EU Climate Action

The EU and Japan on announced their intention to form a Green Alliance to accelerate the transition of both economies towards becoming climate-neutral, circular and resource-efficient in the coming decades. During the EU-Japan Summit on 27 May, the two parties agreed to strengthen cooperation on protecting the environment, conserving biodiversity and fighting climate change.

Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the Special meeting of the European Council of 25 May.

The 2021 UN climate change conference (COP26) is scheduled to take place from 1 to 12 November 2021 in Glasgow. While uncertainties remain on the practical organisation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU aims, like in previous years, to provide a space for side events as part of the EU Pavilion programme. The call for applications for side events is open until 30 June 2021.

On 17 May, the European Commission proposed a new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU for the industries and sectors related to oceans, seas and coasts. Tackling the climate and biodiversity crises requires healthy seas and a sustainable use of their resources to create alternatives to fossil fuels and traditional food production.

On 12 May, the European Commission adopted the EU Action Plan: “Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil” – a key deliverable of the European Green Deal. It sets out an integrated vision for 2050: a world where pollution is reduced to levels that are no longer harmful to human health and natural ecosystems, as well as the steps to get there.

On 8 May, leaders from the EU and India met for the virtual EU-India Leaders’ Meeting, which resulted in a sustainable and comprehensive Connectivity Partnership and a strengthened Strategic Partnership between the two partners.

On 7 May, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans participated in the 12th Petersberg Climate Dialogue, an informal high-level political meeting of over 30 ministers from around the world focusing on the international climate negotiations and the implementation of climate action.

On 27 April, the European Commission published the final report of a two-year study on how to set up and implement carbon farming in the EU. Building on this study and on the input from several EU-funded projects and events, the Commission plans to launch the carbon farming initiative by the end of 2021.

Speech by President von der Leyen at the Global Leaders Summit hosted by U.S President Joe Biden on the occasion of Earth Day.

The European Climate Data Explorer provides interactive access to many climate indices from the Copernicus Climate Change Service in support of climate change adaptation. It includes maps and time series for specific regions, and users can export images and data.

The LIFE Awards recognise the most innovative, inspirational and effective LIFE projects in three categories: climate action, environment and nature protection. The LIFE Citizens’ Prize enables the general public to get to know the finalists and vote for their favourite project among all 15 finalists.

The 2021 prize will reward effective, innovative and creative initiatives carried out by civil society organisations and/or individuals on the territory of the EU which aim to promote a just transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.

The European Environment Agency's photo competition ‘Climate Change PIX’ invites participants to depict what climate change looks like in Europe and how we are responding to it. Send your best photos by 1 August 2021.

This year, the EU institutions opened their ‘virtual' doors for citizens discover more about Europe. Dive into the interactive space to explore content including videos, take part in quizzes, and play games to discover what the EU does.

ECCA 2021 will turn the spotlight on the pressing need to accelerate the transfer of knowledge from R&I to policies and practices, including societal transformation and behavioural change, in order to increase resilience in Europe and beyond, in the context of rising climate risks.

EU Green Week 2021 will be an opportunity to engage with all stakeholders and interested citizens on how we can work together to make the ambition for a zero pollution and toxic-free environment a reality.

The European Commission and the EP Intergroup have joined forces to organise a discussion on the critical success factors and key enablers for the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change and the Mission Adaptation with MEPs and other stakeholders, including ways for mobilising national, regional and local engagement and ownership.

This workshop will explore different approaches to transforming people’s intentions (“I really should do something”) into long-term habits which are better for the environment, our health and the economy. Speakers will showcase different tools which make people more aware of their impact on the planet by looking at lifestyle or consumption habits, measuring the impact of actions and sharing easy to apply tips.

The LIFE Awards recognise the most innovative, inspirational and effective LIFE projects in the fields of nature protection, environment and climate action. Winners from each of these 3 categories will be voted by expert jury members and announced on the day of the Ceremony. A fourth category is set for the LIFE Citizen's Prize.

The conference is the largest event of its kind in Europe and it brings together cities, industry and financial institutions to exchange good practices and successful solutions to common challenges on financing and implementing the clean energy transition. Live streaming available.

The European Development Days 2021 will focus on The Green Deal for a Sustainable Future and will be fully digital.

CONNECT University is organising from 21 June until 2 July a special sixth edition of Summer School that aims to share knowledge and information about the way climate change is interconnected with digital transformation.

European Research and Innovation Days is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond.

On 28 April, the Commission organised an online event on the first two calls for projects launched in 2020 under the Innovation Fund. Check the recording and presentations to find out more.

On 15 April, the Commission organised a dedicated webinar to provide more details and answer questions on the application process of the second stage of the first Innovation Fund call for large-scale projects. Check the recording and presentations to find out more.