Suchen
Iraqi Kurdistan's independence referendum
On 25 September 2017, the government of the autonomous Region of Kurdistan in Iraq, under its president, Masoud Barzani, organised a referendum on independence, disregarding calls by the Iraqi central government and the international community to postpone it. The referendum was held in the Kurdistan Region's constituencies and also in the neighbouring 'disputed' territories, in particular the oil-rich area of Kirkuk, which have de facto if not legally been governed by the Kurdish authorities since ...
China-Iceland Free Trade Agreement
China signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Iceland earlier this year. This is China's first FTA with a western European state. Once in force it will waive most tariffs in trade between the two countries. However, the tiny size of Iceland's market and the fact that the agreement does not provide low-tariff entry for China's products onto other European markets raises questions over China's motives. In particular, it is suggested that China is using this FTA to promote its strategic goals, such ...
Mining in the EU: regulation and the way forward
The EU mining industry may be part of the solution to Europe's raw material shortage, but limiting the environmental footprint of mining is a key requirement if it is to be revived.
Shale gas in Europe: prospects and risks
In Europe, the exploitation of shale gas is just starting, and only in some countries. Shale gas may reduce reliance on external gas supplies, but there are concerns about environmental impacts and reduced investment in renewable energies.
Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction on the Environment and on Human Health – 2012 Update
This study discusses the possible impacts of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and on human health updating a study published in 2011. Detailed studies of environmental risks arising from unconventional gas extraction activities have been published recently on European and national levels substantially broadening and deepening the scientific basis. However, knowledge and availability of information are still limited. High risks are identified in a number of environmental aspects, notably when ...
Proceedings of the Workshop on "Shale Gas in the EU : Its Impact on the Environment and the Energy Policy, from the Perspective of Petitions Received"
In the context of the work which the European Parliament has undertaken on this important and controversial subject Petitions Committee organised this workshop to provide a platform for petitioners and experts to compare, contrast and confront their views. Answering to the allegations, questions and demands of different petitioners (from France, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, United Kingdom and Germany), the experts highlight the important implications of shale gas exploration on the environment and ...
Arctic Governance : Balancing Challenges and Development
The Arctic region is experiencing major changes, which are occurring more rapidly than in any other region of the world, mainly as a result of global warming and climate change. Coupled with new technology, changes in the Arctic have rendered resources that were once well beyond our reach accessible. Commercial ships, for example, are now using Arctic routes each summer to shorten the length of their trips between continents; such routes that would have been impassable only a few decades ago. The ...
Proceedings of the Workshop on "Impact of Shale Gas and Shale Oil Extraction on the Environment and on Human Health"
Within the current debate on unconventional gas and oil resources in Europe, the European Parliament organised a workshop to discuss the impacts of shale gas and shale oil extraction on the environment and on human health, ways of mitigating them and the appropriateness of the current EU legislative framework in the context of the future developments in this field.
Auswirkungen der Gewinnung von Schiefergas und Schieferöl auf die Umwelt und die menschliche Gesundheit
In dieser Studie werden die möglichen Auswirkungen von Hydrofracking auf die Umwelt und die menschliche Gesundheit untersucht. Die quantitativen Daten und die Angaben zu den qualitativen Auswirkungen stammen aus den USA, da die Schiefergas-Gewinnung in Europa noch in den Kinderschuhen steckt. In den USA kann man hingegen auf eine über 40-jährige Erfahrung zurückblicken, und es wurden bereits über 50 000 Bohrungen durchgeführt. Zudem werden die Treibhausgasemissionen mittels einer kritischen Prüfung ...
Shale gas
Several EU Member States have potential shale gas reserves that could enhance energy security, create jobs and attract investment. But there are concerns about environmental effects.