The European Commission wants member states to adopt measures to support workers’ hiring and retraining in the aftermath of the pandemic, as the green and digital transitions will shake up a European job market already in pain because of COVID-19. Europe is in the midst of a twin transition, officials repeat. National economies want to become ‘greener’ and more digital this decade. But there is a third and more complicated transition ongoing, as the bloc is trying to overcome the biggest recession in three generations and offset the job losses…
Read MoreDay: June 7, 2021
Towards an EU market for clean hydrogen
Hydrogen today represents a tiny fraction of the energy mix but its importance is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years as the European Union aims to create a Europe-wide market for clean hydrogen to drive the decarbonisation of heavy industry. The price of clean hydrogen can be cut drastically by mid-century if the EU creates a dedicated market structure to develop the fuel, according to the industry. Environmental groups, meanwhile, are sceptical about the emergence of a hydrogen economy. “We need capital and operating expenditures … to bring…
Read MoreAviation: EU and ASEAN conclude the world’s first bloc-to-bloc Air Transport Agreement
The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have concluded negotiations on the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (AE CATA). This is the world’s first bloc-to-bloc air transport agreement, which will bolster connectivity and economic development among the 37 member states of ASEAN and the EU. Under the agreement, EU airlines will be able to fly up to 14 weekly passenger services, and any number of cargo services, via and beyond any ASEAN country, and vice versa. Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean said: “The conclusion of this first-ever…
Read MorePortugal’s ‘Golden Passports’
Portugal is seen as being one of the market leaders in the highly controversial so-called ‘Golden Passport’ business, writes Colin Stevens. This is a lucrative scheme started by several countries as a relatively easy way to attract foreign money after the 2008 financial crisis but criticized by many for attracting criminals and money laundering to the EU. It is believed that Portugal has so far issued golden visas to more than 25,000 people, earning more than €5.5 billion, with Henley Partners as the agency mandated by the Portuguese government to…
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