Last May 20, the Commission announced the selection of 15 renewable hydrogen production projects for public funding across the European Economic Area (EEA). The projects, located across five countries, are expected to produce nearly 2.2 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over ten years, avoiding more than 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The hydrogen will be produced in sectors such […]
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European Parliament fast-tracks vote on flexibility measures for carmakers
On Tuesday, MEPs agreed to use the urgent procedure for a targeted change to CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans. The current rules set annual targets, covering five-year periods, for reducing average CO2 emissions from new cars and vans across the EU fleet. From 2025, an annual CO2 emission reduction target of 15% compared […]
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Commission approves €612 million in Portuguese aid for energy-intensive companies
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €612 million Portuguese scheme to lower electricity levy rates for energy-intensive companies. The scheme intends to reduce the risk that these energy-intensive companies relocate their activities to countries outside the EU with less ambitious climate policies. An energy-intensive company is a business that consumes […]
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Updated rules for safer roads, less air pollution and digital vehicle documents
For better road safety and air quality across the EU, the Commission is proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the EU’s road safety and vehicle registration rules. The new rules will take into account the growing presence of electric vehicles and adapt to emerging technologies. They will introduce enhanced inspections, including periodic technical inspections for electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance […]
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New plan to boost the EU’s circular economy
On 16 April, the European Commission adopted the 2025-2030 working plan for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Energy Labelling Regulation. The plan provides a list of products that should be prioritised to introduce ecodesign requirements and energy labelling over the next five years. This will foster sustainable, repairable, circular and energy efficient products across Europe, in line […]
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Parliamentary proposals to support energy-intensive industries
The EU must take action to strengthen the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries and help them make the transition to clean industrial processes. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, the plenary notes that energy-intensive industries, such as those involved in the production of chemicals, steel, paper, cement and glass, are crucial to the EU economy and […]
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EU launches Humanitarian Air Bridge after Myanmar earthquake and provides further assistance
Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and the broader region last Friday, the EU is channelling further assistance to strengthen relief efforts. Concretely, the EU has launched a Humanitarian Air Bridge operation, with the first flight departing today from Copenhagen to Yangon. The cargo of 80 tonnes of EU owned supplies including tents, child protection […]
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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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Spanish group NorteGas backed with €80 million to build biomethane plants in Spain
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted Nortegas Group a framework financing of up to €80 million to enable group subsidiary Nortegas Renovables to finance the construction of biomethane plants in Spain and launch a digital operations centre. The EIB and InvestEU-financed project will enable the development of the first phase of Nortegas Renovables’ strategic plan, […]
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