The proposal for a European Declaration on Cycling, adopted by the European Commission, recognises cycling as a sustainable, accessible and inclusive, affordable and healthy means of transport, with strong added value for the EU economy. It lists principles to boost cycling that will guide future action in the EU. Clear commitments, such as safe and coherent cycling networks […]
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Up to €1.7bn of EIB finance for new solar power plants in Spain, Italy and Portugal
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved framework financing of up to €1.7 billion for Solaria to support the construction of some 120 photovoltaic power plants. Mostly located in Spain, as well as Italy and Portugal, they will have a total capacity of approximately 5.6 GW and will produce an estimated 9.29 TWh a year. […]
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EU industry ministers agree new Euro 7 standards
The Council adopted yesterday its position (‘general approach’) on the proposed regulation for the type-approval of motor vehicles and engines, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, with respect to their emissions and battery durability, better known as Euro 7. The new regulation, which for the first time covers cars, […]
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Can dumping iron in the sea slow climate change?
Scientists and entrepreneurs have proposed geoengineering projects to modify Earth’s environment. Our expert Marion Fourquez weighs in on the value of tipping metal shavings into the sea. “The answer is both yes and no, and it should not be tested again,” says Fourquez, a polar oceanographer at the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography in France. The […]
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According to the European Environment Agency, more action needed to reduce effects of chemical pesticides in the EU
The widespread use of pesticides is a major source of water, soil and air pollution, leading to loss of biodiversity and promoting pest resistance. Human exposure to chemical pesticides is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart, respiratory and neurological diseases. The EEA’s new information note How pesticides impact human health and ecosystems in […]
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Wildfires in 2023: 41 % of the burnt area in the EU within Natura 2000 protected sites
This year’s fire season, which sparked the largest wildfire ever recorded in the EU, has been devastating for humans and the environment. As we are taking stock of this year’s deadly wildfires, some worrying trends emerge. Protected areas appear to have a higher probability of burning than non-protected areas. 41% of areas burnt in the […]
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EU produced 14.7 million bicycles in 2022
In 2022, a total of 14.7 million bicycles were produced in the EU. This figure presents a 10% increase in bicycle production compared to the previous year (2021), and a 29% increase over the course of a decade from 2012 to 2022. El nuevo programa de uso compartido de eBikes de Barcelona utilizará información de posicionamiento […]
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European Commission adopts measures to restrict the use of microplastics
The Commission takes another major step to protect the environment by adopting measures that restrict microplastics intentionally added to products under the EU chemical legislation REACH. The new rules will prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics. They will prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been added […]
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70% of jet fuels at EU airports will have to be green by 2050
On Wednesday, MEPs approved a new law to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels, such as advanced biofuels or hydrogen, in the aviation sector. The RefuelEU aviation rules are part of the “Fit for 55 package”, the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to […]
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