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European Parliament shows determination on biodiversity protection

Today, the European Parliament gave a resounding 'yes' to biodiversity protection and restoration by voting for a strong EU position at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP 15 summit in October of this year. With one million species facing extinction, time is of the essence.

Just Transition Fund welcomed by SMEs

In a first reaction on yesterday's proposal to establish a "Just Transition Fund", SMEunited President Alban Maggiar supports the general approach put forward by the European Commission.

European Green Deal gets an upgrade by MEPs

With a large majority and cross-party support, Parliament today backed the European Green Deal proposed by the Commission in December, and demanded higher ambition.

Indiscriminate data retention considered disproportionate, once again

Today’s Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) Advocate General’s Opinions continues the firmly established case-law of the CJEU considering mass collection of individuals communications data incompatible with EU law.

ETUC Quote on Just Transition Mechanism

Commenting on the publication of the European Commission's proposal for the establishment of a Just Transition Mechanism, ETUC Confederal Secretary Ludovic Voet said:

All frills and no filling: EU sustainable investment plan falls far short

The European Commission's plan for unlocking EUR 1 trillion of sustainable investments over ten years, published on 14 January, is little more than pretty packaging of an empty box in WWF's view.

EU strides forward on Just Transition, but risks stumbling on fossil fuels

The path to a climate neutral Europe became a little easier today, with the European Commission's proposal for a fund to help regions reach climate neutrality.

Ferrari joins ACEA

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) kicks off the new year with Ferrari becoming its newest member company.

EU Member States miss the deadline: European seas and fish populations not sustainably managed

The EU has failed to achieve its targets to restore the health of European seas and to fish sustainably in its waters by 1 January 2020.

Parliament approves updated sustainable finance deal and makes it final

Opening the door to cleaner finance in Europe, the European Parliament last night approved the slightly modified version of the deal on the EU sustainable investment taxonomy, which had been agreed earlier yesterday by Member States.

Member States urge Commission to get real about fighting deforestation

Member States welcome the European Commission's Communication on deforestation and urge the European Commission to take action.

EU Green Deal: fails to slam on the brakes

In only her second week in office, new European Commission President von der Leyen has today set out a major environmental package to set the EU on a new environmental and climate path.

Christmas comes early for rivers and nature: European Commission concludes EU water law is "fit for purpose"

The European Commission's final evaluation of EU water legislation has concluded the EU Water Framework Directive to be "fit for purpose", acknowledging that the objectives of the law "are as relevant now as they were at the time of the adoption" and that the law has led to "a higher level of protection for water bodies and flood risk management".

Retail & Wholesale in new initiative to curb food waste

At a high-level Commission Conference on Food Waste today, EuroCommerce and other members of the EU Platform on Food Waste and Loss renewed their commitment to work together with all others in the food supply chain to reduce food waste.

European Green Deal: A turning point for nature & climate?

Today’s communication on a European Green Deal by the European Commission clearly recognises the environmental challenges the world is facing, and provides new impetus for action.

Green Deal: Lights and Shadows for SMEs

The overarching strategy clearly offers opportunities, nevertheless some key actions very likely not SME-friendly

Retail & Wholesale underline need for cooperation with all to make a success of EU Green Deal

Speaking today on behalf of European retailers and wholesalers, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren supported the Commission strategy set out in its long-awaited European Green initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050:

EU needs urgent SDG implementation strategy, ministers warn (yet again)

EU governments today reiterated their demand for an ambitious EU strategy to translate the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), with clear targets and monitoring mechanisms.

Global auto manufacturers call for resolution of WTO impasse

The EU, US, Japanese and Korean automobile manufacturers have joined forces to express their concerns about the impending blockage of the decision-making process in the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) appellate body structure.

Risk of return to law of the jungle in blocking WTO

The WTO Appellate Body will cease to function tomorrow due to retiring judges and the blockage of new judge nominations. Commenting on the situation, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

EU energy ministers must phase out fossil gas and improve their 2030 plans

Today, EU energy ministers have discussed sector integration as well as the state of play of the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). Continued reliance on fossil gas and the fact that the plans are still falling short of climate ambition flies in the face of the European Parliament acting "Climate Emergency" last week.

France's agri-food industry continues to shine with R&D and innovations

Agri-food is France's largest industrial sector with 61,000 businesses, 570,000 personnel and annual revenues of EUR 185 billion. However, the industry is not resting on its laurels, and French agri-food professionals are innovating across the industry.

Mediterranean marine protection failing as 2020 deadline looms

A new WWF report shows that Mediterranean countries are failing on their global commitment to protect at least 10% of marine and coastal areas, and to stop ongoing biodiversity loss in the region.

A new start for Europe, and need for new push for sustainable market solutions

Retailers and wholesalers in Europe expressed their support for the new Commission under Ursula von der Leyen. Speaking today after the convincing European Parliament vote in favour of the new team, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

SMEs Crucial for Success of New European Commission

SMEunited welcomes the von der Leyen Commission and offers cooperation to make a stronger Europe a reality