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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EU provides €2.5 million in initial emergency aid for people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar
In an immediate response after the deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has struck Myanmar and the broader region, the EU is releasing €2.5 million in initial emergency assistance. This new humanitarian aid will help save lives and address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable in Myanmar, with a focus on displaced and conflict-affected communities. […]
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Commission approves €5 billion German State aid scheme to help industries decarbonise production processes
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €5 billion German scheme to help companies subject to the EU Emission Trading Scheme (‘ETS’) decarbonise their production processes. The scheme contributes to the achievement of Germany’s energy and climate targets as well as of the EU’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness objectives. The German scheme The scheme […]
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