EU Environment Policy

Latest news on the environment policies of the European Union.

EU signals more sustainable trade strategy

The EU Commission set out its future trade strategy Thursday, focusing on an economic recovery that is green and digital, which strengthens multilateralism and reforms global trade rules.

Nature restoration - helping people, biodiversity and climate

Restoring nature on land and sea would have huge benefits for people’s health and well-being and help tackle the biodiversity and climate crises. This publication by WWF brings this to life through a collection of real-world examples.

Brussels consults on new EU Soil Strategy

The EU Commission launched a public consultation on a new EU soil strategy Tuesday, the last of a set of consultations on different ecosystems which forms part of the EU's biodiversity strategy.

EU looks to clamp down on website 'greenwashing'

'Greenwashing' - where websites take advantage of consumers looking to buy environmentally sound products - is on the increase, an EU report on online breaches of EU consumer law found Thursday.

MEPs call for end to "take-make-dispose" economy

MEPs in committee called for an end to Europe's current "take-make-dispose" economy Wednesday, with binding targets for recycled content and an EU policy on sustainable non-energy-related products.

UN Climate Change Conference

The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 1 - 12 November 2021.

Brussels consults on EU targets to restore Europe's biodiversity

The EU Commission made a bid Monday to restore Europe's damaged ecosystems and help tackle climate change, as it launched a public consultation on legally binding nature restoration targets for the EU.

Brussels sets out recommendations for sustainable farming

The EU Commission published recommendations Friday for each EU Member State to assist in the drafting of their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans, accompanied by a Communication.

EU fish quotas agreed for Atlantic, North Sea, Med and Black Sea

EU ministers reached agreement Thursday on catch limits for over 200 commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean and the Black Sea for 2021 and, for deep-sea species, for 2021-22.

Green light for purer European water

A new drinking water directive, approved Tuesday by the European Parliament, will give better access to higher quality tap water, and could lower consumption of bottled water.

EU chemicals agency proposes safer tattooing

The EU's Chemicals Agency proposed Monday to restrict hazardous substances used in tattooing inks and permanent make up, with a view to making tattooing safer rather than banning tattoos or tattooing colours.

EU summit approves 55 pct emissions reduction goal

Ending their two-day summit Friday, EU leaders endorsed a binding EU target of a net domestic reduction of at least 55 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990.

Brussels proposes boost for European battery sector

The EU Commission published a proposal for a new Batteries Regulation Thursday, an important piece of legislation to define the framework for future investments in the European battery eco-system.

Sustainable Batteries Regulation

On 10 December, the European Commission proposed to modernise EU legislation on batteries, delivering its first initiative among the actions announced in the new Circular Economy Action Plan.

Sustainable EU transport plan to cut 90 pct emissions by 2050

A set of 82 initiatives, set out in a 'Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy', lays the foundation for a green and digital transformation of Europe's transport system, the Commission said Wednesday.

Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy

The European Commission presented on 9 December a 'Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy' together with an Action Plan of 82 initiatives that will guide its work for the next four years.

EU institutions agree funding for investment recovery

The EU Parliament and Council reached a political agreement Monday night on the InvestEU flagship investment programme for the sustainable recovery of Europe's economy from the coronavirus pandemic.

EU agrees draft deal on EUR 6.1 bn fisheries fund

EU legislators agreed a provisional deal Friday on how EU states spend fisheries funds for 2021-2027, with tailored support for small-scale coastal fishing and for fighting illegal and unreported fishing.

MEPs give approval for drinking water upgrade

New rules on drinking water, approved Tuesday by an EU Parliament committee, will improve the quality of tap water, cut plastic litter, and ensure that all surface and ground waters are in good condition by 2027.

Greenhouse gas emissions in EU fall to lowest level in three decades

Greenhouse gas emissions in the EU-27 decreased by 3.7 per cent in 2019 year-on-year, as GDP grew by 1.5%, the EU Commission said in a report Monday, as emissions reduced by 24% compared to 1990 levels.

Air pollution better in Europe, but deaths still too high

Almost all Europeans still suffer from air pollution, leading to about 400,000 premature deaths across the continent, according to a report on air quality published Monday by the European Environment Agency.

G20 leaders agree to make Covid vaccines available and affordable for all

At the weekend summit of the G20 countries, leaders expressed a commitment to coordinated global action to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and support for the most vulnerable and fragile countries.

Air quality in Europe - 2020 EEA report

The Air quality in Europe report provides an annual assessment of the status and impacts of air quality and recent air quality trends. The report supports policy development and implementation in the field of air quality at both European and national levels.

EU plans ambitious increase in offshore wind capacity

EU plans for a fivefold increase in Europe's offshore wind capacity by 2030, were outlined Thursday by the Commission in a new strategy for renewables, including ocean energy and emerging technologies.

Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy

To help meet the EU's goal of climate neutrality by 2050, the European Commission presented on 19 November the EU Strategy on Offshore Renewable Energy.