The Commission is investing over €233 million in twelve new Strategic Projects across Europe under the LIFE programme to support the implementation of the EU’s environmental and climate ambitions under the European Green Deal. These Strategic Projects are expected to mobilise substantial additional funds from other EU sources, including agricultural, structural, regional and research funds, as well as […]
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EU Agriculutre Ministers approve short-term measures to respond to farmers’ concerns
Against the backdrop of ongoing farmers’ protests and based on information from the Belgian presidency and a non-paper on simplification prepared by the European Commission, agriculture ministers discussed the current crisis and challenges in the sector. The Council confirmed its political will to respond effectively to the concerns of farmers and, as a first step, […]
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Study confirms that EU trade opens new commercial opportunities for EU agri-food exporters
A study assessing the potential impact of ten free trade agreements (recently concluded or currently under negotiation) confirms that the EU trade approach opens new commercial opportunities for EU agri-food exporters. Engaging in preferential trade relations diversifies import sources, thus improving the resilience of EU food supply chains. The development of new markets through preferential […]
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Zalando commits to provide clearer information for consumer following EU action
Following a dialogue with the Commission and national consumer authorities, Zalando has committed to removing misleading sustainability flags and icons displayed next to products offered on its platform. Such claims can mislead consumers about the environmental characteristics of the products. As from 15 April 2024, the icons will not appear anymore. Instead, clear information about […]
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The European Commission presents options for simplification to reduce the burden for EU farmers
The European Commission sent a paper to the Belgian Presidency outlining first possible actions to help reduce the administrative burden weighing on farmers’ shoulders. The document, which will be discussed with Member States in the agricultural Council of 26 February, lists a range of short- and mid-term actions that can be taken to achieve simplification. […]
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EU adopts 13th package of sanctions against Russia after two years of its war of aggression against Ukraine
The Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of a 13th package of sanctions against Russia. Two years since Russia brutally invaded Ukraine, EU’s support for Ukraine and its people remains as strong as ever. Europe is united and determined to continue defending its values and founding principles. This package focuses on further limiting Russia’s access to […]
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Halfway through its lifetime, the Recovery and Resilience Facility continues to deliver across the EU through ambitious reforms and investments
The Commission presented the mid-term evaluation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the EU’s recovery instrument at the heart of the €800 billion NextGenerationEU (NGEU) plan. Unprecedented in its scale and ambition, the RRF was established in February 2021 and has the two-fold objective of helping Member States to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well […]
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Air quality: Council and Parliament reach agreement to strengthen EU rules
The Council presidency and the European Parliament’s representatives reached a provisional political agreement on a proposal to set EU air quality standards to be attained with the aim of achieving a zero-pollution objective, thus contributing to a toxic-free environment in the EU by 2050. It also seeks to bring EU air quality standards in line with the World Health Organization […]
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Electricity from renewable sources up to 41% in 2022
In 2022, renewable energy sources made up 41.2% of gross electricity consumption in the EU, 3.4 percentage points (pp) more than in 2021 (37.8%) and well ahead of other electricity-generation sources such as nuclear (less than 22%), gas (less than 20%) or coal (less than 17%). In total, renewable energy sources increased by 5.7% from […]
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