EU Member States have significantly closed the gap to achieving the 2030 energy and climate targets, according to the European Commission’s assessment of the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). EU countries have substantially improved their plans following Commission recommendations in December 2023. As a result, the EU is closing in collectively on a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as committed […]
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Focus on Green Transition and Local Leadership at EU Enlargement Day
Decentralisation and the transition towards a greener, more sustainable economy were centre-stage at the Enlargement Day conference held by the European Committee of the Regions on 27-28 May – the European Union’s largest event of the year dedicated to EU enlargement from a local and regional perspective. The two topics – sustainable development and decentralisation […]
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EU Review of Final Energy and Climate Plans: Questions and Answers
In this publication, we attach a press release from the Commission on the National Energy and Climate Plans. Are the EU and its Member States set to meet the EU’s binding energy and climate targets for 2030? The Commission assessment of the final National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) indicates that, overall, Member States have presented significant improvements […]
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Protecting Europe’s Wildlife and Habitats with Natura 2000
Did you know that Europe is home to the largest network of environmentally protected areas in the world? Over 27 000 nature sites protected by EU laws make up the Natura 2000 network! Every year on 21 May it is celebrated Natura 2000 Day, when it is highlighted what is being done to protect most valuable […]
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EU takes new step to protect High Seas biodiversity
Last April 24, the Commission is presenting a proposal to integrate the landmark international Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction’ (BBNJ) Agreement, which aims to protect the ocean, tackle environmental degradation, fight climate change, and curb biodiversity loss, into EU law. This will also help the Member States with the implementation in their national systems. Signed by the President […]
Read MoreHow is the EU acting on climate change?
Today, 22 April, is International Mother Earth Day. We would therefore like to recall the work the European Union is doing to combat climate change and the commitment the Member States have agreed on for 2050. EU countries have made a legal commitment to combat climate change by moving to a climate-neutral economy with zero […]
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New rules to reduce microplastic pollution
Last April 8th, the Council and the European Parliament provisionally agreed on a regulation on preventing the loss of plastic pellets – the industrial raw materials used to make plastic products – into the environment. The new rules will help improve the handling of plastic pellets at all stages of the supply chain, both on […]
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EU regions and cities collaborate with UNEP to accelerate multilevel action on climate and environment
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a joint action plan to strengthen the capacities and boost the international cooperation of local and regional authorities within the CoR framework with sub-national governments around the world to tackle the triple global crisis. On 28 March, CoR President […]
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Developing a master plan for textile circularity
tExtended enters phase two in the development of a blueprint for optimised recovery, reuse and recycling of discarded textiles. The EU-funded tExtended project is launching the second phase of its plan to optimise textile flows and ensure materials retain their value in a safe and sustainable way. Its innovations are helping to meet the need […]
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