Recent studies show that agricultural activities account for 17% of the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, and for an additional 7-14% through changes in land use. Keeping in mind the growing demand for food, how can the EU work towards more sustainability in the agriculture sector while also safeguarding farmers’ rights?
Walking on thin ice: The Arctic is warming at almost twice the global average rate resulting in damage to infrastructure, endangering of the delicate ecosystem, and rising sea levels. Taking into account the complexity of the issue, how should the EU and its Member States better mitigate the diverse consequences of climate change in the Arctic?
Garbage can’t – The European Commission estimates that 88 million tonnes of food waste are created annually in the EU, contributing to issues ranging from food poverty to increased CO2 emissions. Acknowledging the significance of all the stakeholders in the supply chain, what actions should the EU take to reduce food waste in its Member States?
Health in wealth: Recent reports from the European Commission show a general improvement in access to healthcare across the EU. However, there is still a significant difference in adults reporting to be in good health between Member States and within income groups; what measures can the EU take to support its Member States in reducing the social gradient in health?
It's all about carbon: Following the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) and the resulting Glasgow Climate Pact, aiming to limit global warming, critics were left dissatisfied at a lack of stronger commitments. What concrete measures should the EU take to minimise carbon emissions and take a leading stance in combating climate change?
The Sámi are the EU’s only formally recognised indigenous ethnic minority. Living within the Union’s borders, many EU decisions directly affect them, yet the Sámi people have no official stake in EU decision-making. In light of the Commission’s currently reinforced Arctic engagement strategy, how can the EU ensure better recognition of indigenous rights and systemic representation of the Sámi people, and other cross-border ethnic minorities?
Rural and remote areas, including Arctic regions, have the highest share of the EU’s population aged 65 years and above. How can the EU improve access to services and assist regions facing the combined economic pressure of an ageing population and negative net migration?
Heating hostilities, melting relations: With the Arctic region heating up twice as fast as the rest of the planet, Arctic States are eager to access undiscovered marine resources and new shipping routes, which could intensify territorial disputes and military hostilities in the region, notably considering there being 8 countries present from several military alliances. What steps should the EU take in order to ensure peace and de-escalate current tensions in the Arctic region?
2022 A Space Odyssey: Competition and commercialisation of space activities are swiftly increasing with major technological shifts disrupting traditional industrial and business models. With this in mind, how can the EU coordinate with the EU institutions, the Member States, and the European Space Agency (ESA) so as to spur economic growth, new technological developments, and innovation within the space sector?