Today: the Committee on Budgets is set to vote on three measures that will establish the Ukraine Facility, new rules have been agreed to prevent pollution from ships in European seas, and Parliament and the Council have reached a deal to create EU Disability and Parking Cards.

News in Brief – 19/02/2024 - English

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

Road transport is a major contributor to climate change, accounting for over a quarter of road transport CO2 emissions. The European Commission proposes to revise the legislation setting CO2 emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles in the EU. The proposed revision would expand the scope of the existing regulation to include urban buses, coaches, trailers and other types of lorries. It will also require that the average CO2 emissions of heavy-duty vehicles, would have to fall by 45 % from 2030, by 65 % from 2035, and by 90 % from 2040 onwards, compared with 2019 levels.

EPRS policy podcast - CO₂ emission performance standards and reporting obligations for new heavy-duty vehicles

On the fifth of June, we celebrate World Environment Day. Over the past five decades, that day has grown to be one of the largest global platforms for environmental outreach. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. Tens of millions of people take part, along with governments, companies, cities and community organisations. This year the host is Côte d'Ivoire in partnership with the Netherlands, and they will focus on solutions to counter plastic pollution with the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.

World Environment Day 2023 - English

The proposed update to the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive would introduce new obligations to better control pollution due to rainwater, impose stricter standards for nutrient removal and require advanced treatment for the removal of micro-pollutants. To cover treatment costs, a system of extended producer responsibility targeting pharmaceuticals and cosmetics would be set up. To align the directive with the Green Deal's ambitions, an energy neutrality obligation would be introduced for wastewater treatment plants.

EPRS Policy podcast - Updating the EU rules on urban wastewater treatment

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

International maritime transport is the backbone of the global economy. However, vessels release emissions that pollute the air and contribute significantly to global warming. As shipping is forecast to grow, reducing these emissions is urgent, in order not to undermine emissions-reducing efforts in other areas, to keep humans healthy, preserve the environment and limit climate change.

EPRS policy podcast - Decarbonising maritime transport: The EU perspective

If your community faces problems such as providing schooling for children in a remote area or reducing pollution, social innovation can provide solutions. The EU is supporting such efforts and here is how it is doing so:

This is what Europe does for social innovators

People often choose to live in the countryside so as to enjoy the benefits of nature. However, living near a river can be far from beneficial when that river is polluted. Here are three things the EU does to ensure that is not the case

This is what the EU does for people living near polluted rivers

Air quality in cities has improved dramatically since the days of London’s ‘Great Smog’, which claimed thousands of lives in 1952. Here’s how EU actions have helped clean up city air.

This is what Europe does for people living in cities with polluted air

Smartphones contain valuable materials like silver, palladium and copper. Once these devices are discarded they can cause pollution, so the Union is promoting the recovery of these valuable materials. In addition to the environmental issue, the EU supports smartphone producers in other ways. Here is how.

This is what Europe does for smartphone producers

Almost eight out of 10 Europeans now live in cities. Noise, air pollution, traffic congestion and a lack of green spaces are some of the downsides urban dwellers face, but the EU is making improvements to enhance the quality of life in cities. How?

This is what Europe does for urban dwellers

Did you cycle to work this morning? If you did, good for you! Not only does cycling help with traffic and pollution, it also makes us less dependent on cars and fuels. Here’s how the EU is supporting cycling across its member states.

This is what Europe does for cyclists

The decline of Europe’s heavy industries has left many areas facing a range of challenges such as high unemployment, pollution and problems with urban development and infrastructure. This is how European structural and investment funds help depressed industrial areas overcome these challenges.

This is what Europe does for people living in depressed industrial areas

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

Clean energy is energy produced and consumed with a minimum of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

The transition to clean energy requires large investments in all areas of energy use: electricity generation, transport, heating and cooling, and also industrial activities. Reducing energy demand by means of energy efficiency measures also helps to lower the emissions associated with energy use.

Clean energy

Pollution harms our health and our environment. It is the largest environmental cause of multiple mental and physical diseases and of premature deaths, especially among children, people with certain medical conditions and the elderly. It&nbsp;is also one of the main reasons for the loss of biodiversity.

The&nbsp;zero pollution vision for 2050&nbsp;is for air, water and soil pollution to be reduced to levels no longer considered harmful to health and natural ecosystems. It includes a series of 2030 targets to speed up reducing pollution at source.

On 12 May 2021, the European Commission adopted the&nbsp;Zero Pollution Action Plan: "Towards a Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil"&nbsp;- a key deliverable of the European Green Deal.&nbsp;

Air pollution

Plastics are everywhere in our daily life: they are used in packaging, buildings, cars, electronics, agriculture and other sectors. On 3 July 2021, the EU ban on disposable plastics comes into effect. This will concern straws, cups, cutlery, plates, but also balloon rods.

Single-use plastic products are used once, or for a short period of time, before being thrown away. The impacts of this plastic waste on the environment and our health are global and can be drastic. Single-use plastic products are more likely to end up in our seas than reusable options.

The 10 most commonly found single-use plastic items on European beaches, alongside fishing gear, represent 70% of all marine litter in the EU. According to the directive on single-use plastics where sustainable alternatives are easily available and affordable, single-use plastic products cannot be placed on the markets of EU Member States. This applies to cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and sticks for balloons.

It will also apply to cups, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, and on all products made of oxo-degradable plastic. The EU aims to become a forerunner in the global fight against marine litter and plastic pollution. EU rules aim to reduce the volume and impact of certain plastic products on environment.

Plastics production is 20 times higher than in 1960s, and is forecast to almost quadruple by 2050. Although there are thousands of types of plastics, 90% of plastics are derived from virgin fossil fuels. About 6% of global oil consumption is used to produce plastics; by 2050, this share could reach 20%. In Europe, about 40% of post-consumer plastic waste is incinerated with energy recovery, and the rest is either landfilled or recycled. About half of the plastic waste collected and recycled is treated in the European Union; the other half is exported, mainly to China.

EU Strategy for Plastics and packaging

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

In June 2023 Parliament adopted its position for negotiations with member states on rules to integrate human rights and environmental impact into companies’ governance. Companies will be required to identify, and where necessary prevent, end or mitigate the negative impact of their activities on human rights and the environment such as on child labour, slavery, labour exploitation, pollution, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.

They will also have to monitor and assess the impact of their value-chain partners including not only suppliers but also sale, distribution, transport, storage, waste-management and other areas.

The European Parliament has consistently called for more corporate accountability and mandatory due diligence legislation. The European Commission proposal was introduced on 23 February 2022. It complements other existing and upcoming legislative acts, such as the deforestation regulation, conflict minerals regulation and draft regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour.

Corporate Responsibility

Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer, has acknowledged that many millions of its cars sold worldwide have been specially equipped to trick emission tests, so as to appear less polluting.

Long before VW’s emissions test-cheating software was revealed, MEPs repeatedly urged that car emissions testing should take account of real-world driving conditions, so as to end obvious discrepancies between official and real consumption and emissions figures.

Car emissions - 8th parliamentary term

Parliament is pressing for measures to increase the use of alternative fuels as well as to improve road safety and to tackle unfair competition and the exploitation of workers.

In line with its Work Programme 2017, the European Commission proposes a set of initiatives to make traffic safer, encourage smart road charging, reduce CO2 emissions, air pollution and congestion, cut red-tape for businesses, fight illicit employment and ensure proper conditions and rest times for workers. These initiatives are linked to the strategy for a Resilient Energy Union, Europe's transition to a low-carbon economy and the strategy for low-emission mobility.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/mobility-8th-parliamentary-term_6507_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Mobility

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

In its resolution on the European Green Deal, Parliament called for an ambitious new circular economy action plan aiming to reduce the total environmental and resource footprint of EU production and consumption, with resource efficiency, zero pollution and waste prevention as key priorities.

Circular economy (2019 - 2020)

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

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)

On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell the environmental destruction caused by Russia in its war against Ukraine. 
Russia's war has caused massive air, water, land and soil pollution, as well as significant damage to ecosystems, with the risk of spillover into neighbouring countries. Estimates based on Ukraine's environmental inspections show that Russia's invasion has inflicted roughly €52.4 billion in environmental damage.
Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, causing catastrophic flooding and  submerging thousands of hectares of land, has been condemned by the EU as an act of ‘ecocide’. 

In the debate with EU diplomacy Chief Borrell, MEPs are  set to highlight  the importance of  holding Russia accountable, , with Ukraine having stated its determination to make Russia pay reparations for the environmental damage.

Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Environmental consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need for accountability

EP Plenary session - Preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Recent ecological catastrophe involving plastic pellet losses and its impact on micro plastic pollution in the maritime and coastal habitats

EP Plenary session - Surface water and groundwater pollutants

EP Plenary session - Dieselgate: suspected wide-spread use of defeat devices in cars to reduce effectiveness of pollution control systems

EP Plenary session - Topical debate - Keeping people healthy, water drinkable and soil liveable: getting rid of forever pollutants and strengthening EU chemical legislation now

PECH Public Hearing ' Marine pollution (in particular plastic pollution) and its impact on fisheries '

EP Plenary session - Amending Annexes IV and V to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants

Single plastics

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

EE 2019 - 2019 European Elections campaign photo toolkit - Plastic waste

Plastic waste

EP plenary session - Persistent organic pollutants

Plastic waste on beach. Plastic pollution. Plastic bottles

Belgium countryside river. Water stream meandering through wooded glade.

Ocean Plastics Lab. Travelling exhibition

Sustainable mobility. Clean transport system. Low emission mobility.Clean alternative vehicule.

Plenary session week 37 2017 in Strasbourg - Dieselgate: strengthening EU environment, health, consumer rights standards in connection to recent actions by Member States, including Germany and Austria

Resumption of the session

Opening of the sitting

Statements by the President

Approval of the minutes of the previous sittings

20240422-0900-PLENARY

Composition of political groups

Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 71) (action taken)

Delegated acts (Rule 111(6)) (action taken)

Delegated acts (Rule 111(6))

Corrigenda (Rule 241)(action taken)

Signing of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 79)

Order of business

Resumption of the sitting

Preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution (debate)

Common rules promoting the repair of goods (debate)

Prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (debate)

Amending Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims (debate)

Agenda of the next sitting

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Recent ecological catastrophe involving plastic pellet losses and its impact on micro plastic pollution in the maritime and coastal habitats (debate)

Implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and future perspectives (debate)

EU Action Plan: protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries (debate)

Implementation of the Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation in fisheries and aquaculture - Regulation (EU) 1379/2013 (debate)

Voting time (continuation)

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

Recent EU-Audits identifying that Uruguayan and Argentinian meat from horses with unreliable sworn declarations and unknown drug history is entering the EU (debate)

Explanations of vote

Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

Dates of forthcoming sittings

Composition of Parliament

Verification of credentials

Request for the defence of immunity: see Minutes

Request for waiver of immunity

Composition of committees and delegations

Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 71)

Delegated acts (Rule 111(6))(action taken)

Corrigendum (Rule 241)

European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) (debate)

Surface water and groundwater pollutants (debate)

Amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure with a view to strengthening integrity, independence and accountability (debate)

Renewable Energy Directive (debate)

Consumer credits (debate)

Geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products (debate)

One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Negotiations ahead of Parliament's first reading (Rule 71) (action taken)

Children forcibly deported from Ukraine and the ICC arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin (debate)

This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel (debate)

Statement by the President - 80th anniversary of the Uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto

Voting time

Keeping people healthy, water drinkable and soil liveable: getting rid of forever pollutants and strengthening EU chemical legislation now (topical debate)

Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCa) - Information accompanying transfers of funds and certain crypto-assets (recast) (debate)

Digital euro (debate)

Dieselgate: suspected widespread use of defeat devices in cars to reduce effectiveness of pollution control systems (debate) (debate)

EU Global Health Strategy (debate)

Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality, in light of recent developments in Uganda (debate)

The crackdown on the right to education and education rights activists in Afghanistan, including the case of Matiullah Wesa

Repression in Russia, in particular the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Aleksei Navalny

The risk of death penalty and execution of singer Yahaya Sharif Aminu for blasphemy in Nigeria

Tribute

Signing of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 79): see Minutes

Election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage (debate)

Amending Annexes IV and V to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (debate)

EU action plan for organic agriculture (debate)

Persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion (short presentation)

EU strategy to promote education for children in the world (short presentation)

Reaching women's economic independence through entrepreneurship and self-employment (short presentation)

A sustainable blue economy in the EU: the role of fisheries and aquaculture (short presentation)

Press conference by Executive Vice-President Frans TIMMERMANS and Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginjus Sinkevičius on the Emissions and Pollutants Package

VodDebate: Petition 0737/2021 by.A.E.T. (Spanish) on balanced rules for the management and cancellation of digital services accounts (Possibly in the presence of the petitioner by remote connection)

VodDebate: Chair's announcements concerning Coordinators' decisions

VodDebate: Petition No 0143/2019 by Alejandro Blasco Sánchez (Spanish), on behalf of the municipal council of Real, on the sealing-off and environmental rehabilitation of disused landfill sites in the municipality of Real, Valencia (In the presence of the petitioner by remote connection)

VodDebate: Petition 0648/2020 by J.M. (German) on the storage and disclosure of private data (Possibly in the presence of the petitioner by remote connection)

VodDebate: Petition0622/2018by M.L. (Hungarian) on noise pollution in the vicinity of airports (In the presence of the petitioner by remote connection) Petition No 1067/2019 by M.P. (Hungarian) on alleged heavy noise pollution generated by the Budapest airport in Hungary (Possibly in the presence of the petitioner by remote connection)

Committee on Petitions

PETI

Adoption of draft agenda(1)

Approval of minutes of the meeting of:

Chair's announcements (with EPVote)

Draft Short Motion for Resolution on LGBTI+ rights in the EU under Rule 227(2) -Petitions 0402/2020, 0657/2020, 0712/2020, 0762/2020, 1038/2020, 1179/2020 and 1288/2020. 2021/2769(RSP) vote :16-17 June 2021/vote in plenary July 2021 (tbc) Vote on split votes(POSTPONED)

Draft Oral Questionon Vaccine strategy. 2021/2678(RSP) vote :16-17 June 2021/vote in plenary July 2021 (tbc) Final vote

DraftMotion for Resolutionon Vaccine strategy. 2021/2678(RSP) vote :16-17 June 2021/vote in plenary July 2021 (tbc) Final vote

Petition 0032/2019by K.W-A. (German) on the cross-border delivery of homeopathic products and other medicines within the EU (Possibly in the presence of the petitioner)

Petition 0328/2017 by A.K. (German) on behalf of the association ‘Artgerechte Tiergesundheit e.V.’, on rules on homeopathic and naturopathic medicines (Possibly in the presence of the petitioner)

Petition 1508/2020 by A.E.S. (Spanish) on the infringement of the law on noise pollution by Bilbao City Council (In the presence of the petitioner))

Petition 0179/2021 by P.P. (Polish), on behalf of Contrain Poland Sp. z o.o., regarding discrimination of Polish temporary work agency by the Dutch authorities (Possibly in the presence of the petitioner)

PETI/AGRI

AGRI

Negotiations ahead of Parliament's first reading (Rule 69c) (consent): see Minutes

European Electronic Communications Code - Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (debate)

CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles (debate)

Formal sitting

Announcement by the President

Composition of Parliament : see Minutes

Corrections to votes and voting intentions : see Minutes

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting : see Minutes

Increasing EU resilience against the influence of foreign actors on the upcoming EP election campaign (topical debate)

Rail passengers' rights and obligations (debate)

Persistent organic pollutants (debate)

Independence of statistical authorities in the European Union and the case of Andreas Georgiou (debate)

European security and the future of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (debate)

Response to the caravan of Central American migrants at the Mexican border (debate)

The extraterritorial effects of US sanctions on Iran for European companies (debate)

Plenary

Emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants (debate)

Limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air (debate)

Industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) (recast) (debate)

Ship-source pollution and penalties for infringements (debate)

Integrated pollution prevention and control: industrial emissions, titanium dioxide industry, use of organic solvents, incineration of waste, large combustion plants (debate)

How can the EU reform its economic model to benefit consumers and the planet? Aimilios in Belgium and Laetitia in France have (part of) the answer!

Aimilios and his Watt4Ever team recondition old electric car batteries to make new energy storage systems, effectively giving batteries a second life and saving precious raw materials and energy while avoiding additional pollution.

Laetitia and “Halte à l'Obsolescence Programmée”, or HOP (“Stop Planned Obsolescence”), campaign for everyday products to last longer and be more repairable.

The European Parliament backs EU-wide measures to promote a circular economy, a right to repair and better recycling of raw materials, to avoid polluting the planet and to benefit your wallet.

EU programmes such as Horizon Europe plus rural and regional development funds make sure such projects get the resources they need.

Making the economy work for you and the planet: meet Aimilios and Laetitia - 9:16 EE24

Making the economy work for you and the planet: meet Aimilios and Laetitia - EE24

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

The European Parliament will adopt its position on new measures to cut down pollutant emissions for passenger cars, vans, buses and trucks (Euro 7). MEPs debate on the report prepared by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). The new Euro 7 regulation would update the current limits for exhaust emissions (such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia) and introduce new measures to reduce emissions from tyres and brakes, and to increase battery durability. Closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality and by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, HR), Rapporteur

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7): closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality and by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, HR), Rapporteur

The European Parliament will adopt its position on new measures to cut down pollutant emissions for passenger cars, vans, buses and trucks (Euro 7). MEPs debate on the report prepared by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). The new Euro 7 regulation would update the current limits for exhaust emissions (such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia) and introduce new measures to reduce emissions from tyres and brakes, and to increase battery durability.

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7): MEPs debate

The European Parliament will adopt its position on new measures to cut down pollutant emissions for passenger cars, vans, buses and trucks (Euro 7). MEPs debate on the report prepared by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). The new Euro 7 regulation would update the current limits for exhaust emissions (such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia) and introduce new measures to reduce emissions from tyres and brakes, and to increase battery durability. Opening statements by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, HR), Rapporteur, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7): opening statements by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, HR), Rapporteur, Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

The new Euro 7 emission standards will ensure that cars, vans, lorries and buses are much cleaner, in real driving conditions that better reflect the situation in cities where air pollution problems are largest, and for a much longer period than under current rules. It tackles emissions from tailpipes as well as from brakes and tyres. Battery electric vehicles also still cause pollution from brakes and microplastics from tyres. In 2035, Euro 7 will lower total NOx emissions from cars and vans by 35% compared to Euro 6, and by 56% compared to Euro VI from buses and lorries. At the same time, particles from the tailpipe will be lowered by 13% from cars and vans, and 39% from buses and lorries, while particles from the brakes of a car will be lowered by 27%.This infoclip shows cars, vans, lorries and buses in city environments in Granada, Spain and Brussels, Belgium.

Infoclip: Euro 7 regulation for cars, vans, lorries and buses

MEPs of the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) vote their position on the Euro 7 proposal to reduce air pollution from new motor vehicles sold in the EU to meet the European Green Deal's zero-pollution ambition, while keeping vehicles affordable for consumers and promoting Europe's competitiveness. The new standards would ensure cleaner vehicles on our roads and improved air quality, protecting the health of our citizens and the environment. Euro 7 standards and CO2 emission standards for vehicles work hand-in-hand to deliver air quality for citizens, as notably the increased uptake of electric vehicles also creates certain air quality benefits. The footage shows extracts from the vote and statement by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, CZ), Rapporteur.

Euro 7 emission standards for cars, vans, lorries and buses: extracts from the vote and statement by Alexandr VONDRA (ECR, CZ), Rapporteur

This news item shows extracts from the MEPs debate on updated rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater to better protect the environment and human health and extracts from the vote on Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive as well. MEPs want chemical pollutants (including “forever chemicals”), microplastics, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance to be monitored more. They also agree that a system of extended producer responsibility (EPR) should be set up for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which require additional treatment for micro-pollutants. Nils TORVALDS, Rapporteur, gives a statement on the directive and the next steps with the Council.

Urban wastewater treatment: extracts from the debate; extracts from the vote; and statement by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on updated rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater to better protect the environment and human health.The Environment Committee adopted its position in September. The report calls for treated wastewater from urban wastewater treatment plants to be reused more widely to prevent water scarcity. MEPs want chemical pollutants (including “forever chemicals”), microplastics, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance to be monitored more. They also agree that a system of extended producer responsibility (EPR) should be set up for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which require additional treatment for micro-pollutants. Closing statements by Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography and by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur.

Urban wastewater treatment: closing statements by Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography and by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on updated rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater to better protect the environment and human health.The Environment Committee adopted its position in September. The report calls for treated wastewater from urban wastewater treatment plants to be reused more widely to prevent water scarcity. MEPs want chemical pollutants (including “forever chemicals”), microplastics, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance to be monitored more. They also agree that a system of extended producer responsibility (EPR) should be set up for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which require additional treatment for micro-pollutants. Second part of the debate.

Urban wastewater treatment: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs debate on updated rules on the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater to better protect the environment and human health.The Environment Committee adopted its position in September. The report calls for treated wastewater from urban wastewater treatment plants to be reused more widely to prevent water scarcity. MEPs want chemical pollutants (including “forever chemicals”), microplastics, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance to be monitored more. They also agree that a system of extended producer responsibility (EPR) should be set up for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which require additional treatment for micro-pollutants. First part of the debate.

Urban wastewater treatment: MEPs debate (part 1)

46 results

EP Plenary session - Preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Recent ecological catastrophe involving plastic pellet losses and its impact on micro plastic pollution in the maritime and coastal habitats

EP Plenary session - Surface water and groundwater pollutants

EP Plenary session - Dieselgate: suspected wide-spread use of defeat devices in cars to reduce effectiveness of pollution control systems

EP Plenary session - Topical debate - Keeping people healthy, water drinkable and soil liveable: getting rid of forever pollutants and strengthening EU chemical legislation now

PECH Public Hearing ' Marine pollution (in particular plastic pollution) and its impact on fisheries '

EP Plenary session - Amending Annexes IV and V to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants

Single plastics

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

EE 2019 - 2019 European Elections campaign photo toolkit - Plastic waste

Plastic waste

EP plenary session - Persistent organic pollutants

Plastic waste on beach. Plastic pollution. Plastic bottles

Belgium countryside river. Water stream meandering through wooded glade.

Ocean Plastics Lab. Travelling exhibition

Ocean Plastics Lab. Travelling exhibition

Sustainable mobility. Clean transport system. Low emission mobility.Clean alternative vehicule.

Plenary session week 37 2017 in Strasbourg - Dieselgate: strengthening EU environment, health, consumer rights standards in connection to recent actions by Member States, including Germany and Austria