● LIVEECB RATE 2.4%·EUR/USD 1.1622·EUR/GBP 0.8590·BRUSSELS 15°C — OVERCAST·BOND YIELDS ARE SURGING GLOBALLY BUT WHY AREN’T EQUITIES FALLING?·FROM GIANT TVS TO 'JAMES BOND GLASSES': TCL'S VISION FOR THE FUTURE·BARDELLA SIGNS PACT WITH FARAGE TO STOP SMALL BOAT CROSSINGS 'FOREVER'·SENIOR EU OFFICIALS RETIERATE NEED FOR NEW EUROPE-WIDE TAXES IN NEXT BUDGET·PASSPORT FOR A NEWBORN: BIRTH TOURISM AS PART OF RUSSIA'S NEW EMIGRATION·INSIDE THE QUIET LUXURY REVIVAL OF THE VENICE LIDO – HOME TO THE GLITTERING FILM FESTIVAL·WEEK 38 · N°262·● LIVEECB RATE 2.4%·EUR/USD 1.1622·EUR/GBP 0.8590·BRUSSELS 15°C — OVERCAST·BOND YIELDS ARE SURGING GLOBALLY BUT WHY AREN’T EQUITIES FALLING?·FROM GIANT TVS TO 'JAMES BOND GLASSES': TCL'S VISION FOR THE FUTURE·BARDELLA SIGNS PACT WITH FARAGE TO STOP SMALL BOAT CROSSINGS 'FOREVER'·SENIOR EU OFFICIALS RETIERATE NEED FOR NEW EUROPE-WIDE TAXES IN NEXT BUDGET·PASSPORT FOR A NEWBORN: BIRTH TOURISM AS PART OF RUSSIA'S NEW EMIGRATION·INSIDE THE QUIET LUXURY REVIVAL OF THE VENICE LIDO – HOME TO THE GLITTERING FILM FESTIVAL·WEEK 38 · N°262·
Independent European journalism — politics, power, technology and public life
Brussels · Europe
N°262 · Week 38

The Debate.eu

Saturday, 19 September 2026
Read across Europe
CONTRIBUTOR · 25 articles

Angela Symons

Angela Symons is a journalist whose reporting on Europe, Business and Politics appears on The Debate.

Beats

Europe · Business · Politics

§ Articles

25 articles
‘Paradox of progress’: What it will take to turn renewables boom into a real drop in emissions
Europe

‘Paradox of progress’: What it will take to turn renewables boom into a real drop in emissions

A major new UN report details the risks of overshooting 1.5°C of warming – and how we can limit them.

By Angela Symons02 September 2026
Rain-harvesting roofs and natural air-con: Architects take cues from nature ahead of global awards
Europe

Rain-harvesting roofs and natural air-con: Architects take cues from nature ahead of global awards

The World Architecture Festival shortlist is brimming with nature-led designs.

By Angela Symons29 August 2026
Is global warming supercharging El Niños? New study may reveal the answer
Europe

Is global warming supercharging El Niños? New study may reveal the answer

El Niño can supercharge the impacts global warming. But burning fossil fuels could also be strengthening the destructive climate phenomenon.

By Angela Symons28 August 2026
Is Stuttgart’s air-con free train station a genius design or the megaproject’s next blunder?
Europe

Is Stuttgart’s air-con free train station a genius design or the megaproject’s next blunder?

Stuttgart's subterranean railway megaproject plans to stay cool without air-con – but critics say it risks making one of Germany’s hottest cities even warmer.

By Angela Symons27 August 2026
'Mini jungle': Alaska is getting greener as the climate warms – with cascading effects
Europe

'Mini jungle': Alaska is getting greener as the climate warms – with cascading effects

A lush knee-high jungle grows in the Arctic, but warming is changing Earth's mini-greenhouse.

By Angela Symons26 August 2026
‘Speckles of hope’: What we learned from cycling the length of the drought-hit Danube
Europe

‘Speckles of hope’: What we learned from cycling the length of the drought-hit Danube

This couple cycled 3,000km along the Danube. Here's what drought looks like from the riverbank.

By Angela Symons19 August 2026
Record-breaking investment in renewables could cement Canada as new clean energy superpower
Business

Record-breaking investment in renewables could cement Canada as new clean energy superpower

The slated green energy plans could light, heat and cool all the homes in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver combined.

By Angela Symons18 August 2026
Rhine drought, heatwaves and deaths: Is it time for Germany to enshrine climate protection in law?
Politics

Rhine drought, heatwaves and deaths: Is it time for Germany to enshrine climate protection in law?

Germany’s coalition government is split over putting climate protection in the constitution.

By Angela Symons18 August 2026
Snow cannons and reservoirs: How Swiss resorts' winter equipment could help put out wildfires
Europe

Snow cannons and reservoirs: How Swiss resorts' winter equipment could help put out wildfires

Kilometres of underground water pipes could prove useful beyond the winter months as the risk of wildfires grows even in places like Switzerland.

By Angela Symons13 August 2026
Millions of solar eclipse glasses could end up in landfill: Here’s what to do instead
Europe

Millions of solar eclipse glasses could end up in landfill: Here’s what to do instead

Be a responsible consumer by following expert advice on what to do with your glasses now the eclipse is over.

By Angela Symons13 August 2026
Power downs and free energy: How Europe is preparing for a dip in solar during the eclipse
Business

Power downs and free energy: How Europe is preparing for a dip in solar during the eclipse

While many are excitedly awaiting the eclipse, for the solar industry it’s a bit of a headache.

By Angela Symons11 August 2026
Most of the Maldives may be unliveable in 50 years – but these kayaking islanders aren't giving up
Europe

Most of the Maldives may be unliveable in 50 years – but these kayaking islanders aren't giving up

From protesting against a mangrove-damaging reclamation project to organising beach clean ups, Maldivian youth are defending their home and identity.

By Angela Symons10 August 2026
El Niño could unleash ocean heat that sends 2026 into record-breaking territory
Europe

El Niño could unleash ocean heat that sends 2026 into record-breaking territory

This summer's heat is human caused, not from El Niño – but the climate phenomenon is set to release pent-up ocean heat.

By Angela Symons06 August 2026
Short-haul electric flights could be a European reality in less than four years
Europe

Short-haul electric flights could be a European reality in less than four years

“Electric and hybrid flights are a core part of the solution to making short-haul travel more sustainable, and less dependent on imported jet fuel.”

By Angela Symons06 August 2026
‘An underused tool’: How regenerative farmers are shielding Spanish land from wildfires
Europe

‘An underused tool’: How regenerative farmers are shielding Spanish land from wildfires

Europe’s regenerative farmers are providing vital wildfire protection – but they need more support.

By Angela Symons05 August 2026
‘Not in my basement’: Why has Germany been so slow to adopt smart meters and what’s it costing?
Europe

‘Not in my basement’: Why has Germany been so slow to adopt smart meters and what’s it costing?

Only around five per cent of German households have a smart meter – compared to almost universal rollout in many other EU nations.

By Angela Symons01 August 2026
‘Lost forever’: What does the future look like for a Mediterranean flooded with invasive species?
Europe

‘Lost forever’: What does the future look like for a Mediterranean flooded with invasive species?

Scientists have designated the Mediterranean as a climate change “hot spot” – and warming waters are bringing aggressive new alien species.

By Angela Symons30 July 2026
’Magical material’: How Europe’s drought-struck islands could soon harvest water from dry air
Europe

’Magical material’: How Europe’s drought-struck islands could soon harvest water from dry air

Europe’s tourist islands are facing severe water stress. Is tech that harvests water from dry air a solution?

By Angela Symons30 July 2026
Blackout backup and earning power: How your EV could help you out in a crisis
Europe

Blackout backup and earning power: How your EV could help you out in a crisis

Power outages are becoming more common with the rise of extreme weather. An EV could save you from blackouts – and earn you money while you sleep.

By Angela Symons27 July 2026
‘Major victory’: Sweden plans to ban forever chemicals in everyday products ahead of EU
Europe

‘Major victory’: Sweden plans to ban forever chemicals in everyday products ahead of EU

Sweden plans to ban forever chemicals in kitchen appliances and clothing by 2028.

By Angela Symons24 July 2026
What is climate gentrification? Why house prices are rising outside of Europe's city centres
Business

What is climate gentrification? Why house prices are rising outside of Europe's city centres

Extreme heat is not only making cities less liveable; it’s also reshaping who can afford to live where.

By Angela Symons23 July 2026
‘Scorching, dry summers’: Heat rather than lack of rain is now to blame for Europe’s droughts
Europe

‘Scorching, dry summers’: Heat rather than lack of rain is now to blame for Europe’s droughts

“This isn’t just a crisis for farmers, it’s a crisis that trickles down to Europe’s most vulnerable,” says researcher Merel Laauwen.

By Angela Symons23 July 2026
‘Our national lung’: France’s nature paradise saved by firefighters but recovery could take 30 years
Europe

‘Our national lung’: France’s nature paradise saved by firefighters but recovery could take 30 years

The forest hosted a UNESCO conference in 1948 that led to the creation of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the world’s first global environmental union.

By Angela Symons15 July 2026
Shady spaces and cool dips: How to make your garden a haven for wildlife this summer
Europe

Shady spaces and cool dips: How to make your garden a haven for wildlife this summer

Wildflower meadows are a maintenance-free and beautiful way to support pollinators.

By Angela Symons15 July 2026
‘Victory’ as Türkiye ends major coal plant expansion – but still lacks phaseout plan
Europe

‘Victory’ as Türkiye ends major coal plant expansion – but still lacks phaseout plan

Türkiye’s last planned coal project was cancelled due to public pressure – but a new one has been announced.

By Angela Symons14 July 2026