New EEA report on value of rail as a low-emission alternative for moving people and goods in Europe

Transport remains Europe’s most persistent climate challenge. While rail offers a low-emission alternative for moving people and goods, Europe’s continued reliance on road transport is keeping greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions high, according to a report published this week by the European Environment Agency. Rail offers a major opportunity for Europe to cut transport … Continue reading New EEA report on value of rail as a low-emission alternative for moving people and goods in Europe →

European Investment Bank’s energy efficiency for SMEs initiative is on track to surpass its targets

The Energy Efficiency for SMEs initiative – the first European Union-wide programme dedicated to accelerating energy savings in small and medium‑sized enterprises – is on track to surpass its targets following a successful first year of operation. The initiative delivered €6 billion in financing in 2025, enabling up to 150,000 SMEs across Europe to invest in … Continue reading European Investment Bank’s energy efficiency for SMEs initiative is on track to surpass its targets →

More on the recent JRC report on assessing the impact of energy efficiency

Last week, EiD published a post on the recent report from the EC’s Joint Research Council. The February issue of the British magazine, Energy in Buildings & Industry, published the following news item on the report. JRC report: Assessing the impact of Energy Efficiency on the EU Energy Consumption in 2010-2023 Between 2010 and … Continue reading More on the recent JRC report on assessing the impact of energy efficiency →

New EEA report on how unprepared European citizens are for coping with impact of climate change

Europeans are very concerned about extreme heat and other impacts of climate change like wildfires according to the results of a Europe-wide survey published this week. It found that many citizens were also underprepared to deal with the increasing frequency and magnitude of heatwaves, flooding, or water shortages in their own homes. Overheated and … Continue reading New EEA report on how unprepared European citizens are for coping with impact of climate change →

Tough times for the chemical industry in Europe

A news item on the Cefic website discusses a new report that highlights the sharp slowdown in the chemical industry. Cefic is the forum for the EU chemical industry. This has to be quite worrying for all of us. Chemical plant closures rate surges six-fold in Europe since 2022, new report findsA new report … Continue reading Tough times for the chemical industry in Europe →

Leaked EU Industrial Accelerator Act puts low-carbon steel at centre of clean industrial push

Julia Bolotov writes on the eurometal.net website about details from the leaked draft EU industrial accelerator act. Leaked EU Industrial Accelerator Act seeks to unlock green steel demand, stalled investments A leaked draft of the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act (IIA), seen by Fastmarkets on Thursday January 22, sets out plans to accelerate decarbonization across … Continue reading Leaked EU Industrial Accelerator Act puts low-carbon steel at centre of clean industrial push →

Sales of electric vehicles on upward trajectory in the EU

Molly Lempriere writes on the Carbon Brief website about how EVs have overtaken standard petrol (gasoline) cars for the first time in December. Analysis: EVs just outsold petrol cars in EU for first time ever Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) overtook standard petrol cars in the EU for the first time in December 2025, … Continue reading Sales of electric vehicles on upward trajectory in the EU →

New European Investment Bank report – Bridging opportunity gaps: EIB Group investments in education, health and housing

Europe’s social model is a global benchmark for well-being, but demographic ageing, the green and digital transitions, and recurring economic shocks are putting it under strain. Sustaining progress will require smart, efficient social investment that mobilises public and private resources. This report looks at how the EIB Group is responding to these challenges by financing … Continue reading New European Investment Bank report – Bridging opportunity gaps: EIB Group investments in education, health and housing →

Will the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement really go against the EU’s climate commitments?

The EU is set to sign a long-awaited trade deal with South America's trade bloc, Mercosur. It may offer unexplored opportunities, but critics say the environmental fallout is being sidelined. In an article on the Deutsche Welle website, Martin Kuebler discusses the main issues. What the EU-Mercosur deal might mean for the environment Ursula … Continue reading Will the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement really go against the EU’s climate commitments? →

Europe’s carbon border tax is a wake-up call for the UK

In a column in the January issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry, Andrew Warren, Chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, considers the introduction of new ‘green tariff’ rules set to impact on any high-carbon goods entering into the EU and the need for the UK government to deliver on its commitment to secure … Continue reading Europe’s carbon border tax is a wake-up call for the UK →