Energy, Environment & Transport – Euractiv

Learn about the benefits of beverage cartons! [Promoted content]

iant — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:00:16 +0000

Beverage cartons, offer a unique combination of environmental benefits due to their lightweight structure, renewable materials, and efficient transport capabilities.

Lithium quest sucks EU into internal Serbian tensions

Bárbara Machado, Nathan Canas — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:30:31 +0000

The EU risks thwarting its own values as its recent partnership with Serbia on raw materials is not going as planned.

EU4Ocean coalition advancing ocean literacy, strengthening communities [Advocacy Lab Content]

Marco Venosta — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:26:04 +0000

The EU4Ocean project aims to support the EU4Ocean coalition as it delivers the sustainable transition and transformation Europe needs to achieve ocean-related objectives.

Kazakhstan voters greenlight construction of nuclear power plant, setting concerns aside [Advocacy Lab Content]

Xhoi Zajmi — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 02:00:59 +0000

Almost three-quarters of Kazakhstan voters said “yes” in a nationwide referendum held on 6 October, which asked citizens if they agreed with the construction of a nuclear power plant.

Going nuclear, fusion could reduce emissions, increase security [Advocacy Lab Content]

Dave Keating — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 01:54:33 +0000

For its proponents, the lesser-known nuclear process – fusion - could bring a new era of clean and secure energy to Europe. For its detractors, it’s an expensive distraction.

Steel packaging industry wants landfill tax increase, separate collections [Advocacy Lab Content]

Christoph Schwaiger — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 01:44:02 +0000

Steel for Packaging Europe has outlined its industry priorities for the 2024-2029 term. The industry association aims to put circularity at the heart of Europe’s economy while promoting recycling rates for steel.

Ocean literacy is good for the sea, good for mental health too [Advocacy Lab Content]

Elizabeth De Gaetano — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 15:16:48 +0000

Researchers at the University of Plymouth, UK, have found that ‘beach cleans’ aren’t just good for the sea, but can also boost mental health and encourage better behaviour.

France aware of, likely supports EDF’s complaint to EU over Czech nuclear deal

Paul Messad — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:17:35 +0000

Although the French energy ministry would not comment, industry and government sources close to the matter suggest that EDF has France's backing.

German and French MPs want to relaunch the ‘European Energy Union’

Paul Messad — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:50:25 +0000

But political instability in France could be a stumbling block.

Nuclear tender in Czechia: EDF asks Commission to open foreign subsidies investigation

Paul Messad — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:57:12 +0000

The European Commission confirms receipt of a letter from EDF concerning Czechia's award of a tender to build two nuclear reactors to South Korea's KHNP.

Kazakhstan votes in favour of nuclear power plant construction

Georgi Gotev — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:11:33 +0000

The government says a reliable energy supply is needed to supplement renewable sources such as solar and wind power, and, since Kazakhstan is one of the world's biggest uranium producers, nuclear power is a logical choice.

EU’s Industrial Future: Powered by Affordable Green Energy [Promoted content]

Maria Polynaki — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:00:16 +0000

Electricity prices in Europe remain high, posing serious challenges for the aluminium industry to stay globally competitive. As a strategic material for the green transition, aluminium is essential for clean technologies and sustainable infrastructure. Affordable low-carbon energy is vital for aluminium producers to remain operational and invest in decarbonisation, supporting their growth and Europe’s broader green agenda.

Europe has a duty to lead the green transition

Seán Kelly — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:30:51 +0000

The next five years are crucial to the future of Europe. Reaching our 2030 target - namely, the reduction of greenhouse gases by 55% - will set the path for the following decades.

Can we get that in writing? MEP questions for new energy, climate, industry commissioners

Donagh Cagney — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:30:03 +0000

ITRE committee want details on energy prices, industrial strategy, climate action and more. They are unlikely to get them.

The environmental cost of Europe’s hunt for lithium

Giada Santana — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:45 +0000

While lithium is a key component of the EU's green transition, concerns are rising over the environmental impact of increased mining activities. Experts warn of water pollution, biodiversity loss, and heightened carbon emissions, raising questions about the sustainability of this green push. Can Europe meet its ambitious climate goals without compromising the environment?

Rescue teams search for missing in Bosnia floods

Georgi Gotev — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 04:45:43 +0000

The floods follow an unprecedented summer drought which caused many rivers and lakes to dry up, and affected agriculture and the supply of water to urban areas throughout the Balkans and much of Europe.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg detained at Brussels demo

Georgi Gotev — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 04:06:50 +0000

The rally was calling for the European Union -- headquartered in Brussels -- to end subsidies for fossil fuels in order to achieve its ambitious goal of making the continent carbon neutral by 2050.

EU imports ever more gas from Russia than the US

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:17:39 +0000

The EU has imported significant volumes of Russian gas this year, valued at around €10 billion.

Europe’s Hera spacecraft to probe asteroid deflected by defence test

Georgi Gotev — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 04:38:45 +0000

Europe's Hera probe is scheduled to launch on a mission to inspect the damage a NASA spacecraft made when it smashed into an asteroid during the first test of Earth's planetary defences.

COP16 global biodiversity talks to focus on financing

Nathan Canas — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 04:30:35 +0000

Biodiversity financing will be a hot topic at the upcoming COP16 in Colombia, as little progress has been made since the last summit in December 2022.

Grids shaping Europe’s green transition, digital technologies and infrastructure investment [Advocacy Lab Content]

Siofra Gilmore — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 17:28:23 +0000

The European Commission proposed an EU Action Plan for Grids in late 2023 to deliver on the European Green Deal. They estimate that around €584 billion will be needed for electricity infrastructure investments between 2020 and 2030.

Flights delayed or cancelled as Middle East conflict disrupts aviation

Georgi Gotev — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:49:20 +0000

Rising tensions in the Middle East have created air travel chaos, with many flights across the entire region diverted or disrupted with little sign of broader normalisation.

Letta says his European rail vision hinges on completion of Capital Markets Union

Bárbara Machado — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:30:37 +0000

"Without mobilising private investments, it will be impossible to convince all the 27 (EU countries) to put public money in a common box,” Letta said.

Delay in EU anti-deforestation enforcement leaves little time to make changes

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:57:08 +0000

The proposed extension of the transition period for the EU's anti-deforestation rules has many worried that reopening the file could end up weakening some of its provisions.

Questions remain over France’s largest lithium mine project

Nathan Canas — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:30:56 +0000

The National Commission for Public Debate (CNCP) published its conclusions on Monday 30 September about the opening of the largest lithium mine project in France, after five months of public debate.

Barnier praises nuclear power, casts shadow on wind in National Assembly speech

Paul Messad — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:30:21 +0000

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier presented his energy and climate programme to MPs in the National Assembly on Tuesday (1 October), with commentators concerned he announced impact assessments for renewables, not nuclear.

Creating a Single European Rail Area – we have the vision, now it’s about implementation, says Travaini [Advocacy Lab Content]

Nicole Verbeeck — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:40:26 +0000

InnoTrans 2024, Europe’s leading trade fair for transport technology, was held in Berlin at the end of September. Euractiv spoke with Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director of EU-Rail, about his goal of creating a Single European Rail Area.

Indonesia urges EU to rethink deforestation rules impacting farmers [Advocacy Lab Content]

Nicole Verbeeck — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:08:52 +0000

Indonesia is seeking to ensure European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) does not penalise its smallholder farmers, whose livelihoods depend on exports to Europe.

European Algae Biomass president sees expansion of algae products in daily life, calls for improved EU algae market [Advocacy Lab Content]

Fiona Alston — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:25:55 +0000

Driven by a vision to advance Europe’s algae sector, Carlos Unamunzaga, President of the European Algae Biomass Association, spoke with Euractiv’s Fiona Alston about his plans to raise the profile of algae in the public eye.

Indonesia concerned EU’s new deforestation rules will hurt millions of smallholders [Advocacy Lab Content]

Nicole Verbeeck — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:11:21 +0000

The European Union's Deforestation Regulation will impact Indonesia significantly. Musdalifah Machmud, Deputy Minister for Food and Agribusiness, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, spoke with Euractiv about his concerns.

Berlin’s clean industry wish-list: Kick nuclear out of EU financing

Jonathan Packroff, Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:34:31 +0000

Laying out key priorities for the EU's upcoming Clean Industrial Deal, German Economy State Secretary Sven Giegold on Monday (30 September) wants the Commission to prioritise renewable energy, taking a tough line on nuclear power and France’s targets.

Forestry ambition needed to combat climate stress, wildfires [Advocacy Lab Content]

Marco Venosta — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:23:46 +0000

Around 40 per cent of Europe is covered by forests. The EU has pledged to plant three billion additional trees throughout its territories and become the first climate-neutral continent in its biodiversity strategy for 2030. But forest fires and consumer demand are challenging forestry optimism.

Technology driving European rail innovation to sustainable destination [Advocacy Lab Content]

Siofra Gilmore — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:01:00 +0000

The world’s largest trade fair focused on transport technology, InnoTrans 2024, took place, from 24-27 September. The railway sector focused on how technology can contribute significantly to the achievement of the European Green Deal.

Negotiators inch closer on global price for shipping emissions

Bárbara Machado — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:45:37 +0000

The last meetings before the final adoption of an universal carbon pricing scheme for ships are kickstarting this week in London under the International Maritime Organization.

Sustainable fuels lobby: Split the Energy Taxation Directive

Paul Messad — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:00:14 +0000

"The ETD should be split to finalize parts of the negotiation and focus on updating the existing ETD without including more sectors", EU e-fuels lobbyists said on a letter from the E-fuel lobbying seen by Euractiv on Wednesday 25 September.

The Brief – CO2 rules for cars: Make or break for the EU’s climate credibility

Jonathan Packroff — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:49:46 +0000

If the EU gives in to calls from carmakers to delay its 2025 CO2 emissions limits, because of the poor state of the automotive industry, it will risk setting a precedent that could undermine the heart of its climate policy.

Six principles for the new European Commission to follow

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:01:59 +0000

EU needs a “visible hand” to achieve climate neutrality by turning knowledge into jobs

China’s electric vehicles: Is the US overreacting, or the EU underreacting?

Leon de Graaf — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 10:41:46 +0000

The EU is increasingly caught in the middle between the US and China’s trade wars, and needs to pick a side

EU, allies look to strengthen Russian oil price cap, EU Commission says

Georgi Gotev — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:24:31 +0000

The European Union and 12 partner countries have met in Brussels to discuss the effectiveness of Western sanctions on Russia and ways to strengthen the G7 price cap on Russian oil, the EU Commission said on Tuesday.

Heat pump sales plummet, nuclear re-evaluates incoming EU Commission, Energy Charter Treaty crusade continues

Bárbara Machado, Donagh Cagney, Nathan Canas, Nikolaus J. Kurmayer, Paul Messad — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 05:00:59 +0000

Euractiv’s Green Brief brings you a roundup of energy and environment news of the week from across Europe.

Digital technologies can propel Europe through its sustainable industrial transformation [Promoted content]

Judith Wiese — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 05:00:26 +0000

For 177 years, Siemens has been creating technologies to transform the everyday, for everyone. Inspired by this mission, Siemens is passionately committed to being a vital force that can turn the challenges Europe is facing into opportunities – by leveraging and accelerating the green and digital transition to foster EU competitiveness.

47% drop in heat pump sales: new industry boss says European demand is key

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 04:30:14 +0000

Amid a collapse of European heat pump sales, the new chief lobbyist for the industry says he wants to focus on making them more attractive to allow manufacturers to stand up to their competitors from abroad.

Nuclear supporters focus on positives of new EU Commission

Paul Messad — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 04:30:11 +0000

The nuclear industry's initial fears over the nomination of nuclear sceptics Teresa Ribera and Dan Jørgensen to key posts within the next European Commission have started to fade, with the industry now focusing on the positives.

Opponents of controversial energy investment treaty to go after old agreements

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 15:08:50 +0000

Having pushed the EU out of the controversial Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), pressure groups and MEPs are now aiming for the legacy of over 1,000 bilateral investment agreements signed over decades.

How are beverage cartons recycled? [Promoted content]

iant — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:00:22 +0000

How are beverage cartons recycled and what happens to the fibres afterwards?

Media Partnership – Smart siting: Unlocking Europe’s Solar and Wind Potential [Advocacy Lab Content]

Zoran Popovici — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:00:58 +0000

On 24 September, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will unveil their new study showing the availability of community and biodiversity friendly land in Europe for achieving renewable energy targets.

Navigating the ESG legislation – What implications for carbon removal projects in Europe? [Advocacy Lab Content]

Zoran Popovici — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:30:50 +0000

Climate change is increasingly causing environmental damage and disturbing biodiversity across Europe.

Returning French energy, climate minister will face tough negotiations in Brussels

Paul Messad — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:30:45 +0000

The return of veteran Agnès Pannier-Runacher as the new French minister for ecology and energy gives the nuclear industry a champion in Brussels, but domestic political instability may limit her negotiating power with the EU.

The UK wants Europe’s carbon

Donagh Cagney — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:30:12 +0000

The UK wants to host Europe’s captured CO2 in its new storage infrastructure, but post-Brexit regulatory challenges complicate the collaboration with the EU.

Poland leverages industrial legacy for wind economic bet

Nathan Canas — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:30:00 +0000

For a long time reluctant to invest in renewable energy projects, Poland is now aiming to become a major green industrial hub thanks to its wind energy potential, despite some endemic limitations.

Plug Energy Efficiency First In – ENEFIRSTplus [Advocacy Lab Content]

Marco Venosta — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:30:43 +0000

Plug Energy Efficiency First In - ENEFIRSTplus

Energy project aims to demonstrate realistic efficiency strategies [Advocacy Lab Content]

Zoran Popovici — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:28:23 +0000

To explain what the ENEFIRST Plus project is, the project’s senior expert Jean-Sébastien Broc starts by outlining what it is.

EU bodies join forces at InnoTrans 2024 [Promoted content]

Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:00:10 +0000

The European Commission (EC), the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), and the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail) are pleased to announce their common actions at InnoTrans 2024, the world’s largest trade fair focused on transport technology, held in Berlin on 24-27 September 2024.

Austria election brings into focus Russian gas addiction

Georgi Gotev — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:41:09 +0000

The government that takes power in Austria after next Sunday's (29 September) general election will face growing pressure to diversify its energy supply away from dependence on Russian gas, just as the economy is stuck in reverse gear.

UN adopts pact that aims to save global cooperation

Georgi Gotev — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:11:55 +0000

The UN General Assembly adopted a "Pact for the Future" described by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as a landmark agreement that is a "step-change towards more effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism."

Incoming environment commissioner likely to face tough MEP questions on chemical rules revision

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 04:30:04 +0000

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asked Environment Commissioner-designate Jessika Roswall to overhaul the EU's landmark REACH regulation, a move likely to expose her to a major grilling from the European Parliament’s Environment Committee (ENVI).

Hungary Danube waters reach decade high after Storm Boris

Georgi Gotev — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 04:33:19 +0000

The Danube peaked at a 10-year high in a heavily fortified Budapest on Saturday (21 September) with the water reaching the steps of parliament, after deadly Storm Boris lashed Europe.

Cyprus signs agreement with Greece on ‘world’s longest’ subsea high-voltage cable

Georgi Gotev — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 04:18:16 +0000

Greece and Cyprus have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to press ahead with a subsea electric cable linking continental Europe to the East Mediterranean, the energy ministries of the two countries said on Saturday (21 September).

Minerals for the Energy Transition: Can We All Work Together?

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 05:00:45 +0000

As the world races toward a future powered by renewable energy, critical minerals have never been so sought-after. These essential components — cobalt, lithium, rare earth elements — form the backbone of technologies driving the green revolution. But geopolitics and a divided world get in the way: while the potential lack of minerals threatens our collective capacity to achieve that energy transition, we face export restrictions, competing initiatives excluding one another, divergent regulatory standards and investments that are scattered at best, absent at worst.

Teresa Ribera’s defiant 2029 farewell speech

Donagh Cagney — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 04:30:23 +0000

Euractiv takes creative licence to imagine what a farewell speech by incoming Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera could look like.

Hyperloop: from sci-fi to priority for next EU transport commissioner

Bárbara Machado — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 04:30:08 +0000

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has tasked her incoming transport commissioner with developing the hyperloop, but a recent test of the technology shows there is much to be done before it becomes the next high-speed transport mode.

EU and IEA launch energy plan to get Ukraine through the winter

Nathan Canas — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:38:59 +0000

On Thursday 19 September 2024, the International Energy Agency, together with Ursula von der Leyen, presented a report on the immediate measures to be taken to strengthen Ukraine's energy security and help it cope with the coming winter.

Groundhog day for carmakers, but complaining has become absurd

Julia Poliscanova — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:11:23 +0000

Back in early 2020, Europe’s automotive industry was trying to dismantle the 2020 clean car standard, claiming the Covid-19 pandemic made it impossible to comply. Regulators resisted, battery electric car (EV) sales broke all records in 2020/21, and Europe, for a moment, was even selling more plug-in cars than China.

Gazprom-friendly Hungary blames EU for failing to end Russian gas dependence

Georgi Gotev — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:49:33 +0000

Hungary's energy security chief on Wednesday (18 September) slammed the European Union for not providing enough support to help smaller, landlocked countries move away from Russian natural gas.

Europe’s electrifiers say their time has come

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:30:57 +0000

With the EU’s electrification rate stagnating, the industry is looking to ensure electric vehicles and heat pumps are a key priority for the coming years.

The climate ambitions of the next EU Commission

Giada Santana — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:00:48 +0000

All eyes are on Teresa Ribera, after the Spanish politician has been tasked with steering Europe's green transition while balancing competitiveness, as part of the next EU Commission. In this episode, host Giada Santana and Environment hub editor Donagh Cagney analyse highlights and lowlights of the incoming environment and energy commissioners.

New transport commissioner gets guarded welcome from MEPs and stakeholders

Bárbara Machado — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:28:30 +0000

After Tuesday's (17 September) unveiling of the new transport commissioner-designate, MEPs and the sector’s stakeholders comment on Tzitzikostas and his programme.

Ending finch trapping benefits conservation and biodiversity in Malta

Nicholas Barbara — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:24:32 +0000

In an attempt to justify a practice that has brought Malta before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) twice, Malta’s Federation for Hunting and Conservation recently published passionate views that distort the reality of finch trapping, writes Nicholas Barbara.

EU Vision Paper – our industry priorities for the EU term 2024-2029 [Promoted content]

Marco Venosta — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:00:10 +0000

A more circular, resource-efficient economy is a top EU policy priority. Explore the EU Vision Paper for the European steel packaging industry, learn how we are turning this vision into reality, and discover our key priorities for the 2024-2029 term.

Nature-based Solutions benefit people and planet, so why are they missing from EU policies? [Promoted content]

Kassia Rudd, Laure-Lou Tremblay — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:00:43 +0000

Europe is set to face immense socio-ecological challenges in the coming decades, including extreme heat and flooding, with dire impacts for community health and city infrastructure. There is, however, good news: we have a powerful tool at our disposal: Nature-based Solutions (NbS). NbS use the power of healthy ecosystems to mitigate climate change impacts while enhancing biodiversity. With such clear benefits, why are NbS absent in 65% of key EU environmental and sustainability policies?

The Green Brief – Von der Leyen plans for five more years of furious energy, climate rule-making

Bárbara Machado, Donagh Cagney, Nathan Canas, Nikolaus J. Kurmayer, Paul Messad — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:30:22 +0000

Euractiv’s Green Brief brings you a roundup of energy and environment news of the week from across Europe.

Von der Leyen plans five more years of intense energy and climate rule-making

Donagh Cagney — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:19:36 +0000

The 2020s will be a rollercoaster ride in terms of energy and climate legislation in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made clear in the mission letters sent to her commissioner-delegates on Tuesday (17 September).

Future-proofing the EU’s road transport sector: A roadmap for policymaker action [Promoted content]

Raluca Marian — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:00:20 +0000

The EU’s road transport sector faces critical challenges. The IRU's roadmap urges policymakers to enact supportive legislation to ensure the EU's economic and environmental goals are met.

Meet the EU’s new ‘pragmatic’ energy and climate leadership

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:37:42 +0000

Europe’s new energy and climate Commissioners are leaning more to the centre-right than their predecessors, with key lawmakers expecting more pragmatic policymaking.

The new EU political cycle must renew the momentum for CCU techs [Promoted content]

Franklin Streichenberger, Tudy Bernier — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:00:15 +0000

Europeans voted in June 2024 for new EU Parliament representatives. With a new mandate starting, a crucial question lingers: will Europe pursue ambitious climate action? Will it support net zero technologies like CCU to build more sustainable industrial production in Europe?

Decarbonising heat is the challenge of the next decade

Aurélie Beauvais, Sigrid Friis — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:19:15 +0000

The incoming Commissioner for Energy must be tasked with delivering the clean heat transition: phasing out fossil fuels in heating and cooling is the gateway towards energy security, affordability, European industrial competitiveness, and essential climate action.

EU Commission rebuffs car industry calls to delay CO2 targets

Jonathan Packroff — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:30:42 +0000

The European Commission pushed back against calls by automakers to postpone the 2025 CO2 reduction targets for cars, arguing that carmakers had enough time to prepare.

EU Commission charms Greenland in critical materials global race

Nathan Canas — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:30:35 +0000

On a visit to Greenland, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships is seeking to secure the European Union's interests in this Arctic territory rich in raw materials crucial for the ecological transition.

From Brussels to Paris, energy taxation is back on the table

Paul Messad — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:30:21 +0000

The European Green Deal was meant to align ambitious climate policy with economic competitiveness and social protection, but policymakers are now focused on a file where environmental, social and economic trade-offs are toughest to navigate - energy taxation.

European competitiveness in the energy transition: Shell’s views for the next EU cycle [Promoted content]

Wael Sawan — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:00:07 +0000

Bold policies and investments are needed to achieve climate neutrality and boost economic growth. Expanding electrification, creating the business case for pioneering low carbon solutions and energy security need to be at the core of political action, writes Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell plc.

Time for the flat glass industry’s decarbonization efforts to pay off [Promoted content]

Davide Cappellino — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:00:22 +0000

The opportunities that the Green Deal should offer a sector like ours are simply not materialising. It’s time that the flat glass industry’s decarbonization efforts to deliver on the Green Deal pay off. European flat glass products are essential to...

Austria’s biggest utility company to ditch Russian gas from 2025

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:10:46 +0000

The state-owned heat and gas provider for Vienna, Wien Energie, will avoid purchasing Russian gas and ensure none is sold to its customers from 2025, according to a statement on Friday (13 September).

A Letter for the Future of Packaging [Promoted content]

Annick Carpentier — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 10:00:37 +0000

Beverage cartons play a crucial role in our daily lives, offering unique functionalities that support a resilient food supply chain while being low-carbon and recyclable, writes Annick Carpentier.

‘Reward those who serve our planet’: Von der Leyen floats ‘nature credits’

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 09:26:34 +0000

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today (13 September) called for a new financial tool to reward nature protection, which takes inspiration from the EU's carbon trading scheme.

EU-UK energy relations: Deeper cooperation possible, depending on the politics

Donagh Cagney, Nathan Canas — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 05:00:54 +0000

The new British government and the new Commission will have to sit down at the negotiating table for the revision of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), scheduled for 2026. An overview of the energy issues at stake between London and Brussels.

China’s green ‘trojan horses’ are starting to divide Europe

Dominika Floriánová, Flora Wallace, Giorgia Andriola, Leon de Graaf — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 05:00:11 +0000

It hardly goes unnoticed that Chinese companies are stepping up green investments in Europe, write Leon de Graaf, Dominika Floriánová, Flora Wallace and Giorgia Andriola.

Inspiring Energy Solutions Powering our Cities, Homes and Businesses [Promoted content]

iant — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:03 +0000

Europe's transition to renewable power is rapidly accelerating, with a growing range of technologies and actors coming together in innovative ways to power our cities, homes and businesses. This map shows inspiring examples of successful local energy solutions.

Unleashing the EU’s circular economy potential

Anum Sheikh — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:00:56 +0000

Europe prides itself on leading the charge for sustainability but when it comes to transitioning to a circular economy it has been stagnating. Despite consistent legislative efforts and ambitious rhetoric, the EU is still far from reaching its ambition to double its circularity rate by 2030.

Map the Green Deal’s drivers: Distribution grids across the EU [Promoted content]

Maria Polynaki — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 05:00:33 +0000

Distribution grids (DSOs) are the facilitators of the Green Deal’s objectives and a prerequisite for a functioning European electricity market. Managing 97% of EU’s power lines and connecting 70% of renewables, DSOs are diverse across Member States.

MEPs split on how to halt European car factory closures

Bárbara Machado — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:30:53 +0000

Volkswagen group faces potential site closures in Germany and Belgium, against a shrinking appetite for electric vehicles (EVs) and fierce competition from China. MEPs have different perspectives on the EU's role in supporting Europe’s carmakers.

Berlin eyes rollback of liberalised power market, bets on fixed-pricing model

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:30:28 +0000

To avoid future electricity price hikes, the German government is looking to reverse the liberalisation of its electricity market and move towards a more interventionist approach with the establishment of fixed-price capacity markets.

Adjusting to the adjustment mechanism: how EU firms are preparing for full-force CBAM in 2026 [Advocacy Lab Content]

Dave Keating — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:40:26 +0000

The metals sector, which provides precursor materials for many of the sectors covered by the EU’s new climate border levy, is having to make big adjustments to prepare for new requirements.

EU passes 50% renewables milestone amid missing climate plans

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:49:12 +0000

The EU's renewable power sources outperformed fossil fuels in the first half of 2024, the European Commission announced, while key long-term climate plans have yet to be submitted.

Bird research in Malta has reached the EU courts [Promoted content]

Andrew Psaila, Lino Farrugia — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:00:39 +0000

In order to combine deep socio-cultural traditions with scientific research, Malta hasestablished a 'Catch-and-Release' programme, which draws upon the centuries-oldexperience of live-finch trappers. Nevertheless, the outcome of a forthcoming ruling bythe European Court will have significant implications for the future of bird research andthe interests of numerous passionate individuals.

Help Cities lower emissions, increase competitiveness and protect energy security [Promoted content]

Mohamed Ridouani — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:00:39 +0000

Cities need EU help to decarbonise heating

Why ‘no-brainer zones’ are key to hitting the EU’s renewables targets

Duygu Kutluay — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 05:00:48 +0000

The EU needs to more than double its renewables capacity by 2030. With ample space available, greater efforts are needed to accelerate the rate of deployment and ensure projects deliver maximum benefits for communities and nature.

The Green Brief – What Brussels players think about the Energy Union

Bárbara Machado, Donagh Cagney, Nathan Canas, Nikolaus J. Kurmayer, Paul Messad — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 05:00:10 +0000

Euractiv’s Green Brief brings you a roundup of energy and environment news of the week from across Europe.

Vox pop: What Brussels energy players think about the Energy Union

Donagh Cagney — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:30:18 +0000

The latest ‘State of the Energy Union’ report will be presented by later today (9 September) by Green Deal Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. Ahead of its release, Euractiv polled industry associations, NGOs and think tanks to get their take on the state of Europe’s energy union.

Relieved energy industry cheers ‘bullseye’ Draghi report

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:52:18 +0000

EU energy industry associations welcomed the Draghi report, lauding its restraint to attack the bloc’s energy market principles, while MEPs want to make sure it is politically recognised.

Media Partnership: Win-wind solutions in the Baltic Sea region [Advocacy Lab Content]

Zoran Popovici — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:30:54 +0000

The offshore wind potential in the Baltic Sea region is estimated to be close to 100 GW by 2050. The first Baltic offshore projects will come online in the next few years and will gradually contribute to the decarbonisation of the Baltic energy systems