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Tag: Euronews

  • Young Inventors Prize Unveils Game-Changing Sustainable Tech Innovations

    EU’s New Hero‑Level Award for Young Innovators

    Think of it as the Caped Crusader of the invention world—only the cape is a patent, and the mission? Delivering cool solutions for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The European Patent Office (EPO) has rolled out this award to cheer on the next generation of problem‑solvers.

    Why it matters

    These budding geniuses bring fresh ideas to tackle real‑world challenges—like making our cities greener, securing clean water, and boosting economic growth without harming the planet. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning an eureka moment into something that outlives your coffee break, this prize is your golden ticket.

    What the award includes

    • Financial boost: A generous grant to help prototype and test concepts.
    • Mentorship: Guidance from seasoned inventors and industry leaders.
    • Publicity: Featured spotlight in EPO’s flagship publication and on its website.
    • A networking network: A chance to meet peers, investors, and policy makers.
    How to qualify

    Applicants must be under 35, hold an active patent in the EPO’s jurisdiction, and demonstrate how their invention aligns with one or more of the 17 SDGs.

    Call to action

    So, if you’re 25‑ish, running on caffeine, and have a prototype that could change the world, apply now! The deadline is quick—think of it as a sprint, not a marathon.

    Meet the Future‑Makers: 10 Young Inventions that Could Change the World

    At a buzzing ceremony in Reykjavík, Iceland, the European Patent Office (EPO) dropped the mic on a group of 30‑under‑old geniuses who’re already rewriting the playbook for global sustainability.

    Who’s on the Prize List?

    • Rare‑Earth Recycling Hero – turning the pricey metal scraps from tech gadgets into reusable gold.
    • Food‑Preservation Wizard – keeping our grub fresh without shouting “use me before the date!” on every package.
    • Carbon‑Capture Bandit – snatching up CO₂ from the atmosphere before it can brag.
    • … and seven more brilliant minds who brought a fresh spin to health, clean energy, and biodiversity.

    Special Awards for the “Tomorrow Shapers”

    Beyond the ten main prizes, the EPO handed out three extra golden tickets: World Builders, Community Healers, and Nature Guardians. These stickers highlight inventions that don’t just solve a problem—they spark a whole new way of living.

    People’s Voice Takes the Spotlight

    One of the finalists was voted “People’s Choice” by a crowdsourced poll. It’s the ultimate cherry on the sundae—your vote gave a spotlight to a project that resonated with the public, proving that innovation is not just for the academic elite.

    Why It Matters

    With 450 candidates worldwide, the EPO’s selection showcases what brains, tenacity, and a dash of curiosity can do for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From cutting-edge recycling to community‑level health solutions, these fresh faces are setting the tone for a greener, kinder planet.

    What the Winners Say

    • “We’re not just inventing; we’re redefining the future.” – a spokesperson for the Rare‑Earth Recycling project.
    • “Cooking stays delicious—no more sad salads.” – the Food‑Preservation champion explains the joy of fresh meals.
    • “Carbon? We’re hitting it like a pro.” – a bit of swagger from the Carbon‑Capture team.

    And so the EPO opens the door to a future bright with hope, saying: “The young are the real innovators, and the world must listen.”

    Capturing carbon emissions and redefining fashion

    Meet the Earth‑Saving Twins: Neeka & Leila Mashouf

    Guess what? The Nature Guardians prize didn’t go to some giant corporation— it landed on an unlikely duo: twin sisters from the US who turned a climate crisis into a cool new fabric. They’re the brains behind Rubi, a company that turns plain old CO₂ into super‑green fibers. Think of it as turning a greenhouse gas into a next‑gen jacket.

    Why this matters

    • Textiles suck up 8 % of global CO₂.
    • Traditional cotton farming gobbles up land, water, and pesticide.
    • Rubi’s enzymatic wizardry mimics how trees breathe — but it doesn’t need a plot of forest.

    How Rubi works

    Imagine a tree growing its trunk, leaves, and branches by sucking CO₂ from the air. The Mashouf sisters took that idea and replaced the tree with a lab‑grade enzyme cocktail. They capture CO₂, feed it through their “tree‑in‑a‑vial” system, and get cellulose fibers ready for textiles—all without the need for a backyard forest.

    What Neeka told Euronews

    “A tree breathes CO₂, turns it into wood, and grows tall. We replicate that work, but in a bottle. The end product is a fiber you can weave, but we never have to chop down trees.”

    Why people love them
    • They’re twin sisters, so you can brag about your “double the impact” teamwork.
    • Their process runs on minimal water and land.
    • It’s basically a rail‑road to a less‑polluted wardrobe.

    So next time you rinse out your cotton hoodie, give a nod to the Mashouf twins and Rubi. Their legacy? A world where clothes are made from the very air we billow, no trees or vast farms required.

    Biodegradable sachet to combat food waste

    Meet the Trailblazers Who Turned Fruit Into a Lasting Adventure

    Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita have taken the spotlight after snagging the Community Healers award. These Ugandan entrepreneurs pulled out of their farming familiarities to create a clever, biodegradable sachet that keeps fruit fresh for a surprising amount of time.

    Why This Matters: Food Waste and the Planet

    Did you know that food waste alone accounts for a staggering 10% of CO₂ emissions? That’s right—our shoddy bother with fruit is turning the planet into a hot kitchen. And now, thanks to Karpolax, we can stop that mess.

    The Genius Behind the Sachet

    • Made from plant‑based components.
    • Slows the ripening process so fruits stay juicy, not mushy.
    • Extends shelf life by up to 30 days.
    How It Works (in Plain English)

    Sandra says, “Karpolax is basically a bag you toss into fruit crates during storage or on the way to you. Inside, it nudges an active substance that stops the phospholipase D enzyme—think of it as the villain that makes fruit membranes decay.”

    Quick Takeaway for You

    Next time you’re about to toss out a banana, think of Karpolax as your secret sidekick. With a little burst of plant power, you can keep fruit fresher and help the world breathe a bit easier.

    Recycling rare earths

    Marie Perrin’s Green Gold: Reclaiming Rare Earths from Lamps

    When it comes to turning everyday trash into tech treasure, Marie Perrin—her mix of French flair and American science has won the World Builders prize for a brilliant new recycling process.

    Why Rare Earths Matter

    There are 17 rare earth elements on the periodic table—think neodymium and europium—which are the secret sauce behind phones, laptops, wind turbines, and electric cars. But the earth’s supply of these gems is dominated by China, creating a geopolitical choke‑hold that could leave the auto sector choking for quality.

    Marie’s “Magic” Solution

    Instead of mining the planet’s bowels, Perrin’s team has figured out how to fish down europium from discarded fluorescent lamps. This method sidesteps the usual environmental damage that comes with traditional mining, giving us a cleaner, greener supply chain.

    Key Take‑aways
    • Building blocks of tomorrow: 17 essential elements for modern tech.
    • China’s control: The giant that currently runs the rare earths market.
    • New protein‑fast recycling: Pulling rare earths out of light bulbs, literally.
    • Environmental win: Less mining equals less ecological mess.
    • Geopolitical boost: European tech can shore up itself against supply bottlenecks.

    “Recycling is a bit of a magic bullet—both geopolitically and environmentally,” Perrin told Euronews, reflecting on the dual benefits of her breakthrough. As the world leans heavily on battery‑powered solutions, solutions like this could help keep production lines flickering on without the heavy glare of old mining practices.

    Smart food label

    Spanish Scientists Turn Food Packaging into a Bacteria Detector

    When a trio of clever researchers from Spain snagged the People’s Choice prize, they did more than brag about their lab work. Pilar Granado, Pablo Sosa Domínguez, and Luis Chimeno unveiled a biodegradable label that literally changes colour in the presence of bacteria, letting you know in real time if your cereal or cheese is still safe to munch.

    What This Label Gives You

    • Instant Read‑out: The sticker turns from calm blue to a fiery red when it senses harmful microbes.
    • No More Guesswork: Forget those mysterious expiration dates—now the label does the brain‑checking for you.
    • Food‑Poisoning Prevention: Spotting spoilage early means fewer stomach upsets.
    • Waste Reduction: Help curb Europe’s 59 million tonnes of yearly food waste by keeping food out of the landfill.

    Why It Matters

    According to Chimeno, the award is “a recognition of our path” and a nod to the power of everyday solutions. The label is already on supermarket shelves, so you can start testing it next time you’re about to ditch that half‑used pizza slice.

    Quick Takeaways

    Say goodbye to blind expiration dates. With this biodegradable tag, you’ll know if your food is truly safe, right at a glance. It’s a small change that could save millions of tonnes of food across Europe—and keep our bellies happy at the same time.

  • Spain’s vocational aerospace schools prepare young workers for global careers and skills mobility

    In Andalusia, Spain, a state-of-the-art vocational training centre is giving students hands-on skills for the aerospace sector—part of a broader EU effort to close skill gaps across industries.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    In La Rinconada, near Seville, a new public aerospace training centre is preparing students for the factory floors of the future.
    The CPIFP Javier Imbroda institute offers practical, hands-on learning—giving young people and mid-career workers the tools to join the global aviation industry. It’s the largest vocational education project in Andalusia, backed by €99.4 million from the European Social Fund Plus invested in the region.

    As part of the EU’s Pact for Skills, the centre aligns education with labour market needs while expanding access across age groups. With a focus on mobility, women, and STEM careers, it embodies the Union of Skills initiative—training students for careers that may start in Spain but reach far beyond.

  • Glamp Among the Stars: Stay at the World’s First Cosmodrome—Coming Soon!

    From Rocket Launchpads to Luxury Tipis: Kazakhstan’s Space‑Age Makeover

    Who knew that the quiet rubble of a decommissioned launch site could blossom into the ultimate family vacation destination? Kazakhstan is trading its once‑stale space corridors for glamping gear, glossy museums, and a whole new “out‑of‑this‑world” travel scene.

    Glamping That’s Above and Beyond

    • Inflatable Igloos that look like giant snow globes, complete with LED ukuleles —
    • Rover‑style tents that can swing across the launchpad’s former sandy expanse (good for martial arts training, if you ask us)
    • Space‑y pop‑corn stations – you’ll feel a souvenir after every bite.

    Museums as a New Playground

    The old rocket archives? Redeveloped into interactive exhibits where kids can build miniature rockets with play‑dough, while adults enjoy a realistic VR launch simulation at the touch of a button.

    Family‑Friendly Tourism Hub

    • Hill‑top picnic spots that offer a panoramic view of the endless horizon.
    • “Star‑bucks” coffee stations serving planet‑wide blends.
    • Guided night‑sky tours with expert stargazers that talk about the “history of an abandoned balloon.”

    All this activity has turned Kazakhstan’s forgotten space sites into the hottest new hotspots where you can laugh, learn and launch a perfect holiday.

    From Launchpads to Luggage: Baikonur’s New Tourist Boom

    Russia keeps leasing the mighty Baikonur Cosmodrome, but turns out it’s been handing over more than 50 old‑mistake outposts to Kazakhstan. And guess what? The next chapter isn’t about rocket science—it’s about braving the space‑theme hospitality we’ve all dreamed of.

    Turning derelict launch sites into year‑round attractions

    • Gagarin’s Launchpad: the iconic strip that launched Yuri Gagarin’s “first human in space” in 1961.
    • Immersive experiences: Step into a recreated 1960s launch sequence, feel the rumble, and maybe make a toast to the first astronaut.
    • Hotels & Glamping: Star‑inspired suites and chic tents for those who love the spirit of adventure.
    • Kids’ Camp: Where little helpers learn “how to build rockets” (and how to build sandcastles, too).

    And because the government wants this to be a serious mission, they’ve entrusted the upkeep of Gagarin’s decommissioned launchpad to their national aerospace committee company. This means they’re now in charge of figuring out the budgets, maintenance schedules, and, most importantly, keeping the site visitor‑friendly.

    The Upshot

    If you’re into space history or just love a good vacation spot, this is the place that’s coming together—lunchtime? Luggage ready. Let’s not wait for the next rocket launch to make the trip; let’s be there years round instead!

    The Aerospace committee company receiving the ‘keys’ to Gagarin’s launchpad at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

    Looted Launchpad: Russia Yields Gagarin’s Gate to Kazakhstan

    In a blockbuster move that felt like a big‑screen movie reversal, Russia handed the keys to the historic launchpad where Yuri Gagarin first punched his way into the cosmos to the steadfast lands of Kazakhstan in June. The epic swap marks the end of a decades‑long lease and the beginning of a new adventure for the region.

    Why the Bazaar‑Like Transaction Means More Than Just Paperwork

    • Real Ownership: Kazakhstan is now the master of a site that sits on the very soil the first human ever left Earth from.
    • Future Proof: The “keys” symbolize not just control, but a promise of fresh possibilities for tourism and culture.
    • Historic Legacy: Visitors will soon hear the echo of rockets and the whispers of Soviet ambition in a place that once blazed with ambition.

    What’s on the Horizon for Kazakh Tourism?

    “Picture the launchpad turned into a walk‑through museum, a live‑action comic book, or a chill tourist hub — a landing pad where history meets heart,” jokes Representative Kairat Nurtay of Kazakhstan’s Presidential Office at Baikonur. The vision? A place where each step feels like a launch: an ancient yet accessible footprint that you could actually photograph with your phone.

    Here’s What Tourists Will Love:
    1. Guided Tours: From the engine pits to the missile pads, learn every steel detail that powered humanity’s leap.
    2. Interactive Exhibits: Roll up your sleeves and grip mock rocket controls – the kind of hands‑on that make the space sauce real.
    3. Historical Narratives: Hear stories from those who launched dreams, like Gagarin’s 1961 biscuit‑taste memory of Leningrad and beyond.
    4. Local Cafe: Sample Kazakh tea alongside a quick brews of nostalgia.
    Final Thought

    So grab your passport, pack your curiosity, and step onto the very same pad that once launched a dream. Kazakhstan is ready to unwind the universe to your visit—just make sure you keep your seats, life jackets, and sense of humor ready.

    ‘A powerful source of inspiration’

    Baikonur’s Cosmic Comeback: From Rocket Junkyard to Star‑Trek Museum

    Heads up! In September, the Cheyenne‑like sky‑wiping site of Baikonur is set to get a brand‑new tourism stamp. The first thing on the itinerary? A thorough safety inspection of its retired gizmos—old launchpads, rusted engines, and everything that’s “decommissioned” but not dead.

    Why all the fuss?

    • Preserving a Space Legacy – The place where Yuri Gagarin took his first leap into the cosmos and where the mighty Energia rockets were given their final polishing touch.
    • Recreating Iconic Sites – The plan is to rebuild the launchpad and the Assembly & Fueling Complex into a sprawling open‑air museum.
    • Showcasing the Buran Shuttle – Yep, that sleek spaceplane that Russia built as a cheeky reply to the U.S. Space Shuttle. Packed with stories of daring launches and a few chuckles about “who’s the better spaceplane?”

    What’s in the Museum?

    Picture a wide‑open plaza where you can see the very pad Gagarin stepped onto and walk beside the Assembly Complex where the colossal Energia rocket was once moored. There will be interactive exhibits, some vintage rocket parts on display, and a few stand‑up jokes about how the Buran’s fuel was supposedly “the taste of… the Milky Way.”

    Tourist Tip

    Don’t forget to bring your camera. The ruins themselves tell a story, but the reconstructed monuments give you that “I was here” feeling, plus a postcard-worthy backdrop for your Instagram feed.

    Final Thought

    So, next September, Baikonur isn’t just a dot on a map—it’s a launchpad to nostalgia, wonder, and a touch of humor that reminds us the universe is always ready for a little lighter footfall.

    The Energia-Buran Launch Complex.

    Revving Up the Cosmos: Energia‑Buran’s Dream Destination

    Picture a space‑port that feels more like a theme park than a launch site. The Energia‑Buran Launch Complex is taking a bold leap—mixing rocket science with hospitality like never before.

    What the Big Picture Looks Like

    • Hotel‑style accommodations for rocket‑enthusiasts and their families.
    • Glamping zones that let you sleep under the stars while the rockets do their thing.
    • A visitor centre brimming with interactive displays and a retail hub stocked with space‑gear.
    • Restaurants ranging from gourmet tasting menus to themed “Mars‑meat” burger joints.
    • And a children’s camp that turns little dreamers into future engineers.

    Why It’s a Big Deal

    According to Baubek Oralmagambetov, Chairman of the Aerospace Committee, “Space is, above all, a dream for humanity. It’s the ultimate adventure into unknown galaxies and Earth‑altering planets.” And he adds, “Robotic tours of the launch complex are more than a thrill—they’re a launchpad for imagination. They inspire kids, spark curiosity about space history, and push them to chase higher ambitions.”

    What’s In It for the Kids (and the Adults)

    When children see a rocket blasting off, their eyes widen with wonder. That instant spark can lead to:

    • Curiosity that turns into STEM learning.
    • Motivation to hit school hard and reach for the stars.
    • Future careers in aerospace, engineering, or even astronautics.

    And for us adults, get ready to relive the thrill of the 80s space boom—right where the real glitz and tech meet.

    Still Plugged Into the Human Spirit

    Turns out, you don’t need a microscope or a telescope to feel a little awe. A ride from the ground up—plus a slice of space‑laden pizza—does the trick. The Energia‑Buran Launch Complex will invite all those who love rockets, cocktails, and the occasional “Let’s see where those rockets go!” question.

    Witnessing rocket launches from a yurt

    Zak Kazak: A Yurt‑Style Front‑Row for Rocket‑Lovers

    Last year, the people of Kazakhstan turned a rough‑hewn metal‑structured yurt into the ultimate viewing spot right by Baikonur’s furious 31st launch pad. Think of it as a cozy pavilion where you can watch rockets pop off without missing a beat.

    Launch Highlights This Season

    • Three launches so far, with three more lined up before the year wraps up.
    • Russian cargo mission at the turn of the week: a Soyuz rocket blasted off at 12:32 am on July 4.
    • The Progress 92 spacecraft carried almost three tonnes of vital food, fuel, and gear for the International Space Station.
    • Docked with the Poisk module on the following day—proof that the ISS is always hungry for supplies.

    Why the Yurt’s a Big Deal

    Beyond the novelty factor, the yurt offers uninterrupted views of launch pads that are usually off‑limits. Visitors can sit back and soak in the raw power of a Soyuz as it climbs, all while enjoying a taste of the steppe’s traditional canvas décor.

    Takeaway

    With rockets popping off and a sturdy yurt providing a front‑row seat, Baikonur’s 31st launch pad is turning Kazakhstan into a front‑line heavyweight for space‑enthusiasts. Keep an eye on the next run‑up — forty‑four minutes of disbelief are just a hop, skip, and a jump away.

    Baikonur Cosmodrome visitors watching the Launch of Soyuz-2.1a rocket inside the yurt


  • Baikonur’s Space‑Tasting Tour: Rocket Launches, Yurts and Ninjas of Adventure

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  • Picture this: you’re tucked inside a cozy yurt, the wind rattling the wooden beams, and you’re watching a Soyuz‑2.1a rocket blast off like a celestial firework show. That’s exactly what visitors are up to at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and the place is gearing up for a full‑blown tourist fiesta.

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  • Why 50,000 Smiles Are Coming

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  • According to officials, when the new lodgings finally pop up, Baikonur will be ready to seat a whopping 50,000 people each year by 2029. That’s a five‑time jump from where they’re at now.

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  • Leila’s Grand Tour Blueprint

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  • *“We’re building four big playgrounds for everyone,” says Leila Baky‑tova, the chief boss at the Kazakh Tourism board. She breaks it down:
    • Education first: kids and adults alike can learn the science behind rockets.
    • Culture & discovery: dive into the local history and get a taste of Kazakh life.
    • Event‑driven fun: think conferences that fire up the imagination.
    • Adventure & action: imagine road trips, drive forums, and other adrenaline‑thriving gigs.


  • And the MICE Twist

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  • The mastermind says that the “MICE” (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) world is ripe for Baikonur. Global event ideas could land right here, turning the space hub into a glittering conference centre.

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  • Tomorrow’s Playground, Today

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  • Experts point out that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Interactive exhibits and hands‑on simulations are coming up, turning the Cosmodrome into a playground where you can feel the rocket’s rumble before you ride it.

    *

  • So, whether you’re a space geek or just in for a wild sunset view, Baikonur is steering toward turning every visitor’s dream into a reality. Strap in—this adventure is about to blast off!

    *

    • Launch of Soyuz-2.1a rocket with the Progress MS-31 cargo transport ship from pad No. 31 on 4 July.

    Soyuz‑2.1a Strikes Up: Progress MS‑31 Takes Off from Baikonur

    What Went Down on July 4th

    Just when the world was looking for a fresh space adventure, the Soyuz‑2.1a blasted off from pad 31 at the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome. Its payload? The trusty Progress MS‑31 cargo ship, set to ferry supplies to orbiting stations.

    It’s Not Just a Rocket Infight

    • Explainer Corner: Rinat Kutdussov, a museum aficionado, told us that watching a launch over a screen can still feel like being the ground commander, not unlike the legendary Korolev.
    • Virtual reality is the key—audio, visuals, and even live feeds of astronauts in action—making every spectator feel like a crew member.
    • “Imagine the roar of the boosters, the hiss of vacuum, and the proud splash of launch pad lighting—makes you think, ‘I’m in this mission!’” Kutdussov added.

    Baikonur’s New Game Plan

    Beyond launching rockets, the site is gunning for the next big thing: commercial Soyuz flights by 2028. Future upgrades are banked in for local infrastructure—part of the joint Russian‑Kazakh Baiterek initiative.

    Timeline Highlights
    • First test flight slated for the end of this year, so the countdown is already ticking.
    • Second & third tests earmarked for 2026 and 2027.
    • The big leap—turning the launchpad into a commercial hub—takes place in 2028.
    • Both Kazakh nationals and international travelers can book their spot in the commercial world.

    Why Does This Matter?

    Combining tourism with space exploits is a double win: Kazakhstan boosts its tourism income while strengthening its global space footprint. So, if you’re eyeing a pay‑per‑launch experience, keep an eye on Baikonur. It’s priming for a future where the sky’s a lot more accessible.

    Final Thought

    All told, the launch on July 4th wasn’t just a technical triumph but a symbol of that next leap—where audiences get the front‑row seat (virtually or actually) to a history‑making journey.

    The control room of the Gagarin launch system.

    Gagarin’s Launch Control: Where Rocket Magic Happens

    Ever wonder where the rockets get their serious science for that big “whoosh” moment? It’s all happening behind the thick glass windows of the Gagarin launch control room – the command center that keeps the whole cap‑size adventure on track.

    Prime Time Trump‑Style Update

    • Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov is all thumbs‑up on the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex, saying it’s moving like a well‑tuned rocket engine.
    • Roscosmos has the telescope set on the Soyuz‑5 rocket, scheduled to touch down on Baikonur’s launchpad in December.

    Baikonur: Space School’s Favourite Playground

    Every blast‑off is a living lesson for the young and the wide‑eyed. “This is just the opening act,” says officials, but the show’s just getting started.

    • School kids stewing over the launch details are treated as budding astronauts.
    • Veteran space fans get their heart pounding again, as each countdown promises a bit of nostalgia and a splash of awe.
    Why It Matters (and Why It’s Fun)

    Baikonur’s launch pads don’t just fling projectiles skyward; they ignite imaginations across continents, proving that the science behind rockets is as thrilling as the preview of a blockbuster movie.

  • EU’s AI Act Fails to Safeguard Artists’ Copyright, Creatives Claim

    AI Act Hits the Real World – Creative Minds Hold Their Breath

    As the new AI Act makes its grand entrance this weekend, the creative community is holding its collective breath. They’re hoping the fresh legislation will finally put a stop to the wild and wacky ways AI folks have been training on their copyrighted content.

    What’s the Big Deal?

    Picture this: an AI system whacking through millions of songs, movies, and paintings to learn a few tricks and then, boom! It spits out a brand‑new track or a masterpiece that looks eerily similar to a famed artist’s work. The creative folks are up in arms.

    The Roadblocks Still Standing

    • Copyright & Consent Jumbles: The law isn’t crystal clear yet on what counts as “fair use” when it comes to training data.
    • Informed Consent Snafu: Companies aren’t always sure if the content they use has the green light from rights holders.
    • Licensing Labyrinth: Securing solid licenses for all that content is a maze that’s not exactly beginner-friendly.
    • Enforcement Woes: Even if the rules are set, keeping tabs on every AI model worldwide is a tall order.

    Why It Matters to Creators

    When AI copies a slice of a copyrighted work, the original creator gets less recognition and potentially less revenue. That’s not just a legal issue—it’s a compassion issue. Everyone wants their creativity to be respected and rewarded.

    Bottom Line: A Call for Clear Rules

    While the AI Act is a good step forward, the creative circle still craves bullet‑proof protections. They’re pushing for laws that give them a voice, a say, and a fair paycheck when their art is used in the training of AI.

    Artists Raising the Alarm: The AI Act Still Leaves a Few Ticks Unchecked

    What the AI Act is Trying to Do

    With the European Artificial Intelligence Act finally kicking off, lawmakers aimed for a sweeping safety net that could stand against a world of AI that’s growing faster than you can say “algorithm.”

    Why the Creative Community Is Still Frowning

    • Loopholes everywhere – musicians, writers, filmmakers, and visual artists feel they’re walking through a minefield.
    • No opt‑out or pay‑out guarantees – the act doesn’t make it easy for creators to say “No thanks” or to get a paycheck when their work gets fed into AI training models.
    • Opaque use of art – AI models that learn from music, books, and movies can do so without clear transparency or consent. That’s a recipe for creative infringement.

    Voices from the Front Lines

    Marc du Moulin, the Secretary‑General of the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA), sums it up: “The work of our members should not be used without transparency, consent, and remuneration. We see that the implementation of the AI Act does not give us that.”

    What Happens If the Act Doesn’t Get Fixed?

    Without a solid framework, artists risk having their creative output turned into training data for generative AI without ever seeing a royalty check. The art world might become a playground for AI, but at what cost to the creators who built the playground in the first place?

    In Plain English

    Simply put, the current AI Act is a promising start, but it still misses a few targets. Artists demand clearer rules that protect their art, let them opt out when they want to, and ensure they’re paid when their work is used to train robots. Until those gaps are closed, the creative community will keep pushing for a more concrete solution.

    ‘Putting the cart before the horse’

    EU’s AI Act: A New Playbook for Safer, Fairer, and More “Vanilla” Tech

    The European Commission has drafted the AI Act to keep artificial intelligence safe, transparent, traceable, non‑discriminatory, and environmentally friendly. Think of it as the EU’s way of putting a stern hand on the wild rabbit of rapid tech growth.

    Risk Levels: From “Practice‑worthy” to “Wait, That’s a Bad Idea!”

    • Minimal risk – Most chatbots and image generators fall here. But even if you’re in the low‑risk lane, you still need to publish a quick rundown of the copyrighted data you used to train your AI.
    • Limited risk – A step up, needing more stringent safeguards.
    • High risk – Technologies that could influence people’s decisions or safety (think election bots).
    • Unacceptable risk – Already banned. Examples: manipulative AIs or those that do social scoring—ranking people by their behavior or economic status.

    Why the “Minimal” Category Isn’t a Pass‑No‑Question Pass

    Even if your AI is deemed minimal risk, you’re not completely off the hook. The EU still wants you to maintain a “copyright policy”–a promise that you’ll respect creators’ rights and have a safe space for complaints. If your tech loves the public domain, that’s great—just make sure those creators can opt‑out.

    The Copyright Conundrum

    Under EU law, companies can harvest text and data for AI training unless a creator has “reserved their rights.” But how can an artist actually say, “I’m not giving my art to the AI crowd?” Du Moulin, an expert on the matter, says the process is murky:

    “This whole conversation is putting the cart before the horse. You don’t know how to opt out, but your work is already being used.”

    So if you’re an artist concerned about your works ending up in a GPT‑trained dataset, you might feel a bit “legally blindsided.”

    Voluntary Code of Practice: A Gentle Nugget of Self‑Governance

    The EU introduced the AI Code of Practice for General‑Purpose AI (GPAI), a voluntary yet pretty heavy‑handed agreement. Its key points:

    • Commit to a well‑drafted copyright policy.
    • Install safeguards to avoid rights violations.
    • Set up a dedicated area to receive and process complaints.

    Who’s Signing Up?

    So far, the signatories include tech giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and even OpenAI. It turns out that even the biggest players find it cheaper to cooperate than to fight the regulator every time a new AI comes online.

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    Is Europe ready to police AI? Supervision and sanctions are on the horizon.

    AI providers have to respect copyright laws, the Commission says

    How the AI Act’s New Transparency Rules Leave Artists Feeling Left Behind

    Under the AI Act, there’s now a “who‑scraped‑my‑work” tracker that promises to give artists a better idea of where their art ends up. But for those of us who’re actually hoping for a slice of royalties, the reality hits harder than a stale baguette.

    What the Act Brings to the Table

    “With these new transparency requirements, artists can finally see whose turn it was to shout ‘mine!’”，du Moulin says. He concedes, however, that the Act is a future‑only safeguard. In plain English: whatever got captured before the law took effect is still free for anyone to feed into an AI model.

    Artists’ Struggle to Get Paid

    • Adriana Moscono – The general manager at GESAC – tried to get a license by sending letters and emails to the big names in AI. The outcome? A polite shrug, or worse, a complete silence.
    • “There was no answer,” Moscono told Euronews Next. “The big guns not only shut the door on copyright recognition but also ignored our pleas for fair compensation.”

    In short, many artists feel like they’ve been given a free lunch that’s hard to crunch.

    Response from the European Commission

    • Thomas Regnier, spokesperson for the Commission, weighed in. He noted that AI firms must respect rights holders when they pull data for training. If an infringement happened, it can be settled privately.
    • Regnier added, “The AI Act does not override existing EU copyright laws.”

    Why the Rulebook Isn’t Enough

    Despite the transparency push, artists find themselves at the mercy of AI companies that claim the market is still a “ground zero.” By avoiding the back‑door licensing route, they’re forced into the grim reality that many AI models have a history of using art without asking.

    Looking Ahead

    As the AI Act rolls out, artists remain hopeful that the future can bring retrievable rights and actual payments. But for now, the transparency tools might be a fancy badge rather than a tangible benefit.

    Mandate licence negotiations, groups ask

    When Robots Take the Stage: A Copyright Showdown

    Picture this: a bunch of music‑law heavy‑weights—Du Moulin and Ms. Moscono—stamp their boots on the Commission’s doorstep, demanding a clearer play‑by‑play on how artists can opt out of the AI frenzy and get the copyright protection they deserve.

    “We’re Not Getting a Ticket to the AI‑Act Fair Anyway!”

    “The code of practice, the template and the guidelines, they do’t give us even a map,” Moscono told reporters, sounding as if the AI dance floor is bumping against a wall that never lets anyone see the exit. “They don’t guarantee a proper application of the AI Act,” she added with a throw‑away side‑wink.

    Collective Licenses: A New Strategy?

    • Option A: The Commission could obligate AI firms to negotiate blanket licenses with a coalition of artists.
    • Option B: They might require “collective” agreements—imagine a concert where every guitarist signs on at once.

    GEMA Goes Full‑Berserker on OpenAI and Suno AI

    While the music‑rights giant GEMA’s two lawsuits against OpenAI (the squad behind ChatGPT) and Suno AI (the app that cooks up tunes out of thin air) are technically “outside the AI Act,” Du Moulin insists the verdict will set a precedent for how hard AI companies can be pushed by copyright laws.

    EU’s Two-Month Deadline Clock

    New AI outfits have a ticking clock: by 2026 they must be compliant with the AI Act’s regulations (14–2026). Already active in the EU? They just have a year extra, so until 2027.

    But What About the Text & Data Mining Clause?

    The Commission and the EU’s high court—the European Court of Justice—have already hinted that they’re going to take a fresh look at the 2019 copyright law’s text and data mining exemption. This could either loosen or tighten the rules for AI nestled in the data‑driven ecosystem.

    Take‑away: Artists, the Commission, and AI companies are in a tug‑of‑war—only the legal lasso will decide who holds the winner’s trophy.

  • The US TikTok ban has been extended for a third time. What’s next for the app?

    US President Donald Trump signalled that he would give TikTok’s Chinese parent company another 75 days to find an American buyer for the platform or face a nationwide ban. But why all the extensions?

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    The pending ban on the popular social media app TikTok will likely be extended on Thursday. 
    US President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he would “probably” extend the TikTok ban for a third time but he would need approval from China’s President Xi Jinping to do so. 

    The Supreme Court upheld a decision in January that forces ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, to either sell the app to an American buyer or face a nationwide ban. June 19th was the new date that the ban was supposed to take effect. 

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    Trump to sign executive order this week to extend TikTok’s deadline to sell the app by 90 days

    Euronews Next takes a look at what could be next for the app and evaluates whether the extension is a sign that the national security concerns around TikTok have changed AND if it is a geopolitical move by Trump 

    TikTok likely used in negotiations with China

    It’s not a surprise that Trump is likely to extend the TikTok ban because he believes it’s being used in further negotiations with China, said Darío García de Viedma, fellow of technical and digital policy at the think tank the Elcano Royal Institute in Spain. 
    “I don’t see a scenario in which both [Xi and Trump’s] interests are met with a purchase or a ban,” García de Viedma told Euronews Next. “It would have to be part of a broader negotiation, where one concedes TikTok and the other concedes something else, like tariffs or export control”. 

    Last week, Trump claimed the US and China agreed to a new trade relationship where the US would receive magnets and rare earth minerals in exchange for allowing Chinese students to enrol in American colleges and universities. 

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    Trump says US has reached a trade deal with China

    The deal also brought their respective tariffs down to 55 per cent imposed by the US on Chinese products and 10 per cent imposed by China on American products. 
    Despite their relationship appearing to have calmed, it still isn’t the right time to force a TikTok sale, said García de Viedma.

    It also wouldn’t be the first time that a TikTok ban is be used to gain political leverage over China, he added. 

    I wouldn’t be surprised if  later in the administration, [there is] an idea to basically just say ‘hey let’s just ban all Chinese things that are kind of in competition with [what] America offers.

    Jan Penfrat

    Senior Policy Advisor, European Digital Rights

    Indian President Narendra Modi banned TikTok along with 58 Chinese apps in 2020 after border skirmishes with China. The app was gone overnight but accounts and old videos are still online,  the BBC reported. 
    García de Viedma said Indian policy experts he has spoken to, the move is  “populist” to show that “[Modi] is taking care of the conflict with China and that this is a very big move towards Indian sovereignty”. 
    “President Trump is doing the opposite,” García de Viedma said.. “His discourse right now is, I’m going to save TikTok. [Trump] is saying the opposite to Modi, but it’s actually the same trend, using it as a sovereignty discourse.” 

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    Jan Penfrat, senior policy advisor with European Digital Rights, said he wouldn’t be surprised if a movement to ban all Chinese apps like Modi comes up later. 
    “I wouldn’t be surprised if  later in the administration, [there is] an idea to basically just say ‘hey let’s just ban all Chinese things that are kind of in competition with [what] America offers,” Penfrat said. 

    ‘All these social media apps are a security threat’

    The main argument from the Republican Party that passed the bill to divest TikTok is that ByteDance could be compelled to send US data to the Chinese government if they requested it.
    This is largely a “theoretical concern” because there are opposing views from officials about whether there have been TikTok data transfers to the Chinese government,  García de Viedma said. 
    But data privacy concerns haven’t resonated with TikTok creators, who have stayed on the platform despite conflicting stories from officials,  he added.
    The US also has a similar data transfer law to China called the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act (CLOUD). Passed during Trump’s first mandate, the US government can subpoena American technology companies for data stored on any server in the world to help them investigate serious crimes. 

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    Is overreliance on US Big Tech a threat to Europe? The Netherlands may soon find out

    Penfrat and García de Viedma argue that TikTok has just as many security risks as other social media apps due to how they share and store data. 
    “All of these social media apps are a security risk if you work in a sensitive area because they all do massive data collection through the device that they’re installed on,” Penfrat said. 
    “And this has nothing to do with the fact that TikTok comes from China and everything to do with the business model that the company has”. 
    This business model involves collecting personal data and selling it to advertisers to feed it into recommender systems, Penfrat said, referring to algorithms. 

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    TikTok’s ad database breaches EU platform rules, says Commission

     If a US or Chinese government body wants data, they don’t have to compel the social media companies to hand it over – they can just participate in real-time bidding for personal data on the targeted advertising market and bypass the social media companies entirely, he added. 
    “It’s an incredibly messy industry which leads to hundreds of parties eventually having access to personal data and it’s totally out of control in a way,” Penfrat said. 
    “Eventually, government agencies like ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)in the US have started buying personal data on the commercial market because they can get all the information they want without needing a warrant”. 

    Is the US looking to buy operations or algorithms?

    It’s also not clear if and when the sale goes through, whether ByteDance would be forced to sell the TikTok algorithm or just its US-based operations, according to García de Viedma.
    If the US only buys the operations and not the algorithms, it could change what content is seen or recommended for users in Europe, said García de Viedma. This could then lead to the possible “implosion” of the so-called “TikTok economy” that is moving money mostly from the United States. 

    In a matter of days, the big TikTok community could move to another platform and this would have a big impact on all the intellectual movements and culture and politics that is created on TikTok.

    Darío García de Viedma

    Fellow, Technical and Digital Policy, Elcano Royal Institute

    “In a matter of days, the big TikTok community could move to another platform and this would have a big impact on all the intellectual movements and culture and politics that is created on TikTok,” he said. 
    But that could be what Trump wants by creating this uncertainty about the ban, García de Viedma said, by forcing creators to move to other platforms like Instagram to keep their income streams alive. 
    By doing this, Trump could be using a “midterm strategy to just kill TikTok from its user base and to reduce its impact and the price,” he said. 

  • Iran Resumes International Flights After 20‑Day Pause Amid Israel Conflict

    When the Tension Tapped Out: A Skirmish, a Pause, and a Hope for a Cooler Conflict

    Summary of the Show‑Stopper Drama

    Picture this: a near‑midnight flare of missiles, a flurry of rockets, and two nations that have been on the verge of turning every sticky situation into a grenade. Iran and Israel finally hit the pause button last month. The ceasefire came after a battalion of action that saw Israel striking hundreds of military targets and nuclear‑related sites in Iran—while Iran didn’t hold back, launching a flurry of missiles in return.

    Flashback to the Conflict

    • Israel parcels out hundreds of shots at Iranian military facilities, turning a war zone into a battlefield of thunder.
    • Iran rattles off missiles aimed far beyond its borders, cozying up for a long‑range showdown.
    • Both sides exchanged a symphony of arrow‑like blasts, with none breaking restraint for too long.

    Ceasefire in Action

    A gentle yet resolute stop­go was finally struck—a promise to hold back. Even though the two sides have a history that feels like a never‑ending drumbeat, they decided it was time to step off the stage. Maybe the world was whispering, or maybe the crowd just needed a timeout.

    Why This Pause Matters (And Why We Might All Breathe Easier)

    For the soldiers on the front lines, it signals a breathing spell—no more rockets flying through the night.

    For the civilians, it’s a soft breath of relief. The sirens that kept them on edge are now quieter, making holidays and dinners a little less frantic.

    And for the rest of us mouthing off in cafes—the chatter now feels more hopeful than usual.

    Big News: Tehran’s Airport Finally Gets Some Air Traffic!

    Last week, Iran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport rolled out the red carpet for its first international flight ever in over a month. After a 20‑day freeze, Flydubai brought a bunch of passengers from the UAE to the bustling capital. The landing was a high‑stakes operation that involved a mega‑team of security experts and diplomatic negotiators.

    The Big Deal

    • Student News Network’s Mehdi Ramezani told the world that the plane hit the tarmac safely and that the whole event was “pretty tight” on the execution front.
    • He called the arrival a “new phase of stability” for Iran’s aviation system – a relief after the 12‑day flare‑up with Israel.
    • Ramezani promised that flights will gradually roll back out in sync with local authorities, keeping passengers’ travel needs in mind.

    What Actually Happened?

    Iran and Israel agreed to a truce last month after a brutal showdown: Israel hit around 400 Iranian military sites and nuclear facilities, and Iran retaliated with missile strikes. The US brokered the final peace and dropped a batch of 30,000‑pound “bunker‑buster” bombs on three key nuclear sites.

    Now that the dust is beginning to settle, Tehran’s runway is ready to let international traffic vibrate again. If you’re flying into Iran or out of it, check a few weeks from now for the next flight schedule.

  • Why women are turning against the contraceptive pill and toward fertility trackers

    Why women are turning against the contraceptive pill and toward fertility trackers

    Negative side effects and social media misinformation are making young women distrustful of the contraceptive pill. But are the natural methods they’re turning to any safer?

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    When first introduced in the 1960s, the pill was revolutionary for women’s reproductive autonomy and empowerment. In recent years, however, it’s become a source of distrust, as women report feeling more burdened than liberated by the potential risks. 
    “Reasons To Go Off The Pill” reads the title of one video on TikTok, which has 18,000 views and lists one woman’s negative experiences, including loss of sex drive. Another shows before and after pictures of a young woman, captioned: “ur [sic] sign not to start the pill unless you wanna gain two stone”. 

    Such videos highlight a broader cultural shift that’s both understandable and troubling. As frustrations over inadequate female healthcare lead women to seek solutions online, it’s also making them more susceptible to misinformation. 
    “Younger women are more wary of medication in general, and social media amplifies stories about side effects such as weight gain, mood changes, or rare but serious risks like blood clots,” Ying Cheong, professor of reproductive medicine at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, told Euronews Health. 
    So, what are the facts? Is the pill actually dangerous? And what are the risks of using natural alternatives for contraception? Euronews Health spoke to some experts to find out. 

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    What are the different types of contraceptive pills?

    Approximately one in five women use oral contraceptives in Europe, according to Statistica, with two main types available: the combined pill (often referred to as ‘the pill’) and the progestogen-only pill (also known as the ‘mini pill’). 

    The combined pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen, and works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Modern versions of this contain much lower oestrogen doses than the early 1960s versions, said Cheong, which reduces their risk of causing blood clots. 
    The progestogen-only pill has a similar mechanism, but is often given to women whocannot take oestrogen. 
    Both are over 99 per cent effective, according to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), but only if taken correctly at the same time every day. They can also help with heavy periods and endometriosis, although the combined pill is more effective at improving acne and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. 

    What side effects can they cause?

    Both types of pill come with the risk of side effects. In the combined pill, these can be nausea, stomach aches, headaches, sore breasts, and irregular bleeding – which affects about one in five users, according to the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). 

    There is no evidence that taking the combined pill makes you put on weight or changes your sex drive, the NHS states. 
    Cheong also noted that there can be some rare, but more serious potential risks. These include blood clots, heart and circulation problems, and certain cancers. 
    “There is a small increase in breast and cervical cancer risk while taking the [combined] pill,” Cheong explained, referencing NICE data. 
    “The breast cancer risk disappears within 10 years of stopping, and the cervical risk also falls back to normal. On the other hand, the pill lowers the risk of ovarian, womb, and bowel cancers, and that protective effect can last for years after stopping”.

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    Why are women turning against the pill?

    The advent of social media and wellness influencers has seen a surge in health-related content – especially on underresearched subjects, such as endometriosis and menopause.
    “Women’s health is chronically underfunded. When hospital budgets are cut, gynaecology is usually first in line, leaving women with unacceptably long waits,” said Cheong. 
    “Research has also lagged behind; despite new strategies and white papers, real investment and action are still far too slow”. 
    This, along with social media misinformation, has led to a rise in the use of period-tracking apps, which help identify the points in a cycle at which women are most fertile. 

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    “We’ve seen a sharp rise in the use of fertility awareness-based methods, especially among Gen Z, where uptake increased by 12.4 per cent between 2022–2024,” Dr Helen O’Neill, founder of Hertility Health, a hormone and fertility testing kit for women, told Euronews Health. 
    “The appeal is clear, these methods are hormone-free and avoid side effects. But there’s a significant caveat: while hormonal methods are 91–99 per cent effective, natural methods can carry up to a 24 per cent chance of pregnancy, particularly if not followed rigorously,” she added. 
    Earlier this year, a study found that a growing number of abortion patients had used period-tracking methods. While a useful alternative for women looking to avoid hormones and better understand their cycles, prediction-based algorithms are ultimately less reliable as contraception, Cheong explained.  
    “The pill has risks, but they are small compared with the health and social risks of unintended pregnancy,” said Cheong. 
    “It remains one of the safest, most effective, and empowering options we have. What’s needed is not rejection, but more research, more investment, and more choice, including for men. 
    Today, we may be seeing women challenge the pill, not because it is ineffective, but because, despite its low risk and high effectiveness, it no longer feels acceptable without better alternatives,” she added.