BRUSSELS – In response to rapid developments in the coatings market, the European Commission has presented an updated set ofEU Ecolabel criteria for paints and varnishes.These criteria bring one of the programme’s key product groups up to date with the latest technological advances and market trends, including revised requirements for the most environmentally friendly paints […]
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EU forest management continues to focus on the most profitable services
Despite public opinion and EU policies promoting forest management for multiple ecosystem services, income from sources other than timber production remains limited. This imbalance could persist without specific interventions. Forests provide a variety of ecosystem services, generally divided into three categories: Provisioning: providing natural resources such as wood (e.g. for timber or fuel), food (e.g. […]
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EU reaffirms commitment to science-based multilateralism on chemicals, waste and pollution
The panel will provide authoritative and policy-relevant scientific assessments on chemicals, waste and pollution. Countries will meet in Geneva from 2 to 6 February for the first plenary session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), marking a key step in the launch of a new independent scientific body. The EU […]
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The EU invests €650 million in cross-border energy infrastructure
The European Commission will allocate around €650 million in grants from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to help finance fourteen cross-border energy infrastructure projects. These projects will play a key role in strengthening the EU’s energy security, increasing the integration of renewable energies and, consequently, Europe’s competitiveness. As highlighted in the recently adopted European electricity […]
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Europe’s health and competitiveness are being undermined by the slow implementation of anti-pollution laws.
A mid-term review of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan concluded that faster implementation is needed. Areview of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Planconcludes that Member States must act swiftly and decisively if the EU is to achieve its pollution reduction targets for 2030. The report highlights the close link between environmental protection and public […]
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EU approves landmark Declaration on the integrity of climate change information
The European Union has endorsed theDeclaration on the Integrity of Climate Change Information,following its approval by the Council on 20 January. This Declaration was launched during COP30 by the Global Initiative for Integrity of Climate Change Information, established by UNESCO, the Government of Brazil and the UN. It establishes shared international commitments to address the […]
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Commission seeks feedback on the Ocean Observation Initiative
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to shape the European Ocean Observation Initiative, one of the cornerstones of the European Ocean Pact. The initiative will improve access to actionable marine knowledge for everyone who relies on the ocean and make Europe a global leader in ocean observation and the development of related technologies. […]
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High Seas Treaty enters into force: A milestone for ocean conservation
The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), enters into force on 17 January 2026. The European Union and its Member States are celebrating this significant milestone in ocean conservation and sustainable use of Ocean. This landmark agreement provides a framework for the common governance of about half of our planet’s surface and 95% […]
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Commission approves Spanish state aid scheme to support decarbonisation
The European Commission has approved a Spanish scheme worth €408 million to support the decarbonisation of the manufacturing industry, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industry Pact. This measure, which will contribute to the transition towards a zero net emission economy, is financed under the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. The scheme has been […]
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