As the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) approaches its 2026 deadline, it continues to drive positive reforms and investments across the EU. As a cornerstone of NextGenerationEU, the RRF has already disbursed €367 billion across Member States, contributing to key objectives such as economic and social resilience, and the green and digital transitions. Today, the Commission presents its fourth […]
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From the Arctic to the tropics, Commission report sounds alarm bells over ocean health
Every part of the ocean is now threatened by climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, according to the ninth State of the Ocean report, published on 30 September by the Marine Monitoring Service of Copernicus, the EU’s Earth observation system. The findings show that ocean warming is accelerating, marine biodiversity hotspots are increasingly at risk […]
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COP30: MEPs want EU climate policy to maintain a high degree of ambition
Last Monday 6th of October, the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety adopted its policy demands for the UN Climate Change Conference COP30. The resolution, adopted with 57 votes in favour, 23 against and four abstentions, states that the EU should remain a leader in international climate negotiations and calls on all countries […]
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Commission restricts use of chemicals “forever” in fire fighting foams
The Commission adopted on 3 October new measures restricting the use of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in fire fighting foams under the REACH Regulation, the EU’s chemicals legislation. This is an important measure that protects people and the environment from the risks posed by PFASs. The restriction marks an important step towards the Commission’s […]
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Close to €1.6 billion of EU funds will help Spain recover from Valencia’s devastating floods
The European Commission has proposed to the European Parliament and the Council an aid of €945 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to Spain to support the recovery from the destructive ‘DANA floods’ of October 2024 in Valencia. In addition, the Commission has approved the reallocation of €645 million from Spain’s cohesion policy funds via […]
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Tackling water challenges by combining expertise
Artificial intelligence-based environmental monitoring tools that strengthen water management capabilities could bring benefits to many regions. Surface water systems, such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, are under increasing pressure due to climate change, pollution and overuse. In many regions of the world, especially those with limited monitoring infrastructure, there is a lack of timely, reliable […]
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Global ocean conservation treaty enters into force
Last September 19 marks a historic milestone for ocean conservation as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement reached 60 ratifications, triggering its entry into force in early 2026. This landmark agreement, the result of over a decade of international collaboration, represents a transformative step toward safeguarding marine ecosystems and addressing the urgent threats posed by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity […]
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Council signs off regulation to reduce pollution from microplastics
Today, the Council adopted the regulation on preventing the loss of plastic pellets into the environment, following a provisional agreement with the European Parliament. The new regulation aims to reduce microplastic pollution by strengthening controls and management of plastic pellets, a key industrial raw material, throughout the supply chain. Main elements of the regulation The new rules focus on […]
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Commission clears acquisition of Itínere by Swiss Life and APG
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Itínere Infraestructuras, S.A. (“Itínere”) of Spain by Swiss Life Holding AG (“Swiss Life”) of Switzerland and APG Asset Management N.V. (“APG”) of the Netherlands. The operation mainly concerns the management and operation of toll concessions. The Commission has concluded […]
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