Elena Bou, co-founder of EIT InnoEnergy and a professor at Esade, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Sustainability in 2023 by the Nobel Sustainability Trust and the Technical University of Munich. Her work focuses on supporting early-stage innovations with potential sustainability impacts, aiming to accelerate business cases and reduce risks. Bou highlights rapid advancements in the energy transition value chain and expresses concern over the rise of populism as a threat to climate change efforts.

Ursula von der Leyen's new team of 26 European Commission commissioners has been confirmed by the European Parliament, set to take office by December 1. The team faces significant challenges, including maintaining Europe's competitiveness and addressing potential reductions in US aid to Ukraine under Donald Trump's administration. Additionally, the EU may need to navigate trade tensions with both Beijing and Washington.

The Netherlands has agreed to follow the European Union's fiscal path after its own proposal exceeded the EU's recommended expenditure growth. The Dutch government initially proposed a 4.2% net expenditure growth, surpassing the EU's 3.2% guideline, leading to a breach of recommendations. Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen acknowledged the need for more fiscal measures despite the country's current compliance with EU rules. The European Commission has approved most 2025 budgets under new fiscal regulations, emphasizing debt reduction while balancing investment needs. France and Germany's fiscal plans were also discussed, highlighting the EU's broader fiscal strategy.

European Union member states are urging the bloc to engage with Donald Trump's transition team to prevent trade disruptions and tensions. EU diplomats suggest establishing a positive agenda while preparing for potential retaliatory measures if the Trump administration enacts threatened tariffs. EU trade ministers are strategizing to address Trump's protectionist trade promises.

Ursula von der Leyen's new European Commission team has been confirmed by the European Parliament, with a focus on enhancing Europe's competitiveness amid potential shifts in US policy under Donald Trump. The commission will prioritize closing the innovation gap with the US and China, decarbonization, and security. Key figures include Teresa Ribera, Stephane Sejourne, and Maros Sefcovic. The team faces challenges such as trade tensions with Beijing and Washington, and the need to secure funding for defense and clean-tech development. Von der Leyen's leadership will be crucial in navigating these issues and maintaining EU unity.

The US has warned the European Union that reopening a WTO case over a Trump-era steel and aluminum dispute could jeopardize efforts to reform the WTO's dispute settlement system. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai conveyed this to her G7 counterparts, emphasizing potential consequences on WTO reform cooperation. The EU's consideration of relaunching the case stems from an imbalance in the current truce, which has cost EU exporters over $350 million annually in duties. The discussion occurred ahead of a WTO ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi, where restoring the appellate body was a key agenda item.

European Central Bank Executive Board member Piero Cipollone suggests the ECB may soon be able to lower interest rates swiftly, despite recent wage increases, as inflation recedes. He emphasizes the need for wage recovery to bolster Europe's fragile economy. Latvian central bank Governor Martins Kazaks advocates a cautious, step-by-step approach to rate cuts due to high uncertainty and the risk of inflation resurgence. Spain's consumer-price growth for March indicates a slight uptick to 3.2%, attributed to the rollback of government energy cost support, while underlying inflation softened. Bloomberg Economics forecasts a dip in euro area inflation to 2.4% for March. Cipollone calls for proportionate policy measures considering the euro-area's 18-month economic stagnation and downside risks.

Valencia Basket faces a crucial match for a spot in the Queen's Cup final, but the severe injury of Raquel Carrera has overshadowed the event. Carrera, who suffered a torn ACL, will miss the rest of the season and the Paris 2024 Olympics. This is a significant setback for both her and the Spanish national team, which now faces limited options in the paint. The basketball community, including notable figures like Pau Gasol, has expressed strong support for Carrera during this challenging time.

Carlos Alcaraz overcame a challenging debut in the Australian Open, defeating Richard Gasquet with a final score of 7-6 (5), 6-1, 6-2. Despite a tough first set, Alcaraz showcased his talent and resilience, ultimately dominating the match. Gasquet put up a strong fight initially but couldn't maintain his performance against Alcaraz's superior play. Alcaraz's victory marks a promising start in Melbourne, with his sights set on reclaiming the top spot in the world rankings. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic faces the pressure of defending his title to retain his ranking points.

Valencia Basket, after losing to Dreamland Gran Canaria on January 7, will face them again in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on February 15. The draw took place at the Picasso Museum in Málaga, which will host the tournament from February 15-18. Valencia Basket has a historical advantage over Gran Canaria with three wins to one. Luis Arbalejo, the sports director of Valencia BC, expressed satisfaction with the draw but cautioned against underestimating Gran Canaria, highlighting their recent EuroCup victory and strong team.