Equality in Chemistry? A Royal Society of Chemistry report delves into the barriers facing women in the chemical sciences

The Royal Society of Chemistry recently published an extensive report which explores the barriers to women’s retention and progression in the chemical sciences, along with a series of recommendations to tackle the issue. Whilst change is happening, if it continues at the current rate, “a simple statistical analysis of the data tells us that we will never reach gender parity”. Whilst 44% of undergraduate students are women, this drops down to 39% for PhD students, dropping down to 29% for non-professional staff, and down again, to the very appalling figure of 9% of women Professors. Together with evidence of inequality, are “reports of bullying, discrimination and harassment”. You can read the full report here.

‘Industrial trans fats in foods – setting a legal limit’ – EuChemS responds to European Commission call for feedback

The European Commission recently published a call for feedback on setting a legal limit for industrial trans fats in foods, Draft Regulation – Ares (2018)5103401.

EuChemS welcomes and supports the European Commission’s draft text (regulation amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council). EuChemS agrees that the limit for industrial trans fats in foods, which are intended for the final consumer should not exceed 2 grams per 100 grams of fat. Further reductions in the future should in turn be encouraged. Indeed, it was pointed out that the 2% limit can still be considered too high when applied to products consumed in large quantities.

You can read the full response here, prepared by the EuChemS Division of Food Chemistry.

Plastics and antibiotic resistance – the European Parliament votes on key issues

A number of important votes took place in the European Parliament end of October.

First up, Members of the European Parliament voted on banning a range of single-use plastics such as plastic cutlery, straws, cotton buds, and balloon sticks amongst others. The move which is hoped to go into effect across the European Union by 2021 is part of the growing concern over the quantities of plastic ending up in oceans around the world. MEPs also set a target for the collection and proper recycling of 90% of plastic bottles by 2025. With more than 150,000 tonnes of plastic ending up in European waters every year, and with the time for some products to biodegrade reaching over 500 years, ambitious and decisive actions are needed. MEPs also tackled the issue of antimicrobial resistance following a report prepared by MEP Françoise Grossetête. The new regulation on veterinary medicinal products aims to prevent “the spread of antibiotic resistance from animals to humans” comments the European Parliament, whilst ensuring that “consumers are not exposed to antibiotic residues in food products and to make sure antibiotics remain effective against infection”.

Antibiotic resistance, most often caused because of the overuse or misuse of antibiotics, is an increasingly problematic issue. Because of the far-reaching consequences this may have, EuChemS has placed its prevention within its proposed ‘Missions’ for the future research framework programme, Horizon Europe. The focus on antibiotic resistance is not new. EuChemS had in April 2016, organised a joint European Parliament STOA, and EFMC workshop on ‘Solving Antibiotic Resistance’ to analyse and discuss possible ways forward.  

EFSA Stakeholder Bureau meets in Brussels

On 17 October, the third meeting of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) Stakeholder Bureau took place in Brussels under the chairmanship of Bernhard Url, EFSA Executive Director. EuChemS is one of academic stakeholders, represented at the Bureau by one of the 7 category representatives, whose role is to advise EFSA on civil society’s concerns regarding food safety, health, the environment, and other issues. Included in the discussions, were the “goals and practicalities” of the upcoming Stakeholder Forum on 20 November in Brussels, as well as “EFSA’s opinion on the presence of dioxins in feed and food […]; risk perception among the general public, and EFSA’s work to inform and educate consumers on risk assessment in food safety”. EFSA has also confirmed it would reply to a letter provided by the Academia category (under which EuChemS falls) regarding the importance of maintaining independence of science.

The EFSA report, presentations and other information is available online here.

Plan S: chemists react with Open Letter

An Open Letter has been making the rounds in reaction to ‘Plan S’, a plan put forward by European funding agencies and supported by the European Commission to accelerate the transition to full open access in scientific publishing.

The Open Letter, which has been signed so far by over 1200 researchers, including two Nobel laureates, claims that Plan S would seriously damage the state of science in Europe, risk making Europe a less desirable place to work, study, and publish, as well as violate academic freedom.

EuChemS is currently preparing a Position Paper on the matter which will aim to address the concerns with Plan S, as well as look at possible alternatives, whilst taking into account the qualms of all relevant stakeholders. Keep an eye on this space for the latest information!

Horizon Europe: same visions, unresolved approaches

Negotiations surrounding Horizon Europe are in full swing, although the likelihood of an impasse looms. There have been some proposals to address the research and innovation divide in Europe by allocating Horizon Europe funding on a geographical basis. EuChemS recognises that the research divide needs to be addressed, but existing cohesion funds, as well as increased national funding for research are what is needed. Horizon Europe’s aim should be to award the very best science, reaching the very best results, and should continue to be the main aspiration for those applying – regardless of where in Europe they are coming from.

There have also been discussions surrounding the idea of a ‘’Europe first’’ programme. However, science knows no borders, and closing off possible collaboration, exchange and participation of non-EU countries risks harming European science. In light of the still unknown outcome of the Brexit negotiations, we have called on the European institutions to make sure countries that have in the past participated in EU research framework programmes, such as Horizon 2020, can continue to do so in Horizon Europe.

On 21 November, the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will vote on the Horizon Europe files. On 30 November, the EU Competitiveness Council, which brings together ministers responsible for research and innovation, economy, trade and industry will meet for a Council meeting to discuss Horizon Europe.

For more information on our view for Horizon Europe, download our Position Paper here!

EuChemS Periodic Table

As you may already know, EuChemS has launched a unique Periodic Table which depicts the very real issue of element scarcity in light of the upcoming International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT2019) for next year. To spread the message further, we are making the Periodic Table freely available in as many languages as we can. You can now download it in: Catalan, Czech, Dutch, Estonian, French, German, Greek, Italian, Luxembourgish, Macedonian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish and Turkish – with more versions soon on the way.

Not sure what to do with it? We think it makes for a wonderful and educational poster to be put up in schools, labs, or even your bedroom! The Royal Dutch Society of Chemistry (KNCV) recently distributed at the Woudschoten Chemie Conferentie

EuChemS takes part in the EU Circular Economy Mission to Japan and Indonesia

EuChemS was very pleased to once more participate in the Circular Economy Missions organised by the European Commission Directorate-General for Environment. From 20-27 October 2018, the EU delegation, made up of over 50 representatives of European companies, associations, foundations, government organisations, and research centres, made their way to Japan and Indonesia. The Missions aimed at extending and deepening the dialogue on the circular economy, expanding and sharing legislation, as well as spreading best practices. EuChemS Executive Board member Nicola Armaroli was on site as representative. You can read the full debrief online here.

Understanding the causes to find a cure: Joint EuChemS-EFMC workshop in the European Parliament on Parkinson’s disease

On 8 November, experts from the scientific community, alongside Members of the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), came together to discuss the latest treatments for Parkinson’s disease, but also its causes, and how we are to move forward at the clinical and political level.

The discussion which took part in the European Parliament in Brussels, was chaired by Member of the European Parliament Pavel Poc, and jointly organised by the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) and the European Federation of Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC).

The aim of the workshop was to provide a kaleidoscopic overview of the latest treatments for Parkinson’s, but also to take a closer look at some of its causes. Talking about the disease, and trying to address its challenges will only grow in importance as it becomes more common in the face of an ageing population.  The speakers highlighted the complexity of the disease as well as the variety of causes that can trigger its development, whether age-related, genetic predispositions, but also due to contact with potentially harmful toxins. The session also highlighted the importance of creating spaces of discussion between the scientific community and policymakers to better ensure understanding and support. EuChemS also highlighted the need for a more ambitious budget for the future research framework programme, Horizon Europe, which could very well enable important steps being taken in developing novel and more efficient treatments for Parkinson’s disease. For more details of the session, you can take a look at the presentations online.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease which is characterised by difficulty in moving and tremor, as well as psychiatric issues. It leads to a progressive reduction in the quality of life and those affected require increasing care. The physical suffering, emotional distress, and the economic burden this provokes is at risk of increasing as our populations live longer and become more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease as they age.

EuChemS Service and Lecture Award nominations open!

We are happy to announce that the call for nominations for the EuChemS Lecture Award and the EuChemS Award for Service are now open!

The Lecture Award aims to reward the major achievements of a junior scientist working in Chemistry in a country with a EuChemS Member Organisation. The winner is awarded a statuette as well as the opportunity to give a lecture at a major EuChemS event, including the EuChemS Chemistry Congresses. Use the form here to submit your nomination! And make sure to read the guidelines. Deadline: 31 December 2018.

The EuChemS Award for Service acknowledges the outstanding commitment with regard to fostering chemistry in Europe and advancing the goals of EuChemS more generally. The nomination must demonstrate service to European Chemistry and/or EuChemS over and above the basic voluntary contribution normally expected. We invite all EuChemS member organisations, Professional Networks, and any individuals to submit their nominations now! Use the online form here to submit your nomination. Deadline: 31 December 2018.

EuChemS awardees of EUCYS awards

Since 2011, EuChemS has presented a special award for the best Chemistry project at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS). We are very glad to announce that three exceptional students have been granted the 2018 EUCYS EuChemS award. The winners are Leandra Zinke, Katarina Juhart and Sofia Quitter for their project on “Anti-Bacterial Silvernanoparticle Coating”. The award ceremony took place in Dublin, Ireland.

We will be taking a closer look at their project in an upcoming edition of our Chemistry in Europe newsletter.

Join us in the European Parliament for a workshop on Parkinson’s disease: causes and cures

Parkinson’s disease has no known causes, and no cures. Yet.

Join an outstanding line-up of speakers at a joint EuChemS, EFMC and European Parliament workshop on 8 November 2018 from 09:00 – 12:00 at the European Parliament in Brussels to hear about how we can move clinically and politically towards better understanding the disease and finding ways to cure it.

Find the programme, list of speakers, abstracts and registration by clicking here.

With more than one million people living with Parkinson’s today in Europe, and with this number set to rise as our ageing population increases, the need to understand the causes of the disease and the need to be able to treat it efficiently become greater every day.

In addition to genetic mutations, a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease is exposure to some toxins or herbicides, including diquat. This herbicide was declared potentially harmful by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and its banning encouraged. The European Commission did not submit the proposal to the ScoPAFF, and invited EFSA to revise its opinion.

We highly encourage you to attend this workshop for a kaleidoscopic view of the current landscape surrounding Parkinson’s disease – from the progress being made in medicinal chemistry, novel treatments and their development, as well as the potential causes of the disease, whether genetic or from exposure to harmful toxins. Finally, the workshop will in turn look at how greater funding, especially in light of the negotiations surrounding the next research framework programme, Horizon Europe, may enable scientists to take a decisive step towards finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

EuChemS’ first online course undergoes testing

On 1 October 2018, EuChemS officially launched the piloting stage of its first online course on Good Chemistry: Methodological, Ethical and Social Implications. The course will be tested out by a range of university professors, students, as well as other interested individuals. The pilot stage will last until early next year, after which those having taken part will be asked to provide feedback. Following a period of reflection, the course will be fully unveiled, and access granted to anybody interested in learning more about the complex but crucial ties between Chemistry and Ethics.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming Chemistry in Europe newsletter in which Jan Mehlich, project leader of the course talks about the course, its topics and aims. Not yet signed up? Click here!

Horizon Europe: updates and views from EuChemS

On 28 August, EuChemS published an updated Position Paper with amendments on the proposed plans for Horizon Europe, successor to the Horizon 2020 research framework programme. We called for a greater budget for research and innovation and called for excellence to remain a central pillar in Horizon Europe. We furthermore strongly suggested that countries that have previously participated in Framework Programmes should be given similar opportunities to continue taking part in the Horizon Europe Programme.

At a hearing in the European Parliament in Brussels on Monday 8 October, European Commission officials, MEPs and various stakeholders maintained that excellence should remain the central criterion for funding research under Horizon Europe reports Science/Business. The reaction – which we had already echoed in our Position Paper – was in answer to an amendment submitted by MEP Dan Nica, rapporteur for Horizon Europe. The idea of assigning geographic quotas to bridge the gap between the current west-east research divide was also heavily criticised.

For a closer look at our Position, you can download our Position Paper here, as well as our info sheet here.

6th High-Level Open Science Policy Platform meeting

On 28 September, the Open Science Policy Platform (OSPP), a High-Level Group of stakeholders tasked to advise the European Commission on Open Science policy, and to which EuChemS belongs, met to discuss the latest updates on Open Science in Europe, and in particular, ‘Plan S’. The plan aims to accelerate the transition to full and immediate Open Access to scientific publications. A coalition of national funding agencies have signed up to the plan and as of January 2020, will require all journal articles based on research that they fund to be published immediately open access in compliant open access journals and platforms. Hybrid journals will not be considered compliant, except for time-limited truly transformational regimes.

Although a European initiative, Plan S aims to be global in reach, and funders from across the world have been invited to join. However, the current landscape in which Plan S would be implemented is far from optimal. Under Plan S, many researchers would be limited in their choice of journals in which to place their work – leading to inequality and removing freedom of choice. Moreover, many well-established and respected journals would no longer be eligible. This, tied with the likely outcome that neither the US, China or India sign up to a rapid transition to Open Access, risks decreasing the visibility of European science on the global stage.

EuChemS remains concerned that many implications of Plan S continue to be disregarded and many questions left unanswered. The lack of willingness to revisit the recommendations of the plan leaves much to be desired, and the concerns of Learned Societies remain often overlooked. Only with an inclusive discussion with all stakeholders can an ideal way forward, which works for everyone, be found.

Reports, minutes and other information on the OSPP meetings can be found online here.

EuChemS Periodic Table: Element Scarcity in the spotlight

The smartphone you may be using right now to read this article and look at this Periodic Table is made up of some 30 elements – over half of which may give cause for concern in the years to come because of increasing scarcity. With some 10 million smartphones being discarded or replaced every month in the European Union alone, we need to carefully look at our tendencies to waste and improperly recycle such items. Unless solutions are provided, we risk seeing many of the natural elements that make up the world around us run out – whether because of limited supplies, their location in conflict areas, or our incapacity to fully recycle them.

Protecting endangered elements needs to be achieved on a number of levels. As individuals, we need to question whether upgrades to our phones and other electronic devices are truly necessary, and we need to make sure that we recycle correctly to avoid old electronics don’t end up in landfill sites or polluting the environment. On a political level, we need to see a greater recognition of the risk element scarcity poses, and moves need to be made to support better recycling practices and an efficient circular economy. Moreover, transparency and ethical issues need to be considered to avoid the abuse of human rights, as well as to allow citizens to make informed choices when purchasing smartphones or other electronics – as many of the elements we require in our electronics are imported from conflict zones.

2019 has been pronounced the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT2019), and we hope that this unique and thought-provoking Periodic Table will lead to reflection and ultimately, action. Over the next year, we will provide featured articles on specific elements, their endangered status, and the consequences this will have on the world around us.

The Periodic Table is available for free download. Translated versions of the Periodic Table will soon be available on our website. Need inspiration for what to do with the Table? How about adding a poster of it to your classroom, laboratory or even bedroom!

EuChemS Awards at EuChemS Chemistry Congress 2018

The Congress witnessed a number of award ceremonies that showcased the excellent work and passion being done in the field.

For the first time, a European Chemistry Gold Medal Award was presented and awarded to Professor Ben Feringa, one of the awardees of the 2016 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. The Gold Medal aims to reward outstanding research and exceptional achievements in Chemistry in Europe.

The EuChemS Award for Service 2018, which celebrates the work, dedication and commitment done for Chemistry in Europe, and also in supporting EuChemS’ activities was given this year to Franco de Angelis, Sergio Facchetti, and Reiner Salzer. We asked them three short questions on their greatest achievement, their passion for Chemistry, and what they see as EuChemS’ greatest strength – take a look here!

The EuChemS Division of Green and Sustainable Chemistry, and the EuChemS Division of Chemistry and the Environment also recognise the achievements of individual scientists and teams through the European Sustainable Chemistry Award (ESCA), an award which aims to raise the profile of sustainable chemistry and be a spur to innovation and competitiveness. This year, the ESCA was awarded to Professor Paul Dyson – read the full debrief here.

Young chemists are eligible for the European Young Chemist Award (EYCA) which intends to showcase and recognise the excellent research being carried out by young scientists working in the chemical sciences. This year 7 young chemists received awards – read more about it here.

Looking back at the 7th EuChemS Chemistry Congress 2018

On 26 August, close to 1500 participants came together in the city of Liverpool, UK, to share their enthusiasm and passion for the wide field of Chemistry. Over 5 days, an outstanding line-up of speakers shared their latest research and discoveries, whilst students and early-career chemists from across the world displayed their findings and work through inspiring posters.

The Congress highlighted two major dynamics. Firstly, that the field of Chemistry is vast, complex, increasingly blurring discipline boundaries, but also that it is vital in providing solutions and answers to a whole array of topics – from health to energy, from environmental protection to sustainable and efficient industrial processes. Secondly, the Congress enabled the coming together of chemists, researchers, scientists from other fields, students, exhibitors, and more, from across the world. Throughout the week, we were able to chat with chemists from as close by as Liverpool itself, to Russia, Nigeria, and chemists from the US, China, Australia, and of course from across Europe. This gathering of people from different countries and from different backgrounds is a crucial aspect of the EuChemS congresses, allowing communication, interaction and networking opportunities, and therefore better understanding and cooperation between scientists.

It was encouraging to see young researchers, early-career chemists and students demonstrating their passion for their work through their posters and the many discussions they had between themselves as well as with senior members of the community. The workshops and sessions organised by the European Young Chemists’ Network (EYCN) in turn provided unique opportunities to better prepare for the future and a platform to exchange ideas and experiences with experienced colleagues.

In addition to working in a lab, industrial plant or teaching the subject, chemists are also looking to better communicate their work – whether to the public, children, or policymakers. Being able to simply communicate research aims and outcomes is an increasingly sought-after skill, and we were glad to see so much engagement during the joint EuChemS – American Chemical Society – Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) – German Chemical Society (GDCh) session on science communication. The interactive activities of the RSC on the streets of Liverpool was yet another wonderful example of bringing chemistry closer to citizens.

The EuChemS Congress also displayed chemists’ concerns for societal challenges and their contribution to solutions. In a joint panel debate by EuChemS and the American Chemical Society (ACS), the UN Sustainable Development Goals were discussed as well as Chemistry’s role in providing steps forward to achieving them. Speakers highlighted the changing landscape for an increasingly global workforce, from the transformations educational systems are undergoing, to the role of global standards in ensuring quality education, as well as the role scientific integrity and ethics play.  

We hope that each one of you who was able to attend was as inspired as we were, whether by the stimulating talks, sessions, workshops and plenaries, or by the networking opportunities and the chance to speak with fellow chemists from around the globe, or simply by the breath-taking splendour of the dinner venue in the Liverpool Cathedral!

And if you missed this year’s Congress, or simply can’t wait for the next, fret not! From 30 August to 3 September 2020, the EuChemS community will head to Lisbon in Portugal for an unforgettable 8th EuChemS Chemistry Congress!

For more articles, debriefs, videos and more, make sure to take a look at the 7th EuChemS Chemistry Congress website, social media and  watch videos here!

#DrinkingWater, medicine assessments, reducing carbon dioxide emissions: news from the latest European Parliament meetings

The European Parliament had a busy week this September as they discussed and debated a number of highly important and relevant topics through plenaries and Committee meetings.

The European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) approved a report which calls for a tightening of the maximum limits for certain pollutants and harmful bacteria in drinking water as well the introduction of new caps for some endocrine disruptors. The approved report will then be voted on during the October plenary of the European Parliament. Full debrief available here.

MEPs in turn highlighted the current complex barriers that prevent efficient accessing of medicine and innovative technologies in the EU, and in particular, the high prices of medicines and the lack of novel treatments for many diseases. The legislative report was approved by the ENVI Committee and will also be voted on beginning of October. Full article is available here. The Committee also approved a report prepared by MEP Miriam Dalli which called for carmakers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 45% by 2030 despite split opinions.

The European Research Council will recognise preprints

Research Professional reports that as part of the European Research Council’s (ERC) 2019 work programme, preprints – publications that have not yet been peer reviewed – will be recognised as part of applications. One of the reasons for the change is the lengthy peer-review processes in certain disciplines which can ultimately damage speedy and more efficient breakthrough outcomes. Read the full article here.

Plan S launched

On 4 September, a coalition of national research funders, with support from the European Commission launched ‘Plan S’, a commitment to accelerate the transition to open access in scientific publishing. The initiative was held under the backing of Science Europe and with the support of Robert-Jan Smits, the European Commission’s open access envoy. The initiative has the potential of fundamentally altering the scientific publishing landscape, as well as accelerating the transition to Open Science more generally.

The reaction to the plan has been mixed, with many European publishers questioning aspects of the initiative, as well as highlighting the high costs this could incur to smaller publishers, as well as publishers from economically disadvantaged countries and regions.

Because of the many unanswered questions, and the as of yet unknown consequences the transition may have, EuChemS endorses a more cautious approach, that fully takes into account the concerns and proposals of all stakeholders, in particular those who will have to adapt their business models and who risk financial losses if the transition is rushed and one-sided.

Horizon Europe – EuChemS Position Paper

As 2020 will come to a close, so will the 8th research framework programme, known as Horizon 2020. Its successor, named Horizon Europe, will be launched at a time where ambitious funding for science, research and innovation will be essential if Europe is to deal with the many challenges its citizens are already facing, and will continue to face in the coming years.

As the voice of Chemistry in Europe, EuChemS has published a Position Paper which outlines the strengths and weaknesses we perceive in the proposals put forward by the European Commission as well as the reports prepared by the Members of the European Parliament, Dan Nica and Christian Ehler.

In our position, we call for a larger budget to be allocated for the research framework programme as a whole, as well as boosts to be made to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the European Research Council (ERC) budgets – two funding programmes that have enabled breakthrough scientific outcomes over the years. EuChemS has also underlined its support for excellent science, as well as the notion of ‘Missions’ put forward by the European Commission. Such missions would define targets to be reached, from finding cures to Parkinson’s disease to ensuring plastic-free oceans. Finally, EuChemS had emphasised the fact that science knows no borders, and that countries that have in the past participated in research framework programmes, should be able to do so again in Horizon Europe.

You can read our full position paper and our amendments here; and for a more general overview, take a look at our Info Sheet here.

Some words from EuChemS President Pilar Goya and EuChemS Vice-President David Cole-Hamilton

With the Congress already shaping up to be the European Chemistry event of the year not to miss, EuChemS President, Professor Pilar Goya delves into what the Congress encompasses, how it brings together scientists from across Europe and beyond, and how it embraces an increasingly interdisciplinary agenda.

Read the Editorial online now from the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh) – the German Chemical Society’s Angewandte Chemie journal.

EuChemS Past President, and current Vice-President Professor David Cole-Hamilton demonstrates through a thorough and highly informative essay what EuChemS is, how it works, why it does what it does, and what it means for science and policy. By exploring our activities and events, Cole-Hamilton displays an active and lively network of scientists from across Europe who together develop unique scientific evidence and advice which we communicate to decision-makers in order to better inform their policymaking work. Formed in the 1970s, EuChemS has grown to represent some 160,000 individuals from 47 member organisations from over 30 countries!

You can read Cole-Hamilton’s essay here in Chemistry, a European Journal (ChemPubSoc), which will be open access until September 2018.

EuChemS: The European Chemical Society

If you had not yet noticed (and we are sure you did!), EuChemS looks a little different… The EuChemS Congress in Liverpool will also be remembered in yet another way as we officially launch our new name, acronym, and logo!

We are no longer EuCheMS, the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences but rather EuChemS, the European Chemical Society. Not only is it easier to spell and explain, it also better embodies who we represent and why. EuChemS joins the voices, the opinions, the worries, the expectations and the visions of societies and individuals from over 30 different countries, all with the same aim: to demonstrate the vital role Chemistry plays in our everyday lives and to provide scientific evidence and advice to tackle major societal challenges facing Europe and the world.