Last year, Europe, the Middle East and Africa suffered some of the worst wildfires since 2000. According to the Forest Fires 2023 report, published last 19 by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre, wildfires affected over 500 000 hectares of natural lands, roughly half the size of the island of Cyprus. In recent years, catastrophic wildfires […]
COP29: EP calls for all countries to pay for climate action
Parliament on Thursday adopted its demands for COP29, which is to set a new collective target for climate action financing. With 429 votes in favour, 183 against and 24 abstentions, the House calls on all countries to agree on a new collective target on climate finance after 2025. MEPs want it to be based on […]
Hearing with Teresa Ribera, nominee for Executive Vice-President of the European Commission
Three parliamentary committees on Tuesday examined Teresa Ribera, nominee for vice-president of the European Commission for Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition. The European Commission’s vice-presidential candidate for Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, was examined by three parliamentary committees on Tuesday. During her opening speech, Ms Ribera paid tribute to the victims of the […]
Climate report shows the largest annual drop in EU greenhouse gas emissions for decades
EU greenhouse gas emissions fell by 8.3% in 2023, compared to 2022, reveals the latest climate action progress report by the European Commission. The report states that net greenhouse gas emissions are now 37% below 1990 levels. Over the same period, EU Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 68%. This points to the fact that reducing emissions and economic growth are compatible. […]
Environmental tax revenue shows slight decline in 2022
In 2022, environmental tax revenue in the EU amounted to €317.2 billion (2.0% of the EU’s gross domestic product; GDP) compared with €330.2 billion recorded in 2021, indicating a 4% decrease (-€13 billion). The long-term upward trend resumed after the exceptional years of 2020 and 2021 (COVID-19). However, 2022 remains notable due to the situation […]
European Parliament adopts rules for companies on human rights and the environment
Parliament on Wednesday gave the green light to new rules that will oblige companies to mitigate their negative impact on human rights and the environment. The European Parliament adopted with 374 votes in favour, 235 against and 19 abstentions the new Due Diligence Directive, agreed with the Council, which requires companies and their […]
New rules to improve the treatment and reuse of urban wastewater are given the green light by the European Parliament
Improved monitoring of chemical contaminants, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. Drug and cosmetic manufacturers and Member States should finance additional treatment against micropollutants. Boosting the re-use of waste water to avoid water shortages MEPs on Wednesday gave the green light to new rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water. The plenary […]
According to the EEA, many of the returned and unsold garments end up being destroyed in Europe.
Textile consumption in Europe causes significant pressures on the environment and climate. Part of these pressures comes from returned and unsold textiles that are destroyed and never used for their intended purpose. A new European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing looks at the issue and estimates the share of returned and unsold textiles that are destroyed […]
Council gives green light to new legislation toughening penalties and extending the list of environmental offences
The Council formally adopted a directive on the protection of the environment through criminal law. The law will improve the investigation and prosecution of environmental crime offences. The directive establishes EU-wide minimum rules on the definition of criminal offences and penalties. It replaces the previous law which dates back to 2008. The law will only […]