THE EUROPEAN Union’s (EU) long term budget for 2014-2020 (called the multiannual financial framework (MFF) in Brussels’ famously complex jargon) is currently in limbo following a vote by the European Parliament last month (March) to reject the deal. The political deadlock is not likely to last, nor are the actual figures, agreed by EU heads of government in February, likely to be much changed, though.

The European Parliament has approved European Union (EU) legislation designed to improve the environmental performance of ship scrapping and ensure the materials are recycled in EU-approved facilities worldwide. However, MEPs rejected an EP environment committee proposal to establish a recycling fund helping finance such improvements, based on a compulsory levy charged on any ship using an EU port.…

WHEN a titanium Russian flag was audaciously planted on the seabed 4,200m below the North Pole in 2007, it took the world by surprise, suggesting Russia was serious in its claims to the Arctic.

Russia is not alone. In all five Arctic coastal nations – the USA, Canada, Norway, Russia and Denmark (through Greenland) have laid claims to a slice of the Arctic.…

IF there is one paint ingredient that marketers agree should be left off the label, it has to be lead. General and scientific opinion agrees this metal causes health problems and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), working with the UN Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) has embarked on plans to eliminate architectural and household lead paints in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2020.…

ALTHOUGH China is known for skilled workers making clothing for big brand names, the country still relies heavily on imports when it comes to high performance nonwovens used in the medical, automotive, environmental protection and other fields, according to Beijing-based China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).…

The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) has drafted plans to promote the use of pre-baked technology in aluminium smelter electrolysis units through a possible USD50 million loan to Turkey’s only liquid aluminium manufacturer Eti Aluminyum. The money would help modernise the company’s aluminium smelter plant located in Konya, in south-central Anatolia, by converting the existing Soderberg electrolysis technology to proven prebaked anode technology.…

THE EUROPEAN Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has advised the European Union (EU) to launch a series of studies to help assess the risk of Rift Valley Fever being introduced to livestock and humans in north Africa and the Middle East, potentially threatening Europe.…

THE INDIAN government is to create a national Veterinary Emergency Response Unit, charged with protecting the country’s huge livestock population during natural disasters, such as floods, fires, droughts and earthquakes, a New Delhi conference has heard. “We are going to train the students of Indian veterinary colleges in disaster management techniques so that they can rush to save livestock whenever a disaster strikes,” S Abdul Rahman, President of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association, told globalmeatnews.com. …

ETHICAL sourcing in the garment and textile industry is a key consideration – not just because it is the right thing to do, but because consumers are keen to know how their clothes and accessories have been produced. But one key question is who sets the parameters of what is ethically sourced?…

THERE are many pathways to developing helpful support services for telcos in today’s increasingly complex communications world, but one particularly reliable guide has to be boosting customer experience. Some companies start with the technology and work out to the customer, but others start with the customer in mind and develop effective technologies that suit a comprehensive vision of maximising their happiness and generating revenues.…