The path towards handy European e-services
Euroscepticism is, among other things, based on the idea that European Union is a far-away gigantic master which dictates rules about everything regardless of its citizens’ sake. Actually, European Union has been trying to reduce the gap between its citizens and institutions through several initiatives and platforms, but despite the efforts, not everybody keeps track of these advancements. How is European Union going to succeed in doing that? The Digital Single Market Strategy is one of the core scenarios enabling European Union and the single Member States to assure a balanced growth of the digital [...]
How the EU tackles illegal content online
How the EU tackles illegal content online Security has been set as one of the main priorities of the EU Commission. Here, Juncker’s toolkit aims to protect European citizens from illegal content online such as terroristic propaganda, hate speech and fake news. COUNTER TERRORISM: • Detecting and removing, as quickly as possible, terroristic propaganda and content from the web and encouraging internet companies to do the same. • Using heavy sanctions to condemn any kind of incitement, promotion or glorification of terrorism online (see the EU Legislation on combatting terrorism). • The launch of [...]
A plastic strategy for a circular economy
A plastic strategy for a circular economy Although plastic is essential for our daily life and industry, 90% of plastics are derived directly from fossil fuels, having a serious environmental impact and potentially damaging to human health. As plastic production is expected to double by 2036, the Eu Parliament is supporting a new plan towards a circular economy: recyclable or reusable plastic packaging by 2030, limiting the addition micro-plastic to products and tackling marine litter by reducing single-use plastics. Making all plastic packages recyclable by 2030 is among the goals of a new strategy the [...]
Drones: reform of EU aviation safety.
Drones: reform of EU aviation safety The Eu parliament has adopted a proposal to create a eu-wide set of rules for drones combining privacy and safety. Drones are taking off in the eu: they are used to take pictures, check infrastructures safety, help optimizing farming and disaster relief, deliver parcels and even pollinate our crops. By 2035, drones could generate 100,000 jobs and 10 billion euros per year to the economy. On June 2018, the Council adopted updated aviation safety rules, which include a revised mandate for the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the [...]
Online shopping: new EU rules for cross-border parcel delivery
Online shopping: new EU rules for cross-border parcel delivery The EU is taking action to introduce more transparency about prices of cross-border parcel deliveries and by providing guidance on parcel damage, loss, delays and returns. Making e-commerce more accessible for small businesses and consumers. Online shoppers and retailers continue to be confronted with high prices for deliveries to another EU country. Rates for parcels sent from one EU country to another can be up to five times higher than domestic prices. In addition, there can be significant differences when shipping a parcel from two different [...]
The European Union joined the Marrakesh Treaty
The European Union joined the Marrakesh Treaty The EU ratified the Marrakesh Treaty which facilitates access to literature for people who are blind. From now on, organisations that make books available for the visually impaired can reformat them into braille or audiobooks copy right-free and share those materials worldwide. Publishers who make their books accessible this way can be compensated trough Eu fund. The act took place in a ceremony at the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva. It was carried out by Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger of Austria and Claire Bury, Deputy Director-General for Communications [...]
Guaranteeing efficient means of transport in an eco-friendly environment
Guaranteeing efficient means of transport in an eco-friendly environment. Transport emissions in the EU increased of 20% between 1991-2014 and this sector represents one of the main causes of Europe’s greenhouse gas effects. In order to honor the Paris Agreement, the EU Parliament has passed a resolution to encourage walking, cycling and promote green mobility, such as by providing publicly available recharging points for electric cars and switching to sustainable alternative fuels. “The European transport sector should be close to zero emissions by mid-century” Bas Eickhout, EP Committee on Transport and Tourism Greens/EFA. A strategy [...]
New Rules for the audiovisual media
New Rules for the audiovisual media. Where and how we watch our favourite films and shows have changed dramatically in recent years. In order to face the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape, MEPs are preparing to update the rules. What we are experiencing today with the internet, videos and films available online, up until now hasn't been regulated. This is why we needed to update the directive. The new proposals include measures to help protect children from violent or sexual online content. When users flag up harmful or inappropriate material, video platforms and websites [...]
How the EU protects our personal data
HOW THE EU PROTECTS OUR PERSONAL DATA Key pieces of our personal data are tacked and saved every time we book a holiday, sign up for social media or buy concert tickets online.If you are a European Citizen, it is a fundamental right that this data is protected. According to EU legislation, care and responsibility is demanded in the process of data collection.By law, organisations are not allowed to retain your personal data without a specific purpose and this can only happen under limited and necessary terms. Furthermore, there are specific organisations that are in [...]
