On 1 January 2013, Tallinn, Estonia became the first European capital to extend free public transport to all of its residents. The results so far have been encouraging. The Tallinn authorities believe that, if done right, free public transport schemes can encourage a shift from cars to buses and trams, can cut congestion and traffic emissions, and can boost economic development.

The European Semester was established in 2010 as a mechanism to better coordinate economic policies in European Union countries. It was one of the EU's responses to the financial and economic crisis, which has resulted in economic contraction and rising unemployment in many EU countries. The European Semester is based on the idea that, because EU economies are highly integrated, enhanced policy coordination can help prevent discrepancies and will boost economic development in the EU generally.

Eco-innovation in the widest sense is needed if cities are to become more sustainable, particularly by improving air quality through the management of urban mobility, delegates at the 14th European Forum on Eco-Innovation were told. The forum was the latest to be organised by the European Commission's Eco-Innovation Action Plan Unit, to explore how eco-innovation can influence developments and result in better outcomes across all environmental policy areas.

New publication! LIFE creating green jobs and skills

The latest LIFE Focus publication highlights the relevance of LIFE Environment project actions in helping to create durable jobs and develop green skills across the EU. The publication highlights the policy agenda and challenges involved in greening the EU job market, and analyses the lessons that can be learned from more than 20 years of LIFE.