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Cyprus has the largest share of petrol use in EU

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 10, 2024

Petrol/diesel oil was the main energy source in road transport in the EU in 2022, while Cyprus had the largest share of use of motor petrol among member states, according to data released by Eurostat.

Petrol/ diesel oil and motor petrol remained the leading energy sources in road transport in 2022, according to the statistics.

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In the EU, petrol/diesel oil (excluding the biofuel portion) was the main source of energy in road transport in 2022, with a 65% share. Motor petrol (excluding the biofuel portion) followed at 25%, ahead of renewables and biofuels (6%), liquefied petroleum gases (2%), natural gas (1%) and electricity (0.3%).

In most EU countries, petrol/diesel oil was the primary source of energy for road transport, though there were noticeable differences between the countries.

The highest shares were reported in Latvia (80%) and Lithuania (76%), followed by Ireland, Austria, and Spain, each at 74%. In contrast, the lowest shares were recorded in Sweden (45%), Cyprus (46%) and the Netherlands (48%).

The share of motor petrol was highest in Cyprus (50%), the Netherlands (42%), and Malta (36%). The lowest shares were reported in Lithuania (13%), Latvia (14%) and Bulgaria (15%).

Energy consumption in transport at pre-pandemic levels

According to the statistics, in 2022 transport activities accounted for 31% of the final energy consumption in the EU, which made it the highest consumer of final energy, ahead of households (27%) and industry (25%).

Road transport was the largest energy consumer, responsible 74% of all energy consumption in transport, or 10,996 petajoules (PJ). Water transport accounted for 13% of all energy consumed in transport (1,935 PJ), followed by air (11%; 1,700 PJ) and rail transport (1%; 214 PJ).

Compared with 2021, air transport recorded the highest increase in energy consumption, with a striking 57% rise. In 2022, energy consumption levels in air transport were approaching the pre-pandemic figures, following sharp declines in 2020 and 2021.

Energy consumption also increased, if not as rapidly in road transport, which also approached 2019 levels.

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Google Introduces Real-Time Headphone Translation With Gemini Enhancements

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 14, 2025

Google has unveiled a groundbreaking beta experience that transforms any pair of headphones into a real-time, one‐way translation device. Integrated into the Google Translate app, this innovative feature preserves each speaker’s tone, cadence, and emphasis, ensuring a natural and contextually aware conversation.

Real-Time Translation Innovation

Rose Yao, Vice President of Product Management for Search Verticals at Google, explained, “Whether you’re engaging in a conversation in a different language, attending a lecture abroad, or enjoying foreign media, simply put on your headphones, open the Translate app, tap ‘Live translate’, and experience instant, accurate translation.” This feature currently supports more than 70 languages and is designed to dismantle language barriers, making global communication smoother than ever before.

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Advanced Gemini-Powered Capabilities

In addition to real-time speech translation, Google is infusing its Gemini technology into the Translate platform to elevate text translations. With these advanced capabilities, the system now offers smarter, more natural interpretations of phrases, including idioms and colloquial expressions. For example, instead of rendering an idiom like “stealing my thunder” in a literal manner, the translation intelligently captures the contextual meaning, delivering a result that is both precise and culturally relevant.

Expanding Language Learning Tools

Google is also broadening its language-learning tools to challenge established platforms like Duolingo. The Translate app now offers enhanced learning experiences in nearly 20 additional countries, including Germany, India, Sweden, and Taiwan. English speakers can practice German, while speakers of Bengali, Simplified Mandarin Chinese, Dutch, German, Hindi, Italian, Romanian, and Swedish can now refine their English skills. New features, such as progress tracking via consecutive learning days and improved feedback, further enrich the user experience.

Global Rollout and Future Plans

The beta is presently available on Android in the U.S., Mexico, and India, with plans to extend the feature to iOS and additional regions in 2026. This strategic rollout underscores Google’s commitment to breaking down language barriers and redefining how individuals interact across cultures on a global scale.