Europe is one of the most forest-rich regions in the world: around 40% of its land area is covered by this ecosystem. Forests are essential for our health and wellbeing, and the health of the planet. They are rich in biodiversity and are hugely important in the fight against climate change. The EU is aware of the role forests can play in our future. That is why - in 2021 - the new Forest Strategy for 2030 was adopted.

The EU forest strategy for 2030

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in the EU and causes significant damage to ecosystems. As part of the European Green Deal's zero pollution ambition, on 26 October 2022 the Commission tabled a proposal for a revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directives. The proposed directive would set air quality standards for 2030 that are more closely aligned with the Word Health Organization's recommendations, as updated in 2021. It would also include a mechanism for the standards' regular review based on the latest scientific information. To achieve them on time, the Member States would have to establish air quality plans ahead of 2030.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Revision of EU air quality legislation: Setting a zero pollution objective for air

The European Commission outlined various approaches to capture and store or isolate carbon dioxide emissions, or capture already released carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere to reduce the concentration and thereby its warming effect. Various solutions, both technology- and nature-based, are being brought forward to this end. A key challenge will be to ensure permanence of carbon dioxide removals, whether in underground geological storage or through actively managed natural processes, such as carbon farming and management practices in the land use, land-use change and forestry sectors.

EPRS policy podcast - Sustainable carbon cycles: Promoting removal, storage and recycling

The FuelEU Maritime regulation seeks to steer the EU maritime sector towards decarbonisation. The proposal sets up a fuel standard for ships and introduces a requirement for the most polluting ship types to use onshore electricity when at berth. It puts the responsibility for compliance on the shipping company. The legislative outcome of this proposal will be closely linked to the simultaneously proposed rules on including the maritime sector in the EU emissions trading system, as well as those on alternative fuels infrastructure, energy taxation and renewable energy. Moreover, some of the proposed rules do not concern EU shipping only but have wider implications for international maritime shipping, which is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

EPRS policy podcast - Sustainable maritime fuels - 'Fit for 55' package: the FuelEU Maritime proposal

Green bonds are committed to financing or re-financing investments, projects, expenditure or assets helping to address climate and environmental issues. Both governments and companies use them to finance the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy. Since the EIB inaugurated the green bond market in 2007 with its Climate Awareness Bond, the market has grown very fast, but it still represents only about 3 to 3.5 % of overall bond issuance. The green bond market needs to grow more quickly to achieve the targets in the Paris Agreement. In this podcast, we’ll talk about European green bonds, a tool for financing green investments that can help us make the transition to a low-carbon economy, and how a European standard could be become global.

EPRS policy podcast - European green bonds: A standard for Europe, open to the world

As part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the Commission presented a legislative proposal to review the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The aim of the review is to align the EU ETS Directive with the EU target set out in the European Climate Law to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55 % by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. To this end, the amount of emission allowances would be reduced, fewer allowances would be allocated for free, and the ETS would be extended to maritime transport. This would reduce emissions in the ETS sectors by 61 % by 2030, compared to 2005. A separate new emissions trading system would be established for fuel distribution for road transport and buildings.

EPRS policy podcast - Review of the EU ETS: 'Fit for 55' package

As part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the Commission is proposing a revision to the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) as regards carbon dioxide emissions from aviation. The proposal seeks to ensure that the sector contributes to the EU's climate targets through increased auctioning of allowances, with an end to free allowances from 2027, and by applying the linear reduction of aviation allowances. The proposal will also integrate, into the revised ETS, the International Civil Aviation Organization's agreed global market-based Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and apply it to international flights departing from or arriving at an airport inside the European Economic Area (EEA). For domestic flights in the Member States or flights within the EEA, the ETS would continue to apply.

EPRS policy podcast - Revision of EU ETS as regards aviation: 'Fit for 55' package

The dramatic consequences of climate change and environmental degradation have brought the need for a more sustainable economy to the top of the agenda. Transforming the EU economy to make it more sustainable requires large investments, especially for enabling a green and low-carbon transition. Given that the public sector alone cannot cover this financial need, solutions have been sought to bring the private sector on board.

EPRS policy podcast - Green and sustainable finance

While some argue that AI can potentially be useful or even indispensable in ‘green transitions’, important questions remain open. Should AI be only used in resolving various specific problems (for example, intelligent pollinating robots replacing a declining bee population) or should be employed in ‘governing’ the sustainability of complex socio-economic systems such as mobility, food or energy? While the latter option is currently technically unattainable and may be ethically dubious , it marks the axis of a political debate about possible synergies between sustainability and AI.

EPRS STOA podcast - What if AI could help us become ‘greener’?

Declining yields due to warmer temperatures and less rain, biodiversity loss, increased risk of floods… the impacts of climate change on European agriculture are irrefutable… But what impact does agriculture have on climate change? And what role can it play in helping address this challenge?

EPRS policy podcast - EU agricultural policy and climate change

Despite the Commission’s assurances that the long-term work on the European Green Deal will continue in parallel to the coronavirus firefighting… the COVID-19 emergency and the need to deal with its socio-economic consequences is raising concerns that decarbonisation strategies could be derailed… But is this a real threat or could it also be an opportunity? There’s no lack of voices arguing that green investments need to play a central role in any economic recovery plan.

EPRS policy podcast - European Green Deal Investment Plan: Main elements and possible impact of the coronavirus pandemic

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 1962, the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) is a partnership between agriculture and society, and between Europe and its farmers. It aims to: support farmers and improve agricultural productivity, ensuring a stable supply of affordable food; safeguard European Union farmers to make a reasonable living; help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources; maintain rural areas and landscapes across the EU; keep the rural economy alive by promoting jobs in farming, agri-food industries and associated sectors.

The CAP is a common policy for all EU countries. It is managed and funded at European level from the resources of the EU’s budget. CAP 2023-27 To consolidate the role of European agriculture for the future, the CAP has evolved over the years to meet changing economic circumstances and citizens’ requirements and needs.

The CAP 2023-27 entered into force on 1 January 2023.&nbsp;Support for farmers and rural stakeholders across the 27 EU countries is based on the CAP 2023-27 legal framework and the choices detailed in the&nbsp;CAP Strategic Plans, approved by the Commission. The approved Plans are designed to make a significant contribution to the ambitions of the&nbsp;European Green Deal,&nbsp;Farm to Fork Strategy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Biodiversity Strategy.

Common agricultural policy (CAP)

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

Greta THUNBERG, climate activist from Sweden, came to prominence for starting the school strikes for climate in November 2018.

Her protests grew and other strikes started around the world. The hashtag #FridaysForFuture went viral. By December 2018, thousands of students around the world had joined her in several countries. She joined strikes around Europe, choosing to travel by train to limit her impact on the environment.

On 16 April 2019, Greta THUNBERG came for the first time to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Visit by Greta THUNBERG, young climate activist, to the EP

EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss further coordination on COVID-19, climate change, trade, security and external relations. On 11 December the leaders also meet for the Euro Summit.

They discuss the overall coordination effort in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including work on vaccines and testing, they aim to agree a new EU emissions reduction target for 2030, they exchange views on the trade agenda, they address security issues and in particular the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. In line with its conclusions of October 2020, the European Council come back to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and relations with Turkey. Leaders also discuss EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood.

European Council, 10-11 December 2020

In the context of the Commission's proposal for a multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the 2021-2027 period, the Commission published a proposal for a Council regulation establishing a European instrument for nuclear safety complementing the neighbourhood, development and international cooperation instrument on the basis of the Euratom Treaty on 14 June 2018.

Nuclear safety

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

This package contains the events between 1st July 2019 and 31 December 2020. For latest events, see related links.

The ‘European Green Deal’ proposed by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EC, sets several goals for climate and nature in Europe and beyond: 

<ul>
	<li>a European climate law to enact the 2050 target;</li>
	<li>an extension of the emissions trading system; </li>
	<li>a European carbon border tax; more ambitious targets and reduce emissions by at least 50% by 2030; </li>
	<li>a sustainable Europe investment plan to boost private investments; </li>
	<li>a just transition fund so no one is left behind; a biodiversity strategy for 2030</li>
	<li>and a new circular economy action plan.</li>
</ul>

 

See also our media packages on <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/climate-change_13104_pk">climate change,</a> <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/green-house-emissions-trading-systems_2703_pk">green house emissions trading systems</a>, or <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/circular-economy_4603_pk">cicular economy</a>.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

European Green Deal (2019-2020)

Voting session

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 - Restoring the EU’s competitive edge - the need for an impact assessment on the Green Deal policies

EP Plenary session - The attack on climate and nature: far right and conservative attempts to destroy the Green Deal and prevent investment in our future

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU climate risk assessment, taking urgent action to improve security and resilience in Europe

Press conference on Green Claims Directive

EP Plenary session - Substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims (Green Claims Directive)

Media Seminar- The Green Deal and its impact on national and European elections

Press conference on Environmental crime directive

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - EU2040 climate target

Press conference on empowering consumers by fighting greenwashing and improving product labelling

EP Plenary session - Empowering consumers for the green transition

Press conference on Euro 7 emission standards for cars, vans, lorries and buses following the votes

EP Plenary session - Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7)

EP Plenary session - Renewable energy directive

EP Plenary session - Delivering on the Green Deal: risk of compromising the EU path to the green transition and its international commitments

Press conference on EU's nature restoration law

Press conference on nature restoration law : what about the protection of oceans ?

EP Plenary session - Nature restoration

Press conference on Nature Restoration Law: good intentions, bad design

3rd topic of the Eurovision Debate 2024 between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency: Nicolas SCHMIT, Party European Socialists, Sandro GOZI, Renew Europe Now, Terry REINTKE, European Greens, Ursula von der LEYEN, European People's Party and Walter BAIER, European Left. The main themes of the third topic are a climate change and the EU's response to it, the Green Deal along with climate neutrality goals, and the implementation of new rules of the Common Agriculture Policy. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Eurovision Debate 2024 (Clean feed) - Topic 3: Climate and Environment

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

Following a debate on Monday, MEPs will adopt on Tuesday their position on new rules to verify and pre-approve green marketing claims to protect consumers from misleading ads. Andrus ANSIP (Renew, EE) and Cyrus ENGERER (S&D, MT), co-rapporteurs hold a press conference on this topic.

EP Press conference by Andrus ANSIP (Renew, EE) and Cyrus ENGERER (S&D, MT), co-rapporteurs on Green Claims Directive

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

MEPs vote on the following topics: Olbrycht, Marques (A9xxxx/2024) - Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027; resolution Olbrycht, Marques Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 - resolution; Gahler, Gardiazabal Rubial (A9-0286/2023) - Establishing the Ukraine Facility; Fernandes, Ehler (A9-0290/2023) - Establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (‘STEP’); Wölken (A9-0223/2023) - Protection of journalists and human rights defenders from manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings; Cicurel (A9-0278/2023) - Proposed amendments to Protocol No 3 on the Statute of the Court of Justice of the European Union; Weiss (A9-0290/2022) - Shipments of waste; and Fernández (A9-0344/2023) - Certain aspects of the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities.

Voting session: MMF for the years 2021 to 2027 and Ukraine Facility

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

This infoclip illustrates the new directive to improve road safety and foster the EU’s green and digital transitions. Driving licences for motorcycles, cars and tractors will be valid for 15 years, and five years for trucks and buses, according to the draft rules. The file should also include mandatory health checks when a driving licence is issued or renewed. To support the EU’s single market, a digital driving licence will be introduced, available on a mobile phone and fully equivalent to the physical driver's licence. They also propose a two-year probationary period for novice drivers, who will face stricter penalties for unsafe driving and stringent alcohol limits while driving. This item shows extracts from driving licences, driving school cars, eye examination, traffic, citizens driving, trucks, tractors, campervans/RV, taxis, two-wheeled vehicles, police checking driving licences.

Infoclip: Driving licences

Christian EHLER (EPP, DE) gives a press conference on the Net-Zero Industry Act negotiations following the trialogue negotiations with Council in the European Parliament during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

Press conference by Christian EHLER (EPP, DE) on the Net-Zero Industry Act negotiations following the trialogue negotiations with Council

The European Climate Law instructs the Commission to propose an EU climate target for 2040 at the latest within six months of the first global stocktake carried out under the Paris Agreement that took place at the COP28 in December 2023. Plenary debates proposals for setting the EU 2040 climate target, shortly after the Commission publishes a Communication and an impact assessment to initiate the process of setting a 2040 climate target. Closing statements

EU2040 climate target: Closing statement by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action

The European Climate Law instructs the Commission to propose an EU climate target for 2040 at the latest within six months of the first global stocktake carried out under the Paris Agreement that took place at the COP28 in December 2023. Plenary debates proposals for setting the EU 2040 climate target, shortly after the Commission publishes a Communication and an impact assessment to initiate the process of setting a 2040 climate target. Second part of the MEPs debate

EU2040 climate target: MEPs debate (part 2)

The European Climate Law instructs the Commission to propose an EU climate target for 2040 at the latest within six months of the first global stocktake carried out under the Paris Agreement that took place at the COP28 in December 2023. Plenary debates proposals for setting the EU 2040 climate target, shortly after the Commission publishes a Communication and an impact assessment to initiate the process of setting a 2040 climate target. First part of the MEPs debate

EU2040 climate target: MEPs debate (part 1)

The European Climate Law instructs the Commission to propose an EU climate target for 2040 at the latest within six months of the first global stocktake carried out under the Paris Agreement that took place at the COP28 in December 2023. Plenary debates proposals for setting the EU 2040 climate target, shortly after the Commission publishes a Communication and an impact assessment to initiate the process of setting a 2040 climate target. Opening statements by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU2040 climate target: Opening statements by Wopke HOEKSTRA, European Commissioner for Climate Action

Biljana BORZAN, (S&D, HR), Rapporteur, holds a press conference on empowering consumers by fighting greenwashing and improving product labelling. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Biljana BORZAN, (S&D, HR), rapporteur on empowering consumers by fighting greenwashing and improving product labelling

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

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