Euractiv Talks

Odcinki

• Green molecules – How can they strengthen Europe’s energy security and industrial competitiveness? 04.06.2026 1godz 16min

  Europe’s renewed exposure to geopolitical instability has underscored the urgency of reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels. Ensuring a resilient, sustainable and secure energy supply is now a central pillar of the EU’s economic and strategic agenda. In this context, green molecules have been highlighted as one of the key enablers of greater energy autonomy and competitiveness.To support these goals, the European Commission has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act, which aims to expand resilient and decarbonised industrial production within the EU. Many stakeholders note, however, that success will depend on whether Europe can overcome the cost and infrastructure barriers associated with scaling new technologies while ensuring a predictable investment environment.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore how green molecules can reinforce Europe’s energy security, improve cost competitiveness and support the creation of strategic European value chains. Questions to be addressed include:• How can green molecules be integrated efficiently into existing infrastructure to boost Europe’s industrial competitiveness?• What policies and infrastructure are needed to scale up green molecules as part of Europe’s energy security strategy?• How can the Industrial Accelerator Act help build resilient European supply chains while keeping costs under control?• What regulatory levers are required to create EU-led markets for green molecules and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy?
• The future of Europe’s machinery manufacturing industry – How can it remain globally competitive? 02.06.2026 1godz 18min

  Europe’s industrial competitiveness is high on the EU's strategic agenda as industries face increasing pressure from global competition, shifting trade dynamics and increasing regulation.The European machinery and equipment manufacturing industry provides 3 million high-quality and well-paid jobs in Europe, is globally successful and is associated with the 'Made in Europe' quality mark more than almost any other industry.It provides technologies and equipment that enable other industries across Europe to innovate, produce efficiently, and advance the green and digital transitions. The sector is perceived by many as a genuine European strength, yet its heterogeneity and complexity mean it can fly under the radar of EU policymakers, while at the same time becoming increasingly exposed to unintended regulatory side effects that risk undermining its competitiveness.European manufacturers must deal with complex regulatory frameworks, rising production costs, and intensifying global competition - especially from regions operating under very different regulatory and cost conditions. While remaining globally competitive, companies are also expected to continue driving innovation and contributing to Europe’s climate and sustainability objectives.Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up a large share of the machinery manufacturing sector and are deeply embedded in Europe’s industrial value chains. For many of these companies, regulatory complexity and administrative burdens can significantly constrain investment, innovation, and international competitiveness.As the EU further develops its industrial, trade and sustainability policies, the challenge will be to create a framework that supports innovation, reduces unnecessary burdens, and ensures fair global competition.Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss how Europe’s machinery and equipment manufacturing industry can remain competitive in a changing global environment while continuing to enable innovation, support industrial value chains and contribute to Europe’s climate and economic goals.Questions to be addressed include:- What role does the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry play in Europe’s industrial value chains and economic resilience?- How can European machinery manufacturers remain competitive amid increasing global competition and trade challenges?- How can regulatory frameworks be simplified to better support SMEs while maintaining high European standards?- What policies are needed to ensure fair global competition and a level playing field for European industry?- How can innovation in the machinery sector strengthen competitiveness while supporting Europe’s climate goals?- How can policymakers and industry work together to better capitalise on the strategic importance of the machinery sector for Europe’s economy?
• Energy poverty and housing in Europe – Does the EU’s evolving policy framework address current needs? 29.05.2026 1godz 26min

  Energy poverty continues to be a topic of discussion across Europe, as households navigate varying levels of access to adequate heating, cooling, and lighting. Recent indicators suggest some improvements, though many households continue to experience challenges linked to energy costs, income constraints, and the energy performance of buildings. In parallel, the concept of summer energy poverty has received growing attention, with interest in understanding how climate trends and heatwaves may influence living conditions and local planning considerations.A range of EU initiatives provides a framework for examining these issues, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive, the reform of the Electricity Market Design, and preparations for the Social Climate Fund, which is expected to support measures from 2026. Advisory platforms such as the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub offer tools and guidance to local and regional authorities assessing how to address energy poverty within their communities.Housing affordability and availability have also become prominent discussion points in several Member States. The European Affordable Housing Plan sets out proposals intended to increase housing supply, support investment, simplify administrative procedures, and introduce measures for groups facing specific challenges in the housing market. The plan includes actions related to construction productivity, permitting processes, short-term rentals, market transparency, and housing support for young people. A European Housing Summit and a Housing Alliance are foreseen from 2026 to facilitate exchanges among policymakers and stakeholders.Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference, supported by the LIFE project LOCATEE, to assess the EU’s evolving framework on energy poverty and housing, examining how existing legislative files and policy initiatives respond to current challenges, their strengths, and areas where further attention may be required.Questions to be addressed include:- How are EU policies and funding programmes currently being implemented in relation to energy poverty, and what feedback is emerging from institutions, stakeholders, and market actors?- What considerations arise when applying legislation such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Energy Efficiency Directive, or Electricity Market Design reform, and how do these measures address identified needs?- How are stakeholders assessing the European Affordable Housing Plan, and how are links being made between housing affordability, renovation requirements, and efforts to address energy poverty?- How can local authorities, owners, housing entities, and social organisations cooperate effectively to identify and support households experiencing energy poverty, and how are policymakers and stakeholders considering summer energy poverty in relation to housing, planning, and renovation policies?LOCATEE will address financial, regulatory, social and technical constraints in renovating private multi-apartment buildings while developing the capacity of local authorities to become intermediaries of the energy transition process - implemented in three pilot municipalities: Rumia (Poland), Torres Vedras (Portugal) and Piraeus (Greece).Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
• Designing Europe’s next EU budget - How can the 2028-2034 MFF support competitiveness and resilience? 12.05.2026 1godz 29min

  On 1 January 2025, discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 moved into a more structured preparatory phase within the EU institutions. These talks come at a challenging moment for Europe, marked by geopolitical instability, weaker economic growth, and ongoing concerns about the EU’s competitiveness. The outcome of the negotiations will have a significant influence on the EU’s economic priorities over the next decade.Through its “Spending Smarter: An Alternative Vision for the Next EU Budget” initiative, EPICENTER aims to contribute a critical and evidence-based perspective to the debate on EU spending and revenue raising. The initiative looks at how the EU budget can be used more effectively to support innovation, productivity, and economic resilience, while also considering the consequences of current proposals for taxpayers and Member States. It is based on cost-benefit analysis of key spending programmes and an assessment of proposed revenue measures and their economic effects.While there is broad consensus on the need to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience, there are differing views on how the EU spending should contribute to these goals. In particular, questions remain about the balance between new investment, spending efficiency, and fiscal discipline. Some observers warn that expanding EU expenditure without clear priorities or performance criteria risks putting additional strain on public finances without tackling underlying structural problems.Others argue that EU-level spending can add value, especially when it supports cross-border cooperation and investment, provided it is well targeted and focused on areas where EU action clearly makes sense and complements market-based solutions.This Euractiv Hybrid Conference will discuss how the next Multiannual Financial Framework can be shaped to deliver a more focused, efficient, and future-oriented EU budget for 2028–2034, while strengthening competitiveness and maintaining fiscal responsibility.Key questions include:• How can the next MFF be designed to ensure EU spending has a clear and measurable economic impact?• What principles should guide smarter EU spending, such as efficiency, subsidiarity, and performance-based approaches?• How should policymakers assess the impact of MFF spending and revenue proposals on taxpayers and Member States?• What are the best ways to raise the necessary revenues for the next MFF?• What changes are needed to reduce overlap between programmes and better target EU funds?• How can public spending, market-driven solutions, and regulatory reform work together to support innovation, investment, and long-term growth?
• Media Partnership: EDF’s Net Zero scenario - A pathway to a competitive, sovereign and decarbonized Europe 15.04.2026 1godz 27min

  The EDF 2050 Net Zero scenario for Europe outlines the contours of a possible energy future. This new edition projects us into a Europe that firmly chooses competitiveness and sovereignty, while accelerating its path towards carbon neutrality. In a context where geopolitical tensions, energy costs and climate imperatives reshape priorities, EDF unveils an optimized pathway towards a continent that is more independent, more efficient and decarbonised by 2050. A pathway built on reducing final energy demand through large scale electrification of uses, and decarbonisation of energy supply with all low carbon energy sources.The scenario highlights that climate neutrality is not only an environmental goal: it is also a major economic opportunity, enabling a lasting reduction of total energy costs, a significant decrease in fossil fuel imports, and value creation at the heart of European industries. Through new analyses, in depth projections and fresh insights into flexibility needs, electrification and the central role of nuclear power, this 2026 edition sheds light on the decisions that must be taken today to build a competitive, sovereign and low carbon Europe.
• Energy sector in transition - Aligning EU ETS, climate ambitions and investment realities 15.04.2026 1godz 8min

  The EU’s increasing climate ambitions and upcoming revision of the Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) mark a critical phase for Europe’s energy sector. Achieving the EU’s 2040 climate target will require significant investments in power generation, networks, flexibility and district heating. Stable regulation and adequate financial support are essential to ensure security of supply, affordable energy prices for households and European industry, and a just transition.This debate will address one of the EU’s most pressing challenges – restoring competitiveness. Reducing energy prices was a central topic at the European Council in March 2026, which highlighted the need for reforms that take into account the different situations across Member States. In this context, the EU ETS revision should reduce carbon price volatility and mitigate its impact on electricity prices and related costs. At the same time, growing competitiveness challenges have led many Member States and organisations to call for easing the ETS framework to reduce its negative impact on energy prices and industrial competitiveness.On the anniversary of the Antwerp Declaration (11 February), European industry highlighted the increasingly challenging conditions, primarily due in their view to restrictive climate policies and the high costs associated with them. The importance of system stability and predictability has also been emphasised by Member States within the “Friends of Industry” initiative. Their statement adopted on 26 February stressed the need to limit excessive volatility in allowance prices and to maintain mechanisms supporting investments in low-emission technologies while safeguarding the competitiveness of European industry.As the EU ETS strongly influences investment decisions in energy and district heating, improving market predictability and transparency is crucial. This includes limiting speculation, strengthening stabilisation mechanisms such as the MSR, and ensuring sufficient allowance supply for 2031–2040 and beyond, if needed. Integrating international carbon credits and addressing the issue of peaking electricity units' operating costs under the EU ETS are also important. Maintaining free allocation of ETS allowances after 2030 for district heating, serving around 70 million Europeans, is considered essential by some stakeholders.Moreover, in many Member States, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, public support and access to EU funding will be essential to keep the decarbonisation of electricity and heating feasible and affordable for households and businesses. Therefore, there is a growing consensus that the Modernisation Fund must further facilitate the just transition of almost half of the EU's countries beyond 2030. These Member States argue that the size of the Fund should be increased to reflect the scale of investment needs for the broader energy transformation, including electricity networks, dispatchable generation capacity, system flexibility, and district heating modernisation.With key policy decisions approaching, the ongoing discussions on the future of the EU ETS are particularly timely, as they will shape investment conditions, energy prices and the pace of the energy transition in the years ahead. Join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss how the EU can support a predictable and affordable transition in the energy sector as part of the upcoming revision of the EU ETS.
• Energy Efficiency First: the cases of Poland and Croatia 13.04.2026 18min

  Listen to this podcast, which discusses the implementation of the Energy Efficiency First principle – the idea of ensuring that energy efficiency solutions are considered in planning, policy, and investment. Join us for the 3rd ENEFIRST+ podcast where we focus on the specific cases of Poland and Croatia - where Euractiv's Christoph Schwaiger speaks with Paweł Gilewski from KAPE in Poland and Vesna Bukarica from EIHP in Croatia.
• How are algorithms shaping young Europeans’ political reality? 13.04.2026 32min

  In this Policy Triangle, supported by Sitra, we unpack how social media algorithms shape political debate and young people’s engagement with democracy.The discussion explores the rise of opinion‑led and engaging political content, the spread of material that sits in regulatory grey areas, and young users’ negative experiences with politics online. It also looks at the growing role of engagement-driven content in shaping opinions, emotions and civic participation.Experts from Sitra, the European Parliament and CONNECT International debate whether tools such as the Digital Services Act, algorithmic transparency and stronger oversight can help rebuild trust and improve the quality of online political debate.Continue the conversation and check out Sitra’s latest report “Algorithms and democracy – How social media shapes young Europeans’ worldviews”.
• From simplification to implementation - Boosting competitiveness and productivity across the EU 24.03.2026 1godz 27min

  The European Commission is committed to making EU legislation more efficient and easier to implement, aiming to reduce administrative burdens by 25% overall and 35% for SMEs. This agenda is central to the Commission’s efforts to strengthen competitiveness and deliver benefits for citizens and businesses.To achieve these objectives, the Commission has already introduced a series of simplification initiatives in many areas, as well as 10 Omnibus Packages.These include sustainable finance, investments, CAP simplification, small mid-caps, defence, chemicals, automotive, environment, digital, and food and feed safety.These initiatives aim to help EU businesses grow and boost their productivity and global competitiveness by making the business environment simpler, less costly, and more efficient.In parallel, the Commission also aims to improve the practical implementation and enforcement of EU legislation to ensure rules are applied consistently and effectively across Member States.However, some stakeholders warn that initiatives presented as simplification could drift into deregulation, meaning rules are weakened or removed rather than made clearer. At the same time, a key challenge of the simplification initiatives is to ensure that EU rules are clear, proportionate, and effectively applied across all Member States.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss how simplification of the EU regulatory framework can drive its competitiveness and productivity. Questions to be addressed include:• How can the EU enhance productivity and competitiveness through simplification ?• How can digital tools be leveraged to simplify compliance and reporting?• How can the EU ensure that simplification does not lead to deregulation?• What changes and impact can businesses expect from the Commission’s simplification initiatives?• What measures are needed to ensure effective and consistent implementation across Member States?
• Improving Europe’s water quality - How can the revised UWWTD be implemented fairly and effectively? 18.03.2026 1godz 14min

  On 1 January 2025, the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) entered into force. Through this initiative, the European Commission aims to protect human health and improve water quality, and hence the environment, for all EU citizens.One of the key innovations of the revised Directive is the introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. Under the Directive, micropollutants must be removed through quaternary wastewater treatment, with the costs financed via EPR by the sectors considered responsible for the pollution caused by the use of their products. The European Commission has identified the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries as the two sectors mainly responsible for the micropollution in wastewater.There is broad support for the EU’s environmental objectives, but opinions diverge on how these goals should be achieved and on the practical implementation of the Directive. Fair burden-sharing remains a central concern, with responsibility currently focused on just two industries.Concerns have been raised that the scheme risks imposing disproportionate financial burdens, potentially threatening the availability and affordability of essential medicines, for example, while other industries are not incentivised to become more sustainable. To be effective, the EPR framework should be built on robust scientific data, transparent methodologies, and a genuine application of the polluter-pays principle, reflecting actual contributions to pollution. Greater policy coherence is also seen as necessary to safeguard EU competitiveness.Others underline that the scheme has the potential to unlock much-needed private investment in the water sector and accelerate the deployment of advanced treatment technologies.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore how the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and its EPR scheme can be implemented effectively, fairly, and sustainably, while balancing environmental ambition with industrial competitiveness and public health needs.Questions to be addressed include:- How can the EPR scheme be designed to ensure a fair and evidence-based application of the polluter-pays principle?- What are the implications of the Directive on medicine availability, patient access, pharmaceutical innovation, and EU competitiveness?- How can policymakers ensure balanced burden-sharing while securing the investments needed to achieve Europe’s water quality objectives?- How can the UWWTD be implemented in a way that aligns environmental objectives with broader EU health, industrial, and innovation policies?- How can all relevant stakeholders collaborate to deliver the UWWTD’s environmental objectives while ensuring access to medicines?
• Data centres as engines of Europe’s digital future - Can they power a sustainable energy transition? 05.03.2026 2godz 32min

  As Europe strives to position itself at the forefront of the global digital economy, data centres are emerging as the backbone of competitiveness and innovation, enabling digitalisation, artificial intelligence, cloud services, and the broader digital transition. This presents challenges due to rising energy consumption, which will need the development of large-scale renewable capacity to replace fossil fuels, alongside other substantial investments in grid infrastructure.As part of these efforts, the European Commission is set to publish early 2026 its Strategic Roadmap for digitalisation and artificial intelligence in the energy sector which will aim at accelerating the deployment of digital tools (including AI technologies) across key decarbonisation sectors, such as power-grid optimisation, energy efficiency, and demand-side flexibility.Panel 1: Powering the intelligence – How to integrate data centres in the EU energy systemData centres are highly resource-intensive, consuming large amounts of electricity and requiring considerable grid hosting capacity. Europe faces the challenge of finding ways to balance the future backbone of the digital economy with its sustainability and decarbonisation goals.The publication of the Heating and Cooling Strategy in the first quarter of 2026 will support the decarbonisation efforts in the sector by improving its efficiency and system integration.In addition, the revision of the Energy Efficency Directive will promote a new rating scheme for data centres and foster their integration into the energy system.This panel aims to explore both current and future solutions for the sustainable integration of data centres into the European energy system. Questions to be discussed include:• What are the existing solutions to harness data centres’ energy intensive profile and make them fit for a decarbonising energy system?• Data centres are expected to boom in many geographies around the continent. Is Europe ready to face this challenge?•How can the new EU legislative framework underpin this process without jeopardising the climate goal?Panel 2: AI – What’s in it for the energy sector?Despite their energy intensive profiles, data centres and AI applications can substantially support the clean transition of the energy sector by boosting renewables efficiency, enhancing grid stability and fostering automatisation. The upcoming Strategic Roadmap for digitalisation and artificial intelligence in the energy sector will address such opportunities and the further arising challenges of AI integration in the energy sector.This panel will explore how AI will integrate, benefit or challenge our energy systems. Questions to be discussed include:• What AI applications are ready for deployment to support the clean transition of the energy sector?• How can AI support Europe’s strategic autonomy in the energy sector?• What role can AI play in reducing the energy cost of resource-intensive infrastructure like data centres themselves?
• The EU’s electricity grid investment gap - Can the next Connecting Europe Facility deliver? 05.03.2026 1godz 15min

  Financing energy infrastructure is emerging as a central issue in the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, with the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 2028–2034 set to play a key role. As the EU accelerates the electrification and decarbonisation of its entire economy, the CEF's effectiveness will depend on its ability to support not only cross-border interconnections, but also national and distribution-level electricity grids that underpin system integration, security of supply and economic competitiveness.Some stakeholders argue that the future CEF will have to be carefully designed to reflect these rising investment needs in national electricity grids as a whole power system. This remains an important aspect to large-scale energy projects by enabling market integration, flexibility, and the reliable operation of interconnected and resilient power systems on every level. Their modernisation and development are therefore essential for the deployment of offshore wind, large-scale energy storage and other strategic energy assets that serve both national and EU-wide markets. At the same time, most of the smaller-scale renewable energy sources and energy storage facilities are connected to the distribution grid, enabling the development of prosumers and energy communities as well as further electrification of heating and transport sectors.Stakeholders broadly agree on the importance of CEF, while highlighting the need for adequate and predictable funding, clear eligibility criteria and stronger recognition of electricity networks – particularly distribution grids – as critical infrastructure. Many claim that focusing exclusively on cross-border projects is insufficient, arguing that domestic grids, both transmission and distribution, should be acknowledged as integral to the functioning of the internal energy market.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the future role of CEF-Energy in boosting electrification and strengthening Europe’s electricity networks. Questions to be discussed include:- What role should the Connecting Europe Facility play in financing electricity grids, including distribution networks and national infrastructure, alongside cross-border projects?- What solutions can be proposed for the next CEF with the aim of delivering on time and efficiently all essential energy projects, taking into consideration the perspective of the fast-changing external environment?- How can CEF better support large-scale strategic projects that rely on strong domestic grids while delivering cross-border benefits?- How can CEF contribute to strengthening the physical and cyber security of critical energy infrastructure in the current geopolitical context?
• The revision of the New Legislative Framework – Opportunity for EU competitiveness? 05.03.2026 1godz 17min

  Adopted in 2008, the New Legislative Framework (NLF) establishes a common set of rules, definitions, and procedures that ensure products placed on the EU market are safe, compliant, and reliable, and that their conformity can be verified and trusted. It provides a coherent framework that supports both consumer protection and innovation and ensures fair competition within the Single Market.The European Commission is currently working on the revision of the NLF – a timely opportunity to modernise Europe’s regulatory toolbox, simplify procedures, and strengthen the competitiveness of EU industries. The upcoming reform will need to address the realities of an increasingly digital, interconnected, and sustainability-driven economy, while preserving the confidence that underpins the Single Market.In this context, some stakeholders see an opportunity to make product compliance in Europe simpler, more consistent, and more efficient by enhancing the consistency of the quality infrastructure ecosystem. Better coordination between national authorities and more uniform application of standards would ease administrative burdens and support a more predictable environment for conformity assessment bodies (CABs), enabling them to fulfil their role in verifying that products placed on the market are trusted.As technologies advance and products become more dynamic, acknowledging this evolution is essential in modernising the NLF’s regulatory tools. The current framework is designed for products with static features. However, a rising number of products is now subject to changes after their placement on the market, including software updates, connected functionalities, or new sustainability performance claims. To strengthen consumer trust and help businesses maintain compliance throughout the product lifecycle, the revised NLF should introduce new mechanisms to enable the assessment of evolving product claims.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the ongoing revision of the New Legislative Framework, and what role it can play in fostering competitiveness. Questions to be addressed include:- What should the main priorities be to ensure that the NLF remains future-proof and continues to uphold trust, safety, and competitiveness?- As products become increasingly complex and incorporate continuous digital or sustainability claims, does the current NLF still offer adequate tools for manufacturers to demonstrate compliance credibly?- With regulation now extending beyond products to systems, processes, and digital technologies such as AI and cybersecurity, how should the NLF evolve to stay both practical and risk-based?- Where is the greatest opportunity for improvement in the NLF to make the European system more agile?Suppo
• AI and disinformation – How can Europe safeguard trust in the media? 04.02.2026 1godz 14min

  Artificial intelligence is transforming the way societies interact with information, offering new opportunities for innovation while raising important questions about trust and accountability. In recent years, the EU has taken significant steps to ensure that AI development is human-centric and trustworthy, notably through the AI Act and complementary initiatives to support adoption and compliance.Building on these foundations, the AI Continent Action Plan and Apply AI Strategy, launched in 2025, aim to make Europe a global leader in AI. These initiatives seek to boost research and industrial capacity, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure that AI technologies uphold fundamental rights and democratic principles. They include measures to support AI adoption across sectors, enhance skills through the AI Skills Academy, and facilitate compliance with the AI Act via dedicated services.At the same time, large-scale disinformation campaigns remain a major challenge for Europe. The rapid spread of false narratives online threatens media freedom and democratic resilience, requiring timely detection and effective countermeasures. AI-based tools, combined with human expertise, can play a role in monitoring and analysing vast volumes of content across platforms and languages, supporting fact-checkers and media professionals in identifying emerging risks.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference, supported by the Horizon Europe project AI4TRUST, to discuss how AI can strengthen Europe’s response to disinformation while safeguarding media freedom and trust. Questions to be addressed include:- How can AI-based tools complement human fact-checking and improve detection of disinformation across platforms and languages?- What policy frameworks are needed to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical use of AI in combating disinformation?- How can the EU foster collaboration between researchers, media professionals, and policymakers to build a resilient information ecosystem?- What role should European initiatives such as the AI Act, Democracy Action Plan, and European Media Freedom Act play in supporting these efforts?This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement no 101070190.Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
• Europe’s path to a cleaner automotive sector – What are the opportunities and challenges? 04.02.2026 1godz 30min

  The European Commission has published its proposals to revise its Car CO2 Regulation and to introduce national targets for Clean Corporate Vehicles as part of its Automotive Package. These initiatives aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening Europe’s automotive competitiveness. The Package is part of the broader Clean Industrial Deal, announced in February 2025, to accelerate decarbonisation and enhance industrial competitiveness across all sectors.By allowing combustion engines to still play a role in new vehicles beyond 2035, the Commission says it will provide the flexibility manufactures need to achieve the car CO2 targets. At the same time, by stimulating demand through zero and low-emission corporate fleets, the EU seeks to drive the transition to clean mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.However, e-mobility companies and climate experts have raised concerns that the new CO2 rules could weaken the market signal for zero-emission vehicles and delay investments in their production. They could affect the European automotive sector’s global competitiveness and slow innovation rather than supporting a stable and ambitious clean-mobility transition. They see corporate fleet targets as key to driving demand for electric vehicles made in Europe.Other stakeholders argue that gaining credits for the use of green steel, as well as meeting local content requirements in vehicles, would be complex and expensive. It would make manufacturers’ compliance with CO2 targets subject to factors they cannot control. Some also argue that corporate fleet targets are the wrong instrument to tackle the challenges companies most face in adopting zero and low emission vehicles.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the European Commission’s Car CO2 and Clean Corporate Vehicles proposals. Questions to be addressed include:• What are the implications of the new Car CO2 and Clean Corporate Vehicles proposals for the automotive sector?• How can demand instruments, such as the Corporate Fleets Regulation, support carmakers in meeting their 2030 and 2035 targets while advancing EU’s climate goals?• How can the EU design flexibility mechanisms that support both industrial innovation and automotive decarbonisation?
• Unlocking housing affordability - How can capital markets and real estate deliver Europe’s housing transition? 04.02.2026 1godz 11min

  Europe is facing a housing affordability crisis, as the average house prices increased by up to 60% since 2015, and many households struggle to cover monthly costs. While housing policy remains a national responsibility, the EU recognises that this issue is central to social fairness and economic stability.Through initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Initiative, which aligns with the New European Bauhaus and the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Commission aims to support more accessible and sustainable housing. It is also currently preparing a plan for affordable housing to uphold Europe’s housing transition.Still, some stakeholders encourage further EU actions to support more affordable and greener housing. Residential and commercial buildings together make up nearly 40% of Europe’s overall energy consumption, and improving their efficiency could lower household expenses while advancing the EU’s long-term climate goals. Others also highlight that low coordination between EU, national and local authorities affect investment, calling for clearer EU policy and stronger cooperation between member states. This could foster innovative financing models and attract private capital, whilst encouraging public-private partnerships.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore how capital markets and real estate can play a role in more affordable and sustainable housing in Europe. Questions to be addressed include:• How can public-private cooperation be strengthened to scale up affordable housing supply?• How can we align ambitious sustainability objectives with the need for affordable housing?• Which proven approaches demonstrate that new housing can be both environmentally responsible and financially accessible?• What role do listed real estate companies and institutional investors play in bridging the investment gap?• What regulatory measures are needed to create a stable, long-term investment environment?• How can cooperation among policymakers, industry, and civil society drive both affordability and competitiveness?
• A conversation about Europe’s competitiveness and health security with Steffen Saltofte, Zentiva 26.01.2026 15min

  In this thought leadership interview, Steffen Saltofte, Chief Executive Officer at Zentiva and President of Medicines for Europe, reflects on the progress made since the Draghi report set out a roadmap for Europe to strengthen competitiveness, foster innovation, and build resilience. He shares his perspective on where Europe stands today, highlighting persistent challenges in innovation, sustainability, and health security.The discussion explores practical steps to modernise outdated frameworks, reduce regulatory fragmentation, and rebuild manufacturing capacity to ensure reliable access to affordable medicines. Saltofte emphasises the need for predictability, harmonisation, collaboration, and accountability to secure Europe’s healthcare future. Watch the full interview for insights into how Europe can maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
• A conversation about EU's healthcare resilience and innovation with Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, Philips 17.12.2025 16min

  In this thought leadership interview, Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, Vice President and Global Head of Government and Public Affairs at Philips, shares his vision for the future of European healthcare. He explains why health should be seen as an investment rather than a cost, and how digitization and AI can help create more equitable, resilient systems amid workforce shortages and an aging population. The discussion explores:- The role of the European Health Data Space in unlocking innovation and competitiveness.- Why cardiovascular health could redefine care delivery and prevention strategies.- How regulatory reform and better funding coordination are critical to Europe’s ambition to lead in medtech and pharma.Watch the full interview to learn how Europe can turn ambition into action and secure the health of its citizens for decades to come.
• A conversation on protecting consumers from fraud and scams with Noémie Papp, EBA 17.12.2025 12min

  In this interview, Noémie Papp, Senior Expert for Conduct, Payments & Consumers at the European Banking Authority (EBA), explains why online fraud and scams have become more sophisticated and harder to detect. She highlights the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and crypto assets in enabling new forms of deception, and the severe financial and emotional consequences for victims.The discussion explores the EBA’s latest consumer protection campaign, which focuses on financial education and practical steps to prevent fraud. Papp outlines common warning signs, from urgent requests and overpromising offers to untraceable payment methods, and shares advice on what to do if you fall victim. She also touches on broader regulatory efforts, including strong customer authentication and upcoming requirements to further reduce payment fraud. Watch the full interview for insights into how Europe is tackling this growing challenge.
• A conversation about workplace safety, innovation and sustainability with Laura Galli, 3M 17.12.2025 7min

  In this Euractiv Thought Leadership interview, Laura Galli, Vice President at 3M, explains the company’s approach to improving workplace health and safety across sectors such as consumer goods, industrial and transportation. She highlights how innovation and sustainability are shaping the future of personal protective equipment, including the use of recycled materials.The discussion also explores the importance of ethics and compliance in corporate culture, the challenges of applying EU health and safety legislation across all businesses, and the need for greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Galli emphasises how collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders drives progress and ensures safer workplaces. Watch the full interview for more.