Latest news with #Euractiv
Russia Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
EU could end protections for Ukrainian immigrants
EU member states are reportedly preparing to reevaluate the legal status of Ukrainian refugees who live in the bloc, Euractiv reported on Monday, citing an EU diplomat. Discussions on a potential exit from the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) may begin as early as June. Brussels invoked the TPD shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in early 2022. Originally established in 2001, the directive offers a broad array of benefits, including residence permits, housing, access to employment, education, healthcare, financial benefits and social services. While the program was initially set to expire in March 2025, it has recently been extended until March 2026. Talks around 'exit strategies' are intensifying behind the scenes amid a 'shifting geopolitical landscape,' the unnamed diplomat told Euractiv. The issue is expected to be a central focus at the bloc's upcoming Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting scheduled for June 12–13. Although most member states support continuing the program for now, Euractiv noted, legal experts warn that further extensions may stretch the directive's original intent. 'We're already on thin ice with the last prolongation,' Martin Wagner, a senior policy adviser at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, told the outlet. 'A straightforward reading of the directive would mean that after three years, it's over.' Wagner stressed the need for 'a real discussion about alternatives and how to exit temporary protection in one way or another,' pointing out that the directive was never intended as a long-term solution. Another anonymous diplomat warned that the EU risks 'overwhelming national asylum systems — exactly what the TPD was meant to prevent.' According to Wagner the current number of beneficiaries is 'multiple times more than what countries usually handle,' calling the status quo 'an incredible burden.' The debate comes amid growing challenges faced by member states in managing the large-scale influx of Ukrainian refugees. As of March 2025, over 4.3 million Ukrainians had been granted temporary protection in the EU, according to Eurostat data. While Brussels has maintained that continued support is essential, several governments are reconsidering the level of assistance they can provide. Germany, currently hosting more than 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees, has begun scaling back welfare benefits due to sustainability concerns. Meanwhile, Poland has opposed taking in additional migrants under the EU's newly proposed migration pact. More Ukrainians fleeing the conflict have reportedly migrated to Russia than any there country. According to a law enforcement official as cited by TASS, 5.5 million people had migrated as of 2023.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
EU to decide on next steps regarding temporary protection for Ukrainians in June, Euractiv reports
The European Union is planning to consider further steps concerning the temporary protection status granted to Ukrainian citizens who were forced to flee the country due to the war. Relevant proposals are expected to emerge in June. Source: European Pravda, citing Euractiv Details: When the EU activated the Temporary Protection Directive in March 2022, it was a provisional measure: an immediate collective response to people fleeing Russia's war against Ukraine. Initially, the directive allowed only two extensions, capping protection at three years until March 2025. The European Commission later extended this to March 2026 by adopting a more lenient interpretation. Now, discussions behind closed doors regarding possible "exit strategies" are gaining momentum, one EU diplomat said, referring to the shifting geopolitical landscape. Euractiv has learned that ministers are considering a one-year extension of temporary protection, likely to be accompanied by a non-legislative statement from member states outlining a phased withdrawal of the protection. Member states may discuss the issue as early as 12-13 June during the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting, where it is expected to be on the agenda. Most member states support the extension, but experts warn that there are limited legal options for going further. Martin Wagner, senior policy advisor at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, said that the EU is already on "thin ice" with the last extension, adding that a strict interpretation of the directive would mean it expires after three years. Wagner noted that since this has not happened, "a serious conversation is needed about alternatives and how to exit from temporary protection one way or another". Without a clear exit plan, the directive could backfire, another EU diplomat warned. The official said that if a way out of the protection system is not provided, the risk of overloading national asylum systems will emerge – the very thing the directive was meant to prevent. The EU must now develop a transition strategy for those wishing to stay and those wanting to return, Wagner said, noting that some recommendations from the Commission and the Council will be needed to help member states manage this transition. One scenario could involve narrowing the scope of the protection. This may mean excluding individuals who have returned to Ukraine permanently from re-entering the programme after a few months, or barring newly arrived individuals from receiving benefits under the current rules. Another option under discussion is simply doing nothing – a risky move, as experts warn it could prove costly. A further, albeit unlikely, scenario would be the creation of a new legal instrument. This idea was first proposed by Lodewijk Asscher, former Dutch minister and special advisor to the Commission on Ukraine, who suggested a so-called "reconstruction permit" – a temporary residence permit valid for up to 10 years. However, every option – whether narrowing eligibility or introducing a new legal tool, mandatory or not – comes with its own complexities. Wagner said that interpretation of these measures will not be easy. Background: It was recently reported that as of 1 May, Ukrainian war refugees who are not registered residents of Tallinn are no longer eligible for free public transport in the Estonian capital. Meanwhile, the Romanian government has extended its humanitarian support and assistance for vulnerable groups displaced from the conflict zone in Ukraine until 31 December 2025. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Malaysian Reserve
22-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Zentiva and Euractiv Bring Policymakers Together for Health Policy Conference
Ensuring Fair Access to Medicines for All PRAGUE and BRUSSELS, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zentiva supported Euractiv's Health Policy Conference in Brussels, where its CEO, Steffen Saltofte, joined senior EU policymakers in the opening panel titled 'The EU Pharmaceutical Legislation – Ensuring Fair Access to Medicines for All.' Representing Europe's off-patent medicine sector, Steffen Saltofte called for a unified approach to reshape pharmaceutical policy with patients at the centre. He emphasised the need to bring together all healthcare stakeholders — from innovators to the off-patent industry, from regulators to policymakers — to fulfil the promise of health as a fundamental right for all. 'We need sustainable healthcare that is resilient and that people can trust,' said Steffen Saltofte. 'Our EU-based plants delivered throughout COVID and recent shortages — but continued resilience is only possible with a systemic framework that ensures fair and simple rules, predictable pricing, and an aligned policy approach that truly puts patients first. If we want equal access to medicines, we must invest in the system. That means working together to secure medicines for all — across availability, affordability, and accessibility. This demands fair, forward-looking rules and a shared commitment to Europe's healthcare sovereignty. This is not about one part of the system — it's about delivering one healthcare, for all.' Key topics that Zentiva underlined during the discussion: Equal Access and Timely Competition Are VitalWe advocate for pharmaceutical reform that guarantees early patient access through fair competition. Extending exclusivity periods could delay the entry of generics and biosimilars, impacting both affordability and availability. Resilience Starts with Economically Viable EU-Based ManufacturingOur manufacturing sites in Prague and Bucharest maintained continuous supply during recent crises. We call for predictable pricing, investment incentives, and smart procurement rules to secure local production of essential medicines — not just for a few substances, but across the portfolio, ensuring fair access for all who depend on medicines every day. Policy Alignment and Cross-Sector Cooperation Are EssentialIndustrial, pharmaceutical, and environmental policies must be aligned. Without coordination, new directives — such as the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive — risk undermining medicine supply and innovation in greener technologies. A Modern Framework for Sustainable Healthcare Is NeededWe support reforms that accelerate the adoption of digital tools, such as digital leaflets, incentivize value-added medicines, and ensure pricing systems reflect real-world costs and sustainability goals. Moderated by EURACTIV's Anna Gumbau, the discussion featured Rainer Becker, Director for Medical Products and Innovation at DG SANTE in the European Commission; Stine Bosse, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the SANT Committee; and Ondřej Knotek, Member of the European Parliament and of the SANT Committee. Platforms like the one provided by Euractiv are vital — they bring us together to listen, collaborate, and drive progress. For the benefit of all people who rely on medicines every day. Because health is a right, not a privilege. About ZentivaZentiva provides health and wellbeing for all generations. We are a European company developing, producing, and delivering high-quality, affordable medicines to more than 100 million people in over 30 countries across Europe and beyond. Zentiva has four wholly owned manufacturing sites and a broad network of external manufacturing partners to ensure supply security. The company is private equity-owned, delivering sustainable growth, with an ambitious plan for the years to come. We are a team of more than 5,000 unique talents bonded together by our commitment to ensuring the supply of high-quality, affordable medicines to people who depend on them every day. We want Zentiva to be a great place to work, where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated, and can be their true selves, contributing to the best of their ability. Our roots reach back more than 500 years to a small pharmacy in Prague that still exists today. We act today for a sustainable tomorrow, so that Zentiva will continue to provide health and wellbeing for all generations for at least another 500 years. Photo – –
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Insurance companies consider drastic action to avoid unprecedented health claims: 'An increasing problem'
The threat of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, to spur litigation on a mass scale has led an insurance trade association in Germany to encourage insurance companies to reduce related protections in their commercial and product liability policies. PFAS are synthetic chemicals commonly found in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant furniture, and many other household items. They are also known as "forever chemicals" for their ability to linger in the environment and in human bodies. Because exposure to PFAS has been linked to a myriad of health concerns, there are not only growing fears about the impacts of these chemicals on wellness but, for those in insurance, also the extent of the business liability that could be tied back to them. In response, the German Insurance Association, which represents the industry's interests, recently recommended that firms write PFAS damages out of their commercial and product liability plans as well as plans covering environmental risk, according to a mid-April report from Euractiv. The Lever reported in 2024 on the removal of PFAS coverage from some policyholders in the United States. The move may bear some similarity to insurance companies dropping homeowners' coverage for those in areas at high risk of damage from severe flooding and wildfires. Manufacturers may argue that PFAS are essential to upholding modern product quality. But the expanding body of research on the potential health repercussions of PFAS accumulation in humans, combined with an increasing number of related lawsuits, seems to have insurers inclined to view PFAS-containing products and contaminated water systems as major financial vulnerabilities. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has indicated that PFAS exposure may be associated with reproductive issues, developmental delays, increased cancer risks, and more. Per Euractiv, the German bank LBBW said in 2024 that PFAS liabilities could be "the most expensive claim in [the insurance industry's] entire history." While the deputy general director of the German Insurance Association, Anja Käfer-Rohrbach, carved out room in the new guidance for firms to negotiate PFAS coverage, she also said, "Ideally, the PFAS clause will also help to more quickly develop real alternatives to the dangerous forms of these perpetual chemicals." While it's possible that an insurance firm declining to cover a manufacturing company's PFAS liabilities might hypothetically discourage that company from using the chemicals in their products, there's significant risk that the costs of cutting commercial PFAS coverage could fall hardest on consumers, small businesses, and those seeking legal remedies to address PFAS exposure. And, going forward, there are likely to be many seeking such redress. In 2024, the New York Times reported that a lawyer speaking at a conference that year said PFAS litigation could "dwarf anything related to asbestos." In the same report, the Times observed PFAS exposures have the potential to impact just about everyone, unlike other highly litigated products such as tobacco, since "forever chemicals" are in so many consumer goods and in water systems too. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that around 45% of the country's drinking water could contain at least one PFAS. The European Environment Agency found that, from 2018 to 2022, "51-60% of rivers, 11-35% of lakes and 47-100% of transitional and coastal waters" contained PFAS at levels above environmental quality standards. In Germany, Euractiv reported, the "Association of Energy and Water Industries has called PFAS contamination in water resources 'an increasing problem' and has suggested ways to finance lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers over damages to things like municipal water supplies." Regardless of whether the German Insurance Association really hopes its guidance will encourage the development of PFAS alternatives, manufacturers could choose to phase out the chemicals themselves. We could also see more investments in innovative methods and technology to clean up PFAS. For example, a team of scientists from the University of Oxford and Colorado State University is currently working on using phosphate salts to break down the chemicals. In the meantime, monitoring efforts and support for pro-environment policies could help to limit exposures. Because PFAS stick around for so long, commitment to long-term efforts will be key. Individuals might work to limit their own personal exposure by opting for PFAS-free alternatives to household items. Swapping out non-stick cookware and using your own glass or stainless steel containers to bring leftovers home from restaurants are some places to start. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Irish Examiner
13-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Draft EU proposal hints at major rollback of Green Deal farm rules
Months of dreary EU jargon will have to be endured, as the Commission, Parliament, and member states start their summer squabble over seven-year EU budgeting, and the funding for the next common agricultural policy (CAP) is slowly hatched. But the latest Brussels leak brings a little welcome relief from the tedium, as the Euractiv media network which specialises in EU affairs says it has seen a draft regulation in which the Commission proposes to cut links between the Green Deal and the CAP. Euractiv says this could be "the most significant blow yet" to the green pro-environment legislation that dominated the previous EU administration. Going back much further, since about the year 2000, EU farmers had to prove they meet ecological conditions in order to access the full farm income support offered by the CAP. But that bargain with Brussels began to wear very thin, especially after the Green Deal took hold since 2020. The Green Deal headline commitment is to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. To play their major role in this, farmers were set some very ambitious tasks up to 2030. They would have to reduce by 50% the use and risk of chemical pesticides; reduce by 50% the use of more hazardous pesticides; reduce fertiliser nutrient losses by at least 50%, while ensuring no deterioration on soil fertility; reduce all fertiliser use by at least 20%; reduce by 50% the sales of antimicrobials for farmed animals and in aquaculture; and achieve organic farming on 25% of EU farmland. Some of these asks were shot down along the way, but it all became too much for farmers, on top of the existing CAP and national rules and bureaucracy, and they exploded onto the streets and roads of Europe in February 2024, protesting in their thousands. So the alleged leak of a commission proposal to cut links between the Green Deal and the CAP is welcome news for many farmers. And not such a huge surprise, because many member states and MEPs have called for continued simplification of CAP administration, and relaxation of environmental measures, a process which the Commission began after the farmer protests. But the Commission's "vision" roadmap in February for the EU farming and agri-food sector gave no inkling of wider scrapping of Green Deal commitments. In fact, it said transition to a low-carbon economy was to continue, and rigorous enforcement and controls of food safety standards remained non-negotiable. Among the only concessions were that the Commission would "carefully consider any further ban on the use of pesticides, if alternatives are not available". The "vision" document promised comprehensive simplification, as part of its effort to make farming an attractive sector for young people to enter. But the latest leak hints at greater concessions, when agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen presents his proposals, expected this week. However, that might just be reading too much into a few leaked words, with an environmentalist slant. There was plenty of that recently, after the European State of the Climate 2024 report said 2024 had a record 335 climate-related deaths due to storms and flooding, at least 413,000 people affected by storms and floods, and an additional 42,000 affected by wildfires. Realpolitik The European Greens warned that, instead of strengthening climate protections, political forces on the right were actively dismantling the Green Deal. Instead of these paranoid left versus right suspicions which now dominate EU politics, there may be a more realpolitik explanation for giving farmers a break from over-ambitious green regulations. The fact is that the CAP money pot has been shrinking for decades, diluted by inflation and by EU enlargement. A huge cut in CAP funding may be inevitable, and perhaps the only way to sweeten it for farmers will be to remove demanding 'money-for-green' terms and conditions. In other words, what used to be the single payment, and is now made up of the BISS and other direct payments, might reduce, but an easing of environmental requirements (and possibly of inspections) might be the quid pro quo. There is speculation that two legal provisions that currently require EU member states to adapt their CAP strategic plans in line with new climate and environmental legislation will be completely removed in proposals by Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen.
