests and political promises, Europe's farmers remain under pressure. But a more resilient, innovative agricultural future is still possible – if the right steps are taken. One year on from mass mobilisation across Europe, farmers continue to face rising input costs, stagnating incomes and growing uncertainty. Over 50 per cent of farmers are pessimistic about their future, with many dissatisfied by the pace and direction of EU policy reform – so much so that over half are prepared to take to the streets again. But beyond the frustration lies a roadmap for recovery. Farmers' Horizon 2025, a newly published Ipsos study commissioned by CropLife Europe, reveals not only the challenges but also the solutions farmers say they need to turn things around. Achieving sustainable growth in European farming depends on EU authorities listening to and acting on the concerns of Europe's farmers. The Ipsos survey offers a representative outlook of nearly 2,000 farmers across nine EU member states, providing insight on what farmers need to regain optimism in the profession. Unsurprisingly, economic relief was cited as the number one priority for 82 per cent of farmers, with calls for improved access to loans or subsidies, as well as fairer redistribution of profits across the value chain, to help them stay afloat in challenging times. Additionally, 57 per cent want reduced red tape and fewer bureaucratic hurdles, while one in three urge better access to research and effective tools, particularly crop protection products and digital technologies. Others, such as those in Romania, called for faster support payments and better facilitation of sustainability schemes. A related Euronews debate, Farmers' Horizon: Sustainability, Innovation and the Toolbox, brought together representatives and policymakers to dig deeper into the study's findings, shaping direction for future policy. Here's what they found: Despite growing interest in digital tools – such as decision-support systems, satellite imagery and autonomous equipment – adoption remains low, averaging just 20–30 per cent. The biggest hurdle to adoption is cost, with two-thirds of surveyed farmers saying they lack the financial means to invest in new technologies. Farmers also cite regulatory delays and a lack of transitional support as key obstacles to adoption, suggesting that while digital tools hold huge promise, most farmers remain locked out of opportunities without enhanced financial and advisory support. Sector representatives and environmental policymakers referred to the need for practical, results-based eco schemes, advisory services and targeted funding to balance productivity with environmental and digital ambitions. Several EU-funded initiatives, such as Horizon Europe and the EU CAP Network, are already working to bridge this gap. Success stories from countries like Sweden – where manure management programmes are boosting both sustainability and income – point to what's possible when innovation meets practical support. Red tape also came out as a persistent barrier to competitiveness. Over half of farmers surveyed want simpler regulations and reduced administrative burdens, enabling them to focus resources on innovation and sustainability. Regulatory delays also present a challenge for crop protection. Though farmers face increasing pressure from pests and diseases, one in three reported difficulty accessing standard crop protection products, particularly in Spain and Germany. Hansen agreed this was a matter for EU policy to address: 'We are very quick to take off active substances from the market but we are very slow on delivering the alternatives,' he said. 'In the United States, [biopesticide authorisation] is done in less than 12 months. In Europe, it takes five to eight years.' Extreme weather events and climatic changes, from floods and droughts to unseasonal frosts and changing rainfall patterns, are increasingly disrupting Europe's agricultural output. As such, climate-related stressors are now daily realities for many European farmers. According to the study, 26 per cent of farmers ranked extreme weather and climatic events among their top five difficulties in 2025, placing the concern just behind regulatory burdens and low market prices. In Poland and Romania this issue was particularly pronounced, with Romanian farmers citing it as their leading difficulty. Climate disruptions not only affect yield but also compound financial stress, especially when insurance mechanisms, recovery funding or early-warning systems fall short. Panellists agreed that environmental resilience must be built into the farming model. Théo Paquet, Senior Policy Officer for Agriculture at the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) drove home the point. 'If we want farmers to produce food in 20, 30, 40 years, protecting our soils needs to be at the forefront of everyone's minds,' he said. That means supporting risk-mitigation practices such as diversified cropping, improved irrigation, regenerative farming and soil monitoring. Crucially, it also means designing eco schemes that reward long-term sustainability and forward-thinking ambition, not just compliance. Farmers are not resisting green measures. In fact, they're asking for systems that make climate adaptation feasible, both financially and practically. That is why, all eyes will be on the hotly awaited European Commission's Water Resilience Strategy, due to be published in early June 2025. In it, farmers will be looking for clear local guidance alongside ambitious measures that address water-related challenges and promote more equitable and efficient resource management, particularly for farmers in drought-prone or mountainous regions. From both the report and the debate, it was clear that farmers are not against environmental action – but they want it to work in practice. The Ipsos study and subsequent discussion revealed a sector with a strong sense of purpose and clarity on what it needs. With coordinated action that heeds farmers' concerns, Europe's farming sector can move from crisis to confidence. When asked to summarise how the future of farming can be secured, Jens Hartmann, Chair of CropLife Europe was clear: 'incentivisation, simplicity and innovation,' he confirmed. As Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) adjustments are debated in Brussels, the next chapter for Europe's farmers is as yet unclear. Whether it's one of decline or renewal depends on the willingness of decision-makers to listen, invest and act. Discover the full Farmers' Horizon 2025 report.
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
European Parliament Delegation Reaffirms Strategic Ties with Egypt
H-Tayea The European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries (DMAS) concluded an official visit to Egypt from 25 to 27 May, marking the first visit of its kind in nearly seven years. The mission, led by Chair Laurent Castillo (EPP, France), included MEPs Christophe Gomart (EPP, France), Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D, Austria), and Geadis Geadi (ECR, Cyprus). The main highlight of the visit was the 14th EU-Egypt Interparliamentary Meeting (IPM), held with members of Egypt's House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. Discussions focused on advancing interparliamentary relations and key shared priorities, including human rights (especially women's rights), climate change, EU macro-financial assistance, and Egypt's stabilising role in the region. The delegation also held high-level meetings with senior Egyptian officials, including Speaker of the House Hanafy El-Gebaly, First Deputy Senate Speaker Bahaa El-Din Abu Shoka, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahmoud Fawzy. These meetings highlighted the importance of deepening EU-Egypt strategic ties amid a complex regional landscape. Dialogue covered shared interests in counter-terrorism, migration, and the Middle East peace process, with particular concern expressed over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. DMAS reiterated the EU's support for Egypt's mediation efforts and called for continued humanitarian access. During the visit, the delegation engaged with civil society groups, human rights defenders, and the National Council for Human Rights, discussing democratic reforms and freedoms in light of Egypt's upcoming elections. MEPs encouraged further human rights improvements and legislative transparency. The delegation toured EU-funded initiatives, including a Team Europe Initiative on wastewater infrastructure supported by the French Development Agency, enhancing clean water access for millions. They also visited the Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies, and a school for refugee children, witnessing first-hand the impact of interfaith collaboration and European aid. Chair Castillo underscored the importance of educational exchanges, people-to-people diplomacy, and long-term cooperation. He extended an invitation to Egyptian parliamentarians to attend the next interparliamentary meeting at the European Parliament in 2026. The DMAS members thanked the EU Delegation in Cairo for facilitating the successful visit, which they described as a 'renewed chapter' in EU-Egypt relations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
EU sanctions cost Kosovo 600 million euros in stalled funds, says think tank
ATHENS - Kosovo has lost out on more than 600 million euros of external funding relating to environmental protection and energy projects among others, since the European Union imposed sanctions in 2023, according to a report by the GAP Institute think tank. Kosovo's government disputes the sum, but the report, by a local body, gives one of the first independent assessments of the impact on one of Europe's poorest countries of sanctions for its role in stoking ethnic tensions in its Serb-majority north. "The measures ... have resulted in significant financial and developmental consequences, costing Kosovo around 613.4 million euros in suspended or indefinitely delayed projects," the GAP Institute said in its report. The affected funds relate to various financial instruments that have helped Kosovo's development since it gained independence from Serbia in 2008. The most-hit sectors are environment and energy, where more than 460 million euros have been stalled, the report said. That represents a big blow for a country that desperately needs to reduce its reliance on coal-fired power generation. Earlier this year, Reuters identified at least 150 million euros in stalled funds. The EU has not publicly said how much is delayed. Kosovo's government disputes both figures. Apart from 7.1 million euros that it says have been lost due to contracts expiring, the funds "are neither lost nor at risk" because they will resume when sanctions are lifted, a spokesperson told Reuters on Tuesday. The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said last week that the bloc would begin to "gradually" lift the sanctions, on the condition that Kosovo de-escalate tensions in the north. A senior diplomat told Reuters that the EU would begin to provide technical assistance for EU-funded projects in the next few weeks but that there was currently no plan to disburse funds. Kosovo is not recognised as a state by some EU members, which makes lifting the sanctions more difficult. The gradual lifting "is not very substantial and it is very unlikely that the EU can move forward with funding," the diplomat said. Kosovo has aspirations to join the EU. However, that process has also been hobbled by Prime Minister Albin Kurti's role in raising tensions in the north by systematically closing Serb-run institutions, banning the use of the Serbian dinar within its borders, and choking trade. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Divers cleaning up seabed off Greece's Alonissos island raise alarm over marine pollution
Off the Greek island of Alonissos in the eastern Aegean Sea, volunteer divers grab decaying plastic bottles, a tyre and a rusted anchor chain from the seabed and place them in a trash bag as part of an EU-funded cleanup to protect marine life. The items recovered at Alonissos, a favourite tourist spot for its green-blue waters and Europe's largest protected marine park, represent a tiny part of the tens of thousands of tons of waste that litter the Mediterranean Sea every year. The park, set up off Alonissos in the early 1990s, is home to one of the world's last remaining colonies of the Monk seal, and a refuge for more than 300 fish species, dolphins and sea turtles. Its existence has made locals and tourists increasingly aware of the risks of marine pollution, said Theodora Francis, 31, a diver who joined the two-day initiative. "We visited about five areas to check whether we would find rubbish," Francis said. "In most areas we didn't but in some we did." She said the main port of Votsi, where most tourism and fishing occurs, was the site of most litter. To protect its coastal biodiversity, Greece has promised to create another two marine parks in the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea in the west, part of 21 initiatives worth €780m (R15.8bn). It has legislated the expansion of marine protected areas to 30% of its territorial waters by 2030, and has submitted plans to the EU setting out how it will organise fishing, tourism and offshore energy. "People all over the globe should know we have the strength to change everything. We believe in the individual responsibility of people, we invest in this," said George Sarelakos, 46, president of the Greece-based agency which organised the cleanup, Aegean Rebreath. For Francis, Alonissos can be a model for the protection of the seas. "If every island had the same interest in taking care of their environment, we would have the Alonissos situation in many more islands."
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
EU Parliament Delegation Visits Egypt to Boost Bilateral Cooperation
Israa Farhan A delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has arrived in Cairo to participate in the 14th EU-Egypt Interparliamentary Meeting. The Delegation are expected to meet with Egyptian parliamentarians and government officials at the New Administrative Capital (NAC), as well as civil society representatives. Discussions will focus on various issues, including economic cooperation, regional stability and security, political and social modernization in Egypt, and the country's role in the region. Members will also visit EU-funded projects to gain a better understanding of the situation on the ground. Delegation Chair, Laurent Castillo stated, "This mission demonstrates the European Parliament's commitment to strengthening its relations with the Egyptian Parliament and promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest right after the conclusion of a historic deal this week on the Micro Financial Assistance.' "The DMAS delegation looks forward to a productive and constructive exchange with our Egyptian counterparts and to exploring ways to deepen EU-Egypt relations,' he added. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
