Latest news with #EU-supported
Euronews
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Euronews
EU to deploy 650 firefighters to wildfire high-risk zones
Hundreds of firefighters coming from across Europe and over 20 firefighting aerial vehicles will be pre-positioned in high-risk locations for wildfires across the bloc this summer, the European Commission announced on Monday. Almost 650 firefighters from 14 European countries are to be deployed in July and August in key high-risk locations in France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain. This is the highest number since pre-positioning firefighters across the EU was launched in 2022. Greece will welcome half of those European firefighters with teams coming from Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Moldova, and Romania. Meanwhile, 22 firefighting aeroplanes and four helicopters will be stationed in 10 different member states. France and Greece will be the biggest recipients of the EU-supported summer fleet, to be coordinated and financed via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with four medium amphibious aeroplanes each. France will also have one helicopter. Other countries on the receiving end of the summer fleet include Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden. Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said in a statement that the EU's "support is tangible and makes a difference on the ground". "Extreme heat and wildfires in Europe have sadly become the new normal. I am glad the EU has more to offer than just words of concern and consolation," she added. A further 19 ground firefighting teams, of around 30 firefighters each, and one advisory and assessment team, are also ready to be mobilised by the EU, while a dedicated wildfire support team is to be established at the EU's 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) to monitor risks and analyse scientific data. It will bring together 30 experts from EU member states as well as other countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, the European Natural Hazard Scientific Partnership (ARISTOTLE), and staff from the ERCC. Greece, which also tends to be heavily hit every summer, has already announced it will deploy a record number of firefighters, including elite units in high-risk areas, and nearly double its drone fleet. Since the beginning of the year, more than 166,000 hectares have been burnt across the 27 member states, nearly three times the average recorded over the same period between 2003 and 2024, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). Romania has been the worst-afflicted EU member state so far this year with more than 120,000 hectares reduced to cinders. Authorities have blamed some of the wildfires on human action, including intentional burning to clear fields. France and Spain come next but the two countries, which are traditionally more impacted by wildfires, have had different experiences. Nearly 19,000 hectares had been burnt in France by 20 May, some 2.75 times the average of the past 20 years, while in Spain, this year's tally is so far lower than the 20-year average (8,195 hectares vs 13,059). Last year's cumulative burnt areas reached 383,317 hectares, above the average of the past 20 years. The most devastating years of the past decade were in 2017 and 2022 when nearly one million and just under 800,000 hectares were razed to the ground respectively. The spread of wildfires in Europe has been blamed on climate change which has led to warmer temperatures, prolonged drought and unpredictable weather patterns, as well as on demographic changes that have led to the desertification of rural areas in favour of urban centres, meaning the land is no longer managed in the same way. The fire season has, for instance, been extended beyond the traditional summer months and now spans from early May to late October while more and more countries in eastern and northern Europe are also starting to experience such fires. According to the European and Global Drought Observatories of the Commission's Joint Research Centre, there are warning drought conditions in the Baltic Sea region, northern France, Benelux, several regions of Germany, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, western Romania, Bulgaria, and some regions of Greece. Most of Spain, Italy, and southern France, however, either don't have drought conditions or are in recovery. The European Commission has found that Chinese online retail giant Shein, known for its rock-bottom prices, engages in illegal commercial practices under EU law, after an investigation caried out with national consumer protection authorities. Investigators concluded that Shein lures customers with fake discounts, either by displaying false original prices or by using countdown timers that reset continuously to foster an artificial sense of urgency. The Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network - a body made up of the national authorities - also flagged serious gaps in transparency: inaccurate return policies, misleading sustainability claims, and confusing product labelling. Authorities also criticised the platform for making it difficult for users to contact customer service - limiting their ability to raise questions or complaints. Shein has been given one month to respond and outline how it plans to fix the issues. If the Commission sees no progress, the company could face fines. National authorities from Belgium, France, Ireland and the Netherlands are overseeing enforcement. 'All companies selling products in the EU must play by our rules,' said Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Justice and Consumer Protection. 'Today's action sends a clear message: we will not shy away from holding e-commerce platforms to account, regardless of where they are based.' He added: 'EU consumer protection laws are not optional – they must be applied in all cases.' This isn't the first time a Chinese platform has come under scrutiny. In November, rival e-retailer Temu was also found in breach of EU consumer law. It used similarly problematic tactics and went a step further by "gamifying" the shopping experience with spin-the-wheel promotions and displaying fake product reviews. Alongside these consumer law probes, both Shein and Temu are under investigation for possible breaches of the Digital Services Act. The DSA probe focuses on algorithmic recommendation systems - how certain products are promoted to specific users - and the sale of illegal goods, such as items that fail to meet EU health and safety standards.
Irish Examiner
26-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
The evolving landscape of farm lending in Ireland: Regulation, Risk and Resilience
By Dave Sheane, Area Manager of FDC Financial Services Ltd, based in Midleton, Co Cork. Dave Sheane, Area Manager of FDC Group's Midleton Office. Access to financial advice is essential for Irish farmers, but securing funding has become increasingly difficult. At FDC Group, we're here to help you navigate the regulation and risk to create a resilient future. The number of lenders supporting farms in Ireland has significantly reduced over the past decade due to a combination of market exits, consolidation and regulatory changes following the financial crisis and subsequent restructuring of the Irish banking system. The exit of foreign owned institutions such as Ulster Bank, KBC, Danske Bank and Rabobank has left AIB, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB as the dominant players in support of Irish Farming particularly in the provision of long-term borrowing requirements. Less competition has made accessing borrowing more difficult and has also led to higher interest rates compared to the Eurozone average. Increased capital requirements and tighter supervision from the Central Bank of Ireland and the European Central Bank have made the Irish market less attractive for some foreign banks/new entrants. Positively, there has been an increase in 'Alternative lenders' to Irish farms including private lenders, credit unions, specialized agri-finance providers, asset finance & leasing companies and government-backed or EU-supported loan schemes. However, the majority of these do not offer long-term secured borrowing for capital projects and are typically more expensive than the traditional banks. Here are some notable options: Government & EU-Supported Schemes: SBCI (Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland) Microfinance Ireland. Credit Unions: Many credit unions across Ireland offer agricultural loans. 'Cultivate' is a loan product offered by a network of credit unions, specifically designed for farmers. Asset Finance & Leasing Companies used to finance equipment, machinery or vehicles. Private & Non-Bank Lenders: Finance Ireland Agri offers HP & leasing for agricultural machinery and Milk Flex for Dairy Farmers Online lending platforms that connect investors directly with borrowers (Linked Finance / Flender / Rebuild Capital) Loan Application Process: The loan application landscape for Irish farmers has also evolved over the last decade. Typically, it's dictated by loan size with smaller loans processed through an online processing center. Larger farm loan applications (typically over €500,000) continue to be assessed through a dedicated account manager with the assistance of the bank's specialist agri advisors. The loan application process may take longer than it used to as the banks look to understand and assess an increasing number of factors and variables in their decision-making process. The key underwriting criteria for farm lending are typically: A detailed position statement for the farm: Personal details of the applicants (DOB, Dependents, experience etc) Banking history Loan Structure (Personal borrowing or to a Limited Company) Current stock, current infrastructure, current labour, current off farm income etc. A detailed business plan which clearly outlines the loan's purpose, expected outcomes and associated financial projections. Explain how the loan funds will be applied. Confirmation of any necessary planning permissions Financial Documentation: Usually the last three years accounts current account and loan statements (usually the last 12 months) Tax clearance certificates Notice of Assessment or Form 11 for the last 2 years Repayment Capacity: Historic analysis of historic farm performance projections for the next three years. Debt Service Coverage Ratio: Measures surplus cash available to cover debt obligations using a stressed interest rate. Equity Contribution: Farmers to contribute 15–30% of the total investment (cash or existing assets). A factor that is often overlooked in terms of input is capital expenditure over the last five years from cashflow. Security and Collateral for larger loans, lenders may require security interests in: Land (valued at 130% of the loan amount) Buildings Personal guarantees Loan duration aligns with the asset's useful life: Working capital: Up to 1 year Breeding stock: 5–7 years Farm development (e.g., buildings): Up to 15 years Land purchase: Up to 20 years New risks being assessed: Banks and providers of finance now need to comprehensively assess how regulation and compliance factors will influence the future repayment capacity of a farming enterprise. Typical area requiring assessment or comment: EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Reforms (Eco-schemes) Climate Action Plan (greenhouse gas reduction / improved slurry management, afforestation etc). Water Framework Directive & Nitrates Directive Climate Risk and Resilience Sustainability Credentials (ESG Standards Carbon Footprinting and Emissions Reporting) Access to Green Finance Land Use and Biodiversity (Pressure to reduce livestock numbers and increase tree planting or set-aside land for biodiversity. Reputational Risk (Lenders may avoid farms with a history of pollution, animal welfare issues, or poor environmental compliance Access to finance remains a problematic issue for Irish farms. Over the past decade in particular, the sources of finance and the application processes have undergone significant changes brought about and influenced by policy initiatives, market dynamics, evolving financial products and a more forensic approach to the assessment process by lenders. The lack of banking competition has also contributed to Irish farmers paying higher interest rates compared to European counterparts. With these changes, farmers often require the assistance of specialist financial advisors particularly with larger propositions. We can help you here at FDC Group. Contact us today here. FDC Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Euronews
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Euronews
The flood-busting ceramic paving taking on climate change
When floods hit the Valencia region last October, following torrential rainfall, they were devastating and deadly. A reminder, it's said, of how dangerous climate change has become. Spain, like other countries, is having to adapt to more extreme weather. And, in the Valencia region, EU-funded innovation has spawned a new solution, right under people's feet. The concept of footpath paving has been redesigned using ceramic tiles, placed and spaced on their sides, to maximise absorption of water into the ground. Experts say it wouldn't prevent the type of disaster seen last year, with the overflow of a river system, but would improve drainage capacity and reduce flooding risks when heavy rain hits urban areas. 'This permeability is achieved through interstices that remain between plate and plate, vertically,' explains Ignacio Andrés Doménech, Director, School of Civil Engineering, Polytechnic University of Valencia. 'In this case, these paving stones, supported by layers of gravel, will allow the percolation of water, its filtration through a porous structure, that will also provide benefits in terms of improving the quality of these waters.' The footpath design was originally developed as part of an EU-funded project, coordinated by the Institute of Ceramic Technologies in Castellón. It saw demonstration paving installed in the municipality of Benicàssim. More recently, a second initiative called Drainker, also EU-supported and managed by the Institute, has focused on refining and industrialising the concept, with a new experimental site in Castellón. Tests, carried out as part of its work, have shown that water can be absorbed at a rate of 10,000 litres per square metre, per hour. 'This project was really born for several reasons,' explains Yolanda Reig, Director General, Institute of Ceramic Technology. 'One was because of an excess in the stock of ceramic materials with low commercial value. It was born out of the need to collect rain and the need to stop excess heat in cities. We have managed to combine the three ideas to get to a product like Drainker.' Jorge Corrales, an architect at the Institute, added: 'There's a Spanish company that's been very interested and has decided to start industrialising and commercialising this product, which is currently available for use in both national and European projects. 'And, in the last few months, we've had meetings with different architectural studios and city councils, with the objective for incorporating this project into real projects in urban spaces.' The total budget for the Drainker project is just over €142,000. Around 60% of the funding has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund, with the remainder coming from the Valencian Government. 'On one hand, it opens-up a new line of business for the ceramic industry, which is a key part of Castellón's identity. On the other, it offers an innovative solution to help mitigate a serious challenge in our region: the impact of torrential rains,' said Juan José Cortés, General Director of Innovation at the Valencian Government. 'Unlike traditional surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, this system significantly improves drainage capacity, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.' He continued: 'Our geographic location on the western Mediterranean makes us especially vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Experts predict that both droughts and torrential rainfall will become more frequent and intense, so we must prepare to meet this complex scenario head-on. 'We will actively promote the installation of these tiles in public spaces, following expert recommendations. Furthermore, we are open to collaborating with other regions and institutions interested in replicating this kind of sustainable solution.'
Euronews
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Euronews
Drainker architect hopes ceramic paving will go Europe-wide
When floods hit the Valencia region last October, following torrential rainfall, they were devastating and deadly. A reminder, it's said, of how dangerous climate change has become. Spain, like other countries, is having to adapt to more extreme weather. And, in the Valencia region, EU-funded innovation has spawned a new solution, right under people's feet. The concept of footpath paving has been redesigned using ceramic tiles, placed and spaced on their sides, to maximise absorption of water into the ground. Experts say it wouldn't prevent the type of disaster seen last year, with the overflow of a river system, but would improve drainage capacity and reduce flooding risks when heavy rain hits urban areas. 'This permeability is achieved through interstices that remain between plate and plate, vertically,' explains Ignacio Andrés Doménech, Director, School of Civil Engineering, Polytechnic University of Valencia. 'In this case, these paving stones, supported by layers of gravel, will allow the percolation of water, its filtration through a porous structure, that will also provide benefits in terms of improving the quality of these waters.' The footpath design was originally developed as part of an EU-funded project, coordinated by the Institute of Ceramic Technologies in Castellón. It saw demonstration paving installed in the municipality of Benicàssim. More recently, a second initiative called Drainker, also EU-supported and managed by the Institute, has focused on refining and industrialising the concept, with a new experimental site in Castellón. Tests, carried out as part of its work, have shown that water can be absorbed at a rate of 10,000 litres per square metre, per hour. 'This project was really born for several reasons,' explains Yolanda Reig, Director General, Institute of Ceramic Technology. 'One was because of an excess in the stock of ceramic materials with low commercial value. It was born out of the need to collect rain and the need to stop excess heat in cities. We have managed to combine the three ideas to get to a product like Drainker.' Jorge Corrales, an architect at the Institute, added: 'There's a Spanish company that's been very interested and has decided to start industrialising and commercialising this product, which is currently available for use in both national and European projects. 'And, in the last few months, we've had meetings with different architectural studios and city councils, with the objective for incorporating this project into real projects in urban spaces.' The total budget for the Drainker project is just over €142,000. Around 60% of the funding has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund, with the remainder coming from the Valencian Government. 'On one hand, it opens-up a new line of business for the ceramic industry, which is a key part of Castellón's identity. On the other, it offers an innovative solution to help mitigate a serious challenge in our region: the impact of torrential rains,' said Juan José Cortés, General Director of Innovation at the Valencian Government. 'Unlike traditional surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, this system significantly improves drainage capacity, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.' He continued: 'Our geographic location on the western Mediterranean makes us especially vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Experts predict that both droughts and torrential rainfall will become more frequent and intense, so we must prepare to meet this complex scenario head-on. 'We will actively promote the installation of these tiles in public spaces, following expert recommendations. Furthermore, we are open to collaborating with other regions and institutions interested in replicating this kind of sustainable solution.' The EU-funded Drainker project, in Spain's Valencia region, has refined and industrialised a new design for paving. Instead of using concrete or asphalt, ceramic tiles are spaced and placed on their sides, to allow as much water as possible to soak into the ground, during heavy rainfall in urban areas. The project, also supported by the Valencian Government, is now ready for full-scale production. 'Drainker is a permeable path that is created thanks to the joining of different ceramic pieces, placed on their edge,' explains Jorge Corrales. 'This pavement has a series of raised surfaces that allow the pieces to be separated and allows us to obtain a multi-joint pavement, which favours the drainage of water into the ground.' Jorge stressed that one of the main characteristics of the product is its 'high drainage capacity,' highlighting that 'once installed, can exceed the permeability values of 10,000 litres per square metre, per hour.' 'To evaluate the permeability of this pavement, we carried out a test that allows us to measure the time it takes for the pavement to infiltrate a certain amount of water,' explained Corrales. A Spanish company is said to have started industrialising and commercialising the product, with efforts underway to get the new footpath design installed in urban spaces. 'We have designed a product and an industrialised process that allows companies in the ceramic sector to carry out full-scale production,' said Corrales. 'For us, it would be a success if this type of product could be incorporated into projects, both nationally and at a European level. And, above all, that they allow us to mitigate all the effects of climate change, and that they improve the management of rainwater in cities.' There's only a handful of situations where journalists, usually guided by strict rules of the trade, act like anyone else. Meeting the new pope for the first time at the Vatican City's modernist Paul VI Audience Hall became one of those events. Prior to Pope Leo XIV's entrance on Monday morning, the crowd representing the world press — filling out about half of the 6,000-seat aula — was restless in anticipation, dropping all pretence there was in the audience for any other presser. Some were busy tying flags of their nations to the safety railings — a couple of Peru ones, where the pontiff lived and ministered for decades, notably peppered the hall — while others impatiently lifted their phones to record the scene, just to give up moments later as nothing was happening, bar a few priests casually strolling across the immense podium. Several people brought babies, one of whom cried impatiently, picking up on the atmosphere. Then the pontiff appeared, stage right, flanked by members of the Swiss Guard in full regalia, and the crowd rose to its feet and erupted in a long applause. As he sat down, motioning to the audience to do the same, one section started applauding even more fervently. Everyone joined in once more. Someone shouted 'Viva papa,' triggering loud replies of 'Viva'. It was an entrance worthy of God's representative on Earth. 'Good morning, and thank you for this wonderful reception,' Pope Leo XIV began, seemingly surprised at the long, thunderous applause. 'They say when they clap at the beginning, it doesn't matter much.' 'If you're still awake at the end and you still want to applaud, thank you very much,' he quipped in English, before switching to fluent Italian. It didn't take the pontiff long to show he was not there to mince words, however. While he was cordial, the first impression was that he wanted to show he was a staunch champion of 'dignity, justice, and the right to be informed'. Free speech and free press are a 'precious gift,' he said, especially for us 'living in times that are both difficult to navigate and to recount'. And "we are the times," Pope Leo XIV added, quoting St Augustine, from whose order he hails. Interrupted by applause, Pope Leo XIV pressed on with what felt like a proper pep talk. 'Never give in to mediocrity,' he said. Journalistic work was 'a challenge we shouldn't run away from,' he urged. Be responsible with AI, he insisted. He spoke up for imprisoned journalists, much to the approval of those present. But mostly it was his insistence on truth instead of partisan divisions that rang out the loudest in today's world, judging by another thunderous applause. "The way we communicate is of fundamental importance: we must say 'no' to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war," the pontiff emphasised. The pontiff finished his speech with a short prayer, blessing the journalists instead of opening the floor to questions. The faithful among the press made the sign of the cross, an "amen" echoing as the pontiff proceeded to greet those present in the front rows. Pope Leo XIV walked down the central aisle to shake hands with others, followed by dozens, if not hundreds, of cameras — an exit as impactful as his entrance just half an hour earlier. Was it a sermon? Maybe in part. Others would more likely liken it to the appearance of a rock star. But the pope's debut address to the press mostly showcased why the former Cardinal Robert Prevost was so quickly elected by his peers — and by the Holy Spirit, or acclamation, as the rite says. His words made the journalists in the room feel like their job was more important than his, as the leader of the Church counting 1.3 billion Catholic faithful, ever will be.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
South-East Asian gathering aims to develop a Regional Action Plan to tackle chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear challenges
In this picture taken on July 27, 2018, a staff member of Tokyo Electric Power Company measures radiation levels around the storage tanks of radiation-contaminated water at the tsunami-crippled Tokyo Electric Power Company Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant in Okuma, Fukushima prefecture. National representatives and experts from South-East Asian partner countries are sharing progress on risk mitigation efforts and cooperation opportunities. - AFP VIENTIANE: The European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative (EU CBRN CoE) is holding its 24th National Focal Points Regional Strategic Coordination Meeting for South-East Asia in Vientiane from April 28-30. The meeting brings together national representatives and experts from South-East Asian partner countries to share progress on CBRN risk mitigation efforts, assess ongoing EU-supported initiatives, and explore regional cooperation opportunities. The gathering is supported by the European Union and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). The event opened with welcoming remarks from Laos' Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maythong Thammavongsa; Ambassador of the European Union to Laos, Mark Gallagher; and Undersecretary Florece Bernardo Jr., Head of the Secretariat for the EU CBRN CoE in South-East Asia. Maythong said the objective of the meeting was to provide updates on the Regional Secretariat's and partner countries' latest activities, exchange ideas on potential future regional projects, and discuss progress on the national implementation of CBRN National Action Plans. 'Additionally, we will have the opportunity to learn from international and regional experts, who will share insights into new regional projects. We will also explore potential areas for further cooperation and various assistance programmes under the EU CBRN CoE projects,' he added. Laos has benefited from projects implemented under the EU CBRN CoE in the past. These include the Sound Management of Chemicals and Their Associated Wastes in South-East Asia (2017-2023); On-Site Technical Support to the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Regional Secretariats (2018-2024); Export Control Programme for Dual-Use Goods in South-East Asia (2021-2024); and Enhanced Biosecurity in South-East Asia (2019-2025). Currently, Laos is implementing activities under a project titled On-Site Technical Assistance to the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Regional Secretariats (2023-2026). Looking ahead, Laos will share in new projects under the EU CBRN CoE initiative, such as Strengthening CBRN Medical Emergency Preparedness and Response in South-East Asia (2025-2027); and CBRN Tabletop and Field Exercises, Simulations, and Training to Mitigate Risks (2025-2027). Participants presented updates on their respective countries' activities and achievements related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risk reduction, as well as plans for 2025. The meeting also highlighted continued progress in implementing CBRN National Action Plans and discussed strategic priorities for capacity building. A key focus of the meeting is a proposal to develop a Regional Action Plan—an initiative aimed at enhancing regional collaboration on shared chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear challenges, including emerging threats, emergency preparedness, and crisis communication. In commemoration of the EU CBRN CoE's 15th anniversary, attendees reflected on over a decade of successful collaboration since the programme's inception in 2010. Discussions underscored the importance of fostering deeper regional and international partnerships to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, whether they are deliberate, accidental, or natural. - Vientiane Times/ANN
