EU Environment Policy

Latest news on the environment policies of the European Union.

Brussels revises guidelines for EU Emission Trading System

The EU Commission adopted Monday revised guidelines for the EU Emission Trading System in the context of the system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading post-2021 (the ‘ETS Guidelines').

EU launches EUR 1 billion call for green and digital transition

The European Commission launched Thursday a EUR 1 billion call for research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis and help protect Europe's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

EU outlines measures to achieve new climate goal

The EU Commission set out details Thursday of its plan, announced by EC chief Ursula von der Leyen, to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

2030 Climate Target Plan

The European Commission presented on 17 September its plan to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

EU Commission to target 55 pct emissions reductions

EU Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen in her first state of the union speech announced an increase to the 2030 climate target, to 'at least 55%' emissions reductions, up from the previous 40% target.

Free emissions allowances must be better targeted: EU auditors

Free allowances under the EU's 'cap and trade' emissions trading system, distributed to industry, aviation and sometimes electricity sectors, were not well targeted, says an EU auditors' report.

Healthy environment, healthy lives: how the environment influences health and well-being in Europe

A significant proportion of the burden of disease in Europe continues to be attributed to environmental pollution resulting from human activity. This report highlights how the quality of Europe's environment plays a key role in determining our health and well-being.

Poor environment causes one in eight deaths in Europe

Heatwaves, air and noise pollution contribute to 13 per cent of all deaths in Europe, according to a major assessment on health and environment released Tuesday the EU Environment Agency (EEA).

New raw materials strategy to lead Europe's green transition

A new raw materials strategy, proposed Thursday by the EU Commission, would reduce Europe's dependency on third countries, diversify supply and promote responsible sourcing worldwide.

New car type-approval rules in force across Europe

New EU type-approval rules for cars, which came into force across Europe on 1 August, significantly overhaul and tighten the previous type approval and market surveillance system.

New EU type-approval rules for safer and cleaner cars

The EU Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles started to apply from 1 September, 2020.

EC sets out its fish quotas for Mediterranean, Black Seas

The EU Commission set out proposals for fishing opportunities for 2021 in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas Monday, saying these reflect ambitions to promote sustainable management of fish stocks.

Green transition fund should be performance-related: EU auditors

A proposal amending the EU's Just Transition Fund needs to establish a clearer link to EU climate and environmental goals, says an Opinion published Wednesday by the EU's Court of Auditors.

Dieselgate: VW can be sued in EU states where cars sold

German car manufacturer Volkswagen could be sued for damages in the courts of EU member states' where their cars are resold with manipulated car emissions data, the EU's top court ruled Thursday.

EU hydrogen strategy to bolster green recovery

The European Commission unveiled EU strategies for energy system integration and hydrogen Wednesday, saying they will pave the way towards a more efficient and interconnected energy sector.

EUR 1bn fund for innovative clean technology projects: 1st call

The European Commission launched Friday the first call for proposals under the EU Innovation Fund, one of the world's largest programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies.

EU states likely to miss 2030 clean air targets

Most EU Member States are at risk of not complying with their 2020 or 2030 emission reduction commitments, a first Commission report on implementation of the European clean air rules has found.

Biobased Coatings Europe

ACI's 3rd Annual Biobased Coatings Europe will take place on 25th & 26th November 2020 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

MEPs greenlight criteria for sustainable investments

Financial products that claim to be sustainable will have to prove it, following the European Parliament's green light Thursday to new rules aimed at preventing 'greenwashing' and boosting green investments.

EC evaluation of EU Common Fisheries Policy and Fishing Opportunities for 2021

The Commission has published its yearly Communication on the progress of management of fish stocks in the EU, which is based on data from 2018.

Water quality 'excellent' in 85 pct of Europe's beaches: EU survey

85% of swimming sites across Europe monitored in 2019 met the EU's stringent 'excellent' quality standards, according to this year's European bathing water quality assessment published on Monday.

European bathing water quality in 2019

Bathing is an extremely popular and important leisure activity in Europe. This annual assessment of European bathing sites shows how well environmental protection measures are implemented, allowing people to make informed decisions on where to go to best enjoy Europe’s inland and coastal bathing sites.

CAP not halting biodiversity loss in farming: EU auditors

The common agricultural policy has not been effective in reversing a decades-long decline in biodiversity and intensive farming remains a main cause of biodiversity loss, an EU auditors report said Friday.

EU budget: the Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy

To help repair the economic and social damage brought by the coronavirus pandemic, kick-start European recovery, and protect and create jobs, the European Commission presented on 27 May 2020 a major recovery plan for Europe based on harnessing the full potential of the EU budget. This proposal includes a new recovery instrument, Next Generation EU, within a revamped long-term EU budget. In this context, the Commission is proposing to reinforce the funds available to support farmers and rural areas as well as the fisheries sector in recovering and delivering the European Green Deal and in particular the new Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies.

EU unveils green makeover for food and farming

The European Commission took steps towards sustainable biodiversity, food and farming policies Wednesday, as it published its long-awaited 'farm to fork' policy roadmaps for the next 10 years.