In brief | 22 January ‘26
Euractiv: Mercosur deal thrown into uncertainty after MEPs send pact to top EU court
The landmark deal has failed its first political test in the European Parliament.
Ember: Wind and solar generated more power than fossil fuels in the EU for the first time in 2025
Wind and solar generated a record 30 percent of EU power, ahead of fossil fuels at 29 percent.
Reuters: Germany and Italy to urge fellow EU members to reform to compete
Germany and Italy will urge fellow members of the European Union at an informal summit next month to deliver reforms to simplify procedures and improve competitiveness or risk falling further behind the United States and China.
Bloomberg: Merz calls for economic pivot to fight back power politics
German chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe needs to boost its unity and competitiveness in order to fight back against a new era of “great-power politics” that’s upended the transatlantic relationship.
The Guardian: Era of ‘global water bankruptcy’ is here, UN report says
Overuse and pollution must end urgently as no one knows when whole system might collapse, says expert.
The Guardian: Half the world’s 100 largest cities are in high water stress areas, analysis finds
Beijing, Delhi, Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro among worst affected, with demand close to exceeding supply.
The Guardian: Schools, airports, high-rise towers: architects urged to get ‘bamboo-ready’
Manual for building design aims to encourage low-carbon construction as alternative to steel and concrete.