The European Union aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, facing significant challenges in reducing fossil fuel dependency and increasing zero and low carbon energy capacities. EDF presents its latest scenario, emphasizing the role of electrification and new power sector dynamics in this transition. The event highlights the need for a balanced approach to decarbonization, ensuring social sustainability and energy security for European citizens and businesses.

The European Round Table for Industry (ERT) is launching its latest Competitiveness and Industry Benchmarking Report, which will present 38 key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess Europe's competitiveness in comparison to global peers. The report will address areas such as the EU Single Market, technological leadership, regulatory environment, digital transformation, and the green transition, providing insights into Europe's strengths and areas for improvement as the European elections approach.

The EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans aims to establish an EU-wide forest observation framework using remote sensing technologies and geospatial data. This initiative focuses on climate change, biodiversity, health, invasive species, and forest management, enabling better forest management and timely action against disturbances. The proposal, expected by the end of 2023, includes strategic plans for forests developed by national authorities, outlining Member States' visions for their forests and forest-based sectors. Key discussion points include the proposal's effectiveness in protecting forests, identifying primary forests, and its impact on foresters and Member States with significant forestry industries.

Technological advancements bring new employment opportunities, enhance productivity, and broaden educational accessibility, but also highlight global disparities and transparency issues. Policymakers at the European Employment & Social Rights Forum 2023 discuss strategies to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in the evolving work landscape.

Representatives from various European political factions are engaged in discussions about the future direction of Europe, particularly in light of the upcoming European elections. These elections will significantly impact the composition of the European Parliament, European Commission, and European Council, shaping the political priorities for 2024-2029. Euractiv has conducted interviews with political party representatives to capture their views on addressing contemporary challenges.

The documentary 'Made in Europe' explores the potential impact of Chinese electric vehicles on the European car manufacturing industry and the challenges Europe faces in establishing a fully integrated mine-to-EV value chain. Dr. Ir. Peter Tom Jones from KU Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals provides insights into these issues.

The documentary 'Made in Europe' explores the potential impact of Chinese electric vehicles on the European car manufacturing industry and the challenges Europe faces in establishing a fully integrated mine-to-EV value chain. Dr. Ir. Peter Tom Jones from KU Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals provides insights into these issues.

Rotterdam is actively fostering citizen participation through various initiatives, including community-led projects and schemes designed by the municipality. Euractiv explores the city's participatory culture and the trust-building process between citizens and local government by engaging with city representatives, researchers, and inhabitants involved in these projects.

The EU's 2019-2024 legislative term has been pivotal for climate policies, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The transition to sustainable biodiesel is a key strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security. An amendment to the Renewable Energy Directive, effective November 2023, sets ambitious targets for renewable energy integration in the transport sector, including a 14.5% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity or a 29% share of renewables by 2030. The directive also targets advanced biofuels, emphasizing the EU's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The European Commission's revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive aims to ensure all packaging is reusable or recyclable by 2030, addressing the rising packaging waste in the EU. The proposal, voted on by the ENVI Committee of the European Parliament, seeks to reduce the environmental impact of packaging, particularly on forests, with paper and cardboard being the most common waste materials. Environmental organizations highlight the significant deforestation driven by paper packaging demand. The Euractiv Virtual Conference discusses the regulation's potential to reduce logging and explores alternative packaging options.

The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the European Union and Kazakhstan, effective since March 2020, governs their trade and economic relations. The EU is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner, accounting for 40% of its external trade. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2022 aims to enhance cooperation in sustainable raw materials, batteries, and renewable hydrogen value chains. This partnership is crucial for the EU's green and digital transitions and energy decarbonization. The Euractiv Hybrid Conference, coinciding with EU Raw Materials Week, will discuss these trade and economic relations.

The European transportation sector is undergoing a transformation to achieve a 90% reduction in transport sector emissions by 2050, as part of the EU Sustainable & Smart Mobility Strategy. Air transport, a carbon-intensive sector, faces challenges in reducing emissions due to technological limitations. Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), a large infrastructure project in Poland, aims to become the first 'Net-Zero Ready' airport in the region, with sustainability at the core of its investment programme. CPK, in collaboration with LOT Polish Airlines and other industry stakeholders, will present their sustainable strategy at an event titled 'Sustainable Journey: Navigating the Future of Aviation', discussing the sustainability of European aviation and its global competitiveness.

District heating networks, which supply about 10% of the EU's heat market, are crucial for meeting EU climate neutrality targets. The ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of heat supply security and the need for investments in the sector. The transformation of district heating is accelerating, but challenges remain, particularly in implementing the 'Fit for 55' Package directives into national law. Poland, with one of the largest district heating markets in the EU, faces significant challenges due to its climatic conditions and high urbanization. An upcoming EURACTIV Hybrid Conference will discuss the role of district heating in achieving the EU's climate goals.

The European Commission's Recommendation on Energy Storage emphasizes the critical role of energy storage in achieving a decarbonized and secure EU energy system. Energy storage solutions are essential for capturing excess energy from renewable sources and ensuring grid stability. Advancements in battery technologies and pumped hydro storage are making energy storage more efficient and cost-effective, thereby enhancing grid resilience and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The development and deployment of these technologies are crucial for unlocking the full potential of renewable energy and mitigating climate change.

The EU is focusing on hydrogen as a key component in its transition to a sustainable and decarbonized future, with strategies like the EU Hydrogen Strategy and REPowerEU plan aiming to produce and import significant amounts of hydrogen by 2030. These initiatives target energy-intensive industries and hard-to-decarbonize sectors, with the legislative process for the Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Market Package shaping the regulatory framework. The EURACTIV Hybrid Conference addresses challenges and strategies for implementing hydrogen initiatives, emphasizing the need for clear rules and support schemes to facilitate the hydrogen value chain's development.

The European Commission aims for all packaging to be recyclable by 2030, targeting waste reduction and increased reuse and refill. Kristiina Veitola, President of ACE, discusses the food and beverage industry's progress towards meeting these European targets.

Serbia's accession to the European Union has been ongoing since it became a candidate in 2012, with 22 out of 35 negotiation chapters opened by December 2021. The Republic of Serbia aims to align with EU values such as pluralism, tolerance, and the rule of law, while preparing its economy for integration. The EU remains committed to the Western Balkans' integration, though challenges persist, often summarized by the 'Yes, But' idiom. A panel discussion, including a keynote by Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, will explore Serbia's progress, the obstacles it faces, and the future of its EU relationship.

Shifting to a circular economy is crucial for the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, implementing material efficiency strategies throughout the value chain. This model reduces environmental pressures, stimulates economic growth, fosters innovation, boosts employment, and reduces dependencies on imports. Despite the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan, EU-level policy has not fully utilized its potential, presenting an opportunity for the new European Commission and Parliament in 2024 to renew efforts. Key sectors like automotive and textiles have significant potential for greenhouse gas emission reductions.

The European Expert Group on Orphan Drug Incentives (OD Expert Group) is organizing an event to discuss policy recommendations for improving the European legislative framework for orphan drugs. The event aims to create a resilient ecosystem for rare diseases by focusing on market exclusivity modulation and proposing an EU HTA methodology for OMPs. The group, established in 2020, includes a diverse range of stakeholders from the rare disease community and aims to foster collaboration and innovation.

The European Commission proposed a revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive to reduce environmental impacts and improve market functioning. The revision aims to prevent packaging waste, promote reuse and recycling, and ensure all packaging is recyclable by 2030. Key measures include setting waste reduction targets and mandatory reuse targets. Stakeholders emphasize the need for realistic and complementary reuse and recycling targets, effective waste prevention measures, and careful evaluation of market restrictions to avoid negative impacts.

The EU has introduced 'social conditionality' into the Common Agricultural Policy reform to address issues faced by over 10 million European agriculture workers, such as poor wages and long hours. This measure, which ties farmers' compliance with labor standards to CAP subsidies, is voluntary until 2025 but will then become mandatory. France, Italy, and Austria will implement it in 2023, and the European Commission will review its impact in 2027. Stakeholders are divided on the effectiveness and adequacy of national sanctions, with some advocating for a harmonized European approach.

Water is crucial for human life, ecosystems, and European economies but faces stress from overexploitation, rising demand, and climate change. The European Commission's Water Framework Directive has been the main legal framework for water protection since 2000. In 2023, the European Commission was drafting a 'Water Resilience Initiative,' which has been temporarily withdrawn. Public-private partnerships are in place to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems, requiring continued policy support. A Euractiv Hybrid Conference will discuss necessary actions to protect EU waters and ecosystems.