The Council has adopted its position (‘general approach’) on the proposed regulation establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products. The new regulation will replace the existing 2009 directive and enlarge the scope to set environmental sustainability requirements for almost all kind of goods placed on the EU market. It establishes a Digital […]
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EU mobilises emergency equipment to assist Italian authorities
Following a new request for assistance from Italy, the EU has mobilised offers of pumping equipment from Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to help the Italian authorities deal with heavy floods. The request comes after severe weather conditions in Italy have caused floods and landslides […]
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May 22: International Biodiversity Day
The International Day for Biodiversity will be celebrated on May 22nd. The UN decreed this day with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity for humans. Biodiversity strategy for 2030 The EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030 is a comprehensive, ambitious and long-term plan to protect nature and reverse the degradation of ecosystems. The […]
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Council adopts new rules to cut deforestation worldwide
The Council gave the final go-ahead to a regulation that aims to minimise the risk of deforestation and forest degradation associated with products that are placed on or exported from the EU market. The EU is a large consumer and trader of commodities and products that play a substantial part in deforestation. The new rules […]
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How digitalisation can contribute to more sustainable transport in Europe
Digital technologies provide ways to lessen the negative effects of the European transport industry, including land grabbing, habitat fragmentation, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, accidents, and time wasted in traffic. However, these benefits rely on how digital solutions are implemented and how they impact total transport demand, according to a recent analysis by the […]
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EU, Latin America and the Caribbean lead the charge for a Green and Just Transition
In commemorating Europe Day, the European Union (EU) officially launched its €35-million climate action programme Euroclima in the Caribbean region. This launch follows October’s Ministerial meeting, where EU Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen and Caribbean Ministers agreed to put just green transition at the core of the partnership between the EU and the Caribbean region. The launch […]
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Parliament votes in favour of fighting planned obsolescence and eco-posturing
MEPs on Thursday approved draft legislation to improve the labelling and durability of products as well as cracking down on misleading advertising. The proposed new directive, which gives consumers greater decision-making rights in the process of organic processing, was adopted in plenary by 544 votes to 18, with 17 abstentions. Its main aim is to […]
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The European Commission approves an aid scheme of 837 million euros to Spain for the production of car batteries
The European Commission has approved a €837 million Spanish scheme to support the production of batteries for the industrial chain of electric and connected vehicles to foster the transition to a net-zero economy, in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, adopted by the […]
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Secure, affordable and clean energy in times of crisis?
Europe is meeting an increasing share of its energy needs through renewable energy, but remains dependent on oil and gas. Given the rapid changes in energy prices, the focus on home heating this winter and the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is a need to save energy, diversify its sources, accelerate the transition […]
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