UEFA, European football’s governing body and UNHCR teamed up to recognise six European national football associations for their success in using the game’s unifying power to help refugees rebuild their lives. At the start of a week when the international community marks World Refugee Day, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, joined the Director of UEFA’s Football Social Responsibility programme, Michele Uva, for an online event announcing the winners of UEFA’s annual … [Read more...] about European national associations helping refugees in rebuilding their lives
European Commission raises €20 billion in first transaction to support Europe’s recovery
The European Commission in its first NextGenerationEU transaction, raised a €20 billion via a ten-year bond due on 4 July 2031 to finance Europe's recovery from the coronavirus crisis and its consequences. This is the largest-ever institutional bond issuance in Europe, the largest-ever institutional single tranche transaction and the largest amount the EU has raised in a single transaction. The bond has attracted a very strong interest by investors across Europe and the world, thanks to … [Read more...] about European Commission raises €20 billion in first transaction to support Europe’s recovery
IFC to increase access to growth capital for small and medium businesses in Southeast Europe
A private equity investment by IFC will increase access to growth capital for small and medium businesses in Southeast Europe. IFC's €15 million investment in BlackPeak Southeast Europe Growth Equity Fund—managed by BlackPeak General Partner SARL Capital—will help companies across the region expand operations and boost productivity, thereby creating jobs and accelerating economic recovery. Rossen Ivanov, Managing Partner of BlackPeak Capital said, "This is a major milestone for BlackPeak … [Read more...] about IFC to increase access to growth capital for small and medium businesses in Southeast Europe
UNESCO: Despite progress, education inequalities persist in Eurasia
A new UNESCO report covering 30 education systems in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia shows that exclusion from education persists, particularly for children with disabilities and those of ethnic minorities, despite overall progress in access to education over the past 20 years and a 50% reduction in out-of-school rates. While many countries still see segregated schooling as a solution, the report urges governments to move towards inclusive education systems that meet … [Read more...] about UNESCO: Despite progress, education inequalities persist in Eurasia
Commission proposes 2022 budget for sustainable recovery towards better future
The Commission has proposed an annual EU budget of €167.8 billion for 2022, to be complemented by an estimated €143.5 billion in grants under NextGenerationEU. Their combined firepower will mobilise significant investments to boost the economic recovery, safeguard sustainability, and create jobs. It will prioritise green and digital spending in order to make Europe more resilient and fit for the future. Commissioner Johannes Hahn, responsible for the EU Budget, said: “Today, we are putting … [Read more...] about Commission proposes 2022 budget for sustainable recovery towards better future
Europe at risk of creating a ‘lost generation’ of refugee youth
New research sounds the alarm on the risks facing young refugees in Europe on their eighteenth birthday. The report looks at how young refugees across Europe are falling through the gaps and into homelessness, exploitation and danger. Looking at the practices of five European countries, it finds that all of them have failed to protect and support this age group. As a result, they struggle to integrate into their new societies. The research pinpoints some of the reasons behind this: incoherent … [Read more...] about Europe at risk of creating a ‘lost generation’ of refugee youth
Europe: IFRC warns of devastating impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned that the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will have far-reaching impacts for entire generations. Several studies by Red Cross and Red Crescent societies across Europe show an alarming pattern, which requires increased efforts to tackle inequity and assist those most in need. Antónia de Barros Mota, head of Mental Health/Psychosocial Support for IFRC Europe, said: “The mental health … [Read more...] about Europe: IFRC warns of devastating impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people
Commission invites interested parties to comment on State aid new Guidelines
The European Commission has launched a targeted public consultation inviting all interested parties to comment on the proposed revision of the Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection and energy (“Energy and Environmental State aid guidelines” or “EEAG”). To cater for the increased importance of climate protection, the revised guidelines will go under the name of Climate, Energy and Environmental State aid guidelines (“CEEAG”). The proposed Guidelines also include compatibility … [Read more...] about Commission invites interested parties to comment on State aid new Guidelines
European Commission proposes for new ‘European Digital Identity’
The European Commission has proposed a framework for a new European Digital Identity which will be available to all EU citizens, residents, and businesses in the EU. Citizens will be able to prove their identity and share electronic documents from their European Digital Identity wallets with the click of a button on their phone. They will be able to access online services with their national digital identification, which will be recognised throughout Europe. Very large platforms will be … [Read more...] about European Commission proposes for new ‘European Digital Identity’
Revitalizing Europe and Ireland’s SMEs with increased digitalization and connectivity
Vodafone held an online roundtable on “Recovery and Resilience: Digitalisation of SMEs” to discuss the Irish SME sector, how the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility can help digitalise this vital sector, and why it provides an exciting opportunity for a stronger, more resilient, digital Europe. The roundtable provided an enriching discussion into identifying the problems faced by SMEs in Ireland who are aiming to revitalise their businesses, post pandemic. But, more importantly, the … [Read more...] about Revitalizing Europe and Ireland’s SMEs with increased digitalization and connectivity
