President Barroso to Visit Sudan

Faced with growing instability in Darfur and risk of another humanitarian tragedy, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso announced last week that he will visit Sudan. "The EU is already heavily engaged both in providing humanitarian relief in Darfur and support for the African Union troops there," said President Barroso. "But we must step up our political engagement, to do what we can to avert a humanitarian crisis." MORE

EU Boosts Lebanon Funding

The European Commission has boosted its 2006 aid to Lebanon to over 100 million euros--on top of assistance from individual EU Member States totaling more than 220 million euros. EU aid monies will address immediate reconstruction needs and also lay the foundation for crucial political and economic reforms necessary for long-term recovery. As the main donor in the region, "the Commission has been closely involved to relieve those suffering the consequences of the hostilities," said European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. MORE

Ambassador Bruton, President Carter Discuss Middle East

EU Ambassador John Bruton met with key business and political leaders in Georgia recently, including former President Jimmy Carter. The pair discussed the situation in the Middle East, particularly Israeli-Palestinian issues. MORE

Car-Free Day Across Europe

Over 1,300 cities and towns across Europe participated in a Car-Free Day last Friday to raise awareness of environmental issues. Urban areas were closed to traffic and people were encouraged to leave the car at home in favor of other modes of transportation. Car-Free Day was the culmination of the EU's Mobility Week, which focused on reducing air pollution and fighting climate change. MORE

EU Showcases Energy-Efficiency Competition Winner

EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs recently unveiled a prototype ethanol-powered vehicle that can travel about 1,800 miles on less than a quarter-gallon of gas. The futuristic-looking car, dubbed "le Microjoule," is the winner of the 2006 European Shell Eco-Marathon -- a "race" to drive as far as possible on the least amount of fuel. In a statement, Commissioner Piebalgs underscored EU efforts to reduce energy consumption drastically.  MORE