Explore

Fossil Fuel Companies Sue Governments for Over $443 Billion Under Trade Deals, Hindering Climate Action

Fossil Fuel Companies Sue Governments for Over $443 Billion Under Trade Deals, Hindering Climate Action

Fossil fuel and related corporations have demanded over $443 billion from governments through Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanisms embedded in trade agreements. This figure represents a 22% increase from 2023 in claims made by fossil fuel investors. ISDS provisions allow corporations to sue governments for policies that negatively impact their investments and profits, including those aimed at regulating planet-heating oil and gas emissions. According to data analyzed by Global Justice Now and PowerShift, based on 987 publicly disclosed ISDS cases, corporate investors have sought a total of $1.177 trillion up to 2025. Fossil fuel investors have received the 'lion's share' of compensation awarded, totaling $85.9 billion, or nearly 70% of all payouts to investors. This week, U.S. company ExxonMobil launched a legal challenge against the European Union's Net Zero Industry Act, which requires the company to pay for carbon storage, claiming it imposes 'unrealistic timelines.'

Finland Approves Tesla Assisted Driving System for Immediate Use

Finland Approves Tesla Assisted Driving System for Immediate Use

Finland's transport regulator, Traficom, has officially approved Tesla's assisted driving technology for operation on Finnish roads. This authorization, announced on Wednesday, allows Tesla to immediately make the system available to its customers in Finland. Traficom's decision is based on recognizing the provisional type-approval previously granted by the Dutch authority. This move by Finland follows indications in June that the country might proceed with national approval ahead of a pending European Union-wide decision on the technology. The Netherlands was the first European country to grant provisional approval in April, followed by Estonia, Croatia, and Belgium. The system enables vehicles to steer themselves under driver supervision, though some regulators have expressed caution regarding its use.

Setback for Google as EU Court adviser backs $1.7 billion antitrust fine

Setback for Google as EU Court adviser backs $1.7 billion antitrust fine

BRUSSELS, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Google suffered a setback on Thursday as an adviser to Europe's top court faulted a lower tribunal's decision to scrap a €1.49 billion ($1.7 billion) fine levied against the US tech giant seven years ago for anti-competitive practices related to online advertising.

COP31 Electrification Pledge Gains Support with Conditions on Clean Power and Finance

COP31 Electrification Pledge Gains Support with Conditions on Clean Power and Finance

The COP31 presidency is actively seeking support for its electrification pledge, aiming to increase electricity's share of global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035, up from the current 23%. While the pledge does not specify how electricity should be generated, at least 14 countries have publicly endorsed it, including Germany, Norway, Finland, South Korea, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Togo, Liechtenstein, Australia, Ethiopia, Palau, Seychelles, and the Solomon Islands. The European Union is also expected to join. However, many nations have attached conditions to their support, emphasizing that electrification must be linked to clean power sources and not distract from the primary goal of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia expressed skepticism, stating that electrification does not necessarily reduce emissions without considering the source of production. Developing countries like Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and the Solomon Islands have highlighted the critical need for financial support and ...

EU DisinfoLab Reports Enforcement Failures in Digital Services Act and AI Act Across Member States

EU DisinfoLab Reports Enforcement Failures in Digital Services Act and AI Act Across Member States

The EU DisinfoLab has released a report highlighting significant enforcement failures in the European Union's landmark digital policies, the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the AI Act. According to the report, a substantial number of EU Member States have not established or empowered the necessary national institutions to oversee the implementation of these regulations. For instance, 13 countries failed to nominate Digital Services Coordinators under the DSA by the February 17, 2024 deadline, and only 8 countries appointed Market Surveillance Authorities under the AI Act by the August 2, 2025 deadline. These national authorities, known as Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs) for the DSA and Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) for the AI Act, are crucial for monitoring compliance, investigating violations, handling complaints, and imposing penalties. Their absence means that the regulations risk existing only on paper, leaving individuals without national avenues to address rights violations and weakening...

EU Drafts Oversight Standards for Corporate Sustainability Reports, Requiring External Review

EU Drafts Oversight Standards for Corporate Sustainability Reports, Requiring External Review

EU Drafts Oversight Standards for Corporate Sustainability Reports, Requiring External Review

EU Regulation Mandates Digital Product Passports for E-commerce, Enhancing Transparency Before Purchase

EU Regulation Mandates Digital Product Passports for E-commerce, Enhancing Transparency Before Purchase

EU Regulation Mandates Digital Product Passports for E-commerce, Enhancing Transparency Before Purchase

European Union Awards €1 Million in Prizes for Energy Community Governance Innovations

European Union Awards €1 Million in Prizes for Energy Community Governance Innovations

The European Commission has awarded €1 million in prizes to ten citizen-led energy communities across six countries for their innovative governance models. This initiative, part of the Horizon Europe Programme's 'Climate, Energy and Mobility' cluster, recognizes communities that excel in decision-making, benefit sharing, and collaboration with local authorities and businesses. The winning communities were honored at the European Research and Innovation Days in Brussels. Examples of recipients include Manza Energía from Spain, which shares solar power with energy-vulnerable households, and Robin Powerhood from Austria, which donates surplus solar electricity to households in energy poverty. Other winners include cooperatives from Belgium, Greece, Portugal, and the Netherlands, demonstrating diverse approaches to inclusive energy solutions. The prize aims to highlight models that can be replicated across Europe, fostering broader adoption of citizen-led renewable energy initiatives.

EU Faces Credibility Challenge on Climate Action Amidst Record Heatwaves and Economic Losses

EU Faces Credibility Challenge on Climate Action Amidst Record Heatwaves and Economic Losses

The European Union is grappling with a credibility challenge regarding its climate action commitments, particularly as it prepares for COP31. This comes after a summer of record-breaking heatwaves that resulted in significant economic losses, estimated at over €100 billion in productivity losses from heatwaves and an average of €50 billion annually in climate-related material damages. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the period as a 'summer of truth,' attempting to leverage the context to push for faster decarbonization and systemic economic changes. Despite these efforts, the EU's domestic climate policies are reportedly being weakened or delayed, raising concerns about its ability to maintain its self-proclaimed leadership role in global climate action. The EU's recently presented Climate Resilience Framework aims to enhance preparedness for climate realities, proposing systemic changes to address exposed gaps.

OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Calls for Redefined Global Partnerships Amidst Geopolitical Strain

OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Calls for Redefined Global Partnerships Amidst Geopolitical Strain

The Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States – European Union (OACPS-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly has convened in Brussels, Belgium, with a strong emphasis on strengthening multilateralism. The Deputy Speaker and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Thomas Tayebwa, highlighted the necessity for future international cooperation to transcend mere rhetoric and instead be founded on genuine equality, mutual respect, and shared solidarity. Tayebwa outlined key economic and environmental priorities for the joint delegations, advocating for concrete economic and climate solutions and a restructured economic partnership designed to provide tangible local benefits to member states. He specifically stated, "The OACPS would like to see an economic partnership that delivers tangible benefits, including investment, local value addition, skills development and decent employment in our countries." The opening ceremony featured several distinguished speakers, including Nobel Peace Pr...

EU Updates Mediterranean Pact Action Plan, Boosting Initiatives to 30

EU Updates Mediterranean Pact Action Plan, Boosting Initiatives to 30

Approximately one year after its launch, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have updated the 'Pact for the Mediterranean' Action Plan, increasing the number of initiatives to 30. This updated plan, presented to representatives of Member States and Southern Mediterranean partners, reflects progress on existing measures and introduces new projects across three pillars: People, Stronger Economies, and Security. Key additions include a Mediterranean Science Diplomacy Centre, initiatives for blue economy, and enhanced protection for vulnerable migrants. The plan aims to mobilize significant investments, such as an estimated €25 billion for renewable energy and clean technologies by 2035 through the T-MED Initiative, and €45 million for migrant protection in the Southern Mediterranean.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Threatens Namibia's Beef Export Industry

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Threatens Namibia's Beef Export Industry

Namibia's lucrative livestock and beef export industry is facing significant challenges due to an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). The FMD-free status of the country, which is internationally recognized, has been suspended following the confirmation of the disease on September 23 at a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District. This outbreak has led to restrictions on livestock movement, slaughtering, and trade in susceptible animal products. The impact is already evident in international markets, with the United Kingdom suspending imports of fresh bovine, sheep, and goat meat from Namibia. The European Union has also imposed temporary import restrictions. As of November 9, 18 farms in the Karasburg Veterinary District have tested positive, with 131 positive animal cases recorded, and the outbreak has also been confirmed in the Zambezi Region. Despite these challenges, Namibia recorded over N$323 million in bovine product exports in September 2026, with the Netherlands, South Afric...