The EEA briefing ‘The effect of environmental noise on children’s reading ability and behaviour in Europe’ estimates the impact of transport noise on the reading and behaviour of children in Europe. The briefing is based on a technical analysis and report by EEA’s European Topic Centre on Human Health and the Environment. Based on noise data […]
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Transforming Europe’s food systems
The EU-funded FutureFoodS project recently launched its first transnational call titled ‘Transforming Food Systems – reshaping food system interactions, fostering food innovations and empowering sustainable food choices’. The joint call is part of the project’s efforts to make Europe’s food production and consumption more resilient and sustainable. Around the world, hunger and poor nutrition are […]
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Commission approves €81m Spanish state aid to support production of synthetic diamonds
The Commission approved on 16 December last, under EU state aid rules, Spanish aid worth €81 million to support Diamond Foundry Europe in setting up a new factory for the production of semi-conductor grade synthetic diamonds in Trujillo. The measure will contribute to the EU’s strategic objectives related to job creation, regional development and the […]
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EU introduces flight emissions label to promote more sustainable travel
The Commission today adopted a Regulation introducing a Flight Emissions Label (“FEL”) to clearly and reliably calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from flights. Airlines operating flights within the EU or from the EU will be able to voluntarily adhere to this label, which will be fully operational from July 2025. From next summer, passengers will […]
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Zero Pollution: New EU rules enter into force for cleaner air by 2030
The revised Ambient Air Quality Directive entered into force on Tuesday (10 Dec), aligning 2030 EU air quality standards more closely with World Health Organization recommendations. It is an important step toward better protecting Europeans’ health and moving forward on the path to zero pollution in our environment by 2050. The revised Directive comes with a […]
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Biorefinery advances waste treatment in Zaragoza
In October 2024, the EU-funded CIRCULAR BIOCARBON project inaugurated its flagship biorefinery in Zaragoza. The biorefinery will be used to transform sewage sludge and the organic fraction of urban solid waste, such as food residues and garden waste, into high added value products such as biopolymers, biofertilisers and green graphene. Biodegradable waste is a key […]
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Commission and EIB announce new partnership to support investments in the European battery manufacturing value chain
Today, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are announcing a new partnership to support investments in the EU’s battery manufacturing sector. This partnership will see a €200 million top-up (loan guarantee) to the InvestEU programme from the EU Innovation Fund. It comes in addition to €1 billion in grants to support electric vehicle battery […]
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Council recommends increased protection against second-hand smoke and aerosols
The Council has adopted a recommendation that will help reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols and achieve a tobacco-free generation in Europe by 2040 as set out in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The recommendation on smoke and aerosol-free environments adopted today encourages EU countries to broaden the scope of their existing protection against second-hand smoke exposure to include key outdoor […]
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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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