Every part of the ocean is now threatened by climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, according to the ninth State of the Ocean report, published on 30 September by the Marine Monitoring Service of Copernicus, the EU’s Earth observation system. The findings show that ocean warming is accelerating, marine biodiversity hotspots are increasingly at risk […]
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COP30: MEPs want EU climate policy to maintain a high degree of ambition
Last Monday 6th of October, the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety adopted its policy demands for the UN Climate Change Conference COP30. The resolution, adopted with 57 votes in favour, 23 against and four abstentions, states that the EU should remain a leader in international climate negotiations and calls on all countries […]
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Commission restricts use of chemicals “forever” in fire fighting foams
The Commission adopted on 3 October new measures restricting the use of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in fire fighting foams under the REACH Regulation, the EU’s chemicals legislation. This is an important measure that protects people and the environment from the risks posed by PFASs. The restriction marks an important step towards the Commission’s […]
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Global ocean conservation treaty enters into force
Last September 19 marks a historic milestone for ocean conservation as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement reached 60 ratifications, triggering its entry into force in early 2026. This landmark agreement, the result of over a decade of international collaboration, represents a transformative step toward safeguarding marine ecosystems and addressing the urgent threats posed by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity […]
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Council signs off regulation to reduce pollution from microplastics
Today, the Council adopted the regulation on preventing the loss of plastic pellets into the environment, following a provisional agreement with the European Parliament. The new regulation aims to reduce microplastic pollution by strengthening controls and management of plastic pellets, a key industrial raw material, throughout the supply chain. Main elements of the regulation The new rules focus on […]
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Commission launches consultation on simplification of environmental legislation
On 22 July the Commission launched a call for evidence to gather views on how to simplify environmental legislation, to reduce bureaucracy while maintaining and better achieving the EU’s environmental objectives of this legislation. The forthcoming omnibus environmental proposal will present measures to simplify legislation in areas such as the circular economy, industrial emissions and […]
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Seven European cities reach the final stage for the 2027 Green Capital & Green Leaf Awards
Seven cities have been shortlisted by the European Commission to enter the final stage of the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards, following an assessment by a panel of independent experts. The cities have been selected based on their accomplishments and ambitions in addressing urban environmental challenges related to the triple planetary crisis […]
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Commission 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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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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