The European Commission has approved, under EU state aid rules, a €9 billion capacity mechanism for electricity supply in Spain. This aid measure aims to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to generate, store or consume electricity flexibly and that electricity generation meets projected demand. The Spanish aid Spain notified the Commission of the introduction […]
The Commission is launching a call for contributions to a specific review of European water legislation
The aim is to promote the circular economy and access to critical raw materials in the EU, whilst protecting the environment and human health. The European Commission has launched a four-week public consultation to gather information to inform a review and targeted amendment of the Water Framework Directive(WFD), the EU’s main piece of legislation for […]
Commission approves €1.1 billion French State aid scheme to support clean technology manufacturing capacity
The European Commission has approved a €1.1 billion French programme to support strategic investments that increase clean technology manufacturing capacity, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Pact. This measure will contribute to the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. The programme was approvedunder the Clean Industrial Pact State Aid Framework (CISAF),adopted by […]
New EU rules to stop the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes
The European Commission adopted last February 9 new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories and footwear. The rules will help cut waste, reduce environmental damage and create a level playing field for companies embracing sustainable business models, allowing them to reap the benefits […]
New measures to boost circular economy and strengthen Europe’s plastic recycling
The European Commission has unveiled a first set of pilot actions to accelerate Europe’s transition to a circular economy, with a particular focus on the plastics sector. By optimising the recycling of plastics, these measures will further unlock the potential of the Single Market and enhance the EU’s economic security, strategic autonomy, competitiveness and environmental sustainability. This […]
Circular economy: deal on new EU rules for the automotive sector
Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement on new EU circularity rules to cover the entire vehicle lifecycle, from design to final end-of-life treatment. Improved vehicle design and use of recycled materials According to the agreed draft, all new vehicles should be designed so as to allow the easy removal of as many parts […]
Parliament sets out position on the future of EU agricultural policy
The EP wants a bigger independent agriculture budget after 2027, with less bureaucracy for farmers and incentives to achieve environmental and social objectives. MEPs insist that the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) should not be integrated with other areas of funding or be part of a larger financial envelope used by Member States for purposes […]
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 […]
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 […]