Latest update: 26/10/2012 

- biofuel - environment - Germany


Eco-friendly biofuel fails to set German hearts alight

No Flash warning
To take advantage of all the features on FRANCE24.COM, please click here to download the latest version of Flash Player.

It's two years since the biofuel E10 arrived at German petrol stations, but it's failed to win over the population. Increasing food prices, for one, have fanned the flames of the debate. 100 million tons of grains produced worldwide are used to produce the ethanol which goes into the biofuel; 1.5 million tons in Germany alone. The NGOs Foodwatch and Greenpeace and the German green party are all calling for an immediate halt to production of the gas.

FOCUS
By Abby D'ARCY HUGHES / Anne MAILLIET
Quelling the insurgency in Dagestan
02/05/2013 - DAGESTAN

Quelling the insurgency in Dagestan

The Russian republic of Dagestan, in the North Caucasus, has hit the headlines recently because of its connections with Boston marathon bombing suspects Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Their parents live there and both brothers spent time there. The region has seen increasing Islamic radicalisation and a fierce struggle by the authorities to quell the insurgency.
Libya militiamen step up pressure on government
01/05/2013 - LIBYA

Libya militiamen step up pressure on government

Powerful militiamen are once again showing their muscle to press their demands on how Libya should be run. The gunmen are still surrounding the justice and foreign ministries in Tripoli. They are calling for an "isolation law" to pass, which would bar any former member of the Gaddafi regime from political life. But some believe they are using the law as a pretext to try to bring down Prime Minister Ali Zeidan.
Tackling unemployment with 'Generation Contracts'
01/05/2013 - FRANCE

Tackling unemployment with 'Generation Contracts'

With French unemployment at record levels, President François Hollande has launched a number of programmes to tackle joblessness, such as "Contracts of the Future," and "Generation Contracts", aimed at the young in particular. The government has promised financial help to companies willing to hire people under the age of 26, and more money to companies willing to hold on to senior workers that can train them up.
EU bans three bee-harming pesticides for two years
30/04/2013 - ENVIRONMENT

EU bans three bee-harming pesticides for two years

Environmentalists hailed a "victory for bees" on Monday after the European Union voted for a ban on several nerve-agent pesticides blamed for the dramatic decline in global bee populations. Fifteen of the 27 member states, including France, voted for a two-year restriction on the neonicotinoids, despite strong opposition from chemical companies.
Royal family remains popular as Willem-Alexander takes throne
30/04/2013 - NETHERLANDS

Royal family remains popular as Willem-Alexander takes throne

The Netherlands is celebrating its new King, Willem-Alexander. His mother Queen Beatrix bid an emotional farewell after a reign that has spanned more than three decades. When she took the throne, back in 1980, Republicans hit the streets to protest against the monarchy. Now, the royal family enjoys the support of more than 80 percent of the Dutch people. We look at what has changed and examine the new king's role.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(0) Reactions
Read more
Close