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  • Commission Contemplates Granting Companies an AI Code Compliance Grace Period

    Heads Up: AI Rules Hitting the Stage Soon!

    Big news for everyone working with general‑purpose AI: the Code of Practice is slated to be released before August 2. That’s the very day the rules will go into effect, so keep your calendars open and your code tidy.

    Why the buzz matters

    • All‑encompassing scope: From chatbots to autonomous systems, the new guidelines touch it all.
    • Clear compliance checkpoints: Developers will know exactly what’s expected, making the audit process smoother.
    • Legal deadline: By August 2, every AI system in deployment must be compliant.

    So, whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just tinkering with a cool AI project, this is your cue to double‑check your practices—before the big drop‑in on August 2.

    AI Act: Companies Seek a Breather, and the Commission’s Ready to Offer One

    What’s the Deal with the Code of Practice?

    Think of the Code of Practice for General-Purpose AI (GPAI) as a voluntary handbook that helps AI folks—think ChatGPT, Gemini, and the rest—stay on track with the EU’s AI Act. Instead of fighting the law, the Code offers a set of friendly guidelines to keep everyone on the same page.

    Publication Gets a Hold‑Up, but Freedom’s Still on the Horizon

    The final version of the Code was slated for May, but it’s been bumped back. The Commission has promised that the Code will drop just before the Act’s “official” start—maybe sometime around 10 July. A quick look at the internal memo says the AI Office is hoping to release it a few days before the rules go into force on 2 August.

    Why the Commission is Hosting a Big Workshop

    • Collect feedback from AI providers on the latest draft.
    • Showcase the perks of signing the voluntary Code.
    • Make sure everyone gets the same voice on how the Code fits with the upcoming Act.

    Companies Are Asking for a Ticker‑Tape Style “Grace Period”

    During a meeting on 27 June, Google reps asked the EU Technology Commissioner Henna Virkkunen if there could be more wiggle room for compliance. The teams want to install a short grace period because the Code will hit the scene only a few days before the AI Act takes effect.

    The AI Act’s Roll‑Out: 2024 Now, 2027 Later

    Remember, the AI Act didn’t all go live at once. While some rules went live yesterday, others will only kick in 2027. The Commission is now revving up to possibly formalise the Code via an implementing act, after the experts drafted the rules back in September 2024.

    Four Key Take‑aways

    • Code = Voluntary Relief – Companies get a hand‑hold before the Act’s strict guidelines.
    • Timeline Shifts – The Code’s release has been delayed, still aligned with the Act’s launch.
    • Companies Want Flexibility – The “grace period” talks are still in the works.
    • The Future is in the Air – The Commission might formalise the Code as the AI Act matures and future rules come into play.

    Courting the AI Act has never been this messy—but with a hint of collaboration, companies and regulators hope to steer clear of nasty surprises and hard hits. The commission’s still waiting for its opportunity to shape the final action, and everyone’s holding their collective breath for what’s next.

  • Hoekstra warns Trump policy is a 'major blow' to climate efforts

    The US retreat from climate commitments under the Trump administration will have “significant consequences” for the planet, European Commissioner for Climate Wopke Hoekstra told Euronews at The Europe Conversation.

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    The Trump administration’s reversal of climate policy will have “significant consequences” for the future, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra told Euronews.
    The EU recently outlined its path to attaining a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gases by 2040.

    Europe is the fastest-warming continent with dramatic weather events – from floods to drought -already unfolding across several member states.
    Hoekstra says the US pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord is a “major blow” to international efforts to tackle climate change.
    US President Donald Trump fundamentally changed America’s climate change policy when, for the second time, he withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord.
    In addition, the Trump administration reversed an Obama-era clean power plan aimed at reducing carbon emissions from power plants and rolled back emissions standards for vehicles.
    Although the EU says it is pressing ahead with its plans to address global warming, the overall ability of the world to tackle the issue is limited due to the about-turn by the US, Hoekstra told Euronews.

    As the world’s second largest emitter of CO2 gas, its “clearly deeply unfortunate and a major blow to international effort”, Hoekstra said.
    “Climate change doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter for the heating up of the planet where CO2 is being pumped into the air,” he explained.
    “And if then the second largest emitter, the most formidable power across the globe in geopolitical terms, and the largest economy basically says, well, thanks but no thanks, we no longer play ball. That is, of course, something that has very significant consequences,” Hoekstra said.
    But Hoekstra says all might not be lost if US investors see the dividends from technologies in the green tech sector. He says the private sector will be instrumental in paving the way for innovation and the delivery of better, greener technologies, which will ultimately benefit the environment.

    “My read is that you will see in the US that whenever an investment in, for example, cleantech pays off, and as a side effect is also something that is good for climate, businesses are not gonna stop it,” he said.
    Hoekstra also pointed out that Europe needs to grasp this opportunity to win back or attract innovation to the continent in the growing, green technology sector through major European investment and a functioning capital markets system across the EU.
    “We need to reshape the landscape in such a way that innovation can flourish across Europe and that will take huge steps in terms of the capital markets union,” he said.
    It will take “way more investments from businesses and governments alike in tech and in AI,” Hoekstra concluded.

  • Air traffic strikes and staffing gaps – can the EU stop Europe’s summer travel chaos?

    Spain & Italy: The Summer Strikes Set the Stage for Europe’s Wild Ride

    Hold onto your hats, folks – the summer is already shaping up to be a circus of trains, flights, and footloose workers across the continent. Spain and Italy are throwing their own spotlight on the chaos, and you’ve got to see what the fuss is all about.

    Why the Strikes Matter

    • Public Transport: Thousands of commuters are stuck in transit queues, looking for the newest excuse for their delayed coffee orders.
    • Healthcare Schedules: Waiting rooms are swelling while doctors schedule their own “I’m on strike, we’ll get back to you soon” emails.
    • Tourism Buzz: Flights are diverting, cruise ships are delayed, and tourists are politely asking for extra nap time on the way to their destination.

    Europe’s “Record Disruption” – What This Means

    When you stack a 20‑kilometer long train line in Spain with an equally long flight saga in Italy, it proves that the continent’s whole operational engine is grinding to a halt. Every rail, bus, or plane that needs to get somewhere becomes a circus performer, juggling traffic lights, waiting passengers and a roaring 12‑hour engine schedule that doesn’t actually run.

    Things You Can Do (Just in Case)

    1. Plan Ahead: Check the latest schedules on your phone. If everything is delayed, sorry to announce that your “quick stop” might turn into a life‑changing appointment.
    2. Carry Snacks: Your travel companion deserves a cheese platter, a decent snack, and breakfast by 7 a.m.
    3. Stay Positive: Remember the word “circus” includes innumerable acts – the engines “get stuck” but they will finish it eventually.

    Bottom Line

    With the ongoing strikes in Spain and Italy, Europe is looking for a giant paycheck for the “Record Disruption” of this summer. If you’re traveling, keep your headphones close and your expectations low. Otherwise, just imagine the horses are barking louder than the engines are humming, and you’re already halfway fun!

    Out of the Way of the Chaos, Keep Smiling!

    Europe’s Skies Are in a “Messed‑Up” Season – Prepare for Turbulence!

    Hold onto your boarding passes. The European air‑traffic calendar has turned into a chaotic rollercoaster, and summer’s just getting started.

    What’s Kicking It Off?

    • Mass cancellations saved by over‑worked air traffic control teams.
    • Staff shortages hitting airlines harder than a bad Wi‑Fi buffer. #FlightDelay
    • More strikes than a bad haircut – France, Spain, Italy… Hey!

    Why It Matters:

    Let’s face it: tens of millions of vacationing and business‑traveling folks are already feeling the pinch. The last thing everyone needs is a last‑minute change of plans as soon as the “home” is out of sight.

    Only a Few Hours for Chaos to Unfold

    Hey, I know you’re thinking, “It’s still early July – nothing will happen.” That’s the classic “we’re just heating up” mistake. The ATC strike in France alone canceled 1,500 flights over two days, sending over a million passengers scrambling for the next flight.

    Continued Resignations & Air‑Traffic Strikes
    • Spain’s walkouts on the 26th —biggie.
    • Italy’s crew protests are on the horizon.
    • Airlines and operators are on edge, and the European Commission is under pressure to intervene.

    All that said, it’s pretty clear that a seamless summer is not on the menu. “Mind your own skies,” they say – you’re more likely to get a “thank you” in the form of a long delay.

    For the time being, keep a stress‑management kit, legendary snacks, and of course, a “maybe we should book a beach day instead” plan. It’s 2025, people—who would’ve thought flights could be a collection of suspense? But hey, you’ll still see sun, yes?

    Europe’s airspace crunch: What’s going wrong?

    European skies hit the bubble‑gum stage: overcrowding, layoffs, and a dose of drama

    Picture 2019—when air travel on the continent was humming along just fine. Today, Eurocontrol reports that flights are running at about 98 % of that glorious level. Sound exciting? Think again. The landscape is a knotty tangle of bottlenecks and a riot of disengaged staff.

    Route chaos & closed airways

    • Ukraine war‑zone → airspace shut for over three years. Think of it as the sky’s “no‑fly” zone.
    • Russia & Belarus → EU carriers barred from passing over. Airlines now funnel traffic through a handful of highways, causing traffic jam before the weather even enters the equation.
    • Result: hundreds of daily flights squeezed into a few corridors, turning the skies into a near‑real‑time traffic police drama.

    The core problem: a catastrophic staffing desert

    Touché—European ATC (air traffic control) centres aren’t just plagued by roads; they’re riddled with empty desks.

    Why? Post‑pandemic budget slashes and training delays have left a huge hole. Training a new controller takes a staggering 18 months, plus each trainee can only specialise in a quarter of the continent’s fractured airspace—managed by 40 different service providers.
    Shortcuts? Not an option.

    • In France and Germany, a quarter of the positions remain vacant.
    • Air France‑KLM CEO Ben Smith told The Independent that ATC staff in France have dwindled by up to 25 %.
    • Controllers, feeling the squeeze, are on strike to demand better working conditions, fueled by burnout and endless hours.

    When the sky turns into a battle of humans and hardware

    Every day, the European airport ecosystem drops the “milkshake”—coldest of storms, lacks the workforce to handle the flow. This is a non‑stop cognitive overload for controllers, a headline that has news outlets and everyday passengers alike glued to the scrolling screen.

    Bottom line

    The airspace and workforce crises are running in tandem, giving travel across Europe a dizzy (and expensive) ride.While 98 % of 2019 traffic arrives—thanks to a bunch of squashed routes—flight planning resembles solving a Rubik’s cube, only every piece is taken from a different puzzle.

    Frustration mounts among travellers and airlines

    When Flights Stall in France: Low‑Cost Airlines Get What They Deserve?

    France’s “no‑fly” rule during strikes has pulled a punch on budget airliners. Unlike Italy or Greece, the French government won’t let planes simply pass through its airspace when the air‑traffic controllers strike. That means carriers stuck in the continent’s skies are forced to bail out or slow down, and the steadiest casualties of the disruption are the low‑cost flyers.

    Ryanair’s Dreaded Diary of Delays

    • 5,000 flight‑hour penalty on a single June  day: Ryanair’s numbers hit a new low, demanding EU help.
    • “Hopeless mis‑management” by ATCs in France, Spain, Germany – as highlighted by the airline’s chief.
    • “Poor planning” and staff shortages have turned delays into a nightmare. O’Leary claims that next year’s chaos will out‑shine last year’s clipping case.

    Ryanair’s “Unacceptable” Call‑out

    Ryanair’s spokesperson slammed the ongoing disruptions as unacceptable—and gave a pointed jab at Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “EU Commission President von ‘Derlayed‑Again’ in six years has still taken zero action to protect overflights,” the CEO read in a press release dated 11 July.

    Why French ATCs Keep Stalling the Sky?

    When the next strike wave hits, the question is: will French air‑traffic controllers shut the EU skies again? The airline’s CEO wonders what’s holding them back. The answer, for Ryanair, lies in a classic mix of bureaucracy, economics, and the sheer flaw of “unjustified recreational strikes.”

    Tomorrow’s Threat: Least Post‑Stop

    Everyone’s watching the clock. One misstep could mean: thousands of seats, empty hands, and a frayed single‑market dream for European air travel.

    Calls for reform, but relief is far off

    Air Traffic Control Chaos: Passengers and Airlines Get So Riled

    When you start scrolling through pain‑staking “ATC Ruined Our Holiday” crowds, you can’t help but feel the anger slosh in a big, melodramatic way. The site not only spills out the sheer number of flights that went belly‑up in every nation, but it also gives you the contact details of transport ministers—just in case you decide to actually take the complaint route.

    Ryanair’s “League of Delays” – because why not keep score?

    • France: 1st place for turning planes into pies
    • Spain: second, with those oh-so-pleasant humidity delays
    • Germany: third, still not trained in the art of calm decision‑making

    Sadly, headaches are set to linger for travelers huge and high alike.

    EU Council’s Beefing Up of the Compensation Threshold

    Last month the Council decided that to qualify for a friendly €200‑ish booster in case your flight skates, you now have to be delayed by 4 hours on short‑haul and 6 hours on long‑haul. That’s a step up from the cozy 3‑hour rule that had everyone feeling all realigned. Surely this put the original buzz to a heavy‑handed punch? Airlines are not blowing for the monkey sticks they have.

    Airlines for Europe’s (A4E) Reaction

    • A4E: “We love taking the extra 1‑hour break! More time for a coffee? No! It’s a press ticket for a jock of a delay.”

    Meanwhile, one blood‑thickening structural big‑gummy that really should have been on the radar is the Single European Sky. Rather than a slick approach of many mini‑countries elbowing each other, it imagines a chill single skeleton that kindly wonders where to put 4,000 flights at 02:00pm.

    Policymakers Discuss – Implementation Waits on Politics

    • Parliament says Multi‑Sky could trip air capacity and halve delays, but
    • National interests and unions are like “…we don’t want to breakup the integrity… or are we?” – which sends it to the skip‑past board.

    All in one, the summer travelers are told: fasten your seatbelts, no quick slippers on the way out, and ride the unpredictable roller‑coaster for the next get‑it‑done.

  • Strikes at European airports this weekend could disrupt holiday plans for thousands of passengers

    Italy will be hit with widespread airport strikes on Saturday, impacting a range of airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Volotea and Wizz Air, among others.

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    Thousands of travellers could see their summer holiday plans thrown into mayhem this weekend due to planned strikes. 
    Airport workers in Italy will stage a four-hour nationwide strike on 26 July, potentially leading to dozens of flight delays and cancellations. 

    Demands for improved safety, better working conditions and work-life balance and national contract renewals are driving this industrial action. 
    Strike action is also taking place at airports across Spain and Portugal, adding to the potential travel chaos.

    Where will flights be affected by strikes?

    Major airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Wizz Air, Tui, Volotea and ITA Airways could be affected, as baggage handlers, ground staff and airport workers are expected to walk out at every major Italian airport from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday. 
    This includes the Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Florence, Naples and Venice airports. At Milan Linate airport, Swissport gate services and check-in staff will also strike. 

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    Earlier this month, Italian strikes caused 73 incoming and outgoing flights to be cancelled in one day. This included flights from Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Venice Marco Polo and Naples. 
    Spanish flights are also likely to be impacted this weekend, as budget Spanish airline Volotea’s crew and pilots stage a strike on Saturday as well. This could have a widespread impact across key European air travel routes. The airline currently flies to more than 100 European cities. 
    In Portugal, workers at the former Groundforce, now Menzies Aviation, will strike during the last weekend of July and the last four weekends of August. The strike could particularly affect Lisbon Airport.
    The strike by workers at SPdH/Menzies, formerly Groundforce, begins on 26 July at midnight and ends on 29 July at midnight. The protest will be repeated during weekends in August, from 8 to 11, 15 to 18, 22 to 25 and 29 August to 1 September.

    Major airports, including Lisbon, will be particularly badly affected.

    What can travellers do?

    While these upcoming strikes will no doubt cause inconveniences, there are several steps travellers can take to stay prepared and better informed. 
    This includes checking the Italian Ministry of Transport’s website for official strike information as well as asking specific airlines and airports for the latest updates. Travellers are also advised to confirm the status of their flight before leaving for the airport. 
    If travel plans cannot be changed around strike dates, avoiding peak hours while heading to the airport and arriving with plenty of time to spare can help as well. 
    Under Italian law, minimum service levels are required during strike action, which ensures that some flights operate as usual. Flights scheduled between 7am and 10am and between 6pm and 9pm usually fall under these regulations and are likely to not be impacted. 

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    The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) also publishes a list of guaranteed flights, which travellers can check for alternative arrangements. Flights to certain islands, such as to and from Sardinia, Sicily and Lampedusa, are often excluded from strikes as well. 
    Travellers may be entitled to compensation in some cases. 
    “Under EU Regulation 261/2004, when disruption to a passenger’s journey is caused by an airline’s own employees, such as the planned Volotea staff strike, passengers may be eligible for compensation. This is because instances like these are considered within the airline’s responsibility,” Darina Kovacheva, head of Legal at SkyRefund, said. 
    She added: “Volotea passengers whose flights are either delayed or cancelled at short notice due to this industrial action may be entitled to compensation of £250–£520 (€286.9-€453.2), based on the distance of their flight.”

  • A new energy bridge: Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan unite for a Green Corridor to Europe

    In a move aiming to reshape the regional energy landscape and bring Central Asia closer to Europe, the three countries have launched a joint venture, seeking to develop a new transcontinental green energy corridor.

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    Officially registered in Baku, Green Corridor Union LLC will coordinate efforts to export surplus renewable electricity from Central Asia to Europe via high-voltage transmission infrastructure.
    More than a strategic partnership, this initiative signals a geopolitical and economic shift toward interregional cooperation, sustainability, and energy diversification — themes high on the agenda for European institutions and markets increasingly turning toward cleaner alternatives.

    From vision to action

    The roots of the project stretch back to COP29 in Baku, where the presidents of all three countries signed a declaration on strategic cooperation in green energy. A few days ago, the vision became reality: Uzbekistan’s National Electric Grids, Kazakhstan’s KEGOC, and Azerbaijan’s AzerEnergy signed the founding documents to create Green Corridor Union LLC. The company is now headed by Farhad Mammadov.
    The corridor aims to connect solar and wind-rich regions in Central Asia to European energy grids via a complex chain of transmission infrastructure: across Kazakhstan, beneath the Caspian Sea, through Azerbaijan and Georgia, and ultimately into Romania — a plan that would link the Caspian Basin to the heart of the European Union.

    Azerbaijan: Gateway to Europe

    Azerbaijan, with its growing renewable capacity and strategic Black Sea access, is set to play the role of final connector in the Green Corridor. From its shores, the power generated in Central Asia would cross the Black Sea via a proposed subsea cable toward Romania, forming what could become the first trans-Caspian green energy link to the EU.
    “The unification of our energy systems is both a strategic and historic step,” said Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov. “This initiative marks the beginning of the Caspian Green Energy Corridor — the first of its kind.”
    Azerbaijan has already signed a memorandum of cooperation with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, with plans to conclude an Intergovernmental Agreement on Strategic Partnership in Green Energy during COP29.

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    According to Shahbazov, the countries are now conducting feasibility studies for laying a high-voltage cable under the Caspian Sea and through Georgia into Europe.
    Azerbaijan’s energy capacity stands at 8.4 GW, with renewables accounting for over 21% of that figure. The country exported over 1.2 billion kWh of electricity in the first nine months of 2024 alone.
    “This is about more than just power lines,” Shahbazov noted. “It’s about aligning our technologies, policies, and long-term ambitions together with Europe.” Signing of the charter agreement to establish the Green Corridor Alliance LLC by representatives of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.Signing of the charter agreement to establish the Green Corridor Alliance LLC by representatives of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
    Courtesy of the Press Service of National Electric Grids of Uzbekistan JSC

    Uzbekistan’s investment boom

    Uzbekistan has rapidly accelerated its green energy transformation. According to the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, the country expects to produce more than 135 billion kWh of electricity by 2030, with 10-15 billion kWh available for export, much of it from solar and wind.
    “Over just one year, we tripled investment in green energy,” Mirzamakhmudov told Euronews. “In 2023, €1.2 billion in foreign direct investment was absorbed by the sector. By the end of 2024, we expect that figure to exceed €4.23 billion euros.”

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    These investments are not only building capacity — they are reshaping the energy map of Uzbekistan. The country now has more than 4.2 GW of renewable capacity online, with plans to reach 20 GW by 2030, amounting to 40% of total electricity generation. Solar and wind projects are underway in nearly every region, from the deserts of Navoi to the steppes of Karakalpakstan.
    The minister emphasized that “all projects are supported by a reliable legal framework, and the President personally monitors their progress”. According to Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbekistan’s renewable output this year has already saved 1.3 billion cubic metres of gas and reduced emissions by 1.8 million tons of CO₂, representing measurable progress toward its COP commitments.

    Kazakhstan: From transit to transformation

    For Kazakhstan, the Green Corridor is more than just a passage — it’s a strategic investment in regional leadership and green growth.
    “This project is one of the most strategically important for our energy sector,” said Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Erlan Akkenzhenov. “It allows us to capitalise on our renewable potential and establish a sustainable export route for clean electricity to Europe.”
    The country’s role as a key transit hub will be supported by KEGOC, which is responsible for national grid operations. While financial commitments are still being negotiated, Kazakhstan has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with partners and financial institutions including the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which are supporting the preparation of feasibility studies.

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    “We don’t see insurmountable technical barriers,” Akkenzhenov told Euronews. “The logistics are clear: energy flows from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan, across the Caspian, through Azerbaijan and beyond.”
    He sees the project as a model for future cross-border energy cooperation, not just within Central Asia but between the region and Europe. “It’s a project of the future,” he added. “One that connects energy, environment, and economic opportunity”.The founding agreement for Green Corridor Alliance LLC is signed by representatives of the three national grid companies.The founding agreement for Green Corridor Alliance LLC is signed by representatives of the three national grid companies.
    Press Service of National Electric Grids of Uzbekistan JSC

    European eyes on the corridor

    As Europe pushes toward climate neutrality and energy security, initiatives like the Green Corridor are drawing increasing interest. The proposed interconnection would not only boost supply diversification for Europe but also bring long-term geopolitical and economic benefits both to the EU and Central Asia.
    The project aligns with EU Green Deal objectives and the Global Gateway strategy, which aims to invest in sustainable infrastructure across partner regions. Talks are ongoing with European institutions, and all three countries have expressed interest in attracting European investors and developers to the initiative.
    While the promise is bold, challenges remain: undersea transmission cables require massive investment and advanced engineering. Political coordination, particularly over transit routes and regional tensions, must be navigated carefully. Financing the multi-billion-euro infrastructure will also require sustained international support.
    But the foundation has been laid. The joint venture has been formed. Feasibility studies are underway. And momentum is building.

  • Ryanair and EasyJet Urge EU Action After French ATC Strikes Disrupt Travel Chaos

    French Flight Frenzy: Over 1 Million Passengers Left in the Dust!

    It’s a summer jam! A nationwide strike by French air‑traffic controllers has left more than one million travellers scrambling. Airlines have already sounded the alarm that summer chaos could keep piling up.

    • Who’s in the Line of Fire? Airlines like Air France, easyJet, and others are bracing themselves.
    • What’s the Forecast? Expect delays, cancellations, and a whole lot of “no‑fly‑in” mayhem.
    • Why the Buzz? Workers are demanding better pay and greener skies.

    So snuggle into your comfy slippers, maybe grab a snack, and remember: the sky’s not the limit—it’s just a big, moving deck.

    Gut‑Wrenching Strikes: EasyJet’s Summer Slam!

    What’s the Scoop?

    When French air traffic controllers threw a two‑day walkout on July 3‑4, EasyJet found itself juggling chaos on the runway and a broke bill. Kenton Jarvis, the airline’s CEO, called the disruption “unacceptable” and said the crew and travelers were “extremely unhappy.”

    Key Numbers That Hit the Belly

    • More than 1 million passengers got tangled up in the gridlock.
    • EasyJet scrubbed a whopping 660 flights.
    • Financial damage? Roughly £15 million (about €17.3 million).

    Why the French Control?

    Since the summer kickoff, French air traffic has been the top culprit behind EasyJet delays. The “walk‑out” over weak working conditions turned a simple schedule slip into a full‑blown cost crisis.

    Jarvis Calls for a Fix

    Jarvis isn’t just looking for a pat on the back. He wants the French government to take a hard look at ANSPs (air navigation service providers) and push for long‑term improvements. “They’ve been the worst performer in Europe,” he says, “and it’s time we move past the short‑sighted scramble.”

    What’s Next?

    As Europe braces for a potentially repeat of the summer saga, passengers and airlines alike are fans of “flight‑aware optimism.” If the French take this seriously, perhaps we’ll all see smoother skies and fewer mid‑air drama. Until then, keep your boarding passes handy and your sense of humor even tighter.

    Why are French air traffic controllers striking?

    When the Control Tower Bellowed: Flight‑Control Workers Take a Stand

    On 3 July and 4 July, two of France’s biggest air‑traffic control unions—UNSA‑ICNA and USAC‑CGT—pushed for a pause at their workstations. These are the second and third largest unions in the industry, while the giant SNCTA stayed out of the walkout.

    The Grass‑Roots Grievances

    Why halt the flow of flights, you ask? These unions are venting a long‑running list of workplace complaints, mostly centered around ridiculous issues:

    • Staggeringly under‑staffed control towers.
    • Equipment that feels like it’s straight out of a museum— “age‑old” and downright unreliable.
    • Management’s “toxic” culture, which has apparently turned the office into a surveillance state.

    One of the highlights? A new biometric time‑clock that watches every tick. It’s a fancy way of saying, “We’re keeping an ear on you.”

    What the Unions Want

    Short answer: better working conditions. Long answer: a safer, more efficient runway for everyone. They’re hoping the French Directorate General for Civil Aviation will finally listen to the crew who actually keeps planes moving.

    One Quick Word on Work‑Life

    These pilots tell you: when you’re stuck under a flickering sky‑pixel lighting system with no spare staff, picking up the phone feels like a marathon. Let’s give them a breather—literally.

    Ryanair calls for EU action on ‘recreational’ strikes

    Air Travel Chaos: French Controllers, Ryanair, and the Summer Storm

    Picture this: summer vacations, sun‑burned beaches, and an avalanche of flight cancellations because the people making the skies safe in France threw a “recreational” strike. And the drama gets a spice‑up from Ryanair’s bold CEO, who’s ready to shout about it from the rooftops.

    Ryanair’s Take on France’s “Time Off” Protest

    Ryanair’s communications guru, Jade Kirwan, dropped a warning to The Telegraph about the French air traffic control staff’s plans. “Some folks kept striking or called in sick over the weekend,” she said, adding there might be more cancellations on the horizon.

    Below is what the airline’s team was concerned about:

    • A second wave of strikes could hit on the side of already chaotic summer trips.
    • Passengers might face massive travel disruptions as flights vanish.
    • Ryanair fears these “unjustified recreational” strikes could become a ritual, repeating week after week.

    Michael O’Leary Speaks the Unfiltered Language

    In his own words, Ryanair’s CEO has left no room for ambiguity:
    “What’s stopping French air traffic controllers from closing the EU skies again next week or the week after with more of these unjustified recreational strikes?”

    As the summer holiday rush approaches, passengers are left holding their breath, wondering if the skies will clear or if the French controllers will keep playing a long‑term game of “hit or miss.”

    What Happens Next?

    Once the news spreads, airlines are gearing up for a tightrope walk. Will they pull out plans, adjust schedules, or just hope the French controllers eventually stop playing fetch with the planes?

    It’s a high‑stakes show, and the future of flight may hinge on whether the controllers agree to take a break from the “recreational” streak and actually get the job done.

    A Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX takes off from Lisbon airport.

    Ryanair’s Strut at Lisbon — It’s not just the wind

    Picture this: a Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX zips out of Lisbon’s runway, the sky looks clear, but the reality on the ground – well, it’s a different story.

    Why the Flights Got Stuck

    • Air traffic control walkout: In a two‑day strike, controllers decided to take a breather – and that’s when chaos started to seep in.
    • Nearly 90% could’ve been saved: One of the airline’s top brass mentioned that most of the cancellations were avoidable if the European Commission had stepped in.
    • EU’s air traffic drama: Ryanair says the EU needs a serious makeover to keep flights from turning into a drama series during controller strikes.

    A4E’s Take on the Mess

    The biggest airline association in Europe isn’t holding back either. Here’s the scoop:

    • French air traffic control – “one of the weakest links”, according to the group.
    • Georgoutsakou, the Managing Director of A4E, highlighted how France’s delay charts are among the worst in Europe.

    What They’re Asking For

    It’s not just about keeping planes in the sky. The airlines want: You can’t just talk about flying; we want policy action today.

    In short: If the EU got involved sooner, maybe the flights would have kept flying, and we could all save our weekend plans.

    How did air traffic control walkouts impact flights?

    Air Traffic Chaos: Nearly 3,000 Flights Took a Pass in the Skies

    What the Numbers Tell Us

    When a two‑day walkout hit EUROCONTROL, the airspace turned into a whirlwind of cancellations and delays.

    • Almost 3,000 flights cancelled – that’s like a small airline’s entire season!
    • More than 7,400 flights delayed – passengers hanging in the hangars had to wait for a long time.
    • Roughly 1 million travelers felt the shockwaves, including about 200,000 who couldn’t fly as planned.

    Timing Tumbles Down‑hill

    The usual “on‑time” streak fell from the June average of 75 % to only 64 % over the two‑day period.

    Where the Chaos Hit Hard

    European routes that normally skim France’s skies bore the brunt. Flows from:

    • Spain
    • UK
    • Italy

    These regional connections were especially stranded, showing how freight lanes routed over France just feel the tremors.

    Economic Fallout

    Eurocontrol reckons the strikes cost the aviation world a whopping €120 million:

    • €47 million for delays
    • €72 million for outright cancellations
    • Another chunk for passenger care and support

    Industry Outlook

    A European Union spokesperson warned that this summer might become the most delinquent season yet, due to a cocktail of staff shortages, strikes, fires, and travel demand.

    Takeaway

    As the air traffic controllers take a well‑earned break, the aviation world is reminded that even the skies aren’t immune to a bit of downtime. Passengers face a pile‑up of lost tickets, broken itineraries, and a chilly lesson in patience. Stay tuned for the next chapter in book 2 of “Air Traffic Adventures.”

  • Danish Minister: Tech Giants Can Instantly Verify Children’s Ages

    Kids & the Net: Why Online Giants Are Scrubbing the Devils Out

    Why the Pressure Is Rising

    Ever since a handful of kids stumbled upon a bedtime comic that turned into a wild content nightmare, the world’s tech leaders have had to step up their game. The buzz isn’t just about a few tweets or a viral meme; it’s about keeping the digital playground safe for the future generation.

    The Mission: Clean the Net for Tiny Users

    Think of the internet as a giant carnival. Some rides are thrilling, but a few are downright chaotic. Platforms now have a duty: make sure the carnival keeps the kiddie rides safe and the scream-inducing ones out of reach.

    What Tools Are the Platforms Using?

    • Kid‑Friendly Filters: Same old magic filters, but now smarter—learning what’s okay to show and flipping the bad stuff out like a bad picture in a photo‑proof.
    • Parental Gate: A virtual do‑orkeeper that lets parents decide who sees what. No more accidental exposures to flashing gotchas.
    • Context‑Aware AI: Keeps an eye on the chatter, finds trouble before you even notice it, and nudges content that might be a slippery slope.
    • Community Reporting: Encourages kids, parents and mentors to flag content—like a whistleblowing tool for mosquitoes in a garden.

    Outcomes & Real‑World Impact

    Even though the tech wizards don’t want to sound like a TED Talk, the numbers show it’s working. On average, content flagged as unsafe has dropped by 40% across top platforms. That means fewer “spider‑web” moments for toddlers scrolling through channels.

    A Few Seconds of Humor

    Why do parents dread scrolling in the dark? Because they’re already “punking” it with an AI that thinks company logos on “drugs” movies are a bad fit. But honestly, it brings us to a revamp phase: the kind of click‑bait that’s safe for your grand‑kid’s bedtime stories.

    Conclusion: The Net Won’t Replace a Spider‑Web

    As long as we’ll stay vigilant, hammer whatever’s dirty, and keep the big tech in the loop, we can say “no to harmful content” without losing the magic of discovery for kids. We’ll keep navigating the charging curve—just a little smarter.

    Age Verification: Big Tech to Tackle Child Safety

    Denmark’s Digital Minister, Caroline Stage Olsen, rallies the world’s biggest platforms to stay on their toes as the EU hammers on new child‑protection measures.

    Denmark’s Minister Talks Bold Predictions

    • Stage Olsen tells Euronews: “These mega‑companies are worth more than half the EU’s GDP combined. They’ll crack it wide open.”
    • She’s confident they’ll hire the brightest tech minds to drop a cost‑effective system that filters minors from adult content.

    EU Collaboration on Age Verification

    • Five countries—Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Spain—hand‑shake on a bespoke national app to let users prove they’re 18+ before opening restricted content.
    • Long‑term goal: embed age‑checks inside the European Digital Identity Wallets (eID) launching next year.
    • Under the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), the EU is nudging for stronger safeguards. But up till now, there’s no single EU‑wide standard.

    CSAM Regulations and the Big Tech Push

    • 2022’s CSAM regulation now under debate in the EU Council is all about blocking child sexual abuse material and protecting minors from predators.
    • Meta’s last‑year pitch: A harmonised age‑verification & safety system. If a kid wants an app, app stores would ping parents. A scorching idea, but maybe too pricey for all vendors.
    • Big tech feels the heat; some are rolling out AI‑powered tools, but the picture is still a patchwork.

    Future Plans and Leadership

    • Denmark, sitting at EU minister’s chair this month, is using its presidency to push child safety to the top of the agenda.
    • Stage Olsen promises: “I’ll keep this on the agenda, set clear political ambition, and shape EU policy for years to come.”
    • In early next year, a Digital Fairness Act is slated to obligate these safeguards—making age‑verification a yes‑or‑no for all platforms.

    Bottom line: The big players will pull together to put a safety layer over their user experience. With European lawmakers keeping the pressure on, the next wave of age‑verification tech will either be a win‑win or a ticking‑time‑bomb for children’s online safety.