EUobserved
UK silent on EU origins of plastic bags law
UK prime minister Theresa May is expected to announce that a ban on free plastic bags will extend to all shops. By doing so, the UK will fulfil a requirement of an EU directive.
Lower energy bills promised after EU buildings deal
The building sector accounts for around 40 percent of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. 'Increasing energy-efficiency is a no-brainer,' says Estonia minister Simson.
Opinion
Tackling methane could be substantial climate fix
Laggards on methane are more likely to be considered as an irresponsible partner both commercially and within their local communities.
News in Brief
- US and EU are 'enemies' of Russia, poll finds
- EU lawyer says EU-Morocco fisheries deal 'invalid'
- EU council chief mauls Polish government
- Davis and Hammond visit Berlin in pursuit of Brexit deal
- Zeman leads polls ahead of Czech presidential elections
- 160 arrested in German-Italian anti-mafia blitz
- Mas quits as Catalan pro-independence party leader
- Trump to attend 'shared future' talks at Davos meeting
Environmentalists attack 'no ambition' EU climate bills
Council of the EU, representing national governments, adopt positions on energy files that disappoint climate activists.
UK polluters face Brexit anxiety over carbon credits
UK companies want clarity on future involvement in the EU's flagship climate tool, the emissions trading system. A short-term fix has been taken - but many questions remain.
Estonia's last chance to land green energy results
At a final ministerial meeting under the outgoing Estonian EU presidency, ministers will try to reach political agreement about four complex energy files.
Germany to let slip 2020 climate target
Prospective governing coalition partners give up on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent in 2020, saying instead they will achieve that in the early 2020s.
Dutch activists lose case for cleaner air
The Netherlands is violating EU air quality standards, but is doing enough to improve the situation, says a Dutch court.
Investigation
After 12 years, EU gives up on CO2 storage aid to China
An EU-China project on CO2 storage, dating back to 2005, has delivered few results, raising questions for cooperation in 2018.
2018 fishing quotas agreed - but Brexit muddies waters
As EU ministers reach deal on annual fish quota, EUobserver looks at what will change after the UK leaves the EU.
Focus
EU renews glyphosate approval, pledges transparency
A five-year renewal of the herbicide glyphosate, used in Monsanto's Roundup, was officially adopted by the EU Commission on Tuesday despite public alarm.
Investigation
VW to EU: We will fail on recall promise
German carmaker told EU commission in a private meeting it expected only 75 percent of cars will be fixed by the end of 2017.
Opinion
From dark coal toward a brighter future
EU ability to lead global energy transition depends on inclusiveness of change, EU commissioner Sefcovic says.
Political deal done on EU oversight of car emissions
EU negotiators agree that the European Commission shall have the right and obligation to double-check cars after they have been approved.
Analysis
Microplastics threat poses dilemma for new EU strategy
Leading scientists and conservation groups have said the EU's plastics strategy must include 'serious regulation' given the potential impact of microplastic pollution on human health.
Draft EU-Mercosur trade treaty leaked
'Backroom trade talks undermine democracy and public trust in politicians,' said Greenpeace, which published the documents.
Letter
EU biofuels policy is false solution to climate problems
A group of over 175 Dutch scientists calls on the new Dutch government to lobby against the use of food crops in biofuels.
Stakeholders' Highlights
- Estonia Completes First EU Presidency, Introduced New Topics to the Agenda
- Leading the Transition Towards a Post-Petroleum Society
- Welcomes the Start of the New Bulgarian Presidency
- Premier Li and President Tusk Stress Importance of Ties at ASEM Summit
- VAT on Electronic Commerce: New Rules Adopted
- Chair of EU Parliament Working Group on Antisemitism Condemns Wave of Attacks
- A New Study Challenges the Infrastructure Mega Corridors Agenda
- The Gülen Community: Who to Believe - Politicians or Actions?" by Thomas Michel
- 65% Plastics Recycling Rate Attainable by 2025 New Study Shows
- Commissioner Andriukaitis' Address to EHN on the Occasion of Its 25th Anniversary
- CFOs Risk Losing Relevance If They Do Not Embrace Technology
- Make the Digital World Safer for Children & Increase Access for the Most Disadvantaged
Latest News
- US and EU face 'common' China challenge, says US official
- Commission reveals plastic tax to cover Brexit budget hole
- EU seeks to extend Morocco fish deal, despite legal opinion
- UK silent on EU origins of plastic bags law
- Italian rivals say country should stay in euro
- Macron was right: democracy must tame the internet
- New Polish PM aims for 'progress' on rule of law
- Hungarian and Polish NGOs urge EU funds against crackdown
Commission eyes end of 'one-size-fits-all' farm policy
The EU executive wants national governments to draw up 'strategic plans' on how they would implement agriculture policy goals.
Investigation
EU to spend €1.6 million on car emissions tests
The budget was requested by MEPs. The organisation that uncovered Volkswagen's cheating says 'Dieselgate' showed the importance of funding of 'third-party' testing.
EU will formally renew glyphosate on 12 December
The European Commission will also reply to a million-strong citizens' petition to ban glyphosate, and clarify EU rules concerning scientific studies on which the herbicide's renewal was based.
Lead MEP says EU is weeks away from deal on car approvals
'We made good progress', said Daniel Dalton. However, disagreement between Council and Parliament remains over the future role of the Commission, and market surveillance requirements.
EU still giving gas projects 'fast-track' status
The European Commission published on Friday a list of projects of common interest, which receive preferential treatment. Environmental lobbyists accuse the Commission of trying to fool the public with number games.
Glyphosate: 1.3 million EU citizens call for ban
War of words continue in the run-up to next week's final vote on whether to renew the licence for the herbicide glyphosate, a chemical in Monsanto's Roundup.
Investigation
Leak: EU states weaken post-Dieselgate testing
Negotiators meet this week to discuss new rules to prevent emissions cheating, but EU states want only a mild overhaul of the system.
Germany slams Dutch call for more ambitious EU climate goal
Freshly-appointed Dutch minister Wiebes came to Bonn to present a new EU-wide reduction target, but his German colleague dismissed it as 'unrealistic'.
Climate activists 'disappointed' with EU at climate talks
On the last day of COP23 in Bonn, Friends of the Earth says the EU, and Germany in particular, has failed to show leadership.
Analysis
Lower waste targets still not low enough for EU states
EU member states want to lower waste recycling targets further, after the European Commission already proposed lowering them.
Optimism in Bonn about fusion reactor, despite Brexit
Brexit 'may have significant effect' on nuclear fusion research project, say EU auditors, but scientist involved says it is a question of 'when' not 'if' fusion power is scaled up commercially.
Meat 'taboo' debated at Bonn climate summit
Animal agriculture is responsible for a significant share of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, but until recently it 'was an issue that was really brushed under the carpet'.
Germany and France defend emissions trading deal
German state secretary for environment said ETS will be 'more robust', but also admitted that the carbon price will not be high enough for a 'fuel switch'.
EU fails again to agree glyphosate renewal
Member states failed to agree on a licence renewal for weedkiller glyphosate. A new vote will take place before 22 November at the European Commission's appeal committee.
Stakeholders' Highlights
- Welcomes Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel and Calls on EU States to Follow Suit
- China and EU Boost Innovation Cooperation Under Horizon 2020
- Juncker’s "Political" Commission Leaves Gambling Reforms to the Court
- AJC Applauds U.S. Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital City
- EU Telecom Ministers Reached an Agreement on the 5G Roadmap
- EU-Armenia Relations in the CEPA Era: What's Next?
- 16+1 Cooperation Injects New Vigour Into China-EU Ties
- EU Blacklist of Tax Havens Is a Sham
- Role of Culture in Building Cohesive Societies in Europe
- Congratulations to Austria - Court Overturns Barriers to Equal Marriage
- Celebrating Diversity, Citizenship and the European Project With Fundació Josep Irla
- Understanding the Social Consequences of Obesity
Stakeholders' Highlights
- Mediterranean Countries Commit to Strengthening Women's Role in Region
- The Time Is Ripe for Simplified Front-Of-Pack Nutrition Labelling
- New EU External Investment Plan Risks Sidelining Development Objectives
- EAS Calls for Eastern Partnership Countries to Enter EU Market Through Estonia
- The Turkey I No Longer Know
- 7 Million Children at Risk in the DRC: Donor Meeting to Focus on Saving More Lives
- Electricity European Social Partners Stand up for Just Energy Transition
- Signature of CEPA Marks a Fresh Start for EU-Armenia Relations
- Nordic Energy Ministers Pledge to Work More Closely at Nordic and EU Level
- President Sargsyan Joined EuFoA Honorary Council Inaugural Meeting
- EU Leaders Should Press Azerbaijan President to End the Detention of Critics
- Key Stakeholders to Jointly Tackle the Skills Issue in the Construction Sector
