EU walks back 2035 all-electric target, permitting some new combustion engine cars

A last-minute deal in Berlin ensured the death of the combustion engine ban — a previously unthinkable outcome. Jordyn Dahl writes on the Politico website about the Commission’s latest plan that now goes to the European Parliament and Council. Also, check out the latest article by Monica Frassoni. She argues why the electric transition is … Continue reading EU walks back 2035 all-electric target, permitting some new combustion engine cars →

EEA publishes 8th Environmental Action Programme

Despite progress in key areas, the European Union (EU) remains likely off track for most 2030 environmental goals, according to the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) new 8th EAP assessment. Rising climate risks, slow transitions in production and consumption system and weakening enabling conditions highlight the urgent need for stronger, better financed and faster policy implementation. … Continue reading EEA publishes 8th Environmental Action Programme →

New EEA briefing on air quality health impact in the EU

Just over 180,000 deaths in the European Union were attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations above World Health Organization WHO guideline levels in 2023, according to the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) air quality health impact assessment published this week. Air quality improving, but just over 180,000 deaths still attributable to … Continue reading New EEA briefing on air quality health impact in the EU →

Blog by Jane Marsh – A grid under pressure: Europe’s next climate battle Is staying cool

Heat waves are ravaging the planet, which is a new phenomenon for most of Europe. Experts used to judge energy stability by the availability of heat, but now, the grid is showing citizens and governments that priorities need to change. A comprehensive, climate-aware cooling strategy is necessary to increase power resilience and stability. It requires … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh – A grid under pressure: Europe’s next climate battle Is staying cool →

New report by the Coalition for Energy Savings

The Coalition for Energy Savings has come out with a useful publication this report that showcases how the EU’s energy efficiency legal framework, in particular the Energy Efficiency Directive, has driven and continues to drive energy efficiency actions that deliver these benefits on the ground In legislative terms, 2040 is just around the corner. With … Continue reading New report by the Coalition for Energy Savings →

New EEA briefing calling for improved monitoring of air pollution from transport in Europe

Air pollutant emissions from shipping and aviation are rising, posing an increasing risk to human health, especially for those living near ports and airports, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week. The briefing calls for improved monitoring of air pollution in and around these key transportation hubs. Better air quality … Continue reading New EEA briefing calling for improved monitoring of air pollution from transport in Europe →

Latest EEA review of national climate adaptation actions in the EU

While European countries have made substantial progress in planning for climate adaptation, and with adopting policies, the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) review of national climate adaptation actions published today highlights that implementation and evaluation need to be significantly strengthened to ensure actions effectively address the escalating climate risks Europe faces. Europe’s adaptation policies … Continue reading Latest EEA review of national climate adaptation actions in the EU →

EIB publishes its sustainable report 2024

Sustainable economic growth depends on inclusive and resilient communities and requires investment in social infrastructure, affordable and sustainable housing, gender equality, education and healthcare. The EIB Group places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, aligning its activities with EU policy objectives and the latest reporting standards. In 2024, the Group invested a record €51 … Continue reading EIB publishes its sustainable report 2024 →

EEA monitoring of progress to EU energy and climate targets

The European Union remains largely on track to achieve its 2030 targets to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, according to the latest annual check-up on EU progress to its energy and climate targets published by the European Environment Agency today. Total net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU fell by a further 2.5% in 2024, … Continue reading EEA monitoring of progress to EU energy and climate targets →

EU ministers break deadlock on CO2 emission cut by 2040 amid political pressure

The European Union's 27 governments have struck a deal slightly watering down a proposed 2040 target for cutting planet-warming emissions, and set a new 2035 climate commitment. Ministers unanimously approved the bloc’s long-overdue climate plan, rescuing the EU from the international embarrassment of showing up empty handed this month's COP30 summit on climate change in Brazil. A requirement under the 2015 Paris … Continue reading EU ministers break deadlock on CO2 emission cut by 2040 amid political pressure →