Today, the United States, Canada, and Mexico joined together at the North American Leaders Summit to set an historic goal -- to achieve 50 percent clean power across North America by 2025, through cooperation on permitting new transmission lines, commitments to procure clean energy for our federal facilities, and cutting waste through increased efficiency.  Here's what you need to know: Growing clean power also grows the economy. The plan will support more than one million jobs, on average, over the next decade....

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The European Commission and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have launched a new initiative to help SMEs in the cultural and creative sectors access credit. The €121 million which will be invested by the EU in this financial instrument until the end of 2020 is expected to leverage more than €600 million worth of bank loans over the next 6 years. Why is it needed? The creative and cultural sectors employ more than 7 million people in the EU and account...

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The Commission has today proposed the 2017 draft EU Budget of €134.9 billion in payments focusing on the two main policy priorities for Europe: supporting the ongoing recovery of the European economy and addressing the security and humanitarian challenges in our neighbourhood. Increased funding will go to investments in growth, jobs and competitiveness in the European Union as well as to securing the necessary resources to protect the external borders of the EU, to reinforce security inside and outside...

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Together with the Presidents of the European Council and of the European Commission, EU leaders met for the first time today without the United Kingdom at the table. They expressed their regret for the referendum result but showed determination to forge ahead with current priorities. The 27 Heads of State or Government and the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council met to discuss the political and practical implications of the UK vote to leave the EU and...

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Transport plays a critical role in the way we live. Our food, clothes and household waste all need to be transported, contributing to our economy and quality of life. But the increasing use of planes, cars and other fossil-fuel dependent modes of transport is causing more pollution, putting at risk our environment and health. The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) Signals 2016 explores how Europe’s carbon-dependent transport sector can be turned into a clean and smart mobility system. EEA Signals 2016...

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The European Council meeting focused on the political consequences of the UK referendum. The leaders also addressed other pressing issues: tackling the migratory crisis, deepening of the single market to boost growth and jobs, and enhancing the security of the EU by working more closely with NATO. On Wednesday, the 27 heads of state or government will meet informallyto discuss the political and practical implications of 'Brexit'. They will also start a debate on the future of the European Union...

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Foreword by Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Vice-President of the European Commission: The purpose, even existence, of our Union is being questioned. Yet, our citizens and the world need a strong European Union like never before. Our wider region has become more unstable and more insecure. The crises within and beyond our borders are affecting directly our citizens’ lives. In challenging times, a strong Union is one that thinks strategically, shares a...

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The UK must respect the wish of a majority of its citizens, entirely, fully and as soon as possible, by officially withdrawing from the EU before any new relationship arrangements can be made, says the European Parliament in a resolution voted after an extraordinary plenary debate on Tuesday. MEPs also stress the urgent need for reforms to ensure that the EU lives up to its citizens’ expectations. After a debate between Parliament’s political group leaders, EU Commission President Jean-Claude...

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