In 2024, 19,940 people lost their lives in road crashes across the EU, according to latest statistics released by the European Commission today. This represents a 2% decrease compared to 2023 and marks continued, but slow, progress toward the EU’s Vision Zero goal of halving road deaths and serious injuries by 2030 and getting close […]
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Council agrees its position on rules to phase out Russian gas imports under REPowerEU
The Council today agreed on its negotiating position on the draft regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas. The regulation constitutes a central element of the EU’s REPowerEU roadmap to end dependency on Russian energy, following Russia’s weaponisation of gas supplies and repeated disruptions of gas supplies to the EU with significant effects on the European […]
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EU’s new strategy to shape a global clean and resilient transition
The Commission and the High Representative have presented last October 16 an international strategy for securing Europe’s place in global markets. The new EU global climate and energy vision presents the EU’s offer to the world: using diplomacy to protect our core interests, promoting standards for a fair transition by assisting our partners to develop theirs, and […]
Read MoreNext Generation EU drives sustainable growth across the EU
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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