The European Union has 34 so-called critical raw materials, which are important components of production. The vast majority of these have to be imported, which is why Brussels is paying increasing attention to South America, where 24 of the raw materials are found. The problem is that someone else has thought of this.
The EU has doubled its solar capacity in the last 3 years. DW and the European Data Journalism Network have analyzed how subsidies made this possible, what supports are still available, and what still needs to happen.
Europe does not have enough primary-care doctors, and Belgium is no exception to the rule. Steps are now being taken to renew the country’s ranks, but the ageing of the population and upcoming retirements are raising fears of a crunch in the years to come.
Europe is facing a shortage of doctors, across all specialisations. The deficit of general practitioners is a particular problem. Family doctors are ageing and unevenly distributed, and their profession is struggling to attract new recruits.
Europe’s rural areas could produce up to 30 times their energy needs with photovoltaics, but technical, environmental and social obstacles complicate their development. Networks, storage and community involvement will be crucial for a sustainable future.
Europe aims to obtain 42.5% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, but there is still a long way to go. While oil dominates the national energy mix, very different territorial realities are emerging, with rural areas ready for the ecological transition
Parliaments try to show accountability by making legislative processes, and occasionally votes or proceedings, public. We collected data about 13 European countries, as well as Australia, the US, Canada, and the European Parliament to see what is accessible to the public about their work. We find that plenary sessions, as well as legislative texts, are generally accessible, although not always easily, but votes and committee proceedings are kept secret more often than not.
Analysis of almost 1,600 advertisements shows that flats in Belgrade are unaffordable for low-income earners and a major obstacle for people on an average wage. Rents are very high.
Rising rents across major European cities are creating a housing crisis, disproportionately affecting low-income earners and those in unstable employment. Contributing factors include tourism, migration, low housing supply, and gentrification. Our investigation, led by EUrologus, highlights the need for policy changes to address these issues and ensure affordable housing for all.
The cityscape of Bulgaria's capital has changed dramatically since 1989. But the building boom has paid scant regard to either regulations or the city's distinctive architectural heritage. And upcoming projects might well disfigure the city forever, as is shown on a 3D map created by Boyan Yurukov, an open-data activist.
