EU support could help Northvolt attract new owner, Sweden says
Electric vehicle battery maker Northvolt said last week it had filed for bankruptcy, opens new tab in Sweden, marking one of the country's largest corporate failures and upending Europe's best hope of developing a rival to challenge China.
Ebba Busch said she had urged Brussels to expand the recipients able to receive EU funding for clean tech projects, so that existing battery makers, such as Northvolt, would be eligible.
Busch was speaking after a meeting with European Commission industry chief Stephane Sejourne in Brussels, where they discussed the matter.
"It's time to go from words to action and actually decide on that money during this spring," Busch said in an interview.
Busch said such support could be "crucial" in helping to ensure Northvolt "could be a company that survives this tough insolvency period with a new incoming owner".
"A new incoming owner is also looking to see what will the terms and the possibilities of a viable competitive situation be for Northvolt in the European market."
The European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Commission last month said it would commit 6 billion euros ($6.55 billion) for clean industries, including battery manufacturing, from the EU Innovation Fund - a pot of money currently earmarked for highly innovative projects, rather than existing technologies.
"If the EU Commission keeps on only supporting newcomers within the battery sector, then the 'clean industrial deal' on European soil will be in the hands of China," Busch said, referring to Europe's heavy reliance on imports of key green technologies from China.
($1 = 0.9158 euros)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
an hour ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Ryanair and easyJet cancel hundreds of flights amid air traffic control strikes
Ryanair said it was forced to make 170 cancellations on Thursday and Friday as the strikes affect flights to and from France – and also flights over the country to destinations such as the UK, Greece, Spain and Ireland – impacting more than 30,000 passengers. Luton-based rival easyJet said it had cancelled 124 flights today and was scrapping 150 tomorrow due to the industrial action. EasyJet said customers have been contacted directly and have the option to transfer to another flight for free or receive a refund, but advised all passengers to check the status of their flights in case of further disruption over the next two days. 'While this is outside of our control, we will do all we can to minimise the impact of the strike action,' easyJet said. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary renewed calls on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take 'urgent action' to reform European Union air traffic control (ATC) services in light of the disruption, which comes at the start of the European summer holidays. Mr O'Leary said: 'Once again, European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike. 'It is not acceptable that overflights over French airspace en route to their destination are being cancelled/delayed as a result of yet another French ATC strike. 'It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays.' EasyJet echoed the plea, asking for 'long-term solutions'. It said: 'On behalf of our passengers we are extremely unhappy with the strike action, particularly given the current performance of French ATC which has been the leading cause of airspace delays in Europe this summer. 'Long term solutions must be found for our customers and crew who suffer repeated disruption.' Airlines have long-campaigned for an overhaul of ATC services across Europe. Ryanair said it wants the EU to ensure ATC services are fully staffed for the first wave of daily departures, as well as to protect overflights during national ATC strikes. 'These two splendid reforms would eliminate 90% of all ATC delays and cancellations, and protect EU passengers from these repeated and avoidable ATC disruptions due to yet another French ATC strike,' Mr O'Leary added. Ryanair also said on Wednesday it had been hit by the recent conflict in the Middle East, and it cancelled more than 800 flights last month. It is among those to have cancelled and rerouted flights amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as continued attacks in Gaza, which last week saw flights halted at Dubai airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
STV News
an hour ago
- STV News
Ryanair to boost free cabin baggage size ahead of the summer holidays
Europe's biggest low-cost airline, Ryanair, has said it will increase its free cabin luggage allowance, set to be carried out in the coming weeks. The budget air carrier currently allows a 'personal bag' measuring 40 x 20 x 25cm, equating to a volume of 20 litres at no extra cost. The new volume will increase to 24 litres while dimensions will change to 40 x 30 x 20cm, allowing holidaymakers to pack a little more. Two Ryanair flights taxied on the runway following announcements it will increase its cabin baggage size. / Credit: The change comes in response to an agreement made by European airlines to standardise the dimensions across various air carriers. Ryanair's allowance increase is larger than the newly announced European minimum luggage size of 40 x 30 x 15cm. Ryanair confirmed it would be making those changes over the 'coming weeks' ahead of the summer holidays. A spokesperson for the airline said: 'Ryanair's current free 'personal bag' size is 40 x 25 x 20cm. Following the new EU minimum bag size of 40 x 30 x 15cm, Ryanair will increase its max 'personal bag' dimensions to 40 x 30 x 20cm, so that Ryanair's 'personal bag' allowance is bigger than the EU standard. 'This change will be implemented over the coming weeks, as our airport bag sizers are adjusted.' The trade body Airlines for Europe (A4E) has been in talks with Adina Valean, the EU transport commissioner in Brussels, about simplifying air travel for passengers. It said all A4E airlines 'will roll out the guaranteed dimensions and have them in place by the end of the 2025 summer season'. Ryanair announced it will increase the size of cabin luggage which will be rolled out ahead of the summer holidays. / Credit: PA A4E airlines include Ryanair, easyJet, Air France-KLM and Lufthansa Group. Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of A4E, said: 'This will align A4E members with the decision of member states made last month and bring more clarity to passengers across Europe. 'From city-hoppers to family travellers, everyone will benefit from the same clear rule across our members' networks.' British Airways, Jet2 and easyJet all exceed the baggage allowance announced by the A4E. A spokesperson at easyJet confirmed to ITV News that its current luggage allowance will remain unchanged. It appears Ryanair is the only major airline to make changes to their current allowance. The change comes after MEPs voted last month for all airlines to allow passengers to carry both a personal item and one small hand luggage on board for free, which Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air strongly opposed because of impracticality. The European Parliament said: 'Passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop (maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm), and one small hand luggage (maximum dimensions of 100 cm and 7 kg) without an additional fee.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Ryanair to increase underseat free bag size after EU changes
The budget airline currently allows people a small "personal bag" that must fit under the seat in front for free, but under current rules it must be less than 40x25x20cm. Under new rules this would increase to 40x30x20cm. While only a 5cm increase, it means the volume will be 24 litres instead of 20 litres - a big increase and a welcome outcome for many travellers. But, it will still mean Ryanair offers a smaller 'free bag' that main rival easyJet, which currently allows 45x36x20cm (32 litres). Other budget competitor WizzAir already allows 40x30x20cm. The date for the change isn't clear yet, but Ryanair said the change would be "implemented over the coming weeks, as our airport bag sizers are adjusted" - and would mean it's exceeding the EU's recommended minimum size. Last week, European politicians said holidaymakers should be allowed a bag with a minimum size of 40x30x15cm - and crucially another up to 100cm and 7kg in weight - without an extra fee on top of their ticket. Recommended reading: A Ryanair spokesperson said last week: "The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't." Even though the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, the rules would still impact British passengers as they cover EU-based airlines. The proposals must be voted on by the full parliament before they become law.
