EU Smoking Rates Remain High, Linked to Socioeconomic Factors
A Eurobarometer survey reveals that 24% of EU citizens smoke, with Eastern European countries having the highest rates and Sweden the lowest; unemployment and financial difficulties are strongly correlated with smoking; tobacco is the leading cause of preventable cancer in the EU.
EU Smoking Rates Remain High, Linked to Socioeconomic Factors
A Eurobarometer survey reveals that 24% of EU citizens smoke, with Eastern European countries having the highest rates and Sweden the lowest; unemployment and financial difficulties are strongly correlated with smoking; tobacco is the leading cause of preventable cancer in the EU.
Progress
12% Bias Score
Armenia Launches EU Membership Bid, Raising Tensions with Russia
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the government's support for a bill initiating the country's EU membership bid, marking a shift from its close ties with Russia and raising concerns within the Kremlin.
Armenia Launches EU Membership Bid, Raising Tensions with Russia
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the government's support for a bill initiating the country's EU membership bid, marking a shift from its close ties with Russia and raising concerns within the Kremlin.
Progress
44% Bias Score
European EV Sales to Rebound in 2024, but 2030 Targets Remain Ambitious
European electric vehicle sales, after a slight decline in 2023, are expected to increase to 2.7 million units in 2024, driven by new models, lower prices, and stricter EU CO2 targets; however, achieving the EU's 80% market share goal by 2030 faces challenges due to high prices and a lack of afforda...
European EV Sales to Rebound in 2024, but 2030 Targets Remain Ambitious
European electric vehicle sales, after a slight decline in 2023, are expected to increase to 2.7 million units in 2024, driven by new models, lower prices, and stricter EU CO2 targets; however, achieving the EU's 80% market share goal by 2030 faces challenges due to high prices and a lack of afforda...
Progress
48% Bias Score
Poland's EU Presidency: High Expectations Amidst Economic Strength and Geopolitical Shifts
Poland's EU Council presidency began with a low-key gala on January 3rd, but high expectations for its leadership remain, given its strong economic performance (GDP doubled since joining the EU), significant military spending (4.7% of GDP in 2025), and substantial support for Ukrainian refugees (4.9...
Poland's EU Presidency: High Expectations Amidst Economic Strength and Geopolitical Shifts
Poland's EU Council presidency began with a low-key gala on January 3rd, but high expectations for its leadership remain, given its strong economic performance (GDP doubled since joining the EU), significant military spending (4.7% of GDP in 2025), and substantial support for Ukrainian refugees (4.9...
Progress
40% Bias Score
Hungary Faces EU Criticism Over Rule of Law Failures
The European Commission's 2023 Rule of Law report criticizes Hungary for failing to address repeated concerns regarding its judicial system, anti-corruption measures, media freedom, and institutional checks and balances, leading to strained relations with other EU members, notably Poland, following ...
Hungary Faces EU Criticism Over Rule of Law Failures
The European Commission's 2023 Rule of Law report criticizes Hungary for failing to address repeated concerns regarding its judicial system, anti-corruption measures, media freedom, and institutional checks and balances, leading to strained relations with other EU members, notably Poland, following ...
Progress
40% Bias Score
ECB Rate Cuts Threaten Bank Profits; UBS Highlights Six Outperforming Banks
Following record profits from rising interest rates, the European Central Bank's (ECB) rate cuts starting in 2024 threaten European bank profitability. UBS analysts forecast continued strong performance from six selected banks, less sensitive to rate changes and focused on commission-based revenue.
ECB Rate Cuts Threaten Bank Profits; UBS Highlights Six Outperforming Banks
Following record profits from rising interest rates, the European Central Bank's (ECB) rate cuts starting in 2024 threaten European bank profitability. UBS analysts forecast continued strong performance from six selected banks, less sensitive to rate changes and focused on commission-based revenue.
Progress
36% Bias Score
Austria's Far-Right FPO Poised for Power
Following inconclusive coalition talks in Austria after the September election, President Van der Bellen has tasked the controversial, pro-Russia Freedom Party (FPO) leader Herbert Kickl with forming a government, likely with the center-right OVP, raising concerns about Austria's future direction an...
Austria's Far-Right FPO Poised for Power
Following inconclusive coalition talks in Austria after the September election, President Van der Bellen has tasked the controversial, pro-Russia Freedom Party (FPO) leader Herbert Kickl with forming a government, likely with the center-right OVP, raising concerns about Austria's future direction an...
Progress
48% Bias Score
Armenia Approves EU Membership Bill, Referendum Pending
The Armenian government approved a bill initiating the EU membership process, a citizen's initiative backed by over 60,000 signatures, following statements by Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasizing Armenia's willingness to draw closer to the EU, contingent upon a national referendum and subsequent neg...
Armenia Approves EU Membership Bill, Referendum Pending
The Armenian government approved a bill initiating the EU membership process, a citizen's initiative backed by over 60,000 signatures, following statements by Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasizing Armenia's willingness to draw closer to the EU, contingent upon a national referendum and subsequent neg...
Progress
44% Bias Score
Romania Defies EU, Authorizes Banned Bee-Killing Pesticide
Romania defied a European Union court ruling by approving the use of banned bee-killing pesticides, including Cruiser 350 FS, for maize and sunflower crops in 2025, citing severe pest infestations and economic pressures, despite concerns about pollinator health and EU enforcement challenges.
Romania Defies EU, Authorizes Banned Bee-Killing Pesticide
Romania defied a European Union court ruling by approving the use of banned bee-killing pesticides, including Cruiser 350 FS, for maize and sunflower crops in 2025, citing severe pest infestations and economic pressures, despite concerns about pollinator health and EU enforcement challenges.
Progress
44% Bias Score
EU Seeks Funding for Military Buildup Amidst Financial and Geopolitical Pressures
Facing financial constraints and geopolitical threats, the European Union is exploring joint procurement and eurobonds to fund increased military spending, but national differences in armament needs and German resistance to debt mutualization pose challenges.
EU Seeks Funding for Military Buildup Amidst Financial and Geopolitical Pressures
Facing financial constraints and geopolitical threats, the European Union is exploring joint procurement and eurobonds to fund increased military spending, but national differences in armament needs and German resistance to debt mutualization pose challenges.
Progress
44% Bias Score
Eurozone Retail Trade Sees Modest November Increase, but Recovery Remains Sluggish
Eurozone retail trade saw a 0.1% increase in November 2024, driven by fuel and food sales, but remains below pre-pandemic levels due to lingering supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine, and tight budgetary conditions; experts predict a modest recovery in 2025.
Eurozone Retail Trade Sees Modest November Increase, but Recovery Remains Sluggish
Eurozone retail trade saw a 0.1% increase in November 2024, driven by fuel and food sales, but remains below pre-pandemic levels due to lingering supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine, and tight budgetary conditions; experts predict a modest recovery in 2025.
Progress
12% Bias Score
Spain's Economic Growth Fails to Meet Deficit Reduction Targets
Spain's robust economy is expected to continue leading European growth in 2024; however, S&P Global Ratings forecasts a 2.9% deficit, exceeding the government's 2.5% target for 2025, due to increased public spending and without additional measures.
Spain's Economic Growth Fails to Meet Deficit Reduction Targets
Spain's robust economy is expected to continue leading European growth in 2024; however, S&P Global Ratings forecasts a 2.9% deficit, exceeding the government's 2.5% target for 2025, due to increased public spending and without additional measures.
Progress
40% Bias Score