Rapporteur Talks

In June 2019, the European Council passed a review of the "General Food Law regulation" that has its roots in the European Citizens' Initiative on glyphosate. In future, scientific information supporting risk assessment in the food chain and communication on food safety will be more transparent and easier to access for citizens.

Under the new rules, studies and information supporting a request for a scientific output by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are to be made public automatically when an application by a food business operator is validated or found admissible. This followed an EU court ruling in March 2019 that EFSA should grant access to safety studies about glyphosate, the world’s most commonly-used herbicide.

Transparency is essential....particularly in cases that spark controversy in Europe. Some companies are now enabling access to their scientific data used by regulatory authorities to evaluate the safety of chemical substances such as glyphosate.

By sharing safety data, which was previously only shared with regulators, industry aims to connect the public with the scientific community in a way that builds trust and fosters an open, science-based dialogue about their products.

In June 2019, the European Council passed a review of the "General Food Law regulation" that has its roots in the European Citizens' Initiative on glyphosate. In future, scientific information supporting risk assessment in the food chain and communication on food safety will be more transparent and easier to access for citizens.

Under the new rules, studies and information supporting a request for a scientific output by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are to be made public automatically when an application by a food business operator is validated or found admissible. This followed an EU court ruling in March 2019 that EFSA should grant access to safety studies about glyphosate, the world’s most commonly-used herbicide.

Transparency is essential....particularly in cases that spark controversy in Europe. Some companies are now enabling access to their scientific data used by regulatory authorities to evaluate the safety of chemical substances such as glyphosate.

By sharing safety data, which was previously only shared with regulators, industry aims to connect the public with the scientific community in a way that builds trust and fosters an open, science-based dialogue about their products.

The EU LNG import terminals currently import LNG that consists of methane of fossil origin. LNG produces lower CO2 emissions than most fossil fuels and has a low level of methane leakages in the long term. However, they need to demonstrate their potential for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and break the public perception for their exclusive use for the traditional fossil fuel.In the long-term, LNG terminals have the potential to be the import gates for renewable energy sources in liquified form based on a proven business model. Through their assets, capabilities and expertise, and their location close to industrial zones, LNG terminals are well positioned to develop new services, making a meaningful contribution to the energy transition and the circular economy.

The EU LNG import terminals currently import LNG that consists of methane of fossil origin. LNG produces lower CO2 emissions than most fossil fuels and has a low level of methane leakages in the long term. However, they need to demonstrate their potential for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and break the public perception for their exclusive use for the traditional fossil fuel.In the long-term, LNG terminals have the potential to be the import gates for renewable energy sources in liquified form based on a proven business model. Through their assets, capabilities and expertise, and their location close to industrial zones, LNG terminals are well positioned to develop new services, making a meaningful contribution to the energy transition and the circular economy.

EU leaders have tasked the European Commission with drafting a trillion-euro recovery fund to restart the economy after the coronavirus crisis.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has since pledged to put the green and digital transitions at the heart of the EU recovery fund, which will be part of a revised EU budget proposal for the next seven years (2021-2027).

But questions remain over the size of the new fund and the policy areas that will be financed under the plan. There are also mounting concerns over the trillions of euros in state aid that are being disbursed to prevent companies going bankrupt, with some EU countries placing green conditions to financial assistance.

EU leaders have tasked the European Commission with drafting a trillion-euro recovery fund to restart the economy after the coronavirus crisis.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has since pledged to put the green and digital transitions at the heart of the EU recovery fund, which will be part of a revised EU budget proposal for the next seven years (2021-2027).

But questions remain over the size of the new fund and the policy areas that will be financed under the plan. There are also mounting concerns over the trillions of euros in state aid that are being disbursed to prevent companies going bankrupt, with some EU countries placing green conditions to financial assistance.

EC President Ursula von der Leyen stated in April that: "Europe needs massive investment to jump-start our economies". She said, "We need a Marshall Plan for Europe's recovery and it needs to be put in place immediately.”She wants to use the power of the whole European budget to leverage the huge amount of investment needed to rebuild the Single Market after Corona.Any plan will require innovative solutions from both the public and private sector. It will mean investing in Europe's digital technologies, infrastructure and innovation.The role of ICT will be crucial in kick-starting European economies and driving recovery towards a more modern, resilient, green and sustainable Europe. Whether investing in large-scale renovation, renewables, clean transport, sustainable food and nature restoration, ICT has an important role to play.On the occasion of Europe Day 2020, join this EURACTIV online debate to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the Commission working plan and the implementation of the industrial strategy, and how ICT and digital infrastructure will help Europe to invest strategically in its future, from innovative research, to clean energy, to a smart circular economy, to transport systems of the future.This Virtual Conference is organised by EURACTIV with the support of HUAWEI.

EC President Ursula von der Leyen stated in April that: "Europe needs massive investment to jump-start our economies". She said, "We need a Marshall Plan for Europe's recovery and it needs to be put in place immediately.”She wants to use the power of the whole European budget to leverage the huge amount of investment needed to rebuild the Single Market after Corona.Any plan will require innovative solutions from both the public and private sector. It will mean investing in Europe's digital technologies, infrastructure and innovation.The role of ICT will be crucial in kick-starting European economies and driving recovery towards a more modern, resilient, green and sustainable Europe. Whether investing in large-scale renovation, renewables, clean transport, sustainable food and nature restoration, ICT has an important role to play.On the occasion of Europe Day 2020, join this EURACTIV online debate to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the Commission working plan and the implementation of the industrial strategy, and how ICT and digital infrastructure will help Europe to invest strategically in its future, from innovative research, to clean energy, to a smart circular economy, to transport systems of the future.This Virtual Conference is organised by EURACTIV with the support of HUAWEI.