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 […]
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 […]
Commission invests more than EUR 233 million in strategic environment and climate projects across Europe
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 […]
The European Parliament on Tuesday approved new measures to minimise emissions of several greenhouse gases
With 457 votes in favour, 92 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs endorsed a deal reached with the Council to further cut emissions from fluorinated gases. The text foresees a total phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050, including a trajectory to reduce the EU consumption quota between 2024-2049. It introduces strict requirements that prohibit placing on the […]
WWF Young Adult Volunteer Programme
The World Wide Fund (WWF) Young Adult volunteer programme aims to provide motivated and committed young people with an opportunity to engage in the conservation of the environment, regardless of their backgrounds, and work on WWF conservation projects internationally through a facilitated 3-6 month assignment, including hands-on engagement in WWF field projects and exposure to local conservation practitioners, scientists […]
September infringement proceedings package concerning Spain: main decisions
Brussels, 28 September 2023. The main decisions adopted by the Commission concerning Spain are presented below, grouped by policy area. The Commission will also close 135 cases that have been settled by the Member States concerned without the Commission having to pursue the procedure further. Environment Letters of formal notice Commission calls on SPAIN to […]
European Commission adopts measures to restrict the use of microplastics
The Commission takes another major step to protect the environment by adopting measures that restrict microplastics intentionally added to products under the EU chemical legislation REACH. The new rules will prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics. They will prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been added […]
Heat waves and the spread of infectious diseases due to climate change are growing health threats
While there is growing recognition of the importance of addressing the impacts of climate change on human health, the time has come to move from planning to action and improve awareness among health and public health professionals to make Europe’s population more resilient, according to the EEA report “Climate change as a threat to health […]
EU and Kenya: Economic Partnership Agreement
The EU and Kenya have announced today the political conclusion of the negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The Agreement will boost trade in goods and create new economic opportunities, with targeted cooperation to enhance Kenya’s economic development. It is the most ambitious EU trade deal with a developing country when it comes to […]