The Commission proposes to update EU consumer protection rules to empower consumers for the green transition. The updated rules will ensure that consumers can make informed and environmentally friendly choices when buying products. Consumers will have the right to know how long a product is intended to last and, where appropriate, how it can be […]
Council agrees on 8th environmental action programme
The Council adopted its position on the 8th Environmental Action Programme (EAP). This programme will guide the development and implementation of environmental policy until 2030. The adoption of the Council’s position follows a provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament in December 2021 and is the final step in the adoption procedure. The 8th EAP […]
March 22: World Water Day
The latest indicatory assessment published by the European Environment Agency shows water abstraction and economic growth in the EU decoupling over the period 2000–2017. Total water abstraction declined by 17 %, while total gross value added generated from all economic sectors increased by 59 %. However, water scarcity conditions and drought events continue to cause significant risks in southern […]
Leading EU initiatives to preserve the oceans
The Commission presented on February 11 ambitious initiatives to promote a cleaner, healthier and safer ocean as part of the EU’s contribution to the One Ocean Summit hosted by France in Brest, demonstrating the EU’s leadership role in providing a global response to ocean challenges. Speaking at the Summit, President Von der Leyen announced three […]
Petition to activate drought measures in Spain
Luis Planas Puchades, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, transferred to the ministries of the Autonomous Communities the priority issues of Spain in the next Council of Ministers of Agriculture of the European Union (February 21): productions and consumption free of deforestation, reciprocity in trade agreements with third parties and measures to curb and mitigate […]
The European Environment Agency is seeking to recruit a climate change expert
The European Environment Agency (EEA) is organising an open competition with a view to establishing a reserve list for contract agents to work as experts on climate change. Candidates from a broad range of topic areas related to climate change are encouraged to apply. Job description The EEA seeks talented individuals across different topic areas […]
European Green Deal: Commission proposes to strengthen the protection of the environment through criminal law
The Commission has adopted a proposal for a new EU Directive to crack down on environmental crime, fulfilling a key commitment of the European Green Deal. The proposal intends to make protection of the environment more effective by obliging Member States to take criminal law measures. It defines new environmental crimes, sets a minimum level […]
Environmental taxes in the EU
In 2020, environmental tax revenue in the EU amounted to €299.9 billion, corresponding to 2.2% of GDP. For the first COVID-19 crisis year of 2020, the majority of the countries reported significant decreases in energy taxes compared with 2019. The typical range of decrease was between 5% and 15%. EU environmental taxes accounted for 5.4% of the revenue […]
Lend a helping hand with drying river networks
What is happening to our drying river networks? A new app helps scientists find out. An EU-funded project has launched the first open-source smartphone app that helps scientists monitor drying events in Europe’s and South America’s rivers and streams. A new app is giving citizens the power to help scientists understand drying river networks. Developed […]