The European Commission has issued informal guidance on the compatibility with EU competition rules of a sustainability agreement for the joint purchasing and the setting of technical specifications for electric container-handling equipment used in ports. This would accelerate the shift from diesel to electric equipment in EU ports, contributing to reducing CO2 emissions. This informal guidance […]
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EU sets new methodology to clarify rules for low-carbon hydrogen and fuels
Last July 8, the European Commission reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of a hydrogen market by introducing a comprehensive greenhouse gas emission methodology for low-carbon hydrogen and fuels, as set out in the Hydrogen and Gas Market Directive. This methodology complements the existing ones on renewable hydrogen and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), completing […]
Read MoreCommission to cut EU Taxonomy red tape for companies
The European Commission has adopted a set of measures to simplify the application of EU Taxonomy. This will reduce the administrative burden for EU companies, thus enhancing EU competitiveness while preserving core climate and environmental goals. The Taxonomy Regulation entered into force in 2020, and its reporting requirements apply since 2022. By providing a common sustainability reference point for […]
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Key actions launched to advance the circular economy
Last July 2, the Commission launched several initiatives to accelerate the EU’s transition to a circular economy and prepare the ground for the Circular Economy Act, expected in 2026. Circular economy enhances competitiveness and economic growth by promoting the reuse, recycling and remanufacturing of materials. The forthcoming Act will support the EU’s goals under the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean […]
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Europeans view climate action as a priority and support energy independence
A large majority of Europeans believe climate change is a serious problem (85%), according to a new Eurobarometer survey published last June 30. Among those surveyed, 8 in 10 (81%) support the EU-wide goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. From an economic perspective, more than three quarters (77%) of Europeans agree that the cost of damage due to climate change is much higher […]
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Commission suggests waiving tolls to encourage uptake of zero-emission trucks and buses
To stimulate and support the competitiveness of sustainable road transport, the European Commission is proposing to exempt zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from road tolls and user charges. As pledged in its Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, the Commission is proposing to extend the current exemption period from 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031, providing a significant […]
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Parliament and Council seek bringing down prices of gas
MEPs and the Polish Presidency of the Council reached an informal agreement on Tuesday to extend the EU’s 2022 gas storage scheme until 31 December 2027, as it would otherwise have expired at the end of 2025. The provision is designed to ensure gas supply security ahead of the winter season. MEPs and Council also […]
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Europe’s bathing waters safe for summer swimming
From Europe’s coastal waters to its inland bathing sites, a large majority of Europe’s waters are safe to swim in, according to the latest European bathing water assessment for the 2024 bathing season, published today. It found that over 85% of monitored locations met the European Union’s most stringent ‘excellent’ bathing water quality standards last […]
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EP calls for more coordinated and resilient European electricity grids
Parliament on Thursday put forward measures to modernise the EU’s electricity grid, make it more resilient, integrate renewables and speed up permitting. The text adopted by the plenary calls for the implementation of the European action plan for electricity grids and stresses the need for ambitious investment and substantial improvements in infrastructure, with the aim […]
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