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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How 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 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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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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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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The Commission pays an advance of EUR 100 million to Spain for the recovery after the DANA
The Commission paid on 31 March an advance of EUR 100 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to Spain to help finance its recovery efforts following the October 2024 DANA storm in Valencia. This is the maximum amount allowed under the EUSF as an advance payment. The Commission is currently assessing the formal application […]
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What is the EU doing to manage waste better?
Every year on 30 March, International Day of Zero Waste raises awareness about the importance of managing waste responsibly and encouraging sustainable consumption and production. In the EU, the average person produces 511kg of waste each year and only 38% of waste is recycled. This is a serious challenge and the EU is taking action […]
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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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