Seven cities have been shortlisted by the European Commission to enter the final stage of the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards, following an assessment by a panel of independent experts. The cities have been selected based on their accomplishments and ambitions in addressing urban environmental challenges related to the triple planetary crisis […]
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Commission issues guidance on sustainability deal to cut CO₂ emissions in EU ports
The European Commission has issued informal guidance on the compatibility with EU competition rules of a sustainability agreement for the joint purchasing and the setting of technical specifications for electric container-handling equipment used in ports. This would accelerate the shift from diesel to electric equipment in EU ports, contributing to reducing CO2 emissions. This informal guidance […]
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EU sets new methodology to clarify rules for low-carbon hydrogen and fuels
Last July 8, the European Commission reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of a hydrogen market by introducing a comprehensive greenhouse gas emission methodology for low-carbon hydrogen and fuels, as set out in the Hydrogen and Gas Market Directive. This methodology complements the existing ones on renewable hydrogen and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), completing […]
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New EU rules to make the automotive sector more sustainable
On Monday, the Environment and Internal Market Committees adopted their proposals on new EU rules to cover the entire vehicle lifecycle, from design to final end-of-life treatment. The regulation would apply to cars and vans one year after its entry into force (five years for buses, heavy-duty vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, quads, mopeds and minicars). There […]
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Commission to cut EU Taxonomy red tape for companies
The European Commission has adopted a set of measures to simplify the application of EU Taxonomy. This will reduce the administrative burden for EU companies, thus enhancing EU competitiveness while preserving core climate and environmental goals. The Taxonomy Regulation entered into force in 2020, and its reporting requirements apply since 2022. By providing a common sustainability reference point for […]
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EU invests €2.8 billion in 94 projects to enhance sustainable mobility across Europe
The European Commission selected 94 transport projects to receive nearly €2.8 billion in EU grants under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). By modernising railways, inland waterways and maritime routes across the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), the projects will not only help better connect European regions and cities – north to south, east to west, but also make the EU’s […]
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EU Climate Law presents a new way to reach 2040
The European Commission has proposed on 2 July an amendment to the EU Climate Legislation, setting an EU climate target for 2040 of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 1990 levels, as called for in the Commission’s policy guidelines for 2024-2029. It will provide certainty for investors, innovation, strengthen the […]
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Key actions launched to advance the circular economy
Last July 2, the Commission launched several initiatives to accelerate the EU’s transition to a circular economy and prepare the ground for the Circular Economy Act, expected in 2026. Circular economy enhances competitiveness and economic growth by promoting the reuse, recycling and remanufacturing of materials. The forthcoming Act will support the EU’s goals under the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean […]
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Europeans view climate action as a priority and support energy independence
A large majority of Europeans believe climate change is a serious problem (85%), according to a new Eurobarometer survey published last June 30. Among those surveyed, 8 in 10 (81%) support the EU-wide goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. From an economic perspective, more than three quarters (77%) of Europeans agree that the cost of damage due to climate change is much higher […]
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