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Ahead of the EU parliament election in early June, it’s currently party congress season.

After this weekend’s meeting of the European Socialists, the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), constituting the largest group in the parliament, will meet on Wednesday in Bucharest, Romania.

While the Socialists emphasised the ‘social’ dimension of the EU’s climate agenda, the EPP will highlight its commitment to technology neutrality.

However, one key demand, namely to reverse the infamous ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars as of 2035, has been deleted from its most recent draft manifesto, according to a party source.

The new wording is much vaguer, probably to avert an obvious contradiction with the EPP’s lead candidate, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

As a compromise, the party now refers to the 2026 revision clause, which has always been part of the original law – rejected by the EPP.

EU-China trade slips as Beijing ‘de-risks’ from the West

The sharp reduction in the EU’s trade deficit with China in 2023 does not provide evidence that the bloc is successfully “de-risking” from China, but rather supports the claim that Beijing is itself seeking strategic independence from the West, experts contacted by Euractiv say.

Czech environment minister calls for expanded EU carbon border measures

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) should cover more products, such as building or textile materials, Czech Environment Minister Petr Hladík told Euractiv Czechia, adding that it could encourage the world to reduce emissions.

Europe’s industrial decarbonisation at risk amid sharp drop in CO2 price

The sharp drop in the EU’s CO2 price, caused by high energy prices and political uncertainty, risks the carbon market’s credibility – and may become an obstacle to the bloc’s industrial decarbonisation.

France strikes CO2 storage deal with Denmark

France signed a bilateral agreement with Denmark on Monday (4 March) for carbon transport and storage, with more deals potentially yet to come, as part of efforts to meet its domestic carbon targets.

Thousands of Greeks paralyse Athens as rule of law takes centre stage

Hundreds of thousands of Greeks took to the streets of Athens on Wednesday (28 February) as the Mediterranean country marked a year since a deadly train accident killed 57 people, amid complaints that the authorities are trying to cover up those responsible.

EU Parliament adopts stand on revisions to driving licence directive

The European Parliament adopted its stand on revising the driving licence directive on Tuesday (27 February), endorsing the idea of allowing drivers to perform self-assessments for licence renewals and allowing 17-year-olds to drive with supervision.

Read more with Euractiv

EU Parliament adopts stand on revisions to driving licence directive

The European Parliament adopted its stand on the revision of the driving licence directive on Tuesday (27 February), endorsing the idea of allowing drivers to perform self-assessments for licence renewals and allowing 17-year-olds to drive with supervision.