Biogas-based energy could solve both the environmental concern of agricultural waste and reduce dependency of fossil fuels, particularly in Eastern Europe, albeit at a steep production cost

More accurate data regarding the extent to which greenhouse gases stemming from human activity interplays with the balance of carbon stocks in Europe will soon be available to inform policies. But would that make a difference?

In this special topic issue, youris.com analyses the current horse meat scandal from a wider perspective. It reports the opinions of a broad variety of experts from across European countries affected by this fraud, namely Romania, Poland, France and the UK.

Damage to industry brands linked to fraud is almost as important as food safety because of the impact on their public image, while the current measures to prevent fraud could still be improved.

In the wake of previous food scandals, the public no longer trusts the authorities or the food industry. Reversing the trend would require transparency regarding risk management. 

Despite the robust traceability system adopted in Romania, the complexity of the supply chain multiplies the opportunities for fraudulent food to infiltrate the chain.

As global demand for timber certified as being sustainable is growing, European small forest owners are still reluctant to gain certification. But increasing economic advantages may shift their position.

Naturalliance is calling upon crowdsourcing solutions to create maps for mapping out the riches of nature

How continuous monitoring of coastal ecosystems, such as the Black Sea, could help understand oxygen depletion affecting fish populations and better manage fisheries

Local renewable energy sources such as woodchips offer the advantage of being sustainable and reducing dependency on energy imports. Yet, they are best used for combined heat and power production