New EEA report on treating protein diversification as a deliberate, long-term strategy in Europe

Broadening the range of proteins that Europe produces and consumes could strengthen food security, improve resilience, enhance competitiveness and reduce environmental pressures, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report. The benefits depend on treating protein diversification as a deliberate, long-term strategy. New EEA report: 'Protein diversification — strategic risks and opportunities for … Continue reading New EEA report on treating protein diversification as a deliberate, long-term strategy in Europe →

New EEA assessment on quality of Europe’s bathing water

From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the vast majority of bathing waters in Europe met the European Union's most stringent ‘excellent’ bathing quality standards in 2025, according to the latest annual bathing water package published this week. This represents 85% of Europe’s bathing sites, with 96% of all EU sites monitored meeting the minimum quality … Continue reading New EEA assessment on quality of Europe’s bathing water →

The perfect storm facing Europe’s chemical industry

Carlo Martuscelli writes on the Politico website about the crisis facing Europe's chemicals industry as Chinese overcapacity, high energy costs and slow-moving trade defences threaten the sector's survival. Manufacturers are closing plants and cutting jobs as the EU debates how hard to push back against China. China is killing Europe’s chemicals industry. Brussels wants … Continue reading The perfect storm facing Europe’s chemical industry →

The EU ETS enters a defining moment

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer writes on the Politico website about the coming political battle over the future of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), with industry groups pushing for weaker carbon pricing while EU climate officials seek to strengthen it and make free allowances more conditional. With industry divided, EU climate officials are hoping to push … Continue reading The EU ETS enters a defining moment →

A stronger safety net for Europe’s new carbon market

Marta Pacheco writes on the Euronews website about the EU's attempt to balance carbon pricing, climate policy and affordability as it extends emissions trading to buildings and road transport under ETS2. The upcoming carbon costs due to kick in in 2028 will hit road transport and buildings, likely pushing energy prices higher. EU steps … Continue reading A stronger safety net for Europe’s new carbon market →

Plans still underway to charge airlines in EU for carbon emissions from international flights

Tommaso Lecca writes on the Politico website about the EU plans for extending its Emissions Trading System to include international flights. The move sets up a fight with the United States, which opposes carbon pricing. EU doubles down on carbon tax for international flights The European Commission says it will push ahead with plans … Continue reading Plans still underway to charge airlines in EU for carbon emissions from international flights →

EEA’s latest official reported data on levels of key air pollutants in Europe

Most air quality monitoring stations in Europe achieve current EU legal standards for key air pollutants. However, the levels of key pollutants — like particulate matter, benzo(a)pyrene and especially ground-level ozone — remain a significant problem, according to the latest air quality assessments published this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Progress in … Continue reading EEA’s latest official reported data on levels of key air pollutants in Europe →

Reaction to European Commission’s AccelerateEU plan to increase EU energy independence

To address rising energy costs and further reduce dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets, due to the escalating Middle East conflict, the Commission presented a comprehensive plan of actions and measures on 22 April 2026. An overview of the plan is available here. Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni and Belgium's PM Bart De Wever among those … Continue reading Reaction to European Commission’s AccelerateEU plan to increase EU energy independence →

From crisis to cushion: why renewable-rich EU states are paying less for energy

Liam Gilliver writes on the Euronews website that consumers in five EU countries will save up to €8.5 billion on their energy bills this year, compared to those with the dirtiest energy mix. Five European countries will save 58% on energy bills this year thanks to clean power EU countries with the cleanest energy … Continue reading From crisis to cushion: why renewable-rich EU states are paying less for energy →

New EEA briefings on the circular economy in Europe

Turning Europe’s circular economy ambitions into reality will depend on making it people-focused — in particular — making sure European Union rules in place work to make it a success for entrepreneurs, business owners, citizens and workers alike, according to two assessments published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) this week. Creating win-win for … Continue reading New EEA briefings on the circular economy in Europe →