EU Environment Policy

Latest news on the environment policies of the European Union.

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.

Electric Vehicles Asia Online Conference

The Electric Vehicles Asia Online Conference, part of Future Cities Week, will take place on 11 - 13 August, 2020 - Online Event, Your Computer

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.

28th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition

The e-EUBCE 2020 event goes virtual and welcomes you with its main theme, "Bioeconomy’s role in the post-pandemic economic recovery".

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.

EUR 1 billion to support Europe's battery industry

The European Investment Bank confirmed at a meeting of the European Battery Alliance Tuesday that it expects to increase backing of battery-related projects in 2020 to more than EUR 1 bn financing.

Euro-MPs give green light to increased water reuse

With a view to preventing water shortages in the EU, Euro-MPs approved Wednesday the Water Reuse Regulation, which defines for the first time minimum requirements at European level for reclaimed water.

Greenhouse gas emissions in EU reduced by 8.7% under ETS in 2019

Emissions of greenhouse gases from all operators covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in 2019 fell by 8.7% compared to 2018 levels, the Commission reported on Tuesday.

Students: connect to nature in the time of COVID-19 through new "Earth School"

With more than 1.5 bn learners hit by COVID-19 school closures, a UN Environment Programme coalition has launched 'Earth School' to provide free, high-quality educational content for students and teachers.

MEPs call for ambitious green COVID-19 recovery plan

In a debate with Commission executive vice-president Frans Timmermans Tuesday, a committee of MEPs said the EU must remain firm on climate change and the timetable foreseen for the Climate Law.

New EU rules on power adaptors come into force

A new EU regulation on external power supplies aimed at making a range of household appliances, from laptops to electric toothbrushes, more energy efficient entered into force on 1 April.

EU's Circular Economy plan to clamp down on waste

The EU's Circular Economy action plan, launched Wednesday by the European Commission, outlines measures to reduce waste along the entire life cycle of products we produce, consume and dispose of.

EU Circular Economy Action Plan

The European Commission has adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan - one of the main blocks of the European Green Deal, Europe’s new agenda for sustainable growth. The new Action Plan announces initiatives along the entire life cycle of products, targeting for example their design, promoting circular economy processes, fostering sustainable consumption, and aiming to ensure that the resources used are kept in the EU economy for as long as possible. It introduces legislative and non-legislative measures targeting areas where action at the EU level brings real added value.

Circular Economy Action Plan - background guide

The European Commission adopted on 11 March a new Circular Economy Action Plan - one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal, Europe's new agenda for sustainable growth.

New EU strategy to decarbonise Europe's economy

The EU Commission unveiled a new industrial strategy for Europe Tuesday to help industry's transitions towards climate neutrality and digitalisation, and boost its competitiveness and strategic autonomy.

EU paves way for greener partnership with Africa

The EU's foreign policy chief and the Commission set out the basis for a new, 'green' strategy with Africa Monday, focusing on green and digital transformation, and promoting sustainable investment and jobs.

European Climate Law puts EU on course for net zero emissions

The Commission proposed Wednesday to set Europe on an 'irreversible path to a more sustainable future', enshrining in legislation the EU's political commitment to be climate neutral by 2050.

The European Climate Law and Climate Pact

The European Commission presented on 4 March a proposal to enshrine in legislation the EU's political commitment to be climate neutral by 2050, to protect the planet and our people.