Επιλεγμένες Ειδήσεις από New Europe

EU to Help Kazakhstan Upgrade Atyrau Oil Refinery to Address Air and Soil Pollution

EU to Help Kazakhstan Upgrade Atyrau Oil Refinery to Address Air and Soil Pollution

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will finance a $80 million-equivalent loan to help Kazakhstan upgrade the wastewater treatment facilities at the Atyrau oil refinery, the bank said on June 3, noting that nearly 300,000 inhabitants of Atyrau in western part of the Central Asian country will enjoy major environmental benefits.

The Last Party in the Oil Market

The Last Party in the Oil Market

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other major crude producers led by Russia, a group so-called OPEC+, agreed on June 1 to continue gradually increasing oil production. “OPEC+ is in a very good position and I would have thought they had a very pleasant meeting this week because they can certainly

Russia’s Rosatom Develops Lower Uranium Enrichment for Finland’s Loviisa NPP

Russia’s Rosatom Develops Lower Uranium Enrichment for Finland’s Loviisa NPP

Russia’s state atomic corporation Rosatom said on May 24 its TVEL Fuel Company has completed development of the new modification of VVER-440 fuel for Loviisa NPP in Finland. According to Rosatom, the new modification of VVER-440 fuel bundle with higher uranium load would enhance the efficiency of fuel usage and power plant’s operation in general.

France’s Total Inks 5-Year LNG Supply Agreement With AMNS in India

France’s Total Inks 5-Year LNG Supply Agreement With AMNS in India

France’s Total and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) have signed an agreement for the supply of up to 500,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year until 2026. The LNG will be sourced from Total’s global portfolio and offloaded either in Dahej or Hazira LNG Terminal,

Abu Dhabi’s Masdar Wins Solar Power Plants Tenders in Uzbekistan

Abu Dhabi’s Masdar Wins Solar Power Plants Tenders in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s Energy Ministry announced on May 21 the winning bidder of public-private partnership (PPP) tenders for two photovoltaic solar plants in the Jizzakh and Samarkand regions. According to the Uzbek ministry, the PPPs will soon add over 400 MW of clean and renewable energy to Uzbekistan’s energy mix.

Parliament and Council Reach an Agreement on EU Digital COVID Certificate

Parliament and Council Reach an Agreement on EU Digital COVID Certificate

Following highly contentious talks between the 27 members of the European Union, the Commission hailed on May 20 a provisional political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on the regulation of an ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’, which will, according to those involved in the talks, be key to restoring easy and safe travel across the bloc.

EU Parliament Approves €17.5 Billon Transition Fund for Greener Economy

EU Parliament Approves €17.5 Billon Transition Fund for Greener Economy

The €17.5 billion Just Transition Fund (JTF), which will help EU countries address the social and economic impact of the transition to climate neutrality, has just gotten the final approval from the European Parliament. The proposal was adopted on May 18 by 615 votes in favour, 35 against and 46 abstentions.

EU Vows to Develop a Sustainable Blue Economy

EU Vows to Develop a Sustainable Blue Economy

The European Commission proposed on May 17 a new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU for the industries and sectors related to oceans, seas and coasts. According to the Commission, a sustainable blue economy is essential to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and ensuring a green and inclusive recovery from the pandemic.

US Wants Iran Nuke Deal Reinstated, Tied to Safeguards

US Wants Iran Nuke Deal Reinstated, Tied to Safeguards

The US Administration of President Joe Biden says that restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal, must be followed immediately by an agreement on limiting Iran’s missile program and backing of terrorist groups. Meanwhile, Tehran reportedly reiterated that a new deal to halt Iran from having a nuclear bomb is dependent on the lifting of US sanctions placed on the Islamic country.

Colonial Pipeline Restarts Operations after Ransomware Cyber Attack

Colonial Pipeline Restarts Operations after Ransomware Cyber Attack

The largest pipeline system for refined oil products in the US, the Colonial Pipeline, reportedly said on May 12 it initiated the restart of operations after having to shut down following a cyberattack last week which caused gas price hikes as motorists feared fuel shortages.  

ERIELL Wins Uz-Kor Contract for New Works in Aral Sea

ERIELL Wins Uz-Kor Contract for New Works in Aral Sea

ERIELL Group announced on May 10 it has won a tender from Uz-Kor Gas Chemical and signed a contract to work on 150 wells at the Surgil field in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, northwestern Uzbekistan. The tender involves ERIELL Group  carrying out workovers and side-tracking works at the bottom of the Aral Sea.

EU Supports Total Eren’s 100 MW Solar Plant Project in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

EU Supports Total Eren’s 100 MW Solar Plant Project in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The government of Uzbekistan’s plans to develop 8 GW of solar and wind capacity by 2030 have received a major boost following the approval of an €87.4 million financing package jointly organised by, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European investment Bank (EIB) and PROPARCO, a subsidiary of Agence Française de Développement, the EBRD said on May 10, adding that the funds will be used to construct and put into operation a 100 MW photovoltaic solar power plant near the city of Samarkand.

In Afghanistan the Allies Invested in the US’ Security

In Afghanistan the Allies Invested in the US’ Security

After nearly twenty years of engagement in Afghanistan, the United States has now set in motion the process of pulling out all its forces by September of this year. The US’ allies, many of which were caught by surprise by Washington’s announcement, are following suit.

Is Climate Change an Existential Threat to Democracy?

Is Climate Change an Existential Threat to Democracy?

In the long-run climate change is an existential issue for our species. In the short term, it is an existential threat for democracy. As world leaders from the United States to the European Union and India commit to ambitious carbon cuts, we must tie in climate change discussions with an urgent agenda to help democracies rise to this global challenge. Our future rides on it.

German MEP Says EU Must Wean Itself off China’s Batteries

German MEP Says EU Must Wean Itself off China’s Batteries

The European Union should lessen its dependence on China for batteries and green hydrogen electrolysers, Bavarian MEP Henrike Hahn told New Europe on May 4. On May 5, the European Commission updated the EU Industrial Strategy to ensure that its industrial ambition takes full account of the new circumstances following the COVID-19 crisis and helps to drive the transformation to a more sustainable, digital, resilient and globally competitive economy.