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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Global ocean conservation treaty enters into force
Last September 19 marks a historic milestone for ocean conservation as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement reached 60 ratifications, triggering its entry into force in early 2026. This landmark agreement, the result of over a decade of international collaboration, represents a transformative step toward safeguarding marine ecosystems and addressing the urgent threats posed by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity […]
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Council signs off regulation to reduce pollution from microplastics
Today, the Council adopted the regulation on preventing the loss of plastic pellets into the environment, following a provisional agreement with the European Parliament. The new regulation aims to reduce microplastic pollution by strengthening controls and management of plastic pellets, a key industrial raw material, throughout the supply chain. Main elements of the regulation The new rules focus on […]
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Commission clears acquisition of Itínere by Swiss Life and APG
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Itínere Infraestructuras, S.A. (“Itínere”) of Spain by Swiss Life Holding AG (“Swiss Life”) of Switzerland and APG Asset Management N.V. (“APG”) of the Netherlands. The operation mainly concerns the management and operation of toll concessions. The Commission has concluded […]
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The Commission is gathering opinions on electrification, heating and cooling
The Commission has launched a series of calls for public consultation on two initiatives that will be key to fully implementing the Clean Industry Pact and the Affordable Energy Action Plan: the Action Plan for Electrification and the Heating and Cooling Strategy. The Action Plan for Electrification will set out how to accelerate the cost-effective […]
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EU donates financial and in-kind assistance due to the earthquake in Afghanistan
Following the strong earthquake that hit north-eastern Afghanistan, the EU has approved €1 million in humanitarian emergency funding to address the most urgent needs of the affected population. This money will go to humanitarian partners that are already carrying out relief operations on the ground. In addition, the EU will donate around 130 tonnes of […]
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The LOCAL-HEAT project promotes solar technology
The EU-funded LOCAL-HEAT project is developing next-generation perovskite materials to make clean energy more accessible and affordable worldwide. One of the main challenges facing photovoltaic energy is how to build high-performance photovoltaic cells that are cost-effective, reliable and sustainable. Perovskites, a unique class of semiconductor materials, offer great potential for addressing this challenge and could […]
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