European Union

Study on 1.5 pathways concludes that EU can reduce greenhouse gases by at least 65% by 2030. This means a transition to 100% renewable electricity while reducing energy use.

The European Commission’s proposal “Fit for 55” includes new targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency.  They have to go further to be in line with the 1.5°C goal.

While most EU member states met their binding national emission limits in 2019, significant further action is needed to achieve the reduction commitments set for the period 2020–29 and for 2030 onwards.

In the coming years the European Union will continue to fund intensive farming practices with only marginal tightening of environmental requirements.

Launched on 12 May, the European Commission’s new Zero Pollution Action Plan sets out broad 2030 targets covering air, water, soil, biodiversity ...

From 16 August, EU governments are required to comply with the revised best available techniques reference document for large combustion plants, known as the LCP BREF.

For most European countries the biggest share of depositions of sulphur and nitrogen emanate from outside their own territory, and a significant share of the depositions originate from international shipping.

EU member states have deeply divided opinions on the CAP budget, but agree on weakening the environmental and climate baseline.

EU reduces CO₂ emissions by 2 per cent, risks failing to meet sustainable energy targets, and gives green light to new fossil gas projects.

The new European Commission needs to sprint towards climate action to be in line with the Paris Agreement. There is growing support for at least 55% emission reductions by 2030.

IPES-Food presents a plan to transform the European Union food system, including proposals for 80 policy reforms and a new governance architecture.

On 7 March, the European Commission decided to refer Italy to the EU Court of Justice for failure to respect limit values for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) ...

According to the European Commission, Greece has failed to ensure compliance with the annual limit value for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in Athens for the period 2010–2014 ...

The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food), propose in a report a new policy architecture for a sustainable food system.

In order to stay within the limited carbon budget that is left, the EU will need to reduce its domestic greenhouse gas emissions by at least 3 per cent per year.

Air pollution remains the largest environmental health risk in Europe. Despite slow improvements, it is still responsible for more than 400,000 premature deaths every year.