News
My Twitter Updates
May 2012
24/05/2012: EU announces winners of European Business Awards for the Environment 2012
EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik has announced the winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2012 at an evening ceremony at Green Week. The five winners reflect contributions to sustainable development in: management, product, and process innovation respectively, international business cooperation, and business and biodiversity. The 2012 winners are: Marks and Spencer (UK) for management; Aquamarine Power (UK) for product; Umicore (Belgium) for process; INENSUS GmbH (Germany) for international business cooperation; and Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. (Slovakia) for business and biodiversity.
23/05/2012: Clean water at majority of EU holiday destinations
Good news if you’re planning a beach holiday in Europe this summer. 92.1 % of bathing waters in the European Union now meet the minimum water quality standards set by the Bathing Water Directive. This includes the Serpentine Lake in London, which will host several Olympics events, including the Open Water Marathon Swim and the swimming section of the triathlon.
22/05/2012: Wise up your water use with Water Maniac Walter
The European Commission launched a new viral clip today as part of the "Generation Awake!" campaign, which alerts consumers to the dangers of unsustainable patterns of consumption. The clip features Water Maniac Walter, a neurotic bucket who addresses the theme of excessive water use. The clip links to the Generation Awake website, a multilingual site intended to get citizens thinking about their consumption habits, and help them change their behaviour so as to live more sustainably.
22/05/2012: Green Week opens in Brussels
Europe's largest environment conference kicked off today under the banner “The Water Challenge – Every Drop Counts”. This year's edition of Green Week is dedicated to water, and will see some 3000 participants gather for three days to discuss water-related issues. Stakeholders, NGOs, government representatives and EU officials will search for solutions to key water problems, like how to safeguard the availability of good quality water against a backdrop of rapid population growth and ever more apparent climate change. Organisations and companies will showcase best practices at a 52-stand exhibition, and numerous side events include screenings of the films “La Soif du monde”, "Oceans", and “Africa Turns Green”. The week also features the European Business Awards for the Environment, which honour innovative companies that successfully combine innovation, competitiveness and outstanding environmental performance, and the 3rd European Water Conference, a high-level stakeholder event.
21/05/2012: Celebrating 20 years of EU nature protection
Today is the 20th anniversary of two key instruments for the conservation and sustainable use of nature in the EU: the Habitats Directive and LIFE, the EU financing programme for the environment. Twenty years ago, EU Member States unanimously adopted the Habitats Directive to safeguard the most threatened species and habitats across Europe. This was in response to concerns over rapidly declining wildlife and loss of natural habitats, resulting from land-use changes, pollution and urban sprawl. To give species and habitats space to recover, the Directive set up the Natura 2000 network of protected areas and the LIFE financial instrument has provided strategic support to its development.
14/05/2012: Commission to address water challenges via innovation partnership
The European Commission today proposed to boost innovation to deal with water related challenges by creating a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Water. The partnership will bring together all relevant actors across borders and sectors, such as the water sector, small and medium sized enterprises, the research community, local governments, water-using industries, and the financial sector to accelerate the development and uptake of innovative solutions to water challenges. A Strategic Implementation Plan will be developed with key stakeholders to define the priority areas for action. The EIP on Water will seek to align the activities and outcomes of existing European, national and regional activities.
08/05/2012: €34.8 million in new funding to bring environmental solutions to market
The European Commission is launching a €34.8 million call for eco-innovation projects. Businesses and entrepreneurs from across Europe can apply for funding to help bring novel environmental projects to the market. The call is open to eco-innovative products, techniques, services and processes that aim to prevent or reduce environmental impacts, or which contribute to the optimal use of resources. The call for applications is open until 6 September 2012, and around 50 projects will be selected for funding.
April 2012
26/04/2012: Commission asks Court to impose financial penalties on four Member States, urges Belgium to comply with EU waste legislation
The European Commission is referring Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to the EU Court of Justice for failing to meet the December 2010 deadline to transpose the EU's Waste Framework Directive into national law. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the European Commission is asking the Court to impose penalty payments on the four countries in question.
26/04/2012: Commission asks Austria to comply with EU legislation on environmental impact assessments
The European Commission is urging Austria to bring its national legislation on environmental impact assessment into line with EU rules. The Commission is concerned that the potential environmental effects of a development to an Austrian ski-run were not assessed as required by EU law. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending Austria a reasoned opinion. In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
23/04/2012: Global Outlook Report looks at worldwide efforts in promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production
Successful initiatives to promote sustainable consumption and production are flourishing around the globe, but further efforts are needed to embed such practices in existing policy frameworks, according to a new Global Outlook Report published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the European Commission. The Report released today at Stockholm+40, an event marking the 40th anniversary of the UN Conference on the Human Environment, presents an overview of efforts worldwide to shift towards sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns. The aim is to identify and share promising examples of effective policies and to propose recommendations to help support for SCP move ahead.
16/04/2012: Getting gold from garbage – how some Member States are making waste a resource
Top performing Member States have recycling rates of up to 70 % and bury virtually nothing, whilst others still landfill more than three-quarters of their waste. How have the best performers turned waste from a problem into a resource? A new report from the European Commission today explains that it is by combining economic instruments. A mix of landfilling and incineration taxes and bans, producer responsibility schemes and pay-as-you-throw prove to be the most effective tools in shifting waste streams to more sustainable paths.. If the EU is to meet the objectives set out in the Resource Efficiency Roadmap – zero landfilling, maximising recycling and reuse, and limiting energy recovery to non recyclable waste – these economic instruments will need to be introduced more widely across all Member States.
12/04/2012: Bristol, Copenhagen and Frankfurt shortlisted for 2014 European Green Capital award
Bristol, Copenhagen and Frankfurt have been chosen as the three finalists in the competition to find Europe's Green Capital for 2014. They have been selected from the 18 cities that applied for the 2014 award. The finalists were proposed by an independent panel of experts, who assessed the entries in 12 different areas.
12/04/2012: Guidelines to limit soil sealing
Soil sealing – the covering of the ground by an impermeable material – is one of the main causes of soil degradation in the EU. Soil sealing often affects fertile agricultural land, puts biodiversity at risk, increases the risk of flooding and water scarcity and contributes to global warming. New guidelines on best practice to limit, mitigate and compensate soil sealing made public by the European Commission today collect examples of policies, legislation, funding schemes, local planning tools, information campaigns and many other best practices implemented throughout the EU. The guidelines call for smarter spatial planning and using more permeable materials to preserve our soil.
March 2012
30/03/2012: Commission wants your views on priority objectives for the environment
The Commission has launched a public consultation to gather views on the 7th EU Environmental Action Programme (7th EAP), which will set out priority objectives to be pursued up until 2020. The consultation remains open until 1 June.
23/03/2012: Commission proposes tighter laws on ship breaking
The European Commission today proposed new rules to ensure that European ships are only recycled in facilities that are safe for workers and environmentally sound. More than 1000 large old commercial ships, such as tankers and container vessels, are recycled for their scrap metal every year, but many European ships end up in substandard facilities on the tidal beaches of South Asia. These facilities mostly lack the environmental protection and safety measures needed to manage the hazardous materials contained in end-of-life ships. These include asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), tributyl tin and oil sludge. This leads to high accident rates and health risks for workers and extensive environmental pollution.
22/03/2012: 14 companies nominated for the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment
The shortlist for the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) has been revealed, following a two-day jury meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark. The 14 finalists come from Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Slovakia, Finland and the United Kingdom. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Brussels on 24 May 2012, during Green Week, the European Commission’s annual conference on environment policy. The European Business Awards for the Environment are granted to innovative companies that successfully combine innovation, competitiveness and outstanding environmental performance.
22/03/2012: Environmental Crimes: Commission takes Cyprus to Court for failing to transpose EU rules
The European Commission is referring Cyprus to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to take measures to ensure that serious breaches of EU environmental law are considered criminal offences and punished. The deadline for transposing Directive 2008/99/EC on the protection of the environment through criminal law was 26 December 2010. However, Cyprus has still not adopted the measures necessary to implement the Directive in national law. In accordance with the Lisbon Treaty, the Commission will ask the Court to impose on Cyprus a daily penalty payment of € 5909.40 until the adoption of all the necessary national measures for a complete transposition.
22/03/2012: Commission asks Slovakia to comply with EU legislation on strategic environmental impact assessments and packaging waste
The European Commission is sending Slovakia two reasoned opinions about its environmental legislation. The first concerns impact assessments, as the Commission is concerned that the potential environmental effects of the 2007-2010 road-building programme in Slovakia were not assessed as required by EU law. The second issue concerns a failure to transpose legislation on packaging and packaging waste. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending two reasoned opinions. In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
22/03/2012: Commission asks Sweden to comply with EU legislation on strategic environmental impact assessments
The European Commission is urging Sweden to bring its national legislation on assessing the effects of plans and programmes on the environment into line with EU rules. The current legislation on strategic environmental assessments in Sweden still contains shortcomings. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending a reasoned opinion. In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
22/03/2012: Commission urges Poland to ensure proper disposal of end-of-life vehicles
The European Commission is asking Poland to bring its national law into line with EU rules on proper disposal of end-of-life vehicles. The Commission is concerned about continued shortcomings and the slow pace of changes to Polish legislation. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion. Poland has two months to comply with the request. Failing this, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
22/03/2012: Commission asks Italy to transpose water legislation correctly
Italy is failing to comply with EU legislation on water protection. The shortcomings relate to various aspects of the integration of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) into national law. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion. If Italy fails to reply within two months, or its reply is deemed unsatisfactory, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
22/03/2012: Europeans call for stronger EU action on Water
Close to three quarters of Europeans think that the EU should propose additional measures to address water problems in Europe, according to a Eurobarometer survey published today. A sizeable majority – 68 % – think that water-related problems are serious. Droughts, floods and chemical pollution are seen as significant challenges. 62 % of citizens also feel they are not sufficiently well informed, while 67 % think the most effective means of reducing water-related problems would be awareness-raising about water-related problems. Heavier fines for polluters, a fairer pricing policy or financial incentives (tax breaks or subsidies) also gained support. Against that backdrop, 73 % of Europeans call for more measures at EU-level to reduce water problems.
22/03/2012: World Water Day – EU research on water
22 March marks the annual celebration of World Water Day. Together with ministerial delegations from more than 100 countries, the European Union endorsed a Ministerial Declaration on Water at last week's World Water Forum. Action is needed to balance the difficult water supply and demand equation, handle water stress or water scarcity in times of changing climate and sustain our water ecosystems. The European Commission supports research to help to manage our water resources sustainably and achieve the shift towards an internationally competitive, water-efficient economy in Europe.
22/03/2012: EU law
Commission acts to ensure that European legislation is fully and properly implemented
08/03/2012: Preparation Environment Council, 9 March 2012
The first Environment Council under the Danish Presidency will be held on 9 March in Brussels. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard and Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli will represent the European Commission. The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on three issues: the roadmap for moving to a low-carbon economy, the follow-up to the Durban climate conference, and the EU negotiating position for the UN Rio+20 conference on sustainable development to be held in Brazil in June. The legislative deliberations will include an attempt to reach a political agreement on the proposed Regulation that would allow Member States to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs in their territory. An orientation debate will also be held on the political direction to be taken as regards the Proposal for a new Regulation on LIFE, the funding instrument for Climate Action and Environment. Among the Any Other Business (AOB) points, the Commission and the Presidency will present ideas about how to take forward resource efficiency and low-carbon considerations within the European Semester/Annual Growth Survey in the wake of the March European Council.
07/03/2012: Better implementation will lower costs and improve the environment
Failing to implement environment legislation is thought to cost the EU economy around €50 billion every year in health costs and direct costs to the environment. In an effort to reduce that figure and deliver better environmental outcomes for people and businesses, the Commission today issued a communication on better implementation of EU environment law.
07/03/2012: Communication on Implementing EU environment legislation – Questions & Answers
05/03/2012: Bologna wins European Mobility Week Award 2011
The Italian city of Bologna has won the 2011 European Mobility Week Award. The city was judged by an independent panel of mobility experts to have done the best job in promoting clean alternatives to using cars and involving citizens in activities to support sustainable urban mobility during European Mobility Week 2011. The runners-up were Larnaka in Cyprus and the Croatian capital Zagreb. The award was handed to the winning city by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Vice-President Siim Kallas European Commissioner for Transport at a ceremony in the Brussels Musical Instrument Museum on 5 March 2012.
February 2012
29/02/2012: What are your views on uninvited guests?
There are many cases where animals and plants have been introduced to an environment that is not naturally theirs, and are now spreading so fast that they become a threat to biological diversity. Some originally "non native" species such as the tomato or potato have historically been introduced without any problem. However, numerous other species including Canada geese, American bullfrogs, Japanese knotweed and Caulerpa seaweed are now spreading in our environment and threatening local fauna and flora and causing considerable damage to ecosystems and biodiversity. Such cases of "invasive alien species" can also threaten public health, damage crops and livestock and have serious economic effects. The European Commission is considering ways to tackle this problem, including a new dedicated legislative instrument, and seeking views through an on-line consultation on how to deal with the issue most effectively. The results of the consultation will feed into a proposal to appear later this year.
27/02/2012: Commission asks Poland to correctly transpose legislation concerning water monitoring
Poland has not yet complied with EU legislation on water protection, including monitoring of water quality. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending an additional reasoned opinion to ask Poland to correctly implement the EU's Water Framework Directive (WFD). This is the third time Poland has been reminded of the need to comply with EU water legislation and if Poland fails to reply within one month, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
27/02/2012: Malta asked to ensure bird protection
The Commission has asked Malta to improve the protection of birds that pass over its islands in the autumn. Since Malta joined the EU in 2004 it has allowed the autumn trapping of four species of birds protected by EU laws: the Turtle Dove, Quail, Golden Plover and Song Thrush. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion to ask Malta to correctly implement the relevant bird protection legislation. If Malta fails to reply within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
27/02/2012: Commission takes France to Court for failing to combat water pollution by nitrates
The European Commission is referring France to the EU Court of Justice for failing to take measures to guarantee that water pollution by nitrates is addressed effectively. Although the Nitrates Directive has been in force since 1991, France has still not designated a number of zones that are vulnerable to nitrates pollution, and it has yet to adopt measures to effectively combat nitrates pollution in these zones. The Commission is therefore taking France to the EU Court of Justice, on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik.
17/02/2012: Environmental impact assessment now more user friendly
To help Member States' authorities and developers manage the environmental consequences of construction projects more easily, the Commission has brought together all existing EU legislation governing environmental impact assessments. The original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive and its three subsequent revisions have been combined to create a more compact, clearly translated and user-friendly version which comes into force today.
13/02/2012: Commission calls for a stronger response to soil degradation
Soil degradation is a worrying phenomenon in the EU. Between 1990 and 2006, at least 275 hectares of soil per day were permanently lost through soil sealing – the covering of fertile land by impermeable material – amounting to 1,000 km² per year, or an area the size of Cyprus every ten years. Soil erosion by water is estimated to affect 1.3 million km² in Europe, an area equivalent to 2.5 times the size of France. Soil degradation affects our capacity to produce food, prevent droughts and flooding, stop biodiversity loss, and tackle climate change. These are some of the main findings of two new reports on the policy and scientific aspects of European soil presented by the European Commission.
13/02/2012: New Classification and Labelling Inventory opens way to safer use of hazardous substances
A big step towards a safer use of hazardous chemicals was taken today with the publication of the first EU Classification and Labelling Inventory. Released by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), it lists the classification of all the chemical substances used in the EU which allows identifying those that are potentially hazardous and may damage health and the environment. The aim is to provide industry, and in particular small companies, with easy access to information on the hazardousness of a given substance, facilitating the task to correctly classify and label substances and mixtures, as well as substitution of hazardous substances with less damaging alternatives where feasible.
13/02/2012: Classification and labelling Inventory - Questions and Answers
The CLP Regulation requires all importers and manufacturers of hazardous substances placed on the EU market to notify the classification and labelling of their substances to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). All substances on the EU market on 1 December 2010 should have been notified before the 3 January 2011 and new substances should be notified within one month of placing on the market.
08/02/2012: SWITCH-Asia –promoting sustainable consumption and production in Asia
Today marks the European Launch of the UN Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Following a two-day seminar on SWITCH-Asia, a grants programme funded through the EU Development Cooperation Instrument, Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs concluded: “This year's Rio +20 Conference will put sustainable consumption and production and the green economy in the spotlight as key priorities for development, and SWITCH-Asia underlines how these objectives can work in practice. With its projects that help businesses and consumers go green, the programme presents practical, tangible examples of shifting from analysis to action. The Commission will now build on these successes and roll out the programme to other regions of the world as part of its effort to promote Sustainable Consumption and Production globally. SWITCH-Asia gives us a glimpse of the overall vision of sustainability we need for the 21st century at home and abroad.”
02/02/2012: World Wetland Day 2012
Today we celebrate World Wetland Day – and focus on Europe's rich heritage of wetlands: lakes and rivers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands and peatlands, estuaries, deltas, tidal flats and so on.
01/02/2012: Commission wants your views on how we can produce and consume more sustainably
By 2050 the global population is set to reach 9 billion people and worldwide demand for food, feed and fibre is forecast to increase by 70%. To thrive in that context, economies will need to use natural resources in a far more efficient manner. The way we consume and produce will be key to Europe's success or failure in this process. This is why the Commission intends to revise the EU's Consumption and Production policies and has launched a public consultation that will remain open until 3 April.
January 2012
31/01/2012: Environment and Water: proposal to reduce water pollution risks
Improvements in water quality in the EU could be at risk from new forms of chemical pollution. The Commission is proposing to add 15 chemicals to the list of 33 pollutants that are monitored and controlled in EU surface waters. This is another step towards improving the quality of our river, lake and coastal waters. The 15 substances include industrial chemicals as well as substances used in biocides, pharmaceuticals and plant protection products. They have been selected on the basis of scientific evidence that they may pose a significant risk to health.
31/01/2012: Proposal for a revised directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Priority Substances in the field of water quality
Priority Substances are chemical pollutants that pose a significant risk to (or via) the aquatic environment at EU level. There are currently 33 of these Priority Substances listed in Annex X of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Member States have to monitor their concentrations in surface waters and meet the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) set for them within a certain timeline, unless they meet conditions that allow them to apply exemptions.
26/01/2012: Commission urges Germany to comply with EU waste legislation
The European Commission is taking action against Germany for failing to meet the deadline for transposing the Waste Framework Directive into national law, which should have been in place since 12 December 2010. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending Germany a reasoned opinion. If Germany fails to adopt and communicate the necessary legislation within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice and ask for financial penalties.
26/01/2012: Commission urges Poland to comply with nature protection rules
The European Commission is warning Poland over a breach of nature protection legislation. The case concerns a failure to assess the environmental impact of open-cast mining in a Natura 2000 conservation area at Goplo Lake in North Central Poland. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion and asking Poland to comply within two months. If it fails to do so, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
26/01/2012: Commission urges Italy to comply with extractive mining waste rules
The European Commission is asking Italy to bring its national legislation into line with European norms on extractive mining waste. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion and asking Italy to comply within two months. If it fails to do so, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice.
26/01/2012: Commission asks Italy to strengthen laws on environmental liability
The Commission is concerned that Italy has incorrectly implemented EU legislation on environmental liability, leading to insufficient protection for Italian citizens. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending Italy an additional reasoned opinion to ask it to adjust its national legislation accordingly. If Italy fails to reply within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
26/01/2012: Commission asks France to comply with European packaging waste legislation
The European Commission is concerned that France has incorrectly implemented the definition of packaging and packaging waste in its national law, as required by EU waste legislation. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending France a reasoned opinion to ask it to amend its national legislation accordingly. If France fails to reply within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
26/01/2012: Commission urges Cyprus and Greece to clean up waste landfills
The European Commission is urging Greece and Cyprus to comply with the requirements of EU landfill legislation in Cyprus and on the Greek islands of Zakynthos and Corfu. Landfills operating in breach of EU waste legislation constitute a serious threat to human health and the environment. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending reasoned opinions and asking Greece and Cyprus to comply within two months. If they fail to do so the Commission may decide to refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice.
26/01/2012: Commission urges Belgium and Luxemburg to comply with EU water legislation
The European Commission is sending a reasoned opinion to Belgium and Luxemburg for their failure to transpose EU water legislation into national law. Neither Member State has notified the Commission about the transposition of Directive 2009/90/EC on technical specifications for chemical analysis and monitoring of water status, which should have been in place by 1 August 2011. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending reasoned opinions and asking Belgium and Luxemburg to comply within two months. If they fail to do so, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice and ask for immediate financial penalties.
13/01/2012: Waste – a short cut to job creation and lower costs
Full implementation of EU waste legislation would save €72 billion a year, increase the annual turnover of the EU waste management and recycling sector by €42 billion and create over 400,000 jobs by 2020 according to a European Commission study published today. Illegal waste operations in Member States are causing missed opportunities for economic growth, but stronger national inspections and better knowledge about waste management would bring major improvements.
December 2011
16/12/2011: Preparation Environment Council, 19 December 2011
The final Environment Council under the Polish Presidency will be held on 19 December in Brussels. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard will represent the European Commission. The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on two issues: the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, adopted in May this year, and on the Roadmap to a Resource-Efficient Europe presented by the Commission in September. Among the Any Other Business (AOB) points, the Commission will present its proposal for a new LIFE fund for environment and climate for the period 2014-2020, which aims at a significant budget increase, expands the current support for climate action and introduces Integrated Projects.
15/12/2011: Eco-innovation Action Plan Launched: helping business to deliver green growth and environmental benefits.
Brussels, 15 December 2011 – Eco-innovation is crucial to delivering the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The new Eco-Innovation Action Plan (EcoAP) will boost innovation that reduces pressure on the environment, and bridge the gap between innovation and the market. Eco-friendly technologies are good for business and help create new jobs, so eco-innovation is crucial to the economic competitiveness of Europe.
15/12/2011: Commission launches new initiative to help cutting-edge green technologies reach the market
Brussels, 15 December 2011 – The European Commission is launching a new instrument to help companies that are developing innovative environmental technologies. The Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) pilot programme will provide independent verification of the performance of new environmental technologies. This will help manufacturers prove the reliability of performance claims, and help technology purchasers identify innovations that suit their needs.
13/12/2011: Meeting the waste water treatment challenge
Brussels, 13 December 2011 – Between 2007 and 2013, some 14 billion EUR will be spent across the EU on infrastructure for the collection or treatment of waste water under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWT). The aim is to ensure that human and industrial waste doesn't adversely affect human health and the environment. The latest report on implementation of the Directive, for the period 2007/2008, shows that work is progressing well but that collection and treatment compliance rates could still improve. It reveals that most longstanding EU Member States (EU-15)1 maintained good standards of waste water treatment and improved on treatment of sensitive waters, while newer Members States (EU-12) improved on overall collection and treatment.
12/12/2011: Significant boost in EU support for the environment and climate through the new LIFE programme
Brussels, 12 December 2011 – The Commission proposes to allocate EUR 3.2 billion over 2014-2020 to a new Programme for the Environment and Climate Action - LIFE. The proposed new programme will build on the success of the existing LIFE+ Programme but will be reformed to have a greater impact, be simpler and more flexible and have a significantly increased budget.
12/12/2011: Questions and answers on the proposal for a Regulation of a new Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)
The Commission has adopted a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE). The proposal is part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2014-2020 which sets out the budgetary framework and main orientations for delivering Europe 2020 strategy (the "MFF Communication)".
November 2011
24/11/2011: Commission urges Italy to comply with court rulings on nature protection
The European Commission is asking Italy to comply with three court rulings on a number of failures to provide adequate protection for wild birds. Wild birds are protected in Europe under the Birds Directive , and on three occasions (in 2008, and twice in 2010), the EU Court of Justice has found that Italian law falls short of EU standards in this area. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a letter of formal notice, asking Italy to make good the shortcomings.
24/11/2011: Commission takes Poland to Court over air quality and marine policy legislation and urges compliance with the Nitrates Directive
The European Commission is referring Poland to the Court of Justice of the European Union and asking for financial penalties to be imposed for two failures to transpose EU legislation into national law. Despite earlier warnings, Poland has failed to notify the Commission about the transposition of legislation on the Ambient Air Quality Directive, which should have been in place since 11 June 2010, and about a strategy to protect its seas, which should have been in place since 15 July 2010. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is asking the Court to impose penalty payments. The penalty payments requested are 71,521€ per day for the Ambient Air Quality Directive, and 59,834€ per day in the case of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The penalties take into account the seriousness and duration of the infringements. They consist of daily penalty payments to be paid from the date of the judgment (assuming that there is no compliance by then) until transposition is completed.
24/11/2011: Commission asks Ireland to recover costs of all water services
The Commission is concerned that Ireland has incorrectly implemented the concept of water services as described in EU water legislation – leading to inappropriate water pricing. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending Ireland a reasoned opinion to ask it to adjust its national legislation accordingly. If Ireland fails to reply within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
24/11/2011: EU law
Commission acts to ensure that European legislation is fully and properly implemented
22/11/2011: Alarming decline in plants, molluscs and freshwater fish
Europe's natural heritage is showing an alarming decline, according to new research published today. The European Red List, a part of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, assessed a considerable portion of Europe’s native fauna and flora, finding that a large proportion of molluscs, freshwater fish and vascular plants now fall into the threatened category. The assessment of some 6000 species reveals that 44% of all freshwater molluscs, 37% of freshwater fish, 23% of amphibians, 20% of a selection of terrestrial molluscs, 19% of reptiles, 15% of mammals and of dragonflies, 13% of birds, 11% of a selection of saproxylic beetles, 9% of butterflies, and 467 species of vascular plant species are now under threat.
21/11/2011: Major expansion of Europe's protected natural areas
Natura 2000, the EU's network of protected areas, has undergone a significant expansion. Nearly 18 800 square kilometres have been added, including a major addition of marine areas covering 17 000 square kilometres which will increase protection for many endangered marine species. The network now covers almost 18% of the EU's landmass and more than 145 000 km² of its seas. The main countries involved in this latest expansion are the UK, France, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Lithuania and Italy. Natura 2000 is the centrepiece of Europe's battle to halt biodiversity loss and safeguard ecosystem services.
21/11/2011: Details on the new additions to the Union lists of Natura 2000 sites
The latest update of the Natura 2000 lists concerns sixteen Member States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK. The number of "Sites of Community Importance" has increased by 166 to a total of 22 558, expanding the SCI network by 2.6 % or by nearly 18 800 km².
18/11/2011: Commission recognises eco-innovative solutions
The European Commission has announced this year's winners of the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme Awards. The six winning organisations not only showed excellence in respecting and safeguarding the environment, but also in applying innovative solutions to involve different stakeholders. The awards were handed out last night in Krakow, Poland.
October 2011
27/10/2011: Commission urges Hungary to comply with extractive mining waste rules
The European Commission is asking Hungary to bring its national legislation in line with European norms on extractive mining waste. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion and asking Hungary to comply within two months. If it fails to do so, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice.
27/10/2011: Commission urges Poland to comply with EU waste legislation
The European Commission is taking action against Poland in two cases concerning waste legislation. In the first case the Commission has identified several shortcomings in the transposition of EU legislation on the management of waste from extractive industries into Polish national legislation. In the second, the Commission has concerns about Poland's failure to adequately transpose the EU legislation on packaging waste. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending two reasoned opinions and asking Poland to comply within two months. If it fails to do so, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice.
27/10/2011: Commission takes Luxembourg back to court over waste water treatment and asks for a fine
The European Commission is referring Luxembourg back to the European Court of Justice for poor treatment of urban waste water. The Court previously ruled in November 2006 that Luxembourg was failing in its obligation to treat and dispose of urban waste water in an adequate manner. Nearly five years after the Court's ruling, four agglomerations in Luxembourg do not yet comply with EU legislation, including the capital. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is asking the Court to impose fines, suggesting a lump sum of 11 340 € and a daily penalty payment of 1 248 € until the obligations are fulfilled.
27/10/2011: Commission prompts Finland to comply with waste and environmental assessments legislation
The European Commission is taking action against Finland for concerns about the country's transposition of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive and its failure to meet the 2010 deadline to transpose the EU Waste Framework Directive into national law. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending two reasoned opinions and asking Finland to comply within two months. If Finland fails to do so, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice and, in the non-communication waste case, ask for immediate financial penalties.
27/10/2011: Commission urges France and Greece to strengthen measures to combat water pollution by nitrates
The European Commission is urging France and Greece to take stronger measures to combat water pollution caused by nitrates. In France, the current legal framework and the nitrates action plans for zones vulnerable to nitrate pollution do not effectively guarantee that this pollution is addressed effectively, as required by EU law. Greece too has a number of failings in this area. In spite of the Directive being in force since 1991, both Member States have still not fully implemented it. The Member States have yet to designate all the zones which are vulnerable to nitrates pollution and adopt measures to effectively combat nitrates pollution in these zones. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion will be sent to France on both the designation and insufficient action grounds and a reasoned opinion on the action programme will be sent to Greece. The Member States have two months to comply. Failing this, the Commission may decide to refer their cases to the European Court of Justice.
27/10/2011: Commission asks Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Sweden to recover costs of all water services
The Commission is concerned that Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Sweden have incorrectly implemented the concept of water services as described in EU water legislation – leading to inappropriate water pricing. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending the Member States a reasoned opinion to ask them to adjust their national legislation accordingly. If the countries fail to reply within two months, the Commission may refer the cases to the European Court of Justice.
27/10/2011: EU moves towards stronger protection for the Mediterranean from offshore activities
The European Commission took an important step towards better protection for the Mediterranean Sea today, with a proposal for the EU to accede to a Protocol of the Barcelona Convention that protects the Mediterranean against pollution from offshore exploration and exploitation activities. Such activities are increasing in the Mediterranean, and the area is particularly vulnerable due to its semi-closed configuration and significant seismic activity.
27/10/2011: Environmental crimes: Commission requests 3 Member States to adopt EU anti-sea pollution rules
The European Commission has given Austria, Finland and the UK two months to transpose EU rules laying down criminal penalties against sea pollution and other environmental offences into national laws.
18/10/2011: What is a "nanomaterial"? European Commission breaks new ground with a common definition
"Nanomaterials" are materials whose main constituents have a dimension of between 1 and 100 billionth of a metre, according to a recommendation adopted by the European Commission today. The announcement marks an important step towards greater protection for citizens, clearly defining which materials need special treatment in specific legislation.
18/10/2011: Questions and answers on the Commission Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial
17/10/2011: Commission launches a campaign on resource efficiency
Today saw the launch of "Generation Awake. Your choices make a world of difference!" an EU campaign designed to encourage consumers to make resource efficiency habit. The campaign was unveiled in Poland by European Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Polish Environment Minister Andrzej Kraszewski. Its aim is to raise awareness about the need to use scarce natural resources wisely, and to encourage citizens to think about their impact on the planet when making purchasing decisions.
07/10/2011: Preparation Environment Council, 10 October 2011
The first Environment Council under the Polish Presidency will be held on 10 October in Luxembourg. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard will represent the European Commission. The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on four issues: the UN climate conference in Durban starting in late November; the evaluation of the Sixth Environmental Action Programme, adopted by the Commission in August; the preparations for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development ("Rio +20") to be held in Rio De Janeiro, on 4-6 June 2012; and the next meeting of the Basel Convention on controlling transboundary movements of hazardous waste, to be held in Colombia on 17-21 October. Among the AOB points, the Commission will present the recently adopted Roadmap to a Resource-Efficient Economy.
September 2011
29/09/2011: Commission urges Spain to complete legislation for river basin management plans
The European Commission is taking action against Spain over shortcomings in its transposition of EU water legislation. As Spain already received a communication from the Commission on the matter and has failed to adopt the measures required to meet EU standards, the Commission is referring the case to the EU Court of Justice, on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik.
29/09/2011: Commission continues to pursue Spain over incomplete execution of the Zoo Directive
The Commission is sending Spain a reminder about its obligation to comply with a European Court of Justice ruling on the situation of animals in zoos. In December 2010, the Court ruled that Spain was failing to license zoos properly in a number of regions. Nearly a year later, the Commission still has no proof that licensing is working properly, or that substandard zoos have been closed. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending Spain a Letter of Formal Notice. If Spain fails to respond appropriately, the Commission may return to the Court and ask for financial penalties.
29/09/2011: Commission prompts Belgium and Romania to comply with the EU Waste Framework Directive
The European Commission is taking action against Belgium and Romania as they did not meet the 2010 deadline to transpose the EU Waste framework legislation into national law. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending the Member States a Reasoned Opinion and asking them to comply within two months. If they fail to do so, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice and ask for immediate financial penalties.
29/09/2011: Commission urges Italy to resolve Campania waste management situation
The Commission is urging Italy to find effective short and long-term waste management solutions for the Campania region. This region was subject to repetitive waste crises. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a letter of formal notice is being sent, reminding Italy of its obligations and of the need to comply with a 2010 ruling by the EU Court of Justice. If Italy fails to comply, the Commission may bring the case back to the Court and ask for fines.
29/09/2011: Commission asks Germany to apply cost recovery obligations to all water services
The European Commission is asking Germany to comply with EU water legislation. The Commission is concerned with Germany's interpretation of the key notion of water services, which could lead to inadequate cost recovery and water pricing under German law. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion. If Germany fails to reply within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
29/09/2011: EU law: Commission acts to ensure that European legislation is fully and properly implemented
In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against 27 Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law. These decisions cover many sectors. They aim at ensuring proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The Commission has taken today 500 decisions, including 5 decisions to refer Member States to the European Union's Court of Justice. In this package there are no decisions related to failure to respect a previous Court ruling.
23/09/2011: Chemicals/REACH: Conference looks at early results and future challenges for chemicals registration
Past achievements and lessons learnt for the future of the REACH registration process will be debated at a conference organised by the European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), in Brussels today.
20/09/2011: Commission sets out the path to resource-efficient growth
Today the European Commission set out a 'roadmap' aimed at transforming Europe's economy into a sustainable one by 2050. The Roadmap to a resource-efficient Europe outlines how we can achieve the resource efficient growth which is essential for our future wellbeing and prosperity. The roadmap identifies the economic sectors that consume the most resources, and suggests tools and indicators to help guide action in Europe and internationally. It is an agenda for competitiveness and growth based on using fewer resources when we produce and consume goods and creating business and job opportunities from activities such as recycling, better product design, materials substitution and eco-engineering.
15/09/2011: European Mobility Week 2011: "Alternative Mobility"
From 16 to 22 September 2011, hundreds of European towns and cities will participate in the tenth edition of European Mobility Week, inviting citizens to a wide range of activities around sustainable mobility. This year's theme – Alternative Mobility – aims to promote resource-efficient alternatives to the private cars that still dominate urban transport. The week encourages local authorities and citizens to highlight the many positive impacts of other means of transport.
07/09/2011: Two exhibitions show cities can be sustainable
The 'Train of Ideas' rolls into Brussels today, the latest city in a series of stops around Europe which has included Paris, Copenhagen, Munich, Warsaw, Barcelona and others. The arrival of the exhibition on sustainable urban living created by Hamburg, European Green Capital 2011 will be attended by EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Hamburg's Senator for Urban Development and Environment Jutta Blankau and Brussels' Minister for the Environment, Energy and Urban Renovation Evelyne Huytebroeck. At the same time they will inaugurate the exhibition "Brussels, A Sustainable City!" showing how Brussels Capital Region plans to become a European model of sustainable development. Both exhibitions aim to demonstrate how cities can be both attractive and sustainable in the future.
August 2011
31/08/2011: Final assessment of the 6th Environment Action Programme shows progress in environment policy – but with shortfalls in implementation
Over the past decade the 6th Community Environment Action Programme (EAP) has helped environment legislation to tackle almost all areas of the environment. This is evident from the final assessment of the 6th EAP (2002-2012) adopted today. Major accomplishments in the field of environment during the past ten years have been the extension of the Natura 2000 network to cover almost 18% of the EU's land area, the introduction of a comprehensive chemicals policy, and policy action on climate change. However, there is progress to be made in implementing agreed EU objectives and rules and in improving biodiversity protection, soil and water quality. The decoupling of resource use from economic growth has not led to a decrease in overall resources use.
July 2011
26/07/2011: Tighter restrictions on industrial creosote use
Tough restrictions on the industrial uses of creosote, a toxic chemical known for its use on wooden railway sleepers, electricity poles and in fencing, will come into force on 1 May 2013, following a tightening of rules by the European Commission. Creosote, a carcinogenic substance, may no longer be placed on the EU market unless a company receives an authorisation to do so. Consumer use of creosote has been banned since 2003.
20/07/2011: Fewer risks from hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
The ban on heavy metals and other dangerous chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment has now been extended to a much wider range of products, with new rules entering into force tomorrow. The new law will improve the safety of electronic products such as thermostats, medical devices and control panels, and will prevent the release of hazardous substances into the environment. Member States have 18 months to transpose the new rules.
19/07/2011: Commission to provide €244 million for 183 new environment projects
The European Commission has (today) approved funding for 183 new projects under the LIFE+ programme, the European Union's environment fund. The projects involve all EU Member States and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, climate change, clean technology, environmental policy and information and communication on environmental issues. Overall, they represent a total investment of some €530 million, of which the EU will provide €244 million.
19/07/2011: Environment/climate: list of all new projects funded under LIFE+
15/07/2011: Commission proposes to cut sulphur dioxide emissions from shipping by 90 %
Better air quality is on the way, thanks to proposals from the European Commission to lower the sulphur content of shipping fuels. The proposals should reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by up to 90 %, and fine particle emissions by up to 80 %. The benefits for public health will be between EUR 15 and 34 billion, far exceeding the expected costs, which are in the range of EUR 2.6 to 11 billion. With nearly half of Europe's population living in areas where EU air quality objectives are still not met, air pollution is one of the main environmental worries facing citizens.
15/07/2011: Questions and Answers on the Commission proposal on sulphur emissions from maritime transport
Why is the Commission proposing to change the legislation on marine fuels?
June 2011
30/06/2011: Commission launches consultation on improving EU air quality policy
With up to 49% of Europeans living in areas where EU air quality objectives are still not met, air pollution is one of the main environmental worries facing EU citizens.
30/06/2011: €35 million for eco-innovation comes on stream
Funding worth €35 million for 42 eco-innovation projects selected under the 2010 Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) is now coming on stream, as applications are ongoing for the 2011 call for proposals.
29/06/2011: Towards harmonised environmental information in Europe: have your say on standards that will affect everybody's life
Arranging a cross border emergency rescue, preventing major environmental damage or comparing energy consumption of buildings in different countries will soon be faster and easier thanks to improved data sharing in the EU.
21/06/2011: Preparation Environment Council
The final Environment Council under the Hungarian Presidency will be held on 21 June in Luxembourg. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli, and Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard will represent the European Commission. The Council will open with a progress report on efforts to adopt the proposed recast of the Seveso Directive on the prevention of major chemical accidents. This will be followed by another progress report on proposed changes to legislation on GMO cultivation. Conclusions will be adopted on two files, on the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050 which was published on 8 March 2011, and on the Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Water Resources scheduled for 2012. Among the AOB points, the Commission will update Ministers on developments regarding the 2008 Directive bringing aviation into the EU Emission Trading System, Ministers will hear information from Romania about CSD 19, and a presentation by the Commission about its plans for the Rio+20 conference. Poland will also outline its plans for its coming Council Presidency.
20/06/2011: Towards a global green economy and better governance - the Commission presents policy orientations for the Rio+20 Conference
Today the European Commission adopted a Communication preparing the ground for the EU's position at the Rio+20 UN Sustainable Development Conference, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. The Communication outlines objectives and specific actions on the two inter-linked themes of the Conference: enabling the transition to a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and ensuring better governance for sustainable development. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs presented the Communication jointly, marking an important link between environment and development.
20/06/2011: A huge majority of EU citizens care deeply about the environment
The latest survey by the European Commission shows that the environment is an important personal concern to more than 90% of respondents in every single Member State. A large majority of Europeans agree that using natural resources more efficiently and protecting the environment can boost economic growth in the EU. The report also contains a strong mandate for EU action: despite the economic crisis, almost 9 in 10 Europeans think EU funding should be allocated to support environmentally friendly activities. There is also massive support for legislation at the EU level: more than 8 in 10 Europeans agree that EU legislation is necessary to protect the environment in their country.
16/06/2011: Bathing water quality remains high around the EU
The quality of bathing water across Europe declined slightly between 2009 and 2010, but the overall quality was still high. More than nine out of 10 bathing water sites now meet the minimum requirements. Cyprus was the star performer, with 100% of its bathing water sites meeting strict guide values, followed by Croatia (97.3%), Malta (95.4%), Greece (94.2%) and Ireland (90.1%). The results are from the annual Bathing Water Report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission, which compare water quality in more than 21,000 coastal and inland bathing sites across the EU-27. The Commission has also adopted new signs and symbols that will be used to inform the public on bathing water classification and on bathing restrictions.
16/06/2011: Questions and answers on bathing water policy
How does the European Union help to clean up Europe's beaches?
16/06/2011: Environmental crimes: Commission asks 12 Member States to implement EU rules
The European Commission has given 13 Member States two months to transpose EU rules laying down criminal penalties against sea pollution and other environmental offences. Directive 2008/99/EC on criminal law measures to protect the environment should have been introduced in national law by 26 December 2010. However, 10 countries (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia) have so far failed to do so.
16/06/2011: Commission urges Sweden to respect EU nature legislation and protect endangered wolves
Despite efforts done Sweden has not yet brought its policy for the protection of endangered wolves into line with EU rules on nature protection. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the European Commission has therefore decided to send a reasoned opinion requesting Sweden to amend its wolf policy. Sweden has two months to comply. If it fails to do so, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
16/06/2011: Commission asks Italy to comply with Court judgement on end-of-life vehicles
The European Commission is urging Italy to comply with a 2007 Court judgement relating to end of life vehicles. The Commission is concerned with continued shortcomings in the transposition of the legislation. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a complementary letter of formal notice asking Italy to adopt measures that fully comply with the legislation. Italy has two months to respond. If Italy fails to correctly transpose the Directive into national law, the Commission may decide to refer Italy back to Court and ask for financial penalties.
16/06/2011: Commission urges Ireland to act swiftly to improve protection of peat bogs
The Commission is asking Ireland to take urgent action to improve the implementation of legislation that protects peat bog habitats. The Commission is concerned that peat extraction is ongoing in numerous protected Natura 2000 sites, despite letters sent out by the Irish authorities. Scientists have warned that up to 35% of certain priority habitats have been destroyed since the legislation was adopted, and that the annual rate of loss is between 1-4%. In addition, the Commission also has concerns over some 170 other protected bogs. Ireland was sent a letter of formal notice about this matter in January 2011. Although recent progress appears to have been made in relation to 32 sites, this needs to be reflected by changes on the ground. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion. The Commission's assessment of the progress on the ground will be crucial in determining the next steps in this procedure.
16/06/2011: Commission takes Spain to Court over urban waste water and river basin plans
The European Commission is referring Spain to the EU Court of Justice for breaching two pieces of EU environment legislation. In the first case, Spain is failing to ensure that waste water from agglomerations with more than 10,000 inhabitants that discharge into sensitive areas is properly treated. The lack of adequate treatment systems, which should have been in place since 1998, poses risks to human health, to inland waters and the marine environment. Slow progress by Spain has led the Commission, on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, to refer the case to the EU Court of Justice. In the second case, Spain has failed to submit its plans for managing river basins to the Commission. These plans, due to be adopted by 22 December 2009 at the latest, are essential for achieving the EU's objective of 'good status' for European waters by 2015. So far only one plan has been adopted in Spain, and the Commission is therefore taking Spain to the EU Court of Justice.
16/06/2011: Commission asks Spain to improve drinking water in Alicante
The Commission is asking Spain to take action to improve the quality of drinking water in Las Filipinas, an area in San Miguel de Salinas, Alicante, Spain. The Commission is concerned that local residents have suffered from water that is not fit for human consumption for more than a decade. Despite petitions to the European Parliament in 2005 and 2006, and the acknowledgement by the Spanish authorities that the local drinking water was not adequate for human consumption, no tangible action has been taken to solve the problem. Spain was sent a letter of formal notice about the matter in 2009, and despite a number replies, no satisfactory action has been implemented. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending a reasoned opinion, giving Spain two months to comply. If Spain fails to fulfil its legal obligations, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
16/06/2011: Commission urges Greece to comply with Court ruling over missing industrial permits
The Commission is asking Greece to comply with a 2010 EU Court of Justice ruling on industrial installations that are operating with expired permits. Although Greece is taking action to remedy the situation, the Commission is concerned with the slow pace of progress. At least 21 industrial installations are still operating with permits that have not yet been reconsidered or updated. Under EU law, this should have been done by 30 October 2007.
16/06/2011: Germany warned over failure to notify legislation on water quality standards and on a strategy to protect its seas
The Commission is asking Germany to comply with two pieces of EU environmental legislation. Despite earlier warnings, Germany has failed to inform the Commission about the transposition of legislation on water quality standards, which should have been in place by 13 July 2010, and about a strategy to protect its seas, which should have been in place by 15 July 2010.
16/06/2011: Commission asks five Member States to comply with EU waste framework directive
The European Commission is asking five Member States to comply with the EU Waste Framework Directive. The Member States concerned are Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece and Poland. These Member States have failed to inform the Commission about the transposition of this legislation into national law, which should have happened by 12 December 2010. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion. The Member States have two months to comply. If they fail to do so, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice and ask the Court to impose financial penalties, without having to return to the court for a second ruling.
14/06/2011: Commission launches search for European Green Capital 2014
Will your city be the next European Green Capital? Today the search to find the city that will inherit the prestigious title in 2014 begins. Four cities – Stockholm, Hamburg, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Nantes – have been awarded the title so far, from 2010 to 2013 respectively. The European Green Capital Award recognizes and rewards cities that are at the forefront of environmentally-friendly urban living and which can act as role-models to inspire other cities. The annual award is intended to help European cities become more attractive and healthy places – “fit for life”.
May 2011
26/05/2011: Major support for continued specific EU funding tool for the environment and climate action
Close to 85.8% of respondents to a recent public consultation on the future of LIFE+, the European Commission's environmental funding tool, consider that there is a need for a specific EU financial instrument for environment and climate action. A majority of 54.6% also think that the budget for the instrument should be increased. In the run-up to the next multiannual financial framework 2014-2020, the results of this consultation will feed into an evaluation of the need for a specific environmental and climate action programme in the EU's budget. The news was released as a conference on LIFE success stories opens in Brussels.
26/05/2011: Shall we triple resource use by 2050, or improve efficiency and recycling?
Today the European Commission, together with the UN Environment Programme, launched two major reports that call for a radical change in the way we use scarce resources. The first report shows the immense potential for increasing metal recycling rates. Only 18 metals are recycled more than 50%, and the majority do not even attain a 1% recycling rate. The second report, first presented at the UN Sustainable Development Commission on 18 May, underlines the need for a radical decoupling to avoid a global resource crunch by 2050, and provides science-based scenarios on future resource consumption. The two reports, put together by the International Resource Panel, call on legislators and policymakers to find ways to reduce resource use and increase recycling. Their publication at Green Week opens the way for the Commission's upcoming “Roadmap towards a resource efficient Europe”.
26/05/2011: New maps give Europeans close-up picture of air pollution from diffuse sources
The Europe-wide register aims to help Europeans actively engage in decisions affecting the environment. New online maps published today by the European Commission and the European Environment Agency, in close cooperation with the Joint Research Centre, the Commission's in-house science service, allow citizens for the first time to pinpoint the main diffuse sources of air pollution, such as transport and aviation. The new set of 32 maps shows where certain pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are released. It complements existing data on emissions from individual industrial plants from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR).
24/05/2011: Europe's largest annual environment conference explores the spectrum of resource efficiency
Opening today, Green Week 2011 launches a call for citizens to “use less and live better”. During the conference’s four days, over 3500 participants will look for ways to use our planet’s resources more sustainably. This year's Green Week gathers participants from a wide variety of backgrounds, including EU institutions, business and industry, non-governmental organisations, public authorities, the scientific community, academia and the media. Some 30 events are scheduled to take place outside Brussels, including events to come in Slovenia (25-27 May, 2 June) and Poland (11 June). The conference is webstreamed in its entirety.
23/05/2011: Soil sealing in the EU threatens the availability of ecosystem services
Every year in Europe, soils covering an area larger than the city of Berlin are lost to urban sprawl and transport infrastructure. This unsustainable trend threatens the availability of fertile soils and groundwater reservoirs for future generations. A new report made public today by the European Commission recommends a three-tiered approach focused on limiting the progression of soil sealing, mitigating its effects and compensating valuable soil losses by action in other areas.
20/05/2011: Chemicals/REACH: EU to ban cadmium in jewellery, brazing sticks and all plastics
Cadmium in jewellery, plastics and brazing sticks will be banned in the EU from December 2011. High levels of the harmful substance cadmium have been found in some jewellery articles, especially in imported imitation jewellery. Consumers including children risked being exposed to cadmium through skin contact or through licking. The new legislation prohibits the use of cadmium in all types of jewellery products, except for antiques. The ban also covers cadmium in all plastics and brazing sticks, which are used to join dissimilar materials as fumes that are released during this process are highly dangerous if inhaled.
19/05/2011: Commission urges Italy to comply with EU law on urban waste water
The European Commission is asking Italy to ensure proper treatment of waste water from agglomerations with more than 10,000 inhabitants discharged into sensitive areas. The lack of sufficient collection and treatment systems, which should have been in place since 1998, poses risks to human health and to inland waters and the marine environment. Slow progress by Italy has led the Commission, on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, to send a reasoned opinion. If Italy fails to comply within two months, the Commission could refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
19/05/2011: Commission takes France to court over failure to comply with EU air quality rules
The European Commission is taking France to court for failing to comply with EU air quality limit values for airborne particles known as PM10. France has so far failed to effectively tackle excess emissions of these particles in several zones across the country. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has therefore decided to take France to the EU Court of Justice.
19/05/2011: Commission asks six Member States to comply with EU waste framework directive
The European Commission is asking six Member States to notify the transposition of the EU Waste Framework Directive into national law due by December 2010. The Member States concerned are France, Hungary, Luxembourg, Latvia, Slovenia and Slovakia. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion. The Member States have two months to comply. If these Member States fail to comply with their legal obligation, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice and ask the Court to impose financial sanctions already at this stage.
19/05/2011: Commission urges Latvia to comply with EU law on mining waste
The European Commission is asking Latvia to adopt measures to ensure that extractive waste is treated in specific facilities in line with EU requirements. Despite earlier warnings, Latvia is still not complying with EU legislation on mining waste. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion. If Latvia fails to comply within two months, the Commission could refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
19/05/2011: Commission takes Ireland to Court over missing industrial permits
The Commission is referring Ireland to the EU Court of Justice over industrial installations operating with outdated permits. Under European law, new permits should have been issued by 30 October 2007. However the permits of at least 17 Irish livestock installations have not yet been reconsidered or updated. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore referring the case to the EU Court of Justice.
19/05/2011: Commission takes Ireland back to court over septic tanks and asks for a fine
A year and a half after a previous Court ruling, Ireland has still not adopted the necessary measures to ensure that septic tanks go through adequate checks and inspections in order to protect human health and the environment. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore referring Ireland back to the EU Court of Justice and asking the Court to impose a lump-sum fine of €2.7 million and a daily penalty payment of € 26,173.
19/05/2011: Commission takes Czech Republic to Court over failure to update biocides legislation
The European Commission is referring the Czech Republic to the EU Court of Justice over its failure to meet the European requirements on biocidal products. Despite earlier warnings the Czech Republic has not added acrolein, a substance used in certain biocidal products, to its national list of active substances that are covered by biocides legislation. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore referring the case to the EU Court of Justice.
19/05/2011: EU law: Commission acts to ensure that European legislation is fully and properly implemented
In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against 27 Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law. These decisions cover many sectors. They aim at ensuring proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The Commission has taken today 320 decisions, including 6 complaints taking Member States before the European Union's Court of Justice. In this package, 1 decision relates to failure to respect a previous Court ruling and might imply financial penalties.
18/05/2011: Commission seeks views on reducing plastic bag use
The European Commission is asking the public how best to reduce the use of plastic carrier bags. It will ask if charging and taxation would be effective, or if other options such as an EU-level ban on plastic carrier bags would be better. Opinions will also be sought on increasing the visibility of biodegradable packaging products, and boosting the biodegradability requirements for packaging. The web-based consultation runs until August 2011.
09/05/2011: Fight against illegal logging: the European Union and Liberia team up to ensure legal origin of imported wood products to the EU
By early 2014, all shipments of wood products to the European Union from Liberia will be required to carry a license certifying their legal origin. A Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) to that end was signed on 9 May by the EU and Liberia, which contains over half of the remaining rainforest in West Africa. This agreement, made in Monrovia, underpins Liberia’s ongoing forestry reforms, driven by the Government's commitment to good governance and to ensuring that natural resources contribute to sustainable development. The agreement also gives European consumers the assurance that wood products imported from Liberia, including furniture and wood chips used for bio-fuel, are of legal origin. The Agreement comes in result of the strong mutual commitment to eradicate illegal logging and to bring more transparency to the timber trade.
09/05/2011: Update Frequently asked questions on illegal logging
What is the Commission doing to combat illegal timber products to appear on the EU market?
The Commission is actively working with developing countries that produce timber for the EU market to ensure that they have the system and capacity in place to tackle illegal logging. The Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan is a top priority for the EU. It dates back to 2003. The Regulation was adopted in 2005, and the Commission started the first Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) negotiations in 2006. Negotiations of VPAs take time. They rely on a wide consultation process on sensitive issues, such as land tenure, governance, transparency and accountability. There is now one agreement ratified (with Ghana), three in ratification process (Indonesia (initialled May 4), Central African Republic, Republic of Congo and Cameroon), negotiations on-going (Malaysia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Vietnam and Gabon) and a number of countries have expressed their interest for entering into negotiations.
03/05/2011: Biodiversity: Commission announces new strategy to halt biodiversity loss within ten years
The Commission today presented a new strategy to protect and improve the state of Europe's biodiversity over the next decade. The strategy includes six targets which address the main drivers of biodiversity loss, and which will reduce the main pressures on nature and ecosystem services in the EU by anchoring biodiversity objectives in key sectoral policies. The global aspects of biodiversity loss are also addressed, ensuring that the EU contributes to combating biodiversity loss around the world. The strategy is in line with the commitments made by the EU in Nagoya, Japan, last year.
03/05/2011: Q&A on the Communication an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020
Why does biodiversity loss matter?
The degradation and loss of biodiversity has significant environmental, economic and social consequences within the EU and at the global level. There are strong ethical and moral arguments in favour of protecting biodiversity in its own right, independently of its instrumental value to humans. In addition, ecosystems provide a number of services that contribute directly and indirectly to human well-being giving us food, fresh water and clean air, shelter and medicine, mitigating natural disasters, pests and diseases and regulating the climate.
April 2011
15/04/2011: All aboard Hamburg's Train of Ideas
Hamburg, European Green Capital 2011, has taken to the tracks with a rolling exhibition on sustainable living. EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Hamburg's Mayor Olaf Scholz set the wheels in motion for the six-month tour of 18 European cities at the train's launch today. The novel approach to sharing best practice aims to demonstrate to thousands of European citizens how cities can be both attractive and sustainable in the future.
06/04/2011: Commission takes UK to court over excessive cost of challenging decisions
The European Commission is taking the UK to the EU Court of Justice over the high cost of challenges of decisions on the environment. Under EU law, the possibility of challenging decisions affecting the environment should be fair, equitable, timely and not prohibitively expensive. The Commission is concerned that the potentially high cost of losing legal actions is preventing NGOs and individuals in the UK from bringing cases in the first place. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore referring the case to the EU Court of Justice.
06/04/2011: Commission takes four Member States to court for failing to submit river basin plans
The European Commission is taking Belgium, Denmark, Greece and Portugal to court over their failure to comply with EU water legislation and submit plans for managing their river basins. These plans are essential for achieving the EU's objective of 'good status' for European waters by 2015 and they should have been adopted by 22 December 2009 at the latest. Delayed plans could mean a failure to deliver the water quality required. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is referring the cases to the EU Court of Justice.
06/04/2011: Commission urges Hungary to comply with European nature protection legislation
The European Commission has asked Hungary to address the inadequate protection of nature in an area that is home to globally threatened bird species. The Commission has concerns about an aerial power line erected in autumn 2007, which is liable to have a significant negative impact on protected species. No impact assessment was undertaken for the project, contravening EU legislation. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending Hungary a reasoned opinion. If Hungary fails to comply within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
06/04/2011: Commission asks France and Ireland to protect their seas
The Commission is asking France and Ireland to comply with EU legislation requiring Member States to draw up marine strategies to protect their seas. Neither Member State has informed the Commission about the transposition of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which should have been in place by 15 July 2010. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion. If France and Ireland fail to comply with their legal obligation, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU Court of Justice and may ask the Court to impose financial sanctions at this stage.
06/04/2011: Commission takes Belgium to Court and warns Romania over failure to comply with EU air quality rules
The European Commission is taking Belgium to court for failing to comply with EU air quality limit values for airborne particles known as PM10. Belgium has so far failed to effectively tackle excess emissions of these particles in 8 zones across the country. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has therefore decided to take Belgium to the EU Court of Justice. As Romania is also not complying with the air quality limit values for PM10, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion under ongoing infringement proceedings. Romania has two months to comply. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
06/04/2011: Commission urges Belgium to comply with EU law on urban waste water
The European Commission is urging Belgium to ensure that waste water from small towns is properly treated. The lack of sufficient collection and treatment systems that should be in place since 2005 poses risks to human health and to the marine environment. Slow progress by Belgium has led the Commission, on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, to send a reasoned opinion under ongoing infringement proceedings. If Belgium fails to comply within two months, the Commission could refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
06/04/2011: Commission takes Austria to Court over missing industrial permits
The Commission is referring Austria to the EU Court of Justice over outdated permits for their industrial installations. Under European legislation, new permits should have been issued by 30 October 2007. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore referring the case to the Court. Austria has two months to comply.
06/04/2011: Commission urges Spain to comply with Court ruling on industrial permits
The Commission is urging Spain to comply with an EU Court of Justice ruling concerning permits for industrial installations. Despite Spain being condemned by the Court in November 2010, more than 100 plants continue to operate without updated permits that comply with EU rules designed to prevent industrial pollution. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending Spain a letter of formal notice requesting the full implementation of the judgement. In the absence of a satisfactory response, Spain could face a second court referral and financial penalties.
06/04/2011: EU law: Commission acts to ensure that European legislation is fully and properly implemented
Infringement package: overview of press releases
March 2011
31/03/2011: When is waste no longer waste? When it meets the new end-of-waste criteria designed to develop our recycling markets
Waste generated by European industries and consumers is increasingly being reprocessed into secondary raw materials and new products instead of being buried in landfills. However, in the past there has been a lack of clear criteria determining when a material recovered from waste ceases to be waste and can be dealt with as other products or raw materials. The first end-of-waste Regulation adopted today sets such criteria for iron and steel scrap and for aluminium scrap. It aims to stimulate European recycling markets.
28/03/2011: EU survey shows many Europeans don't know how much they throw away
Almost 60% of EU citizens do not think their household produces too much waste, according to a Eurobarometer survey published today. This is in stark contrast to statistics that show Europeans throw away on average more than half a tonne of rubbish every year. The survey also reveals a lack of awareness of the amount of food waste generated. Most citizens agreed that better waste collection services were needed and 8 in 10 said environmental aspects of a product, such as whether it was reusable or recyclable, were important factors in purchasing decisions.
24/03/2011: Commission seeks views on how to reduce pressure on Europe's coastal and marine areas
Coastal and marine areas offer significant opportunities for economic development, leisure and living. They host rich but fragile biodiversity. Transparent planning and management of European waters are needed to balance the interests at play against sustaining the long-term benefit of coastal and marine resources to society. With these objectives in mind, the European Commission has launched a public consultation to explore options for future EU action on Maritime Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The Commission is seeking the views of all interested individuals and organisations. The consultation runs for eight weeks.
22/03/2011: European companies turn to eco-innovation to tackle rising input costs and scarcity of materials
The competitiveness of European businesses is increasingly vulnerable to growing materials scarcity which causes price volatility. A Eurobarometer survey published today and presented at the 10th European Forum on Eco-innovation in Birmingham, UK, shows that 75% of European businesses have experienced an increase in material costs in the past five years, while 90% expect price increases in the future. To tackle this challenge, small and medium-sized businesses are looking to eco-innovation as their answer. However, many businesses are still not fully aware of the potential effects of natural resource scarcity on their future operations.
21/03/2011: Water scarcity and droughts a growing challenge to Member States
The European Commission today published a report on Member States' progress in addressing water scarcity and droughts. The balance between water demand and availability has reached a critical level in many areas of Europe, a trend that is expected to become more marked as climate change progresses. In the run up to a major water policy review in 2012, the report presents the water management measures introduced by Member States to tackle water scarcity and droughts and highlights the areas for further action.
15/03/2011: Almada wins European Mobility Week Award 2010
The Portuguese city of Almada has won the 2010 European Mobility Week Award. Almada was judged by an independent panel of mobility experts to have done the most to promote alternatives to the car, and to highlight the positive impact of other means of transport on public health and the environment during European Mobility Week 2010. Murcia in Spain and the Latvian capital Riga were runners-up. The awards were presented by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at a ceremony in Brussels on 14 March 2011.
14/03/2011: Commission urges Italy to comply with EU environmental legislation
The European Commission is asking Italy to comply with EU rules to ensure that a rehabilitation project on a former chemicals site in the Liguria region does not pose risks to health or the environment. So far Italy has failed to satisfactorily address the issue. On the recommendation of EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending a reasoned opinion. Italy has two months to reply. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
14/03/2011: Commission asks Lithuania to comply with EU legislation on strategic environmental impact assessments
The European Commission is urging Lithuania to bring its national legislation on assessing the effects of plans and programmes on the environment into line with EU rules. The existing legislation on strategic environmental assessments in Lithuania contains a number of shortcomings. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending a reasoned opinion. Lithuania has two months to comply. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
14/03/2011: Commission takes France to Court for failing to implement rules on industrial pollution
On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the he European Commission is taking France to the European Court of Justice for failing to comply with EU rules on industrial emissions. Four years after the deadline, France is still failing to ensure that a number of industrial installations meet the requirements of a Directive designed to prevent industrial pollution.
14/03/2011: Commission asks Czech Republic to update biocides legislation
The European Commission is asking the Czech Republic to update its chemicals legislation and authorise the use of two biocides. Under European legislation, the rodenticide Flocoumafen and the wood preservative Tolylfluanide should be included on Member States' lists of authorised substances. Despite an earlier warning from the Commission, the Czech Republic has not yet added these to its list of active substances which can be used in biocidal products, so on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is being sent. In case the Czech Republic doesn't comply with its legal obligation within two months, the Commission may refer this Member State to the Court of Justice and may already ask the Court to impose financial sanctions at this stage, without having to return to the Court for a second ruling.
14/03/2011: Cyprus warned over failures to notify marine protection legislation
The Commission is asking Cyprus to comply with EU legislation requiring Member States to draw up marine strategies to protect their seas. Cyprus has failed to inform the Commission about the transposition of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which should have been in place by 15 July 2010. At the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion. If Cyprus does not comply within two months, the Commission may refer it to the Court of Justice and may already ask the Court to impose financial sanctions at this stage, without having to return to the Court for a second ruling.
11/03/2011: Commission grants UK additional time to comply with EU air quality standards in Greater London
The European Commission today granted the United Kingdom a temporary and conditional exemption in the Greater London Urban Area from the EU's air quality standards for airborne particles known as PM10. Under the 2008 EU Air Quality Directive Member States may, under strict conditions and for specific parts of the country, extend the time for meeting the PM10 standards until 11 June 2011. The Commission decision approves the time extension on the condition that the United Kingdom adapts its air quality plan for this zone. The Commission rejected a second request from the UK for additional time to comply with the legislation in Gibraltar on the grounds that it was no longer necessary, as compliance with the limit values has already been reached.
11/03/2011: Preparation Environment Council, 14 March 2011
The first Environment Council under the Hungarian Presidency will be held on 14 March in Brussels. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli, and Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard will represent the European Commission. The Council will open with an attempt to reach a political agreement on the recast of the WEEE Directive. Ministers will then adopt Council conclusions on the review of the Community Strategy concerning Mercury. This will be followed by an exchange of views relating to the question of GMOs on the basis of a Presidency non-paper and questions, followed by a tour-de table. Views will then be exchanged on environmental aspects of the Common Agricultural Policy towards 2020. The day will also feature an exchange of views on the European Semester, and conclusions will be adopted on the follow-up to the Cancun Conference. Among the AOB points, the Commission will inform delegations about the state of the ETS registry, and Ministers will hear information from Denmark about proposals to ban parabens, information from Austria about plastic bags, and a presentation by the Commission of the Roadmap to a competitive low carbon economy in 2050.
01/03/2011: Environment: EU grants €2 million to overseas biodiversity projects
The European Commission is to give an additional €2 million to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services in its Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories. Known as BEST, the Voluntary scheme for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas will fund pilot projects in these areas, which are home to exceptional biodiversity, and host more endemic species than the whole of continental Europe combined. The financial support was originally suggested by the European Parliament.
01/03/2011: Environment: Commission to provide €267 million for new environmental projects
The European Commission has launched its annual call for proposals to be funded under the LIFE+ programme, the European fund for the environment. Proposals are welcome under one of the programme’s three components: Nature and Biodiversity, Environment Policy and Governance, and Information and Communication. A total of €267 million is available, in the form of co-funding for grant agreements. The call is open until 15 July 2011.
February 2011
25/02/2011: Commission launches consultations on Resource Efficiency, Rio+20 Summit and sustainable development
The European Commission has launched two online consultations in the field of environment. The first consultation is on policy options that might encourage a switch to a more efficient use of natural resources in the European economy. A second consultation is on the position to be taken by the EU at the United Nations conference on Sustainable Development to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. A related consultation has also been launched to gather opinions on the European bio-based economy, which also includes aspects of resource efficiency. The consultations run until mid-April 2011.
23/02/2011: New Strategic Cooperation Agreement between European Commission and UN Environment Programme
Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment, and Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, have issued a joint statement furthering cooperation between the two organizations.
17/02/2011: Chemicals/REACH: six dangerous substances to be phased out by the EU
Six substances of very high concern will be banned within the next three to five years unless an authorisation has been granted to individual companies for their use. These substances are carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction or persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms. Operators wishing to sell or use these substances will need to demonstrate that the required safety measures have been taken to adequately control the risks, or that the benefits for the economy and society outweigh the risks. Where feasible alternative substances or techniques exist, a timetable for substitution will also have to be submitted.
16/02/2011: Commission takes Slovakia to Court for failing to comply with EU landfill legislation
The European Commission is taking Slovakia to the European Court of Justice for failing to comply with EU rules to ensure that landfills do not significantly damage the environment. The case concerns a site near Žilina. On the recommendation of EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore referring the case to the European Court of Justice.
16/02/2011: Commission asks Slovakia to comply with EU legislation on strategic environmental impact assessments
The European Commission is urging Slovakia to bring its national legislation on assessing the effects of plans and programmes on the environment in line with EU rules. The current legislation on strategic environmental assessments in Slovakia contains a number of shortcomings. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending a reasoned opinion. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
16/02/2011: Commission asks Poland to comply with EU water quality legislation
The Commission is asking Poland to comply with EU legislation on environmental quality standards for surface water. Poland has failed to inform the Commission about the full transposition of this legislation into national law. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion. Poland has two months to respond. In case Poland doesn't comply with its legal obligation, the Commission may refer this Member State to the Court of Justice and may already ask the Court to impose financial sanctions at this stage, without having to return to the Court for a second ruling.
16/02/2011: Commission warns Poland over failures to protect its sea
The Commission is asking Poland to comply with EU legislation requiring Member States to draw up marine strategies to protect their seas. Poland has failed to inform the Commission about the transposition of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which should have been in place by 15 July 2010. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion. If Poland fails to inform the Commission within two months of the measures taken to transpose the relevant EU legislation, the Commission could refer the case to the European Court of Justice. In case Poland doesn't comply with its legal obligation, the Commission may refer this Member State to the Court of Justice and may already ask the Court to impose financial sanctions at this stage, without having to return to the Court for a second ruling.
16/02/2011: Commission urges Poland and Belgium to implement air quality legislation
Both Poland and Belgium have failed to transpose into national law revised EU rules which aim to reduce pollution to levels that minimise the harmful effects on human health and the environment. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is being sent to Poland, while Belgium is receiving a second reasoned opinion. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may refer the cases to the European Court of Justice. In case Poland and Belgium do not comply with their legal obligation, the Commission may refer these Member States to the Court of Justice and may already ask the Court to impose financial sanctions at this stage, without having to return to the Court for a second ruling.
16/02/2011: Commission takes Poland to Court over failure to comply with EU nature protection law
On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the European Commission is taking Poland to the European Court of Justice for its failure to properly implement EU nature protection law. The Commission has concerns about several shortcomings in the transposition of EU law on the conservation of wild birds at national level.
16/02/2011: Commission asks the Netherlands to comply with Court ruling on environmental impact assessments
The European Commission is urging the Netherlands to comply with a European Court of Justice ruling in a long-running case concerning the impact of certain projects on the environment. Despite a Court judgment on the case, which dates back to 2006, the Netherlands has failed to take satisfactory action. On the recommendation of EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice. If the Netherlands fails to comply, it could face a second Court referral and financial penalties.
16/02/2011: Commission urges Latvia to comply with EU air quality rules
Latvia has so far failed to effectively tackle excessive emissions of tiny airborne particles known as PM10 which, in high concentrations, can be hazardous for humans. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is therefore being sent. Latvia has two months to take appropriate action. Failure to do so could result in the Commission referring the case to the European Court of Justice.
16/02/2011: Commission seeks fines against Ireland for not adopting legislation to protect countryside heritage
The European Commission is taking Ireland back to the European Court of Justice for failing to implement an earlier ruling concerning developments that may harm the natural and man-made heritage of the countryside. Two years after the judgment, Ireland has still not adopted legislation to address the issue. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is referring the case back to Court and asking it to impose a lump-sum fine of more than €4000 per day for the period between the first Court ruling and the second Court ruling and a daily penalty payment of more than €33,000 per day for each day after the second Court ruling until the infringement ends.
16/02/2011: Commission urges Greece to comply with Court ruling over lack of urban waste water treatment
The European Commission is urging Greece to take action to comply with a European Court of Justice ruling to ensure proper urban waste water treatment in nine towns and cities. The lack of treatment systems, which should have been in place in 2000, poses risks to the health of people living there. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a letter of formal notice under ongoing infringement proceedings. If Greece fails to comply, the Commission could refer the case back to the Court and ask for financial penalties.
16/02/2011: Commission urges Austria and the Czech Republic to comply with rules on flood prevention
The European Commission is urging Austria and the Czech Republic to ensure EU environmental legislation is implemented at national level or face being taken to the European Court of Justice, with the possibility of fines. The cases concern legislation in the area of flood prevention. Both Member States have failed to inform the Commission of the transposition of the legislation despite earlier infringement proceedings. On the recommendation of EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending a second reasoned opinion. In case Austria and the Czech Republic do not comply with their legal obligation, the Commission may refer these Member States to the Court of Justice and may already ask the Court to impose financial sanctions at this stage, without having to return to the Court for a second ruling.
16/02/2011: EU law: Commission acts to ensure that European legislation is fully and properly implemented
In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against 27 Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law. These decisions cover many sectors. They aim at ensuring proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The Commission has taken today 176 decisions, including 7 complaints taking Member States before the European Union's Court of Justice. In this package, 1 decision relate to failure to respect a previous Court ruling and might imply financial penalties.
January 2011
27/01/2011: EU Regional Policy - key for achieving Union's 2020 sustainable growth goals
The Commission today launches a call to action to those in Member States managing Cohesion funds, urging wider use of the money to finance sustainable growth projects, and offering advice on how to improve the quality of investments. These messages, designed to promote implementation of the Resource Efficiency flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy, adopted yesterday, underline the key role that regional policy can have in ensuring EU targets in this area are met.
27/01/2011: Commission urges Sweden to respect nature legislation in protecting endangered wolves
The European Commission is asking Sweden to respect EU nature legislation by adequately protecting its wolf population, which is threatened with extinction. The Commission is concerned about several aspects of Swedish wolf policy, and especially about the hunting of wolves when the species is not in favourable conservation status. Therefore, on proposal by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, it has decided to launch a formal infringement procedure by sending a Letter of Formal Notice.
27/01/2011: Commission asks three Member States to comply with EU water quality legislation
The Commission is asking Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Estonia to comply with EU legislation on environmental quality standards for surface water. These Member States have failed to inform the Commission about the transposition of this legislation into national law. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion. The three Member States have two months to respond.
27/01/2011: Commission urges Slovakia to ensure proper disposal of end-of-life vehicles
The European Commission is urging Slovakia to bring its national law in line with EU rules relating to vehicles that have reached the end of their lives. The Commission is concerned about continued shortcomings in Slovakia's transposition of the legislation. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion. Slovakia has two months to comply with the request. Failing this, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
27/01/2011: Commission urges Romania to comply with European nature protection legislation
The European Commission has asked Romania to address the inadequate nature protection in Sulina in the Danube Delta, one of Europe's most important wetland areas. The Commission has concerns about shortcomings in procedures to assess the potential impact of tourism development in the area, which is part of the Natura 2000 network. The Commission's request, on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, takes the form of a reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures.. If the Romanian authorities fail to inform the Commission within two months of measures taken to ensure compliance with EU law in this respect, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
27/01/2011: Commission urges Spain to submit river basin management plans
The European Commission is urging Spain to comply with EU water legislation and submit plans for managing its river basins, which are essential for achieving the EU's objective of 'good status' for European waters by 2015. The plans should have been adopted by 22 December 2009 at the latest, and delayed plans could mean a failure to deliver the water quality required. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is therefore being sent. In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may refer Spain to the European Court of Justice.
27/01/2011: Estonia, Greece, Finland and Malta warned over failures to protect their seas
The Commission is asking Estonia, Greece, Finland and Malta to comply with EU legislation requiring them to draw up marine strategies to protect their seas. These countries have failed to inform the Commission about the transposition of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which should have been in place by 15 July 2010. The Commission's request, sent on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, takes the form of a reasoned opinion under the EU infringement procedures. If the countries concerned fail to inform the Commission within two months of the measures taken to transpose the relevant EU legislation, the Commission could refer the cases to the European Court of Justice.
27/01/2011: Commission takes Greece to Court for failing to protect Lake Koroneia
The European Commission is referring Greece to the European Court of Justice for its failure to protect Lake Koroneia, an internationally important wetland in the region of Thessaloniki. The lake has been seriously affected by pollution and illegal water extraction, with serious consequences for local fauna and flora. Although a comprehensive plan is in place to rehabilitate the lake, with many actions partly financed by EU funds, progress has been slow. At the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore referring the case to the Court of Justice.
27/01/2011: Commission asks Czech Republic to comply with Court ruling on bathing water quality
The European Commission is urging the Czech Republic to comply with a European Court of Justice ruling on its failure to adopt adequate legislation on bathing water quality. On a proposal by Environment Commissioner Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice under ongoing infringement proceedings. If the Czech Republic fails to respond within two months, a second Court referral and financial penalties could follow.
27/01/2011: Commission asks Czech Republic to update biocides legislation
The European Commission is asking the Czech Republic to update its chemicals legislation by adding acrolein to the list of active substances covered by their legislation in order to meet European requirements. Despite an earlier warning from the Commission, the Czech Republic has not yet added acrolein to its list of active substances which could possibly be used in biocidal products, so on the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is being sent. The Czech Republic has two months to comply with the request. Failing this, the Commission may refer it to the European Court of Justice.
19/01/2011: EU moving towards 'recycling society' but room for progress remains
The European Commission today published a report on Member States' performance in the prevention and recycling of waste. This shows that some Member States have made excellent progress, but that we are still some way from achieving the long-term goal of becoming a 'recycling society' – one that not only avoids producing waste but also uses it as a resource.
10/01/2011: Environment: A good day for salmon, otters and beech forests
Europe's flora and fauna are now better protected than at any time in the history of the European Union. Natura 2000, Europe's network of protected natural areas, has been expanded by nearly 27 000 square kilometres. This includes a major addition of marine areas covering more than 17 500 square kilometres which will increase protection for many endangered marine species. Natura 2000 now covers almost 18% of the EU's landmass and more than 130 000 km² of its seas. The main countries involved in this latest expansion are the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Spain and Poland. Natura 2000 is the centrepiece of Europe's battle to halt biodiversity loss and safeguard ecosystem services.
10/01/2011: More details on the new additions to the Community Natura 2000 lists
The latest update of the Natura 2000 lists concerns fifteen Member States: Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK. The number of "Sites of Community Importance" has increased to a total of 739, expanding the network by nearly 27 000 km².
04/01/2011: Chemicals: More than three million classification and labelling notifications improve information on hazardous chemicals
More than three million notifications on the classification of chemical substances in line with new EU rules have been received by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). All companies manufacturing or importing hazardous substances were required to classify them by 1 December 2010 and notify ECHA by 3 January 2011. Classification is essential to determine whether a chemical is dangerous for health and the environment, and will determine the information on the labels of chemicals that workers and consumers use. The new rules are laid down in the EU Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemicals (CLP) which aligns the EU classification system to the UN Globally Harmonised System, ensuring that the same hazards are described and labelled in the same way all around the world. The data will enable ECHA to establish the first European inventory of hazardous substances and harmonised classifications.
December 2010
21/12/2010: Commission strengthens legislation on safety at European chemical plants
The European Commission today presented draft legislation to strengthen rules on the control of major accident hazards involving chemicals. The revision of the so-called Seveso II Directive will align the legislation to changes in EU chemicals law and will clarify and update other provisions. This includes introducing stricter inspection standards and improving the level and quality of information available to the public in the event of an accident. The new Directive should apply from 1 June 2015.
17/12/2010: Environment Council, 20 December 2010
The final Environment Council under the Belgian Presidency will be held on 20 December in Brussels. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli, and Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard will represent the European Commission. The Council will open with a progress report on CO2 emissions from light commercial vehicles, followed by an attempt to reach a political agreement on the Biocides Directive. A progress report on the recast of the WEEE Directive will then be presented by the Presidency. Ministers will then adopt conclusions on the outcome of CBD COP 10, the Nagoya biodiversity conference, sustainable materials management and resource efficiency, and better instruments for environmental governance. Views will be exchanged on the outcome of the COP 16 climate change negotiations in Cancun, and on GMOs. Hungary will then present the environmental priorities to be pursued during its term as holder of the Presidency. During lunch, the Director of the European Environment Agency will present the latest 5-yearlyState of the Environment Report.
16/12/2010: Commission biodiversity campaign wins international award
The European Commission's campaign to highlight awareness of biodiversity loss has won a prestigious award in the field of communication, a "European Excellence Award.” These awards – which are chosen by an independent jury of 30 leading communications professionals – are intended to honour outstanding achievements by communications professionals. The award is in the Environment and Ecology category. The campaign, which centres round a viral film and the slogan “weareallinthistogether”, has reached millions of Europeans around the continent, and will continue until next year.
03/12/2010: Environment: New rules on illegal timber come into force across EU
New rules to prevent illegal timber being sold on the European market have come into force across the EU. The legislation will strengthen efforts to halt illegal logging which causes serious environmental damage and biodiversity loss and undermines the efforts of those trying to manage forests responsibly. The Regulation, which was first proposed by the Commission in 2008, was adopted by the EU last month and will apply in all Member States from March 2013.
01/12/2010: First REACH registration closes: a step nearer to safer use of chemicals in the EU
Today marks a major step towards the safe management and use of chemicals throughout Europe. A large proportion of the total volume of chemicals produced and used in the EU, as well as the most dangerous chemicals, have now been registered at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The 30 November deadline for registration of widely-used chemicals was set by REACH, the Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. As a result of REACH, European industry will possess more in-depth knowledge of the potentially hazardous effects of the chemicals they are dealing with. This will lead to safer use of chemicals, increased industrial competitiveness and a cleaner environment. Under the REACH system companies cannot place a chemical substance they manufacture or import on the EU market unless it has been registered with ECHA within the applicable deadline.
01/12/2010: REACH system for safer use of chemicals – frequently asked questions
What is REACH?
REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, is a system for ensuring the safe use of chemicals within the EU. The system was set up by EU legislation which came into force on 1 June 2007, creating a single regulatory system for dealing with new and existing chemical substances. REACH seeks to close the knowledge gap that previously existed concerning the risks associated with particular chemicals and to encourage the progressive replacement of dangerous chemicals with safer ones by means of its authorisation system. REACH places greater responsibility on industry to manage the risk of chemicals and provide appropriate safety information to professional users and, as far as the most hazardous substances are concerned, also to consumers.
November 2010
26/11/2010: Commission announces winners of environmental management awards
Six organisations have won the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Awards for excellence in environmental management. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Brussels last night. The Commission's annual environmental awards have been handed to private companies and public organisations for outstanding environmental achievements since 2000. The 2010 awards focused on resource-efficiency, taking into account water and energy consumption, waste generation and carbon emissions. This year, a record 42 organisations from 15 European countries were nominated. The six winners were selected by a jury of six experts in the field of environmental management and resource efficiency.
24/11/2010: EU set to revise law on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
The European Commission welcomes today's vote by the European Parliament to revise legislation on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The draft legislation, proposed by the Commission in 2008, will strengthen the existing law by streamlining procedures for future substance restrictions and by making it coherent with other chemicals legislation1. Today’s vote confirms the first reading agreement with the Council on the revised legislation.
24/11/2010: Commission asks Czech Republic to comply with Court ruling on environmental impact assessments
The European Commission is urging the Czech Republic to comply with a European Court of Justice ruling on public involvement in environmental impact assessments. On a proposal by Commissioner Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice under ongoing infringement proceedings. If the Czech Republic fails to respond within two months, they could face a second Court referral and financial penalties.
24/11/2010: Air Quality: Cyprus, Italy, Portugal and Spain taken to Court over failure to comply with EU rules
The European Commission is urging Cyprus, Italy, Portugal and Spain to comply with EU air quality limit values for airborne particles known as PM10. These Member States have so far failed to effectively tackle excess emissions of PM10. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has therefore decided to take Cyprus, Italy, Portugal and Spain to Court.
24/11/2010: Poland in Court over failure to comply with EU directive on nature protection
The European Commission is taking Poland to the European Court of Justice for its insufficient transposition of nature protection legislation. The Commission has particular concerns about the provisions in Poland's national legislation for derogations from the strict protection offered by the Habitats Directive. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the case is referred to the European Court of Justice.
24/11/2010: Commission urges Italy to comply with Court judgement on waste water treatment
The European Commission is urging Italy to comply with a ruling by the European Court of Justice about waste water treatment. In November 2006, the Court ruled that Italy must take action to protect the River Olona basin in North Italy by treating all urban waste water entering the area. Four years after the ruling, Italy is still not complying with the requirement. Therefore, the Commission is sending a letter of formal notice on a recommendation by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik. Italy has two months to respond. A failure to act could lead to financial penalties.
24/11/2010: Commission asks Ireland to comply with Court ruling on septic tanks
The European Commission is urging Ireland to comply with a 2009 European Court of Justice ruling on septic tanks. The Commission is concerned that a year after the Court ruling, no legal measures have been adopted to ensure that septic tanks are subject to adequate checks and inspections to protect human health and the environment. On a recommendation by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a letter of formal notice under ongoing infringement proceedings is therefore sent. If Ireland fails to act, the Commission could refer the case back to the Court and request financial penalties.
24/11/2010: Commission closes case on access to justice against Ireland
Following action by the Irish authorities, the Commission, on a recommendation by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, is closing a non-communication case on absence of certain access to justice rules.
24/11/2010: Commission asks Portugal to comply with Court ruling on industrial accidents
The European Commission is asking Portugal to comply with a ruling by the European Court of Justice on emergency planning for major industrial accidents. In September 2009, the Court found that Portugal was failing to implement the Seveso Directive, legislation that obliges Member States to draw up emergency plans to cover major accidents involving dangerous substances. More than a year after the Court ruling, the Commission has still not been notified about plans for 50 installations. At the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore issuing a Letter of Formal Notice under ongoing infringement proceedings. If the necessary actions are not taken by the Portuguese authorities, the Commission may decide to take Portugal back to Court to request financial penalties.
24/11/2010: Industrial emissions: Commission urges Estonia and Ireland to comply with EU legislation
The European Commission is taking Estonia to the European Court of Justice for its incomplete transposition of a law designed to prevent industrial pollution. Ireland is also being urged to comply with the same piece of legislation, as a number of its agricultural installations still do not meet the requirements of the Directive. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is referring Estonia to the Court and sending Ireland a reasoned opinion. Both Member States have two months to respond.
24/11/2010: Air quality: Commission urges nine Member States to implement revised legislation
The European Commission is urging nine Member States to comply with EU environmental legislation in the area of air quality. The Member States concerned are: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovenia and Spain. These Member States have failed to communicate the transposition of this legislation at national level to the Commission. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is therefore being sent. Failing this, the Commission may refer the cases to the European Court of Justice.
24/11/2010: Commission urges Luxembourg to implement Court ruling on water pollution
The European Commission is urging Luxembourg to implement a Court ruling and comply with measures to combat water pollution caused by nitrates. Luxembourg was condemned by the European Court of Justice in June this year for its failure to adopt action plans for zones vulnerable to nitrate pollution, as required by EU law. Despite the judgement, Luxembourg still does not fully comply with the legislation and has not indicated how it intends to implement the ruling. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a letter of formal notice is therefore being sent. Luxembourg has two months to comply with the request. Failing this, the Commission may decide to refer the case back to the European Court of Justice and propose financial penalties.
24/11/2010: Commission asks four Member States to implement EU chemicals legislation
The European Commission is asking Germany, Finland, Poland and Portugal to update their chemicals laws in line with recent changes in legislation agreed at EU level. These Member States did not communicate measures relating to the Directive on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. Poland has also failed to inform the Commission about the transposition of legislation on biocides. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is being sent by the Commission. The four Member States have two months to comply with the request. Failing this, the Commission may refer them to the European Court of Justice.
24/11/2010: Commission asks Denmark to comply with EU water legislation
The European Commission is asking Denmark to address a number of issues of non-conformity between national and EU water legislation. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is therefore being sent. Denmark has two months to comply with the request. Failing this, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
24/11/2010: Poland faces Court over failure to notify flooding legislation
The Commission is referring Poland to the European Court of Justice for failing to comply with EU environmental legislation in the area of flood prevention. Poland has not notified the Commission that the legislation has been adopted, despite a reasoned opinion issued in July this year under ongoing infringement proceedings. The legislation should have been in place by November 2009. At the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has therefore decided to refer the case to the Court.
24/11/2010: Estonia and Poland face Court for failing to put EU law on their statute books
The European Commission is referring Estonia and Poland to the European Court of Justice for failing to bring EU environmental legislation into force. These Member States have not yet adopted legislation on spatial data infrastructure at national level, despite reasoned opinions issued to both countries under ongoing infringement proceedings. The legislation was due by 15 May 2009. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has therefore decided to refer the cases to the Court.
24/11/2010: Commission asks Belgium and Portugal to comply with EU legislation on strategic environmental assessments
The European Commission is urging Belgium and Portugal to adopt measures to implement EU legislation on assessing the effects of plans and programmes on the environment. The existing legislation on strategic environmental assessments in Belgium and Portugal contains a number of shortcomings. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore sending both countries a reasoned opinion. The Member States have two months to comply. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may refer the cases to the European Court of Justice.
08/11/2010: EU adopts stricter rules on industrial emissions
New EU legislation adopted today will bring down industrial emissions from large combustion plants across the EU, bringing several environmental and health benefits to Europe's citizens, like an expected reduction in premature deaths of 13,000 per year. The stricter legislation on industrial emissions was proposed by the European Commission in December 2007. The new rules will also lead to significant savings through the reduction of administrative burden and provide a more level playing field for industry.
October 2010
29/10/2010: Joint statement by Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Environment and Joke Schauvliege, EU President of the Environment Council on the outcome of the COP10 Conference on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan
The European Union warmly welcomes the agreement here in Nagoya on a global strategy to combat biodiversity loss, the mobilization of the necessary resources to implement it and the creation of a Protocol on Access to and Benefit Sharing of genetic resources. The world needs it and failure here was not an option.
29/10/2010: Guidelines to reconcile wind energy development and biodiversity policy
While in general terms wind energy does not represent a threat to wildlife, poorly sited or designed wind farms can have a negative impact on vulnerable species and habitats. That's why the European Commission has published today guidelines for wind energy development in protected natural areas. The guidelines apply to the Natura 2000 network, a cornerstone of EU biodiversity policy and a key tool to achieve the EU target of halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2020. Wind energy has an important role to play in meeting the EU target of 20% renewable energy in Europe’s total energy consumption by 2020, and its deployment in Natura 2000 areas is not automatically excluded. But such developments need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.
28/10/2010: France taken to Court and Luxembourg given warning over failure to notify flooding legislation
The Commission is asking France and Luxembourg to comply with EU environmental legislation in the area of flood prevention. Both Member States have failed to inform the Commission about the transposition of this legislation, which should have been in place by November 2009. At the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission has decided to take France to Court over its failure to transpose the legislation and to send a reasoned opinion to Luxembourg to which it will have two months to respond.
28/10/2010: Commission asks Spain to comply with Court ruling on industrial accidents
The European Commission is asking Spain to comply with a ruling by the European Court of Justice on emergency planning for major industrial accidents. In March of this year, the Court found that Spain was failing to implement the Seveso Directive, legislation that obliges Member States to draw up emergency plans to cover major accidents involving dangerous substances. The Commission is concerned that six months after the Court ruling, no such plans exist for 24 potentially dangerous industrial installations. At the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, it has therefore decided to issue a Letter of Formal Notice under ongoing infringement proceedings. If the necessary actions are not taken by the Spanish authorities, the Commission may decide to take Spain back to Court to request financial penalties.
28/10/2010: Commission urges France and Hungary to comply with EU air quality rules
The European Commission is urging France and Hungary to comply with EU air quality standards. These Member States have so far failed to effectively tackle excess emissions of tiny airborne particles known as PM10. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is therefore being sent. France and Hungary have two months to take appropriate action. Failure to do so could result in the Commission referring them to the European Court of Justice.
28/10/2010: Commission urges Greece to comply with Court ruling on illegal landfills
The European Commission is urging Greece to implement a European Court of Justice ruling concerning illegal landfills. Despite being condemned by the Court in 2005 for not taking enough measures to close down and rehabilitate all existing illegal landfills, several hundred continue to operate across the country. At the recommendation of Janez Potočnik, Commissioner for Environment, the Commission has decided to issue a complementary letter of formal notice under ongoing infringement proceedings. If the appropriate action is not taken by the Greek authorities, the Commission may decide to refer the case back to Court and request financial penalties.
28/10/2010: Commission is taking Malta to Court for failing to implement EU laws to limit noise impacts
The European Commission is referring Malta to the European Court of Justice for failing to bring EU environmental legislation into force. Under EU law, strategic noise maps had to be drawn up by June 2007. Malta does not yet have ambient noise maps at a national level, despite several letters from the Commission issued under ongoing infringement proceedings. At the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is referring the case to the Court of Justice.
28/10/2010: Commission asks four Member States to implement EU chemicals legislation
The European Commission is asking France, Italy, Luxembourg and Slovenia to update their chemicals legislation to comply with the Directive on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. These Member States have either not adopted all the measures necessary to implement this law at national level or have not yet officially informed the Commission that they are in place. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is being sent by the Commission. The four Member States have two months to comply with the request. Failing this, the Commission may refer them to the European Court of Justice.
28/10/2010: Commission urges Belgium to adopt measures to implement air quality legislation
The European Commission is urging Belgium to adopt the measures necessary to bring new EU air quality legislation into force across the whole country. To date the legislation has only been transposed in one of the three regions. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, a reasoned opinion is being sent by the Commission. Failing this, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
28/10/2010: Commission urges seven Member States to submit river basin plans
The European Commission is urging seven Member States to comply with EU water legislation and submit their plans for managing Europe's river basins. The Member States concerned are Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia. The river basin management plans should have been adopted by 22 December 2009 at the latest. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, reasoned opinions are therefore being sent. In the absence of satisfactory responses from the Member States concerned within two months, the Commission may refer them to the European Court of Justice.
28/10/2010: Commission takes Sweden to Court over missing industrial permits
The Commission is referring Sweden to the European Court of Justice over industrial installations that are operating with permits that are now out of date. The permits of at least 26 installations have not yet been reconsidered or updated. Under European law, the permits should have been issued by 30 October 2007. Permits are only issued if a number of environmental criteria are met. Although progress is being made, the Commission is concerned at its slow pace. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore referring Sweden to the Court.
28/10/2010: Commission asks Slovakia to comply with EU waste legislation on electrical and electronic equipment
The European Commission is urging Slovakia to adopt measures to implement EU standards on waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The existing Slovakian legislation contains a number of shortcomings, especially as regards facilities for collecting such waste. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is now sending a reasoned opinion. Slovakia has two months to comply. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
28/10/2010: Commission requests Malta to comply with Court ruling on bird hunting
The European Commission is asking Malta to comply with a ruling by the European Court of Justice in the area of hunting birds. In 2009, the Court found that Malta, by permitting the spring hunting of turtle doves and quails in 2004-2007, had failed to implement the Birds Directive properly. The Commission is concerned that new framework legislation seeking to permit spring hunting in future years does not comply with the Court ruling. It has therefore decided, at the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, to issue a Letter of Formal Notice under ongoing infringement proceedings. If the necessary actions are not taken by the Maltese authorities, the Commission may decide to take Malta back to Court to request financial penalties.
28/10/2010: Italy faces Court for failing to implement EU law on waste
The European Commission is referring Italy to the European Court of Justice for failing to implement a Court ruling from 2004 concerning landfills near Milan. The landfills in question are known to contain some hazardous waste, and are a threat to local water and air. Six years after the Court ruling, one landfill has been removed, but two others concerned by the ruling have not yet been cleaned up. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is taking Italy back to Court and asking for fines to be imposed.
22/10/2010: Vitoria-Gasteiz and Nantes to be next European Green Capitals
Spanish regional capital Vitoria-Gasteiz and the French city of Nantes have been named as winners of the European Green Capital award for 2012 and 2013. The European Commission's award scheme encourages cities to improve the quality of urban life by systematically taking the environment into account in urban planning. The awards were presented by EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at a ceremony last night in Stockholm, European Green Capital for 2010.
8/10/2010: Biodiversity: Assessment confirms EU has missed 2010 target, but important lessons learned
A report published today confirms that the EU has missed its target of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010. The assessment of implementing the Commission's Biodiversity Action Plan shows that Europe's biodiversity remains under severe threat from the excessive demands we are making on our environment, such as changes in land use, pollution, invasive species and climate change. Nevertheless, the assessment reveals that significant progress has been made over the last two years. Important lessons learned from implementing the action plan will underpin the EU's post-2010 strategy.
4/10/2010: New guidelines to reconcile mining and biodiversity policy
The European Commission has today published new guidelines to clarify rules for extractive industries in protected natural areas. As demand for precious raw materials grows, access to land available for mineral extraction in the EU is becoming ever more important. Some minerals are found on land within Natura 2000, the EU's network of protected natural areas, and the new guidelines explain the procedures to be followed in such cases. The economic implications are high. The industry in question has a turnover of around €49 billion and provides employment for more than a quarter of a million citizens. Natura 2000 is a crucial tool in the fight against biodiversity loss, and it does not exclude human activities. On the contrary it is a flexible scheme that allows mining and quarrying provided they are sustainable in all respects, and are carried out without compromising the integrity of the network.
September 2010
Environment: Commission asks Belgium to comply with EU water legislation
The European Commission is sending a request to Belgium to address a significant number of issues of non-conformity between national and EU water legislation. Belgium has two months to comply with the reasoned opinion. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
Environment: Commission requests Austria and the Czech Republic to comply with rules on flood prevention
The European Commission requests Austria and the Czech Republic to comply with EU environmental legislation in the area of flood prevention and risk management. The Czech Republic has failed to inform the Commission about the implementation of this legislation, which was due by November 2009. Austria has sent partial information to the Commission, but there are still significant gaps. Both countries have two months to inform the Commission of measures taken to comply with the request for information. In the absence of a satisfactory response to the reasoned opinion, the Commission may refer them to the Court of Justice.
Environment: Commission asks Spain to comply with EU water legislation against nitrate pollution
The European Commission is asking Spain to correctly apply EU legislation aimed at protecting water against nitrate pollution. Spain has two months to comply with the reasoned opinion, failing which the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
Environment: Commission asks Romania to comply with bird protection rules
The European Commission is asking Romania to ensure that its bird protection legislation is fully compliant with EU law. The Commission is concerned that the hunting periods designated under Romanian law coincide with periods of special protection. Romania has two months to comply with the reasoned opinion, failing which the Commission may refer Romania to the EU's Court of Justice.
Environment: Commission requests Italy to comply with Court ruling on Waste Management Plans
The European Commission asks Italy to comply with a ruling by the European Court of Justice in the area of waste disposal. The Court ruled in 2007 that Waste Management Plans required under the Waste Framework Directive and the Hazardous Waste Directive had either not been adopted, or the existing plans were not compliant with the Directives, in certain Italian Regions and Provinces. The necessary plans were then adopted for Friuli Venezia Giulia, Puglia, Bolzano and Rimini. However, the existing planning framework in Lazio is not yet in line with EU legislation. The Commission has therefore decided to issue a Letter of Formal Notice under Article 260 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. If the necessary actions were not taken by Italian authorities, the Commission may decide take Italy back to Court and to request financial penalties.
Environment: Austria and Sweden face Court for failing to implement EU laws on spatial data
The European Commission is referring Austria and Sweden to the European Court of Justice for failing to bring EU environmental legislation into force. The two Member States have not yet adopted legislation on spatial data infrastructure at national level despite reasoned opinions issued to both countries under ongoing infringement proceedings.
Environment: Commission asks Italy to comply with rules on prevention of industrial accidents
The Commission is asking Italy to correctly apply the requirements of EU legislation on major industrial hazards. The case refers to the failure of authorities in the Province of Trieste to provide sufficient information to the public on safety measures and required behaviour in the event of an accident. Italy has two months to respond to the reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures, failing which the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
Environment: Commission asks Ireland to comply with court ruling on waste, welcomes closure of two other cases
The European Commission is asking Ireland to comply with a ruling by the EU's Court of Justice regarding waste disposal. While good progress has been made in some instances, more action is needed in areas such as construction waste and end-of-life vehicles. If the necessary actions were not taken, the Commission may take Ireland back to Court and request financial penalties. The Commission welcomed measures taken by Ireland to comply with a Court ruling on the protection of certain vulnerable areas and Natura 2000 sites, as well as environmental impact assessments, and has closed infringement cases on both topics.
Industrial emissions: Commission asks Greece to comply with EU legislation
The Commission is asking Greece to comply with the requirements of EU legislation on industrial emissions. This follows Greece's failure to regularly inform the Commission about the implementation of the Directive. Greece has two months to respond to the reasoned opinion, failing which the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
Chemicals: Commission asks three Member States to adopt measures to implement EU legislation
The European Commission is asking Belgium, the Czech Republic and Greece to implement EU law on chemicals at national level. These Member States did not communicate measures relating to the Directive on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. The three Member States have two months to comply with the reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures. Failing this, the Commission may refer them to the European Court of Justice.
Statement by Commissioner Potočnik on the Ministerial meeting of the Convention for the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR)
"I welcome the decision by OSPAR ministers to protect remote parts of the Atlantic Ocean through the establishment of the world's first high seas network of Marine Protected Areas beyond national jurisdiction. Now the protected areas cover 433 000 km². I hope this breakthrough will have a positive influence on the global negotiations in Nagoya next month on the issue of the protection of marine biodiversity.
New atlas highlights the value of Europe's soil biodiversity and reveals how it is under threat
The European Commission's own research body, the Joint Research Centre, publishes today, for the first time, an indicator-based map of potential threats to soil biodiversity, in order to guide decision-makers in protecting this crucial resource. The biodiversity within our soils plays a vital role in agriculture and in the water and carbon cycle. The atlas highlights areas within Europe where soil biodiversity is most at risk of decline relative to the current situation – notably parts of the UK, the Benelux countries and Northern France, although there are areas of high risk also in several other Member States. It provides a comprehensive source of information for researchers, policy makers and teachers. It will be launched at the conference 'Soil, Climate Change and Biodiversity – Where do we stand?' (Brussels, 23 & 24 September 2010).
Statement of Commissioner Potočnik following the High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity
Next month in Nagoya we are due to adopt a new global strategic plan of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. A plan that needs to ensure that we avoid dangerous levels of biodiversity loss and which will ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the goods and services that nature provides. Today's meeting was a step in the right direction towards that goal.
Environment: Retailers deliver on green promises
Shoppers in Europe are finding more green products on the shelves thanks to promises made by European retailers to promote more environmentally sustainable consumption patterns. A report monitoring the achievements of voluntary targets set by members of the European Retail Forum – a European Commission and Retail sector initiative – shows retailers are delivering on their commitments. As well as putting more sustainable products on supermarket shelves, retailers have also made progress in reducing their environmental footprint, paying particular attention to resource efficiency measures. Communicating with consumers on sustainability issues, however, is considered an area for improvement. The report recommends setting up an award scheme to reward best practice.
Statement of Commissioner Potočnik following the European Parliament vote on the Proposal for a Regulation on biocides
"I welcome the European Parliament's positive vote on the proposed Biocides Regulation. I am glad to see that the objectives which drove the Commission's proposal in June 2009 remain at the forefront. The Parliament has voted in support of rules which provide the right balance between ensuring that biocidal products are safe for people and the environment, whilst simplifying procedures related to their authorisation. I support in principle the opening up of the Union authorisation to a wider group of biocidal products, but we must be realistic about whether the system can deal with so many products coming within its scope, and doing so at the same time. An appropriate and workable mechanism for progressive opening up of the system has to be put in place."
European Mobility Week 2010: 'Travel Smarter, Live Better'
From 16 to 22 September 2010, hundreds of towns and cities across Europe and beyond will take part in European Mobility Week, the biggest global event dedicated to sustainable urban travel. The 2010 campaign theme – Travel Smarter, Live Better – recognises the detrimental effects that current urban transport trends have on citizens' health. The aim is to encourage local authorities to promote alternatives to the car and highlight their positive impact on public health and the environment.
30 November 2010: Last call for companies to register chemicals
The Commission reminds companies that they must register the most widely used or most dangerous chemicals by the deadline of 30 November this year, less than 12 weeks from now. Registration is one of the milestones of REACH, the EU Regulation on chemicals and their safe use Companies are also reminded that they must notify the Classification and Labelling of their chemicals to European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by 3 January next year.
Commissioner Potocnik welcomes the ratification of the Mediterranean Coastal Zone Protocol
Statement by Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik following the adoption of the Council decision to ratify the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean.
The chemicals deadlines: REACH registration (30 November 2010) CLP notification (1 January 2011)
Registration is one of the key elements of REACH, which places the responsibility on industry to manage the risks that chemicals can pose to the human health and the environment. Companies must document how to control such risks by sending a registration dossier to the European Chemicals Agency, ECHA.
Biodiversity: Powering up local authorities around the globe
How can local authorities save money while boosting economies, enhancing quality of life and generating employment? By factoring ecosystem services into policy-making, according to a new report. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) for Local and Regional Policy Makers report shows local policy makers how to improve their understanding of the value and services provided by natural capital like woodlands, parks and waterways, and to reap benefits in local policy areas such as urban management, spatial planning and protected areas management.
Questions and answers on the new directive for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes
Questions and answers on the new directive for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes
EU revises laws to better protect animals used in scientific experiments
Questions and answers on the new directive for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes
Biodiversity: Commission seeks views on future options for EU biodiversity policy
The European Commission has launched a web-based consultation to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders on policy options for the European Union's post-2010 EU biodiversity strategy. Opinions are sought from citizens, stakeholders, public administrations, business and civil society on issues including the shortcomings of the existing biodiversity policy, the new approach that the Commission is proposing, farming and biodiversity, the economics of biodiversity, and biodiversity governance inside and outside the EU. The results will feed into the new strategy which is under development. The consultation runs until 22 October 2010.
Europe's seas: Commission sets out criteria for good environmental status
The European Commission today adopted a decision outlining the criteria necessary to achieve good environmental status for Europe's seas. This will help Member States to develop coordinated marine strategies within each regional sea, ensuring consistency and allowing progress to be compared between regions. The definition of the criteria is a requirement under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive which aims to achieve good environmental status in all EU marine waters by 2020.
August 2010
Environment: Policy Review shows need to address the challenge of resource efficiency
Today the 2009 Environment Policy Review was published. It reports on EU policy developments from last year and looks in detail at EU and Member States' environmental trends and policy performance.
July 2010
Commission to provide €250 million for more than 200 new LIFE+ projects
The European Commission has approved funding for 210 new projects under the third call for the LIFE+ programme (2007-2013), the European fund for the environment. The projects are from across the EU and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, environmental policy, and information and communication. Overall, they represent a total investment of €515 million, of which the EU will provide €249.8 million.
Environment: Commission requests Poland to comply with rules on flood prevention
The European Commission has decided to ask Poland to comply with EU environmental legislation in the area of flood prevention and risk management. Poland has failed to inform the Commission about the implementation of this legislation, which was due by November 2009. Poland has two months to inform the Commission of measures taken to comply with the request for information, which takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion' under EU infringement procedures. In the absence of a satisfactory response the Commission may refer Poland to the Court of Justice.
Biodiversity: new report highlights win-win business practices that do more for the planet
A new report funded by the European Commission makes a strong case for integrating biodiversity into private sector business plans and core activities around the globe. The report reveals considerable recent growth in eco-certified products and services, growing consumer concerns for sustainable production, and shows how biodiversity can provide a substantial business opportunity in a market that could be worth US$ 2-6 trillion by 2050. It makes seven key recommendations for businesses, and calls on accounting professions and financial reporting bodies to develop common standards to assess biodiversity impacts, and develop new tools for this purpose. “TEEB for Business” will form part of the TEEB synthesis report to be launched at a meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan in October 2010
Informal Environment Council in Gent on the 13th of July 2010
Joint Statement of Joke Schauvliege, Flemish Minister for Environment, Nature and Culture, Chair of the Environment Council, and Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action
Statement by Janez Potočnik welcoming the Parliament's vote on the Commission proposal for a new Directive on industrial emissions
"This is a significant step forward in industrial pollution control. The Parliament has voted for a system that is clearer, more effective and more efficient than the present legislative framework. It will have a major impact in reducing premature deaths and environmental problems linked to air quality, and it will stimulate eco-innovation. The vote should seal a deal that will improve environmental protection and the enforceability of current legislation. This is something that the Commission has aimed for since the original proposal in 2007, and I am happy to see that these goals have been maintained"
Statement by Janez Potočnik following the European Parliament vote on the Proposal for a Regulation to ban illegal timber
"I welcome the European Parliament's positive vote today on the European Commission proposal for a draft Regulation on illegal timber. Illegal logging often causes serious environmental damage and undermines the efforts of those who are trying to manage forests responsibly. That is why the Commission proposed to regulate timber imports, with the aim to prevent the sale of illegal timber, or products made with such timber, on the EU market.
Environment: Commission asks for views on revamping environmental impact assessments
The European Commission has launched a wide public consultation in relation to the review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation. The consultation covers issues, such as the screening of projects for EIA, the quality of the EIA process, the harmonisation of assessment requirements among Member States, cross-border difficulties when projects affect more than one Member State, the role of the environmental authorities, and development of synergies with other EU policies, such as climate change and biodiversity. The findings of the consultation will feed into a Commission review next year. All interested parties – citizens, stakeholders and organisations involved in environmental assessments – are invited to respond to the public consultation by 24 September 2010. The questionnaire is available in all 22 Community languages.
June 2010
Commission proposal on marketing of wild types of grass seeds boosts efforts to protect the EU's biodiversity
Efforts to conserve the natural environment and protect biodiversity in the EU received a boost, last Friday, after the Member States endorsed a Commission proposal providing for the placing on the market of certain types of wild plant seeds from conserved habitats. In particular, the proposal –adopted by the Standing Committee on Seeds and Propagating material for Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry– relaxes stringent rules to allow the marketing of wild types of plant seeds, known as "preservation seed mixtures."
EU law: Commission acts to ensure that European legislation is fully and properly implemented
In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against 27 Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law. These decisions cover many sectors. They aim at ensuring proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The Commission has taken 330 decisions, including 45 complaints taking Member States before the EU's Court of Justice, and 4 decisions related to failure to respect a previous Court ruling.
Drinking water: Commission welcomes French compliance with EU rules on nitrate pollution in Brittany
The European Commission has welcomed measures taken by France to comply with its obligations under EU rules as regards nitrate pollution of sources of drinking water in Brittany, and has closed its infringement case. France was condemned by the European Court of Justice in 2001 for breaching EU rules on the quality of surface water used to produce drinking water. A second referral to the ECJ was suspended in 2007 after France adopted an action plan to ensure compliance with nitrate concentration limits. France is now implementing the action plan. The Commission will continue to monitor compliance in the area.
Environment - Sustainable Consumption and Production: European retailers deliver green code of conduct
European business leaders today delivered a voluntary environmental code of conduct for the retail sector. Retailers signing up to the code commit to a set of principles and measures aimed at reducing their environmental footprint. The Retail Environmental Sustainability Code was presented to EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at an event to mark the first anniversary of the Retail Forum. The Forum was set up last year by the European Commission and the European retail sector as part of their drive to promote more environmentally sustainable consumption patterns.
Environment: Commission welcomes Spanish compliance with bird protection rules; infringement procedure closed
The European Commission has welcomed appropriate action by the Spanish authorities in a case where Spain had been in breach of its obligations under EU nature protection rules, and has closed the infringement procedure. The case concerns a long running dispute with Spanish authorities over the designation of areas for the protection of birds, after numerous shortcomings identified by the Commission have finally been resolved. The EU's Court of Justice had ordered Spain to comply with the legislation in question, and a considerable expansion of protected areas means that the case can now be closed.
Environment: Commission requests Portugal to ensure coastal developments comply with habitat protection rules
The European Commission is requesting Portugal to ensure that coastal developments in sensitive natural areas are fully compliant with EU environmental protection law. The Commission is concerned that planning permission has been granted for two substantial developments in protected natural areas in the Alcácer/Grândola districts in the north of Alentejo, inside an area known as Comporta-Galé, part of Europe’s Natura 2000 network, despite projected negative effects. If the planned developments go ahead unchanged, sensitive protected areas could be lost forever. The case has important implications, as further more similar developments in the region are also under consideration. Portugal has two months to comply with the request, which takes the form of a reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures, failing which the Commission may refer Portugal to the EU's Court of Justice.
Environment: Commission brings four Member States to Court for failing to implement EU laws
The European Commission is taking four Member States (Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Greece) to the EU's Court of Justice for failing to transpose EU environmental legislation into their national laws. Belgium is being referred to Court concerning EU rules on end of life vehicles, Luxembourg concerning groundwater and drinking water legislation, Germany concerning EU rules on the access and use of spatial data related to the environment and Greece concerning landfill rules.
Environment: Commission requests ten Member States to comply with EU legislation
The Commission is requesting ten Member States (Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Portugal, Latvia, Finland, Poland, Malta and Slovakia) to comply with EU environmental legislation in five different areas, namely prevention of floods, electrical and electronic equipment waste, water policy, management of environmental noise and landfill waste sites. The cases fall into three different categories: non-communication – the failure to adopt EU legislation at national level; non-conformity between national legislation and the requirements of EU legislation; and bad application, failing to properly apply the requirements of EU legislation. Nine of the Member States now have two months to respond to the requests, which take the form of 'reasoned opinions' under EU infringement procedures. In the case of Malta, the deadline to respond is one month. In the absence of satisfactory responses from the Member States concerned, the Commission may refer them to the EU's Court of Justice.
Environment: Commission requests Belgium, Greece and Romania to implement EU air quality rules
The European Commission has decided to request Belgium, Greece and Romania to implement in full EU air quality legislation on particulates. The three Member States have so far failed to tackle excess emissions of tiny airborne particles known as PM10. The Member States have two months to comply with the requests, which take the form of reasoned opinions under EU infringement procedures, failing which the Commission may refer them to the EU's Court of Justice.
Waste water treatment: Commission seeks substantial fines for Belgium; sends fresh warning to Luxembourg
The European Commission is referring Belgium back to the EU's Court of Justice for its failure to bring the country's waste water treatment up to the standards required by EU law. The Commission has asked the Court to impose a lump-sum fine of more than €15 million and a daily penalty payment of nearly €62.000. Despite an earlier Court ruling in the long-running case, some 40 agglomerations still remain listed as not complying with EU legislation. The Commission is also sending Luxembourg a fresh warning that it will be taken to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for the second time with the possibility of fines over the same issue. Both Member States are still not complying with the 1991 Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, despite having been condemned by the EU's Court of Justice for this.
Questions and answers on bathing water policy
How does the European Union help to clean up Europe's beaches?
What is the difference between guide and imperative values?What can we learn about the quality of bathing sites today from information from the previous season?
Other questions ?
EU bathing water quality remains high
Clean bathing waters are vital for key economic sectors such as tourism and for plant and animal life. The annual bathing water report presented by the European Commission and the European Environment Agency shows that 96 % of coastal bathing areas and 90 % of bathing sites in rivers and lakes complied with minimum standards in 2009. It also describes where to obtain detailed and up-to-date information on bathing sites.
Statement by Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Environment, on the eve of World Environment Day, 5 June 2010
World Environment Day is an important day in the calendar. Our world needs it. By continuing to make the choices we make, by consuming and producing in the way that we have been doing for too long, we run the risk of changing the world irreversibly. We run the risk that future generations will not enjoy the planet in the same way that we have been lucky enough to do.
Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment Opening remarks European Business Awards for the Environment Awards Ceremony Brussels, 2nd June 2010
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,
Finalists of the 2010 edition of the European business Awards for the Environment.
A warm welcome to you all. It's always a pleasure to address a group in a relaxed atmosphere like this, in a friendly competition where we share a common purpose. Let's not forget that while there will only be one winner in each of the four categories tonight, your presence here means that you are already a winner. So before anyone is disappointed – congratulations to you all!
EU law: Commission acts to ensure that European legislation is fully and properly implemented
In its monthly decision package, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against several Member States for failing to comply with EU law. These decisions cover many sectors. They aim at ensuring proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The Commission has taken 226 decisions, including 13 complaints taking 10 Member States before the European Court of Justice, and 3 decisions related to non-application of a Court's ruling.
Environment: Twelve Member States warned over missing river basin plans
The European Commission is sending a first warning to twelve Member States for failing to submit their plans for managing Europe's river basins, as required by EU water legislation. The Member States involved are: Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain. The river basin plans are the cornerstone of the Water Framework Directive and essential for achieving the EU's objective of 'good status' for European waters by 2015. They should have been adopted by 22 December 2009 at the latest.
Environment: Six Member States face Court for failing to put EU laws on their statute books
The European Commission is taking six Member States to the European Court of Justice for failing to transpose EU environmental legislation into their national laws. Court action is being taken against Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece and Luxembourg, following two earlier warnings.
Air quality: Commission sends final warning to UK over levels of fine particle pollution
The European Commission is pursuing legal action against the UK for failing to comply with EU air quality standards for dangerous airborne particles known as PM10. These particles emitted mainly by industry, traffic and domestic heating, may have negative effects on health leading to asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death. A second and final written warning has been sent to the UK for still exceeding the limit values for PM10 in a number of zones.
Environment: Calls for taxation regimes to reflect impacts on the environment
Today the European Commission, together with the UN Environmental Programme, launched a major new report highlighting the need for a radical change in the way major economies are using scarce resources. The report provides science-based priorities for world environmental efforts, ranking products, materials and economic and lifestyle activities according to their environmental and resource impacts. Major findings include the news that over half of all world food crops are now fed to animals, and that a doubling of wealth leads typically to an increase of environmental pressure by 60 to 80 per cent. The 149-page report, put together by the International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management, indicates that legislators and policymakers looking to make the most impact on the Earth’s well-being should use taxes and other incentives to encourage more eco-friendly agricultural practices and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
Commission and Agency unveil two new tools to combat biodiversity loss
The opening session of the Green Week conference in Brussels today saw the unveiling of two new weapons to step up the fight against biodiversity loss. BISE, the Biodiversity Information System for Europe, is a new web portal centralising information about European biodiversity in a single location. The European Environment Agency and the European Commission have also developed a "biodiversity baseline" to be used by policymakers, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of biodiversity. The baseline will be used to monitor progress in the renewed efforts to halting biodiversity loss, and will allow trends beyond 2010 to be clearly established and measured.
Europe's largest annual conference on biodiversity opens in Brussels
Today sees the opening in Brussels of Europe's largest annual conference on environment. This year's event, coinciding with the International Year of Biodiversity, will concentrate on the immense variety of species and ecosystems that make up the extraordinary web of life on our planet. Green Week 2010 will address the current state of biodiversity and nature, offering potential solutions to the current alarming rates of loss in some 30 sessions. The conference will also see the launch of the Business and Biodiversity platform, a new initiative to raise awareness about the business arguments for protecting biodiversity. With more than 3000 participants from EU institutions, business and industry, non-governmental organisations, public authorities, the scientific community and academia attending, Green Week 2010 is a unique opportunity for key opinion leaders, the general public and the media to learn and exchange experience and good practice.
May 2010
World Biodiversity Day: Thousands connect with nature through EU
Tomorrow is World Biodiversity Day and despite efforts around the globe, studies show that biodiversity - the rich variety of life on this planet - is diminishing at a startling rate. An innovative EU campaign to highlight this message is engaging thousands of people across the European Union and beyond. The campaign website has already received more than half a million visits, while over 56,000 people have shown their support for the campaign on Facebook. The Commission is marking World Biodiversity Day with a series of events in six focus countries: Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland and Italy.
Reduced Chemicals fees for SMEs
The Commission is taking further measures to ease the implementation of the new EU Regulations on chemicals for SMEs and reduce costs. The Regulation, that sets the fees to be levied by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in connection with Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (CLP), was adopted today. There are specific reductions for SMEs: 90% for micro enterprises, 60% for small companies, and 30% for medium-sized companies. These fees apply when a company asks for an alternative name for a substance or requests harmonized classification and labelling for substances. Companies can also use the new alternative name in a number of additional mixtures without paying an extra fee.
Environment: New Commission strategy aims to get even more from bio-waste
The European Commission today laid out steps to improve the management of bio-waste in the EU and tap into its significant environmental and economic benefits. Bio-degradable garden, kitchen and food waste accounts for 88 million tonnes of municipal waste each year and has major potential impacts on the environment. But it also has considerable promise as a renewable source of energy and recycled materials. Today's Communication promotes actions to unlock this potential by making the best use of existing legislation while giving Member States discretion to choose the options best suited to their individual circumstances. Supporting initiatives at EU level will also be necessary.
Environment: Water scarcity and droughts – a major concern for many areas in Europe
The European Commission today published a report on the progress of Member States in addressing water scarcity and droughts. Despite more rainfall in southern European countries in 2009 than in previous years, greater efforts are still needed to stop and reverse the over-exploitation of Europe's limited water resources. An effective water pricing policy, water efficiency and water saving measures are essential to ensure that Europe has enough good quality water to meet the needs of users and to face the challenges of a changing climate.
Fighting against illegal timber exports: the European Union and the Republic of Congo sign partnership agreement
Today, the European Union and the Republic of Congo have signed the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement. The agreement foresees that, starting in July 2011, all wood products entering the European Union from the Republic of Congo will be required to carry a licence showing that they contain wood and wood products from a legal origin. European consumers will be ensured that wood and wood products imported from the Republic of Congo are of legal origin.
Commission asks Finland to protect its endangered native seals
The European Commission is sending a first formal notice to Finland on the lack of adequate protection of the Saimaa ringed seal, one of the world's most endangered seals. The Commission is concerned for the declining population of this endangered species. There is an urgent need to protect it. The Commission is working closely with the Finnish authorities in order to ensure the adequate protection and implementation of nature protection law.
Air quality: European Commission sends final warning to Italy over levels of fine particle pollution
The European Commission is pursuing legal action against Italy for failing to comply with EU air quality standards for dangerous airborne particles known as PM10. These particles, emitted mainly by industry, traffic and domestic heating, have been linked to asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death. A second and final written warning has been sent to Italy for exceeding the limit values for PM10 in many zones or agglomerations across the country.
Final warning for Greece over lack of measures to protect important wetland
The European Commission is pursuing legal proceedings against Greece for failing to put in place adequate measures to protect one of Europe's most important wetlands. The case relates to the pollution and degradation of Lake Koroneia in the region of Thessaloniki. Greece is being sent a second and final written warning for failing to implement the necessary legal protection and conservation framework for the site.
Commission warns Hungary, Portugal and Romania over nature protection shortcomings
The European Commission is pursuing legal action against Hungary, and Portugal for breaching nature protection legislation. Hungary is receiving a second and final written warning about its failure to protect the Sajólád Wood in the east of the country, and for wider problems with the implementation of Natura 2000 in its national legislation. The Commission is also sending Portugal a final warning over an inadequate impact assessment for a tourist resort development in the south of the country. In a third case, the Commission is sending Romania a first written warning over bad application of EU nature law.
Commission sends final warning to Ireland for non-compliance with Court ruling
The European Commission is sending a final warning to Ireland for failing to comply with a European Court of Justice ruling asking it to amend its law on environmental impact assessments. If the necessary steps are not taken, the Commission could refer the case back to the Court and ask for fines to be imposed.
Waste water treatment: European Commission takes Italy and Spain to Court
The European Commission is taking Italy and Spain to the European Court of Justice over two long-running cases involving breaches of EU legislation on urban wastewater treatment. Many large towns and cities remain listed as not having waste water treatment up to EU standards, despite two earlier warnings.
Environment: Europe's first Green Capital shares the secrets of sustainable urban development
Stockholm, Europe's first ever Green Capital, today showcased two visionary projects as examples of sustainable urban development. At a seminar in Brussels, Mayor of Stockholm Sten Nordin and representatives from the Swedish capital showed how cities across Europe can improve the quality of life for citizens while also looking after the environment. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik attended the seminar, organised by the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions and Stockholm.
April 2010
Commission launches €35 million call for projects that turn environmental challenges into business opportunities
The European Commission today launched a €35 million call for eco-innovation projects to be funded under the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme. Under the 2010 CIP Eco-innovation call for proposals, funds are available for new projects in the area of materials recycling, sustainable building products, the food and drink sector and green business practices. Applications are particularly welcome from small businesses with green products or services that need backing to penetrate markets. The call opens today and runs until 9 September 2010. Some 50 projects could end up being chosen for funding.
Eurobarometer: Europeans not well informed about biodiversity loss. European Commission launches campaign to raise awareness
The European Commission has published a Eurobarometer survey which shows that many Europeans do not understand what is meant by biodiversity and do not feel well informed about biodiversity loss. The Commission has at the same time launched a campaign aimed at informing the public about the loss of biodiversity in the EU.
Six finalists vie for title of European Green Capital 2012 and 2013
Barcelona, Malmö, Nantes, Nuremberg, Reykjavík and Vitoria-Gasteiz have been shortlisted by the European Green Capital Award evaluation panel as finalists in the contest for this prestigious environmental honour.
March 2010
Chemicals: New European Commission determined to make REACH a success
Vice President Tajani and Commissioner Potočnik have swiftly followed up on their undertaking given during their Hearings in the European Parliament by together visiting the European Chemicals Agency, ECHA, in Helsinki on 25 March. They are taking action to make progress towards the registration of chemicals and the management of substances of very high concern. Of particular importance is the smooth implementation of the registration of high-volume chemicals by the REACH deadline of 30 November 2010 by implementing solutions to practical problems to support industry's work, in particular SMEs. Both Commissioners also announced their common approach on the identification and management of substances of very high concern. They also welcomed progress on the translation of the guidelines for the implementation of REACH. Both commissioners underlined their commitment to the success of REACH, the European Chemicals Regulation.
Commission speeds up registration and authorisation for safer
This memo focuses on action being taken for enterprises, in particular for SMEs, towards the approaching deadline of 30 November 2010 under REACH. It also provides background information regarding substances of very high concern and authorisation, where substantial progress has been reached. For general information on REACH and its procedures, see MEMO/08/360 “Implementing REACH in practice”.
Environment: Gävle wins European Mobility Week Award 2009
Gävle has won the 2009 European Mobility Week Award. The Swedish coastal city was judged by an independent panel of experts to have done the most to promote clean mobility initiatives during European Mobility Week 2009. Leon in Spain and the Croatian city of Ivanic-Grad were runners-up. The awards were presented by Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at a ceremony in Brussels tonight.
The European Commission launches environmental flagship project under the Eastern Partnership
The flagship project aims to strengthen environmental governance and develop a regional Shared Environmental Information System to strengthen the collection, storage and monitoring of reliable data. It was unveiled at the first meeting of the Eastern Partnership's (EaP) Panel on the Environment and Climate Change. The meeting was attended by representatives from the six partner countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, EU Member States, as well as representatives from EU institutions and civil society. The project has received EU funding of around €13 million.
World Water Day 2010: A red letter day for Europe's waters Reference
Today is World Water Day, and the Commission joins the UN in calling on governments around the globe to raise the political profile of the importance of water quality. But 22 March is also an important date for water management in Europe, because today is the deadline for Member States to submit their plans for managing Europe's river basins, as required by the Water Framework Directive. Most Member States are making good progress in delivering these plans, although a small number of States have significantly less progress. A decade after the legislation was adopted, the Commission is reviewing its implementation and envisages, by 2012, a "Blueprint to Safeguard European Waters."
Environment in the EU27: 40% of municipal waste recycled or composted in 2008 Half a tonne of waste generated per person
In the EU27, 524 kg of municipal waste was generated per person in 2008. 40% of this municipal waste was landfilled, 20% incinerated, 23% recycled and 17% composted. The average amount of waste generated in the EU27 was virtually unchanged from 2007 (525 kg per person).
Statement by the European Commission on CITES vote on bluefin tuna
"We are disappointed with the outcome of the CITES meeting as regards the EU proposal for a listing in Appendix I of bluefin tuna. The EU proposal was a strong commitment towards a sustainable future for the bluefin tuna and for fishermen. We regret that other Parties were not convinced with the merits of such a listing. We remain convinced that stringent measures are needed to ensure the recovery of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The European Union remains committed to the objective of safeguarding bluefin tuna stocks and we look to ICCAT to take its responsibility to ensure that stocks are managed in a sustainable way. If action is not taken, there is a very serious danger that the bluefin tuna will no longer exist."
Environment: Commission sends Romania final warning over environmental impact assessments
The European Commission is sending Romania a final warning about a breach of EU laws regarding environmental impact assessments. A major formaldehyde production plant was built in Romania in 2007 without a permit and before any impact assessment had been made. Romanian authorities initially ordered the demolition of the plant, but the order was subsequently rescinded by a local court. The Commission is not aware of any sanction being applied to the operator. A failure to act on this second warning could see Romania brought before the European Court of Justice.
Environment: Commission takes action against Sweden and Austria over missing industrial permits
The Commission is sending final warnings to Austria and Sweden about some 70 industrial installations that are either operating without permits or with permits that are now out of date. Fifty of these plants are in Sweden, and 21 in Austria. Under European law, the permits should have been issued by 30 October 2007. Permits are only issued if a number of environmental criteria are met.
Ireland: Commission sends final warning over four breaches of environmental law; closes two cases
The European Commission is sending a final warning to Ireland over four cases where it has failed to comply with European Court of Justice rulings concerning illegal development and developments that may harm the natural and man-made heritage of the countryside, access to the Irish courts and protection of marine mammals. If the necessary steps are not taken, the Commission could refer the cases back to the Court and ask for fines to be imposed. Following action by the Irish authorities, the Commission is also closing two long-standing cases on drinking water supplies and shell-fish growing areas, shelving earlier proposed fines for the latter.
Environment: Commission warns UK about unfair cost of challenging decisions
The European Commission is warning the UK about prohibitively expensive challenges to the legality of decisions on the environment. The Commission sent an initial warning to the UK government in 2007; failure to respond to this could result in a summons to the European Court.
Environment: Commission sends Spain final warning over industrial waste
The European Commission is sending Spain a final warning about a breach of EU laws governing the treatment and disposal of industrial waste. The case concerns the stockpiling of solid industrial waste in the Huelva estuary without the necessary waste management measures for the protection of the environment. The stockpiling has been going on for more than 40 years, and some 120 million tonnes of waste have now been dumped.
Environment: Fresh warning to Greece over nature protection shortcomings
The European Commission is again warning Greece about two failures to put into effect biodiversity legislation in a satisfactory manner. Greece has previously been taken to court for failing to designate a sufficient number of protected areas for birds, and for not providing adequate protection to the areas that have been designated. The court found numerous shortcomings, most of which have still not been tackled. Further failures to address these problems could mean another appearance in court and ultimately fines.
Air quality: Commission continues action over levels of fine particle pollution and sulphur dioxide in Member State
The European Commission is pursuing infringement proceedings against five Member States that failed to comply with the EU's air quality standards for dangerous airborne particles known as PM10. These particles, emitted mainly by industry, traffic and domestic heating, can cause asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death. Slovenia and Sweden are being referred to the European Court of Justice, while final written warnings have been sent to Cyprus, Portugal and Spain. In a separate case, Bulgaria is receiving a final written warning over its failure to control concentration levels of sulphur dioxide.
Dragonflies, beetles and butterflies on Red alert
Habitat loss and climate change are having a serious impact on Europe's butterflies, beetles and dragonflies. The release of the latest European Red List, commissioned by the European Commission, shows that nine percent of butterflies, 11 percent of beetles that depend on decaying wood and 14 percent of dragonflies are threatened with extinction within Europe. Some species are so threatened that they are at risk of global extinction and are now included in the latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™.
European Neighbourhood Policy: Launch of the Environment Partnership of the Black Sea Synergy
Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik has opened today the Conference launching the Environment Partnership of the Black Sea Synergy initiative. The Environment Partnership is established to support the efforts of the EU and its partners of the wider Black Sea region to find cooperative approaches to the common challenges that the Black Sea region faces. The Black Sea Synergy initiative is open to all countries of the wider Black Sea region. In his opening speech, Commissioner Potočnik said: 'The Black Sea is not an EU sea. But it is 'our' sea; it belongs to all of us, it is shared by all its countries and neighbours, by all those who live in the region. We share the Black Sea and its challenges; we must share the responsibility to meet them'.
Ten companies line up for the European Business Awards for the Environment 2010
Ten European companies were shortlisted today for the European Business Awards for the Environment. The finalists represent companies from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Turkey and the UK. The prizes, awarded by the European Commission every two years, single out European companies that have made an outstanding contributions to sustainable development in four categories - management, products, processes, and international cooperation. The four winners will be announced at a ceremony on 2 June 2010 during Green Week, the Commission's major annual environmental conference and exhibition event in Brussels. The awards go to companies that spur economic growth by contributing to innovation and competitiveness while also protecting the environment.
Soil biodiversity: the invisible hero
Soils are home to over one quarter of all living species, yet Europe has no binding legislation to protect this precious resource. We depend on soil for food, fibres, construction materials, clean water, clean air, climate regulation, and antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin are derived from the soil. Soil biodiversity is the driving force behind this productive capacity, but that diversity faces numerous threats. A new report published by the European Commission suggests that mismanaging soil biodiversity could worsen climate change, jeopardise agricultural production and compromise the quality of ground water. The European Commission has been arguing for binding legislation in this area since 2006, but little progress has been made. The Soil Framework Directive is once more on the agenda of the Environment Council to be held on 15 March.
Sustainable Consumption and Production: Commission launches handbook on how to assess the environmental impact of products
European Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik today launched an authoritative guide for policy-makers and business on how to assess the environmental impact of products. The guidance is part of the Commission's drive to promote more sustainable consumption and production patterns and reduce Europe's environmental footprint.
European Commission launches public debate on protecting Europe's forests against climate change
The European Commission today adopted a Green Paper which sets out options for a European Union approach to the protection of forests and to information about forest resources and their condition. Responses to the Green Paper from the public, Member States, EU institutions and other stakeholders will guide the Commission on whether additional action is needed at EU level.
February 2010
European Commission proposes that EU support ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna
The European Commission today proposed that the European Union should press for a ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna to enter into force within the next year. The Commission is deeply concerned that overfishing of Atlantic bluefin tuna driven largely by international trade is seriously depleting stocks of the species. The proposal will be discussed with Member States in order to reach a common EU position for the next meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
Nitrate pollution falling, but greater efforts still needed to meet water quality standards across the EU.
A European Commission report published today reveals that nitrate levels in waters across the EU are falling. The report shows that the implementation of legislation to prevent nitrates from agricultural sources polluting ground and surface waters is proving effective. However, in some regions, nitrate concentrations exceed EU water quality standards and farmers need to continue to adopt more sustainable practices.
Follow me on:
