Tag Archive: eu

  1. Contribute to research on the impact of EU battery regulations on the e-bike sector

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets

    The e-bike industry is approaching a period of significant change with the upcoming implementation of the new EU Battery Regulation. A research project by an Avans University of Applied Sciences student explores the regulation’s potential impact.

    As part of a graduation project for the Technical Business Administration program at Avans University of Applied Sciences, student Kaat Kerckhaert is examining how this regulation may affect collaboration among e-bike manufacturers, distributors, and battery service providers.

    Kerckhaert is currently completing her internship at Heskon, a battery repair and refurbishment company based in Tilburg. Heskon has worked with industry players such as Greenway, Phyllion, Darfon, QWIC, and Tenways. The research aims to identify the criteria – such as legal requirements, certifications, and quality standards – that manufacturers consider when selecting partners for battery revision, repair, or replacement. The study also looks at additional factors like reliability, sustainability, and brand positioning.

    Invitation to participate

    Professionals from the e-bike sector, including brands, manufacturers, and battery distributors, are invited to take part in a brief survey in either Dutch or English. The findings will offer insights that may support strategic decision-making and contribute to the ongoing development of battery services in the industry.

    For more information on how you can contribute to the research, or for any queries, please email Kaat Kerckhaert: kfl.kerckhaert@student.avans.nl.

  2. Registration open for SBS Repair For Growth conference

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    Source: Meeting Standards, an Initiative of SBS

    Small Business Standards (SBS) to guide SMEs through the EU’s Right to Repair Directive and Standards

    The Repair for Growth event, to be hosted by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), will aim to make sense of the landscape that’s been shaped by the new EU Right to Repair Directive and Ecodesign for Sustainable Products legislation, presenting the opportunities and challenges that SMEs may face.

    Event timings are as follows:

    Date: 28 November 2024
    Time: 1.30 – 5.30pm + networking cocktail
    Venue: EFTA House, Av. des Arts 19H, 1000 Brussels

    It will aim to:

    • Make SMEs feel more empowered
    • Drive sustainable growth
    • Shape the future of standards

    With an agenda covering:

    • Policy and Legal Context: with speeches by lead experts and legal officers from the European Commission.
    • Expert Insights & European Consumer Voice: attendees can gain valuable knowledge and understand consumer needs.
    • Practical Advice: attendees can learn strategies that empower SMEs to meet repair requirements effectively.
    • Networking Opportunities: The event presents the chance to connect with like-minded professionals and build valuable relationships.

    More information with the full conference programme and registration information can be found here.

  3. EU road crashes resulted in 20,400 fatalities last year

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    Source: European Commission

    In 2023, 20,400 people lost their lives to road crashes across the EU, a 1% decrease compared to the previous year, resulting in 46 deaths per million residents. While there has been a 10% reduction in fatalities since 2019, the current rate of decline is below the 4.5% annual reduction needed to meet the EU’s goal of halving road deaths by 2030.

    Variation among member states

    Member States show uneven progress: in 2023, Czechia, Cyprus, Poland, Romania, and Finland recorded their lowest road fatality numbers since modern records began. Poland reported a 35% reduction in fatalities between 2019 and 2023, while Ireland saw a 31% increase. Despite these trends, Poland’s road fatality rate per capita remains above the EU average, while Ireland’s is below. Sweden (22 deaths per million) and Denmark (26/million) remain the safest, while Bulgaria (82/million) and Romania (81/million) recorded the highest rates in 2023.

    Today’s figures provide the final data on road fatalities for 2023, following preliminary data released in March 2024.

    Estimates for the first half of 2024

    Preliminary figures for the first six months of 2024 indicate that the number of deaths on EU roads remained steady compared to the same period in 2023. Austria, Lithuania, and Slovenia recorded significant declines of over 25%, while other Member States reported increases. Monthly fluctuations, however, make full-year projections challenging.

    Background

    In 2018, the EU set a target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030. This commitment, outlined in the European Commission’s Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety and the EU’s 2021-2030 road safety framework, also introduced a long-term goal of zero fatalities by 2050 (“Vision Zero”). The European Court of Auditors recently highlighted the need for intensified efforts to meet these targets.

    In March 2023, the Commission introduced a series of proposals to improve road safety, including updated driving license requirements and strengthened cross-border enforcement of road rules.

    Road safety is a core component of recent EU mobility initiatives, such as the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the new TEN-T Regulation, and the Urban Mobility Framework. In its proposal for a European Declaration on Cycling, the Commission emphasises safety as essential for encouraging cycling and is preparing guidelines to ensure quality requirements for the safety of vulnerable road users, including cyclists.

    Click here to view the most recent figures.

  4. European Road Safety Observatory Report: The crucial role of helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems

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    Source: European Commission

    A new report from the European Road Safety Observatory underscores the critical role of helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems in reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the road. Proper use of motorcycle helmets can decrease the risk of fatal crashes by approximately 40% and severe head injuries by nearly 70%. Likewise, bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of fatal head or brain injuries by an average of 71%. Seatbelts lower the risk of fatal incidents by 60% for front-seat occupants and 44% for rear-seat passengers. Correctly used child restraint systems reduce the likelihood of death or injury by around 60% compared to unrestrained children.

    Compliance and Challenges

    While compliance with seatbelt laws is generally high, some countries still face challenges, particularly regarding rear-seat passengers. Motorcycle helmet use is also largely compliant, with a few exceptions. However, the correct and consistent use of bicycle helmets and child restraint systems is less prevalent, with many instances of incorrect or non-use.

    The Importance of Education and Enforcement

    Educational programs play a vital role in promoting the use of protective equipment, but enforcement of legislation is equally important. In most EU countries, the perceived likelihood of being checked or fined for not using protective gear remains relatively low, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement measures.

    EU Road Safety Goals and Legislative Framework

    The EU has set an ambitious target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, as outlined in the EU road safety policy framework for 2021-2030. While the responsibility for traffic rules and enforcement lies primarily with EU Member States, EU laws mandate the use of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems. This latest report is part of the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote safer mobility across the EU, with the European Road Safety Observatory regularly publishing research on key road safety topics.

  5. New Zealand and EU trade deal comes into force

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    The EU and NZ FTA (Free Trade Agreement) is expected to make trading opportunities much easier between the two regions, and is estimated to save EU companies €140 million a year in duties.

    Source: European Union

    The FTA agreement is expected to increase business opportunities in the EU and New Zealand by making trading much easier and cheaper with benefits for businesses, citizens and farmers. Its core focuses are on benefiting farmers, trade in goods, and investment & services on digital trade. The FTA is also underlines sustainability commitments that comply with the Paris Climate Agreement and core working rights.

    Key FTA advantages that look set to improve business relations between EU & NZ

    • Zero tariffs on EU exports to New Zealand.
    • New Zealand’s service market to widen in key sectors including financial services, telecomms, maritime transport and delivery services.
    • Non-discriminatory treatment of EU investors in New Zealand.
    • EU companies to get improved access to New Zealand government procurement contracts for goods, services, works and works concessions.
    • Guidelines to help small businesses’ exports.
    • Significantly reduced compliance requirements and procedures.

    The benefits that zero tariffs & improved trading market conditions present

    It has been reported that in 2022 EU businesses exported €6.258bn of goods to New Zealand, and imported €2.807bn from there. Now that the new FTA has removed tariffs, this factor alone could save EU businesses approximately €140 million in duties per year on exporting their goods to New Zealand, and it is expected to help grow overall bilateral trade by up to 30% within a decade*.

    *As published in European Commission, Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment

    The FTA zero tariffs is exciting news for many European businesses, including those in the motor vehicles and parts industry, which previously experienced tariffs of up to 10%.