The aim of the legislative proposal for a Union certification framework for carbon removals initiative is to ensure high-quality EU certified carbon removals, through a transparent and credible governance framework. In doing so, this would open up the possibility for further investments towards carbon removal activities and increased deployment.

EPRS podcast policy - A Union certification framework for carbon removals

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's seas and that, without significant action, there may be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the sea by 2050. Some marine litter consists of microplastics; these originate from the breaking down of larger plastic pieces or are released directly into the environment.

Ocean protection

GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. They are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially modified in order to give it a new property. For example, this could be to make it easier for a plant to resist a disease, insects or drought, or to increase crop productivity.

The EU's GMO legislation stems from 1990 when the first two directives concerning GMOs came into force. Both original directives have since been updated, but the definition of a GMO has remained unchanged. This is causing problems for new techniques developed since then. New plant genetic modification techniques, referred to as 'gene editing' or 'genome editing', have evolved rapidly in recent years, allowing much faster and more precise results than conventional plant-breeding techniques. They are seen as a promising, innovative field for the agri-food industry, offering great technical potential.There is, however, considerable debate as to how these new techniques should be regulated, and whether some or all of them should fall within the scope of EU legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/genetically-modified-organism-8th-parliamentary-term_6504_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Genetically modified organism

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

As co-legislator, Parliament has long been supportive of EU biodiversity protection and climate change policies.

The EU has played an important international role in seeking solutions to biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change notes the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity. As part of the European Green Deal, the Commission has proposed a new biodiversity strategy that aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030, for the benefit of people, the climate and the planet.

Biodiversity Strategy 2030

Launched in 1992, the LIFE programme is the only EU fund entirely dedicated to environmental and climate objectives. It supports the implementation of relevant EU legislation and the development of key policy priorities, by co-financing projects with European added value.

LIFE programme for 2021-2027 will become the EU's most ambitious climate and environmental programme. It would support projects in the areas of nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, clean energy transition, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The total budget allocated for LIFE is EUR 5.4 billion, of which EUR 3.5 billion will go to environmental activities and EUR 1.9 billion to climate action. The programme is part of the Green deal package proposed by the European Commission.

LIFE

As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Parliament worked on four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

#EUelections2019 - Circular economy

On 27 March 2019, Parliament approved a new law banning single-use plastic items such as plates, cutlery, straws and cotton buds.

A milestone success is the ban of single-use plastic products such as cutlery, cotton buds, plates, straws, beverage stirrers and balloon sticks which will be banned from the EU market from 2021.

#EUelections2019 - Single use plastics

The European Parliament has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement. MEPs managed to push through a higher target for reducing EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030 (40% compared to the EU Commission’s 30%; year of reference 2021). There is an intermediate target of 20% by 2025. Similar targets are set for new vans as well.

On 17 December 2015 the EP decided to set up the Committee of inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector (EMIS) to investigate in detail alleged breaches and maladministration in relation to emission measurements in the automotive sector. On 4 April 2019, the EMIS final report was discussed and legislation voted and approved during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

#EUelections2019 - Car emissions

The European Parliament has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement.

To achieve the set goals the EU’s budget should also be coherent with its international commitments, and the post-2020 long-term budget should have climate and energy targets at its heart. The share of climate-related spending should be increased from 20% to 30% as soon as possible, and all remaining spending should be Paris-compliant and not counter-productive to climate efforts.

#EUelections2019 - Climate change

EU countries are required to drastically reduce the use of the most common and polluting plastic bags under new rules voted by Parliament on 28 April 2015.

In 2010 EU citizens used an estimated 198 plastic carrier bags, some 90% of which were lightweight. Binding reduction targets were put in place. EU member states will be able to choose: either to take measures to reduce annual average consumption of plastic bags to 90 lightweight bags per citizen by the end of 2019 or 40 by the end of 2025. Since the end of 2018, no more light plastic bags are given to shoppers free of charge.

#EUelections2019 - Plastics bags

By making energy more efficient, Europeans will see their energy bills reduced. In addition, Europe will diminish its reliance on external suppliers of oil and gas, improve local air quality and protect the climate.

By 2030, energy efficiency in the EU must have improved by 32.5%, whereas the share of energy from renewables should make up at least 32% of the EU’s gross final consumption. Both targets are to be reviewed by 2023. These targets can only be raised, not lowered. Lower energy bills and the right to become a renewable self-consumer will be the result.

#EUelections2019 - Clean energy and energy efficiency

The drinking water directive achieved the update of a list of parameters to monitor drinking water, in line with technical and scientific progress. The vote on this report, adopted on 28 March 2019, closes Parliament’s first reading, which reached its position in October 2018.
Two other aspects include the importance of transparency for citizens and consumers as regards water quality, and the improvement of accessibility to drinking water for everyone.

#EUelections2019 - Drinking water quality

Plans to boost trust in the EU approval procedure of pesticides, by making it more transparent and accountable, were put forward by Parliament on 16 January 2019.

The European Parliament, on 6 February 2018, set up a special committee on the European Union’s authorization procedure for pesticides (PEST). MEPs want the public to be granted access to the studies used in the procedure to authorize a pesticide, including all the supporting data and information relating to the applications.&nbsp; Parliament is of the opinion that vulnerable groups should be more protected.

#EUelections2019 - Use of pesticides in the EU

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter. The European Union has been active in promoting the sustainable use of the seas. In early 2018, the European Commission presented a strategy to address the issue of plastics pollution, including microplastics in our seas.

Ocean protection (2019-2020)

Parliament is set to approve new rules aiming to protect the environment in the EU through criminal law.

Following a debate on Monday, MEPs are expected to give their final green light to a new directive on environmental crime, as agreed with the member states in November 2023, on Tuesday. The new law provides an updated list of environmental crimes including illegal timber trade, depletion of water resources or breaches of EU chemicals legislation. It also introduces the so-called qualified offence of causing the destruction of an ecosystem, such as large-scale forest fires, and thus comparable to ecocide.

Individual offenders, including company representatives, can face prison sentences of up to five or ten years depending on the severity of the crime. They will also be required to reinstate the environment they destroyed and compensate for the damage. Companies can also face fines of up to 5% of their worldwide turnover or 40 million euro.

Background

The new legislation aims to tackle the rising number of environmental crimes in the EU. Environmental crime is the fourth largest criminal activity in the world and is one of the main sources of income for organised crime alongside drugs, weapons and human trafficking.

Press conference -  Environmental crime directive

EP Plenary session - Union certification framework for carbon removals

French SME active in beekeeping - Honey producer

David SASSOLI, EP President meets with Mark RUFFALO, actor and environmental activist

EP Plenary session - COP15 to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Kunming 2020)

Outside view of the COP25 in Madrid on December 14, 2019.

Plenary session - Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment

New recycle bin for aluminium coffee caps

Conference - ' Private landowners, what role for Europe's nature '

EP plenary session - Establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)

Following European elections in May 2019, the Parliament held its constituent session on 2 July 2019. Parliament, Council, and the Commission identified common priorities and committed to deliver on before the 2024 European Elections. With the series of videos "European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024)", have a look back at the different legislative and political achievements reached by the EP. Parliament declared a climate emergency in 2019 and fought for more ambitious greenhouse gas - emissions reductions to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement. The Climate Law makes it a binding objective for the EU to become climate neutral in 2050 and reduce GHG emissions by at least 55% in 2030. It gives European citizens and businesses the legal certainty and predictability they need to plan for the green transition. At least 30% of the EU budget will support climate objectives (and 8% biodiversity).

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Climate protection and environmental policies

On 23 of March 2024, millions of people around the world will celebrate Earth Hour 2024, the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment. This year again, the European Parliament will participate by switching off the lights of its buildings in Brussels.

Earth Hour Day 2024: the European Parliament in Brussels switches off its lights on the occasion of the Earth Hour Day 2024

On 23 of March 2024, millions of people around the world will celebrate Earth Hour 2024, the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment. This year again, the European Parliament will participate by switching off the lights of its buildings Strasbourg.

Earth Hour Day 2024: the European Parliament in Strasbourg switches off its lights on the occasion of the Earth Hour Day 2024

MEPs vote on the following topics: Luena (A9-0220/2023) - Nature restoration; Gozi (A9-0009/2023) - Transparency and targeting of political advertising; Ripa (ENVI 14/02) - Detergents and surfactants, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 648/2004; Borchia (A9-0378/2023) - Amending Decision (EU) 2017/1324 as regards the continuation of the Union’s participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under Horizon Europe; Manders (A9-0087/2023) - Protection of the environment through criminal law; and Van Overveldt (A9-0412/2023) - Report on the European Central Bank – annual report 2023.

Voting session: Nature restoration

Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), rapporteur, holds a press conference on the Environmental crime directive. Parliament is set to approve new rules aiming to protect the environment in the EU through criminal law. Following a debate on Monday, MEPs are expected to give their final green light to a new directive on environmental crime, as agreed with the member states in November 2023, on Tuesday. The new law provides an updated list of environmental crimes including illegal timber trade, depletion of water resources or breaches of EU chemicals legislation. It also introduces the so-called qualified offence of causing the destruction of an ecosystem, such as large-scale forest fires, and thus comparable to ecocide. Individual offenders, including company representatives, can face prison sentences of up to five or ten years depending on the severity of the crime. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), rapporteur on the Environmental crime directive

MEPs give their final green light to a new directive on environmental crime, as agreed with the Member States in November 2023. The new law provides an updated list of environmental crimes including illegal timber trade, depletion of water resources or breaches of EU chemicals legislation. It also introduces the so-called qualified offence of causing the destruction of an ecosystem, such as large-scale forest fires, and thus comparable to ecocide. Short presentation of the topic.

Short presentations - Report: Antonius Manders (A9-0087/2023) - Protection of the environment through criminal law

This infoclip illustrates the new rules that provide an updated list of acts related to the environment that qualify as criminal offences at EU level and of the related sanctions, to ensure a more effective enforcement of EU environmental legislation. This item shows extracts from Iaw suits, courts, ecosystems, invasive species, forest fires, environmental pollution, water waste and treatment, ships and gas companies.

Infoclip: Environmental protection through criminal law

MEPs debate on a directive which improves product labelling and ban the use of misleading environmental claims. The new rules make product labelling clearer and more trustworthy by banning the use of general environmental claims like “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable”, “climate neutral” or “eco” without proof. The directive allows the use of sustainability labels that are based on official certification schemes or established by public authorities. Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and Biljana BORZAN (S&D, HR), Rapporteur.

Empowering consumers for the green transition: closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and Biljana BORZAN (S&D, HR), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on a directive which improves product labelling and ban the use of misleading environmental claims. The new rules make product labelling clearer and more trustworthy by banning the use of general environmental claims like “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable”, “climate neutral” or “eco” without proof. The directive allows the use of sustainability labels that are based on official certification schemes or established by public authorities. MEPs debate

Empowering consumers for the green transition: MEPs debate

MEPs debate on a directive which improves product labelling and ban the use of misleading environmental claims. The new rules make product labelling clearer and more trustworthy by banning the use of general environmental claims like “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable”, “climate neutral” or “eco” without proof. The directive allows the use of sustainability labels that are based on official certification schemes or established by public authorities. Opening statements by Biljana BORZAN (S&D, HR), Rapporteur, Edina TÓTH (NI, HU), ENVI Committee and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

Empowering consumers for the green transition: opening statements by Biljana BORZAN (S&D, HR), Rapporteur, Edina TÓTH (NI, HU), ENVI Committee and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

MEPs from the ENVI (Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety) Committee vote on nature restoration regulation. Extracts from the vote. The vote lasts several hours and due to the large number of amendments it is not possible to finalise the vote before the members needed to go to vote in the plenary session. The rest of the vote is suspended until the next ENVI meeting on 27th of June.

Nature restoration regulation: extracts from the vote

On 25 of March 2023, millions of people around the world will celebrate Earth Hour 2023, the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment. This year again, the European Parliament will participate by switching off the lights of its building in Strasbourg.

Earth Hour Day 2023 - the European Parliament switches off its lights on the occasion of the Earth Hour 2023 event

The European Commission’s proposal for a regulation establishing a general framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products, repeals rules currently in force which concentrate on energy-related products only. The regulation would lay down rules that would apply to all products on the internal market, with the aim of making them more durable, reusable, reparable, upgradable, recyclable and generally less harmful to the environment. The regulation would include rules on a digital product passport, green public procurement and banning the destruction of unsold goods. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Ecodesign for sustainable products

There are around 7 million trucks operating in the EU-28. Annual registrations of new trucks in the EU increased by 45 % from 2010 to 2016, to around 380 000. Around 70 % of EU freight is transported by road. The road freight and passenger transport sector consists of over 600 000 mostly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and employs almost 3 million people. Heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for 27 % of road transport CO2 emissions and almost 5 % of EU greenhouse gas emissions (2016 data). Since 1990, heavy-duty vehicle emissions have increased by 25 % – mainly as a result of an increase in road freight traffic – and, in the absence of new policies, they are projected to further increase. EU transport is heavily dependent on oil (accounting for nearly 94 % of the energy consumed by transport in 2015, of which 89 % is imported). Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - CO₂ emissions for new heavy-duty vehicles

EPRS identifies and frames some of the top key issues that might feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union this year. In times of crises and war, what are the challenges we must face and choices we have to make? Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Climate and socio-economic tipping points

In 2019, the European Parliament declared a climate emergency, calling for immediate and ambitious action to limit effects of climate change. What stage are we at today? In our video, Liselotte Jensen and Henrique Simões dig into the latest developments and expected impacts of climate change, as well as the required actions to fight this global emergency. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Climate emergency: what stage are we at ?

The Commission, on 24 February 2021, adopted the new EU strategy on climate change adaptation which aims at enhancing the EU’s and the world’s capacity to adapt to and minimise the impacts of climate change and at the same time further develop and accelerate actions across the economy and society. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Climate adaptation: how can we build resilience?

Climate change generates competition over diminishing natural resources, including food and water. It also causes weather-related disasters, which forced over 61 million people across the globe to flee their homes, in 2020 alone. These issues can exacerbate political instability, social tensions and poverty. The countries most vulnerable to climate change are located in fragile regions wracked by conflict. But the situation in Europe is also alarming! Almost one third of Europeans already face water stress in an average year. ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

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