Europe has a plan to boost growth and productivity, all while becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent. By Ross McQueen On a cloudy morning in September 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sprang a surprise. Midway through her annual State of the Union address at the European Parliament, she announced that she had … Read more
The future of urban mobility is near. EU-backed trials of driverless cars in public transport could make Europe’s city centres affordable, cleaner, safer, more efficient, inclusive and fair. By Gareth Willmer In Groruddalen, a large urban valley in north-eastern Oslo, Norway, the groundwork is being laid for an important shift in city transport. Five self-driving … Read more
Crops like chickpeas, fava beans, lentils and quinoa could help make Europe’s food systems more environmentally friendly and sustainable. By Michael Allen On Marianne Mulhall’s organic dairy farm in southeast Ireland, the winter wheat crop is looking better than usual. By spring, it is often a bit yellow and withered, a sign that it is … Read more
EU-funded researchers have developed adaptable robots that could transform the way we recycle electronic waste, benefiting both the environment and the economy. By Kaja Šeruga Just outside the historic German town of Goslar, a sprawling industrial complex receives an endless stream of discarded electronics. On arrival, this electronic waste is laboriously prepared for recycling. Electrocycling … Read more
EU-funded researchers are developing a smarter system of sustainable cooling, replacing toxic refrigerants with safer, more efficient and recyclable metals. By Kaja Šeruga As a young engineering student contemplating the direction of his doctoral research, Jaka Tušek knew he wanted to push the boundaries of science. “I wanted to work on breakthroughs, tackle something new … Read more
EU-funded researchers are combining cutting-edge research with sustainable forestry practices to protect our forests and preserve the many environmental benefits they provide. By Michaela Nesvarova The Făgăraș Mountains in southern Romania are home to one of Europe’s few remaining primary old-growth forests. These forests are still untouched by human activity and boast a rich variety … Read more