Differences in economic performance between regions within countries can be large and sometimes even larger than between countries. For example, average real GDP per person in the United States is about 90 percent higher than in Slovakia. At the same time, within the United States, per capita GDP in the state of New York is 100 percent higher than in Mississippi. Many are concerned that these large and persistent gaps signal that regions and people are being left behind, undermining inclusive...

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Today, the European Commission released the second edition of its Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor, a tool designed to benchmark and boost the creative and cultural potential of European cities, which is vital to driving economic growth and social cohesion. After the success of the first edition in 2017, the 2019 release presents an updated portrait of Europe's cultural and creative richness in an extended sample of 190 cities in 30 countries, including Norway and Switzerland. The Monitor was...

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Today, the Commission has adopted its first ever proposal on fishing opportunities covering both the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. With this proposal, the Commission is delivering on the political commitments made in the MedFish4Ever and Sofia Declarations to promote sustainable management of fish stocks in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. It reflects the Commission's efforts and ambition to ensure social and economic viability for the fishermen operating in the region by restoring and maintaining stocks at sustainable levels. “Throughout...

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In a continued effort to reduce Europe's carbon footprint and to make energy bills cheaper for European consumers, the Commission today adopted new eco-design measures for products such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and televisions. Improving the ecodesign of products contributes to implementing the ‘Energy efficiency first' principle of the EU's Energy Union priority. For the first time the measures include requirements for repairability and recyclability, contributing to circular economy objectives by improving the life span, maintenance, re-use, upgrade,...

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Overweight and obesity rates among adults continue to climb across OECD countries. Childhood and morbid obesity have gone from a rare event to a common occurrence. Obesity now poses an alarming burden on individuals, societies and economies in OECD countries and beyond. A new OECD report, The Heavy Burden of Obesity – The Economics of Prevention, will be published at 11.00 a.m. Paris time on Thursday 10 October 2019, the day before World Obesity Day. It analyses the economic, social...

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