MEPs in Strasbourg: everywhere but the plenary
The practice of empty chambers is not limited to the European Parliament. There are some good reasons behind it, but the pratice also highlights some problems with the EU's policy-making.
Is Barcelona drowning under a tourism flood?
Arriving in millions, foreign visitors contributed to the Catalan capital’s economic boom. But the downside to mass tourism, fuelled by cheap flights and low-cost accommodation sites, has led to growing disgruntlement from locals.
EU smart cities join the data boom
Many European cities did not wait for central governments’ green light to take advantage of the opportunities provided by technology and big data to improve governance and their citizens’ lives. A closer look at Utrecht and Santander shows how smart cities can play a role model.
‘We want to help cities to become interoperable’
Martin Brynskov, chairman of the board of Open and Agile Smart Cities (OASC), explains how data management fuels local governance solutions and citizen-centric services.
Free travel through Europe: the countries with the most young people competing for Interrail tickets
An Interrail ticket makes it possible to cross the whole of Europe by train, visiting up to 30 countries and staying at each stop for as long as you like. This summer, around 14,500 young Europeans will have the opportunity to do just that – free of charge.
Traffic pollution costs €60 billion per year in healthcare
Each year 500 000 Europeans die prematurely as a result of air pollution. Road transport alone causes 18 percent of air pollution.
Europe’s vaccine issue: the fault of anti-vaxers or religion?
The vast majority of member states have immunization rates below recommended WHO levels. Religion could be playing a decisive role.
People behind bars in Europe
Since the turn of the century, the Old Continent stands out as the only macro-region experiencing declining numbers in its prison population. However, positive developments in Russia are key in explaining the trend. The EU benefits from the positive dynamics in Eastern and Central Europe. Recent data for Italy are worrisome.
Kosovo, dreaming of a life abroad
Although Kosovo is still on the "black list" of Schengen, many of its citizens dream of a future abroad. Among the most qualified professional categories, such as doctors, we can already speak of brain drain.
Will MEPs vote to ensure the Mediterranean sustainable natural resources?
On 10 January, the European Parliament should vote on the first multiannual plan for the Western Mediterranean Sea. The head of the NGO Oceana in Europe explains why MEPs should take action to save the “Mare Nostrum” from overfishing.
