EU countries are increasingly affected by drought, desertification and water scarcity, with nearly one third of land in the EU under water stress. In this episode of Raising the Game: Better Legislation, we explore how the EU is working to protect and restore Europe’s ecosystems in the face of growing climate pressures.

When water runs low: reversing the course of drought

Have you ever thrown away food just because the date on the packaging had passed, even though it looked and smelled perfectly fine? You are not alone. And it turns out that this kind of uncertainty has a much bigger impact than we think.
In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked causes of food waste in Europe: the labels on our food. We look at what ‘best before‘ and ’use-by‘ really mean, the science behind these labels, and how the European Parliament is taking action with binding targets, a formal review planned for 2027, and a 2030 deadline, which is now written into law.

Best before or use-by: the meaning behind EU food labels

EU laws have a big impact on local life. The Committee of the Regions is the body that ensures that the EU’s regions and cities have a voice in EU decisions. Learn how the Committee brings people living in the EU closer to EU policymaking.

Bringing the EU closer: how the Committee of the Regions shapes local life

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

Stockshot : Common charger for laptops, tablets and phones

EP Plenary session -  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: simplification and strengthening

EP Plenary session - Circularity requirements for vehicle design and management of end-of-life vehicles

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)

Following the European Parliament’s approval, EU consumers will soon be able to use a single charging solution for their electronic devices. By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. From spring 2026 (28 April), the obligation will extend to laptops. This infoclip shows common chargers used for mobile phones, laptops, tablets, e-book readers and other portable devices. Citizens using common chargers (USB C) for handy, tablets and laptops.

Infoclip: Common charger for laptops, tablets and phones

Marie BJERRE, Council of the EU representative, reacts to Ursula Von der LEYEN's speech on the State of the European Union in the European Parliament. She underlines that several of the issues mentioned by Ursula von de Leyen are completely in line with the Danish presidency's priorities. As a few exemples: the solidarity with Ukraine, the strengthening of Europe's defence industry, the protection of the rule-based international order, the fight against irregular migration, a competitive and greener Europe. The SOTEU serves as an essential tool for the Commission's accountability to Parliament, aimed at making the EU-level priorities more transparent while also communicating these priorities to the public. The practice of European Commission Presidents delivering a State of the Union address each year in September, during a plenary session of the European Parliament, began in 2010. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Marie BJERRE, Council of the EU representative

This Infoclip shows views of trafic and cars, a car factory, tests of a car prototype, a vehicle ricycling center, a collecting center and supplying of recycled car parts. The European Parliament discusses new rules covering the entire vehicle lifecycle, from design to end-of-life. This Infoclip show various steps of the car lifecycle, from manufactoring to recycling. In 2023, the Commission proposed a new regulation on circularity requirements for vehicle design and improved management of end-of-life vehicles, in line with the European Green Deal. According to the new regulation, new cars’ components should be easily replaced, reused, recycled, remanufactured, or refurbished. Besides, 20% of new vehicles’ plastic parts should consist in recycled material, in order to reduce waste. There are 285.6 million motor vehicles on EU roads and every year around 6.5 million vehicles come to the end of their lives.

Infoclip: Circularity of the design and end-of-life of vehicles

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.

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