Europe

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/46954555

EU will require all member states to have digital profiles of citizens with birth certs and IDs

Ireland is getting a new, universal 'Digital Wallet' app that will collect info, including birth certs, driving licences and PPS numbers for individual citizens - as per European Union requirements for 2027.

And the Government is asking for volunteers to take part in testing and trial runs. The Digital wallet will be used to access a range of public services, including welfare support, such as the Working Family Payment. It could also store data such as health profiles, along the lines of the so called 'vaccine passports' that were in use during the Pandemic.

The digital wallet aims to allow people to securely access documents such as birth certificates or driving licences and register for key welfare support, such as the working family payment.
It has also been suggested as an age-verification tool by Tanaiste Simon Harris, who has said children under the age of 16 should not be on social media in the wake of the Grok AI controversy.
The Government is legally obliged, under EU regulations, to ensure there is a digital wallet for accessing public services by the end of the year, and for private services by the end of 2027.
The public testing phase of the wallet is to begin in early April and is seen as “critical” to ensure it is designed “to satisfy user needs and expectations”, the Department said.
The first stage, for which people can opt in, gives people the chance to view the design of the wallet, understand its proposed features, provide feedback and sign up for further testing.
The second stage allows people aged 16 or older to download the wallet and test limited functions.
People can register to be part of the testing phase at gov.ie/DigitalWallet.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Public Service Reform Jack Chambers said the app would “make it simpler” for people to verify their identity, apply for support and access entitlements, as he launched the public consultation on Friday.

He said: “The wallet is designed so that all personal data is fully protected, and the user stays in control of what information they put in the wallet and choose to share,” he said. "Only the details needed for a service will be shared, and nothing more. Big life events, such as having a baby, moving home, or starting a new job often require dealing with several different public service providers. The digital wallet aims to reduce that administrative burden, making it easier, faster and more secure to access the supports people need. This testing and consultation phase is an important step in building a digital wallet that genuinely works for people. We want to hear the public’s ideas, concerns and expectations. The public’s feedback will directly shape how the wallet looks, how it works, and how it supports everyday life.”

Regulation 2021/1232 expired at 23:59 CEST on 3 April 2026. This means that from now on any proactive scanning of private communications is prohibited for any reason.

The 2024 report outlines several interconnected aspects influencing the situation of young people [15-29 yo] in the European Union (EU), encompassing demographics, employment, education, social inclusion, political engagement, environmental activism, and health. These topics are not isolated but are intricately related, with many factors influencing others, creating a complex landscape for policy makers and stakeholders.

#Note 1: Relevance with reference to this recent euronews Post and the many comments, I digged up a recent 2024 comparative study published by EU.

#Note 2: Summary of 90 page publication in the comments (via Le chat AI). Or check the original pub in pdf via the link.

#Note 3: This more elaborate eurofund 2025 study titled, 'The roots of Europe's mental health crisis run deep' , encompasses all big Europen crises since 2009 and their economic & mental health impact. Yes, there is a strong correlation, and there are no simple solutions.

cross-posted from : https://lemmy.zip/post/61926294

The futures price is “almost giving a false sense of security that things are not that stressed,” said Amrita Sen, founder of Energy Aspects, in an interview with CNBC’s “The Exchange.”

“You are seeing it but the financial market is almost masking the true tightness that everywhere else is showing up,” Sen said. The price for a barrel of diesel in Europe is almost $200 per barrel right now, she said.

If this goes on a bit longer, this is going to have profound and lasting effects. The political effects might be larger than the oil crisis of 1974, since at that time there were no ready alternatives for oil as an energy source in heating and transport.

MEPs have sharply criticized the plan. “Our fear is that the implementation of our laws and standards will be called into question by American companies,” criticizes Green MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, for example. “If this is confirmed, it would be nothing less than a capitulation to the pressure and intimidation tactics of the Trump administration.” The EU Commission repeatedly emphasizes that it does not want to change its regulations due to US pressure. However, some of the recently proposed changes in digital legislation, particularly to the AI Act and the General Data Protection Regulation, primarily benefit US companies that are already dominant in the market.

I wish everyone happy and joyful holidays, especially in these turbulent times. May this season bring you moments of peace, warmth, and hope.

cross-posted from : https://lemmy.zip/post/61898807

A new EU proposal to freeze safety requirements for small electric cars for up to ten years could put lives at risk and create a two-tier vehicle safety system

ETSC warns that this approach would lock in outdated standards at a time when the EU is already off track to meet its target of halving road deaths by 2030. More than 19,000 people were killed on EU roads in 2025.

Instead of lowering standards, ETSC calls for incentive schemes to promote the uptake of smaller, safer vehicles that comply with the latest safety requirements.

Austria has denied the United States permission to use its airspace for military operations related to the war with Iran, citing the country’s long‑standing policy of neutrality, according to statements reported Thursday by Austrian public broadcaster ORF.

It may look like play money – but you can actually use it to buy things. At least within a special region in Bavaria, Germany. The "Chiemgauer" is supposed to strengthen the local economy and cut CO2 emissions at the same time. Does it work?

Paywall? https://removepaywalls.com/https://www.politico.eu/article/nick-thomas-symonds-britain-eu-point-man-reset-deal-can-be-done-summer/