Energy – In 2024, solar power overtook coal in the European Union’s electricity mix for the first time, while wind's share of power stayed flat, think-tank Ember said in a study released today.
Economy – Europe's “laziness” and inherent aversion to risk-taking are largely responsible for the bloc’s economic decline, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde told world decision-makers at the annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland.
Health – The European Parliament finally unveiled the composition of its first-ever full-standing Health committee (SANT) on Thursday, ending months of strained negotiations and U-turns that saw MEPs clash over what should be its core mandate.
Agrifood – EU farm chief Christophe Hansen doubled down on the need for stricter controls on EU food imports, hinting at a significant change in the Commission’s stance on trade.
Across Europe
Ireland – Ireland's parliament, the Dáil, elected Fianna Fáil's Micheál Martin as prime minister for the second time on Thursday.
Germany – Germany’s usually hawkish central bank President, Joachim Nagel, is getting more serious about reforming the country’s constitutional deficit rule, pushing beyond technical changes.
Serbia – Fourteen foreign activists attending a civil society conference in Belgrade were detained and then expelled by Serbian authorities for no reason.
Italy – Italy's release of ICC-indicted Libyan warlord Ossama al-Masri has sparked backlash from opposition and civil society, who accuse Meloni of hypocrisy for pledging to uphold the rule of law and fight global human trafficking. | 