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 launches consultation on simplification of environmental legislation
On 22 July the Commission launched a call for evidence to gather views on how to simplify environmental legislation, to reduce bureaucracy while maintaining and better achieving the EU’s environmental objectives of this legislation. The forthcoming omnibus environmental proposal will present measures to simplify legislation in areas such as the circular economy, industrial emissions and […]
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Seven European cities reach the final stage for the 2027 Green Capital & Green Leaf Awards
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 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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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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Commission suggests waiving tolls to encourage uptake of zero-emission trucks and buses
To stimulate and support the competitiveness of sustainable road transport, the European Commission is proposing to exempt zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from road tolls and user charges. As pledged in its Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, the Commission is proposing to extend the current exemption period from 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031, providing a significant […]
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President von der Leyen in Seville for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
President Ursula von der Leyen will participate in the 4th UN Conference on Financing for Development, which takes place today, 30 June, in Seville. The annual under-investment in the Sustainable Development Goals has been growing, and new approaches are needed to mobilise more financing. Together with its global partners, the European Union aims to lay […]
Read MoreClean Industrial Pact must reconcile competitiveness and climate action
The Industrial Decarbonisation Bank and the Affordable Energy Action Plan are crucial for the competitiveness and resilience of European industry, says the EP. The resolution adopted by the plenary on Thursday is a response to the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Pact Plan. It stresses the need to combine climate action with industrial competitiveness. It also […]
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