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The EU Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy agrees on increasing the overall share of renewable energy in European energy production. By 2030, 45% of energy demand is to be supplied from renewable sources. In addition, energy consumption is to be reduced by 40%. This is intended to contribute to greater climate neutrality and security of supply in the EU as part of the European Green Deal.
Read more: EU-Directive: 45 % renewable energy sources by 2030
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“We will not allow the suffering of the many to become the advantage of the few,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared Tuesday in his State of the Nation address. The Socialist head of government announced a special tax on banks and on excess profits of energy companies to fund public housing, scholarships and free train tickets.
Read more: Spain announced special tax on big banks and energy companies' profits
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The EU Parliament agrees on the new directive for an adequate minimum wage. In the future, the cost of living, purchasing power, general economic growth and the wage structure of an EU member state will be used as benchmarks for the national minimum wage. The new directive obliges EU member states to ensure more collective agreements and therefore to strengthen the position of workers and trade unions.
Read more: “Work will pay again”: EU directive for adequate minimum wage
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Spain obliges supermarkets, retailers and restaurants to reduce the amount of food waste. An average of 31 kilos of food per Spaniard ends up in the rubbish each year. The new rule requires edible goods to be donated, and products close to their best-before date will be reduced in price. Companies that refuse to participate will be fined.
Read more: Penalties for wasting food: Spain holds companies accountable
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Western Sahara was a colony belonging to Spain until 1975, and was annexed by Morocco after the withdrawal of the Spanish, although this annexation is not recognized by most states. For 46 years, the Polisario movement there has been fighting for independence from Morocco and its policy. Until recently, Spain supported the demand for a referendum in Western Sahara, but in March 2022 Spain changed its policy and suddenly sided with the Moroccan government, which wants to prevent its independence.
Read more: Spain changes its policy on the Western Sahara issue