"EU Climate Action" Newsletter Issues

Executive Vice-President Timmermans resigns; Vice-President Šefčovič will take over his duties (24/08/2023)

Following his decision to be a candidate in the forthcoming general election campaign in the Netherlands, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans has submitted his resignation as Member of the European Commission. President Ursula von der Leyen has decided to assign the role of Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal to Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič.

EU economy greenhouse gas emissions: -3% in Q1 2023 (25/08/2023)

In the first quarter of 2023, EU economy greenhouse gas emissions totaled 941 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents (CO2-eq), a 2.9% decrease compared with the same quarter of 2022 (969 million tonnes of CO2-eq). This decrease took place simultaneously with a 1.2% increase in the EU’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2023, compared with the same quarter of 2022.

Upcoming EU Hydrogen Bank pilot auction: European Commission publishes Terms & Conditions (31/08/2023)

On 30 August, the Commission published the Terms and Conditions (T&C) for its pilot auction dedicated to European renewable hydrogen production. It is an important step towards scaling up production of renewable hydrogen in the EU.

Commission adopts detailed reporting rules for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism's transitional phase (24/08/2023)

On 17 August, the European Commission adopted the rules governing the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) during its transitional phase, which starts on 1 October of this year and runs until the end of 2025.

Commission approves €6.5 billion German scheme to address carbon leakage risk for energy-intensive companies (24/08/2023)

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €6.5 billion German scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies to address the risk of carbon leakage from higher fuel prices resulting from the German fuel emission trading system (‘German fuel ETS').

Circular economy: New law on more sustainable, circular and safe batteries enters into force (25/08/2023)

A new law to ensure that batteries are collected, reused and recycled in Europe has entered into force on 17 August. The new Batteries Regulation will ensure that, in the future, batteries have a low carbon footprint, use minimal harmful substances, need less raw materials from non-EU countries, and are collected, reused and recycled to a high degree in Europe.

New public LIFE projects dashboard promotes transparency and understanding (29/08/2023)

The LIFE public dashboard offers detailed data on over 1 400 LIFE projects worth more than EUR 3.5 billion. Users can search and download information on financing, participation, beneficiaries and the current status of all LIFE projects.

LIFE project helps keep students cool in class (29/08/2023)

The Gabriela Mistral Primary School in southwest Spain is a showcase for the LIFE-myBUILDINGisGREEN project, which aims to enhance the resilience of social buildings and educational centres using Nature-based Solutions.

International Youth Day | Instagram (01/09/2023)

Young people have the greatest potential to create a better world for all. 🌍💫 Ahead of #YouthDay, we introduced two inspiring young #EUClimatePact Ambassadors who are leading the way in the fight against climate change. #MyWorldOurPlanet #YouthLead

Meet our Climate Pact Ambassador from Greece | Twitter (01/09/2023)

We need to keep our oceans clean so they can absorb carbon and regulate our climate. Meet #EUClimatePact Ambassador Alexandra Politaki, who organised a beach clean-up in #Piraeus 🌊 #MyWorldOurPlanet #EUBeachCleanUp

Get ready for SOTEU 2023 (13/09/2023)

On 13 September, President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver the State of the Union address to the Parliament. The address takes stock of the achievements of the past year and presents the priorities for the year ahead. The President also sets out how the Commission will address the most pressing challenges the European Union faces and ideas for shaping the future of the EU.

European Mobility Week is still open for registrations! (16/09/2023)

Taking place on 16-22 September, European Mobility Week is all about making travel clean and green. This year’s theme is ‘Save energy’ and registrations are now open for cities, NGOs, business and schools.

International Annual Conference on Energy Poverty (19/09/2023)

Organised by the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) and the Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission in collaboration with the City of Warsaw and with the support of the Committee of the Regions and the Polish Network Energie-Cités (PNEC), this event will be a crucial gathering of stakeholders dedicated to addressing energy poverty and fostering sustainable solutions at the local level.

Climate Ambition Summit 2023 (20/09/2023)

‘First Movers and Doers’ from governments, businesses, cities and regions, civil society, and finance, have the chance to tell United Nations’ Secretary-General António Guterres how they plan to accelerate climate action this September. The Summit is set to take place in New York at the UN Headquarters.

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) – neighbouring container transhipment ports (29/08/2023)

This initiative identifies neighbouring container transhipment ports pursuant to Article 3ga(2) of Directive 2003/87/EC, where: the share of transhipment of containers exceeds 65% of the port’s total container traffic; the port’s location is outside the EU but less than 300 nautical miles from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State; the port is located in a non-EU country for which that non-EU country does not effectively apply measures equivalent to this Directive.

Reducing CO2 emissions from cars & vans – new procedure for approving eco-innovations (29/08/2023)

EU legislation on the CO2 emissions performance of new passenger cars and vans (Regulation (EU) 2019/631) requires the Commission to establish a procedure for approving innovative technologies as eco-innovations in such vehicles. This acts sets out that procedure, which includes efficiency improvements for air conditioning systems.

Rules for the administration of shipping companies by administering authorities under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) (01/09/2023)

This initiative sets out detailed rules for the administration of shipping companies by administering authorities under the EU ETS Directive (Directive 2003/87/EC), including in relation to the assignment of companies to administering authorities.

Horizon Europe: EUR 420.1 million of funding available for research and innovation projects under Cluster 5 (01/06/2023)

The European Commission has launched new calls for projects under Horizon Europe's Work Programme for 2023-2024 Cluster 5 – which groups together topics on Climate Action, Energy and Mobility. A total of EUR 420.1 million in EU funding is available under these calls. Don't miss this chance to finance your project!

Eurobarometer: Majority of Europeans consider that the green transition should go faster (04/08/2023)

A huge majority of European citizens believe that climate change is a serious problem facing the world (93%), according to a new Eurobarometer survey published on July 20. Over half think that the transition to a green economy should be sped up (58%) in the face of energy price spikes and concerns over gas supplies after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Wildfires: EU provides crucial assistance to the Mediterranean region (04/08/2023)

As several countries grapple with rapidly spreading wildfires, the EU stepped in to reinforce firefighting efforts and provide much-needed support to the affected communities with over 490 firefighters and 9 firefighting planes deployed to Greece and Tunisia since 18 July.

How climate change is disrupting rainfall patterns and putting our health at risk (03/08/2023)

Climate change isn’t only about temperature rise. The warming of the planet also has repercussions on rainfall with both droughts and extreme rainfall becoming more common in different parts of the world.

The EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis (04/08/2023)

The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Member States have designated 15 July as the Annual EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis.

Building a climate-resilient future (04/08/2023)

On July 26, the European Commission has adopted a new set of guidelines to assist Member States in updating and implementing comprehensive national adaptation strategies, plans and policies.

New Nature Restoration Law boosts biodiversity and climate action across Europe (04/08/2023)

The EU’s new Nature Restoration Law - which passed through the European Parliament on Wednesday, 12 July - paves the way for even greater biodiversity and climate action.

European Green Deal: more sustainable use of plant and soil natural resources (04/08/2023)

The European Commission adopted on July 5 a package of measures for a sustainable use of key natural resources, which will also strengthen the resilience of EU food systems and farming.

Innovation Fund: EU invests €3.6 billion of emissions trading revenues in innovative clean tech projects (04/08/2023)

On 13 July, the European Commission pre-selected 41 innovative, large-scale, clean tech projects for grants worth over € 3.6 billion from the Innovation Fund.

European Commission approves €3 billion German scheme to boost the transition to a net-zero economy (04/08/2023)

The European Commission has approved a €3 billion German scheme to support private investments in specific strategic goods needed to foster the transition towards a net-zero economy, in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan.

European Commission proposes greener and more efficient freight transport (04/08/2023)

On July 11, the European Commission adopted the Greening Freight Transport package, which contains measures to make freight transport more efficient and more sustainable. The aim is to help the sector contribute to the target of cutting transport emissions by 90% by 2050, as set out in the European Green Deal, while allowing the EU Single Market to continue growing.

Maritime transport emissions: European Commission welcomes new IMO climate ambition for next decades (04/08/2023)

The European Commission welcomed the agreement reached on July 7 at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to revise its 2018 strategy on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. The agreement is a milestone to cut the carbon footprint of international maritime transport and ensure that the shipping sector makes a fair contribution to achieving the Paris Agreement targets.

European Commission proposes a coordinated EU withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty (04/08/2023)

On July 7, the European Commission proposed that the EU, its Member States, and Euratom withdraw, in a coordinated manner, from the Energy Charter Treaty. This Treaty is largely unchanged since it was agreed in the 1990s, and is no longer compatible with the EU’s enhanced climate ambition under the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement.

Remarks of EVP Timmermans at the Ministerial on Climate Action (07/08/2023)

The 7th Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA), co-hosted by the European Union, Canada, and China, took place in Brussels on 13-14 July. At the event, COP28 President-Designate Sultan Al Jaber presented the action plan for the upcoming UN climate summit, which was welcomed positively by Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans.

EU-China High Level Environment and Climate Dialogue (04/08/2023)

European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans and Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang held the fourth EU-China High Level Dialogue on Environment and Climate (HECD) in Beijing on 4 July 2023.

EU-Mexico High Level Dialogue – stepping up cooperation on environment and climate action policies (04/08/2023)

At the 10th High Level Dialogue between Mexico and the European Union, senior officials from the two regions agreed to continue their cooperation, work together towards the much-needed green and energy transitions, and tackle the pressing environment and climate challenges.

July's record breaking temperatures | Twitter (31/07/2023)

July 2023 🔥🌡️ is set to be the hottest month on record, according to @copernicusecmwf It has seen: 🔴The hottest three-week period ever recorded 🔴The hottest day on record It is still possible to avoid the worst of climate change, but only with urgent #ClimateAction

What can we do to tackle climate change and protect our health? | Instagram (31/07/2023)

The effects of climate change are scary. Luckily, a lot of the solutions for tackling climate change will also be great for our health and wellbeing too! Climate action isn't just for the planet, it’s for us too. 🌍💚

Major rise in forest disturbances over the past 70 years (03/08/2023)

A comprehensive EU-funded study of European forests has revealed a sharp rise in forest disturbance across 34 countries between 1950 and 2019. Damage caused by bark beetles, fire, and other causes of disturbance are undermining climate and biodiversity policy targets, warn the authors.

The EIB climate survey (03/08/2023)

Against the background of Russia's unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, with increasing energy prices across the globe, the 2022-2023 European Investment Bank (EIB) climate survey shows how a majority of people around the world favour a shift to greener solutions.

Decarbonising heating and cooling - a climate imperative (03/08/2023)

This publication by the European Environment Agency (EEA) sheds light on the essential transition from fossil fuels to renewables in our heating and cooling systems, accounting for half of the EU's total energy use. Explore the potential of modern district heating systems, the implications of biomass use, and the breakthroughs of heat pumps for a low-emission future.

Public consultation on heat pumps – action plan to accelerate roll-out across the EU (04/08/2023)

The use of efficient heat pumps in buildings, industry and local heat networks is key for cutting greenhouse gases and achieving the European Green Deal and REPowerEU targets. The European Commission will take stock of, analyse and build on the views, positions and ideas of stakeholders on barriers to the roll-out of heat pumps to build a common understanding of the relevant policy responses.

Call for evidence and public consultation launched on industrial carbon management under European Green Deal (08/06/2023)

The European Commission has published a public consultation on industrial carbon management – carbon capture, utilisation and storage deployment. The aim is to gather input from stakeholders and citizens, which will then feed into the Commission’s preparations for a new EU strategy for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) deployment in the EU.

16 grants from the EU’s Innovation Fund awarded to projects across Europe (30/06/2023)

Sixteen projects selected for a grant under the Innovation Fund’s second call for small-scale projects have signed their grant agreement with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), the implementing body of the Fund. They will benefit from grants amounting to a total of around EUR 60 million, funded by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

The HYBRIT story: unlocking the secret of green steel production (30/06/2023)

The EU’s Innovation Fund, financed by the revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), is one of the world’s largest investment programmes for net-zero and innovative green technology. With a grant of €143 million from the Fund, the HYBRIT Demonstration project aims to put green steel on the market before 2030.

EU Modernisation Fund invests €2.4 billion to accelerate the green transition in seven EU countries (30/06/2023)

On 8 June, the European Union's Modernisation Fund has disbursed €2.4 billion to 31 projects in seven beneficiary countries to help modernise their energy systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in energy, industry and transport, and improve energy efficiency.

Nature, environment and climate action all winners in 2023 LIFE Awards (27/06/2023)

Re-wilding forests with Eurasian lynx, boosting farming with hi-tech bio-stimulants and helping one of Europe’s biggest cities adapt to climate change are among the winning projects announced at the EU’s prestigious annual LIFE Awards.

Sustainable Finance: Commission takes further steps to boost investment for a sustainable future (30/06/2023)

On 13 June, the Commission has put forward a new package of measures to build on and strengthen the foundations of the EU sustainable finance framework. The aim of the package is to ensure that the EU sustainable finance framework continues to support companies and the financial sector, while encouraging the private funding of transition projects and technologies.

EU climate Advisory Board recommends ambitious 2040 climate target and urgent transitions for the European Union (30/06/2023)

On 15 June, the EU Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change published a report with recommendations on the EU climate target for 2040. The report confirms that the EU 2030 target of at least 55% reduction compared to 1990 enables reaching the recommended 2040 target range and climate neutrality by 2050.

Effort Sharing: reducing EU emissions in domestic transport, buildings, agriculture, small industry, and waste (30/06/2023)

On 28 June, the Commission adopted the annual emission allocations for Member States for 2023, 2024 and 2025. This sets the maximum level of greenhouse gas emissions that each Member State can generate per year in the sectors covered by the European Union’s Effort Sharing legislation.

Carbon dioxide emissions from new cars & vans down in 2022 as zero-emission vehicles gain in popularity (30/06/2023)

Provisional data published by the European Environment Agency shows the average CO2 emissions of new cars registered in Europe in 2022 reached new lows, down 27% below 2019 levels, thanks to the stricter emission targets that came into force in 2020.

EU proposes comprehensive new outlook on threats of climate change and environmental degradation on peace, security and defence (30/06/2023)

On 28 June, the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication laying out how the EU will address the growing impact of climate change and environmental degradation in the fields of peace, security, and defence.

President von der Leyen attends the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact (30/06/2023)

President Ursula von der Leyen attended the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris, France. The summit gathered heads of state and government, representatives of financial institutions, and representatives of the private sector and civil society who examined the interactions between multilateral development bank reform, mobilisation of private capital, climate finance, green infrastructure and solutions related to debt.

The path to COP 28: the Bonn Climate Change Conference (30/06/2023)

Delegates representing more than 100 Parties to the Paris Agreement have met in Bonn, Germany, paving the way to some key decisions for the UN Climate Conference (COP 28) in Dubai, and for the years to come.

President von der Leyen, EVP Timmermans and HR/VP Borrell met COP28 President Al-Jaber (30/06/2023)

On 7 June, President von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Timmermans and High-Representative/Vice-President Borrell met with COP28 President Designate Dr Al-Jaber to discuss preparations for COP28, which will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in Autumn.

Defence and energy communities step up efforts on sustainable energy and publish new ground-breaking climate change study (30/06/2023)

The study - jointly prepared by the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) - analyses the impact of climate change on defence-related critical energy infrastructure and identifies approaches for climate resilience and multinational collaboration, contributing to EU's 2050 climate neutrality goals.

Demography and climate change: new study explores links between the two mega-trends of our century (30/06/2023)

This study by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) discusses how understanding the links between population dynamics and the causes and consequences of climate change will help design future-looking policies for a greener planet.

Stakeholder survey - Pricing agricultural emissions and rewarding climate action in the land sector (30/06/2023)

The European Commission has commissioned an exploratory study on ways to put a price on agricultural emissions and to reward carbon removals in the land sector. If you have a stake in agriculture, this is a chance to make your voice heard. All relevant stakeholders are welcome to contribute to the survey.

All you need to know about the LIFE Calls for Proposals 2023 (30/06/2023)

Here's a one-stop-shop for all information on how to apply for LIFE project funding this year! All presentations and recordings from the #EULife23 INFO DAYS are now available online, including the virtual information session on Clean Energy Transition project proposals. The closing dates for proposals are all listed here to make sure you don't miss the deadline for applications.

"There are no profits to be had on a dying planet" (02/06/2023)

Find out what the Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans said in his closing keynote at the 2023 Future of Finance forum.

European Green Deal: EU and Republic of Korea launch Green Partnership to deepen cooperation on climate action, clean energy and environmental protection (01/06/2023)

On 22 May, the EU and the Republic of Korea have established a Green Partnership with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging best practices on climate action, clean and fair energy transition, protection of the environment, and other fields of the green transition. The Green Partnership was launched in Seoul during the EU-Korea Summit by Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol.

EU, Latin America and Caribbean step up cooperation on environment and climate action policies (02/06/2023)

At the second EU – Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) ministerial meeting on environment and climate, Ministers from the two regions committed to step up cooperation to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

The EU 2022 wildfire season was the second worst on record (01/06/2023)

Last year, wildfires in 45 observed countries burnt an area about the size of Montenegro, hitting Natura 2000 protected sites hard. This year, France has already surpassed its annual average of fire-ravaged area.

Adapting when the climate crisis hits close to home (01/06/2023)

We already know that the climate crisis is making heatwaves longer, more frequent and more intense. We all experienced that first hand last summer. In fact the summer temperature in Europe in 2022 was the highest on record.

ETS Market Stability Reserve to reduce auction volume by over 272 million allowances between September 2023 and August 2024 (01/06/2023)

On 15 May, the European Commission published the Communication on the total number of allowances in circulation (TNAC) in 2022 on the European carbon market. It amounts to 1 134 794 738 allowances.

Europe needs to step up circular economy efforts, including on waste prevention (01/06/2023)

The EU’s circular economy action plan aims to double the share of recycled materials used in its economy by 2030. The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) assessment, published on 17 May, shows that the pace of progress needs speeding up, requiring both more recycling and less overall material use. A second, in-depth report on waste prevention highlights opportunities for stronger and systemic approach for monitoring progress at EU level.

Cast your vote in the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Awards (01/06/2023)

Take the opportunity to give recognition to the individuals and organisations driving forward Europe's energy transition. Discover our nine finalists in the three categories of Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy and cast your vote for your favourites by 11 June.

Together for 1.5°C - Morten Thorsby (01/06/2023)

Is a life in professional football compatible with being a climate activist? This is the question Norwegian footballer Morten Thorsby found himself asking early on in his career. Now an Ambassador of the European Climate Pact in Germany, where he plays with FC Union Berlin, he is using his platform to kick-start climate action in football.

Innovation Fund: Stakeholder Consultation Event on the next calls for proposals (13/06/2023)

On 13 June 2023, the European Commission's DG Climate Action will host a hybrid Stakeholder Consultation Event. The event will update about the achievements and developments of the Innovation Fund and gather views from stakeholders on future calls for proposals, following the revision of the ETS Directive. The event will also be an opportunity for sector specific stakeholders to provide their contribution on the design of the 2023 Innovation Fund call for proposals.

Second Forum of the Mission adaptation to climate change (13/06/2023)

The annual Forum is a major governance element of the Mission bringing together national, regional and local authorities, Friends of the Mission, European institutions, and research organisations. The Forum is an opportunity to take stock, identify issues, provide direction, and define the path ahead. It will also showcase regional initiatives on adaptation to climate change and will facilitate dialogue between the participants of the Forum.

Boosting innovation and investments through carbon pricing (20/06/2023)

Organised by the European Commission, the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is the biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe. This year’s 17th edition of EUSEW takes place in a hybrid format, with both participants and speakers able to attend online and onsite, under the theme: ‘Accelerating the clean energy transition - towards lower bills and greater skills’.

Have your say on the EU’s climate target for 2040 (01/06/2023)

We are launching a public consultation to gather people’s views on the EU’s intermediary climate target for 2040, setting a path from our already-agreed 2030 targets to net-zero emissions by 2050. You can answer the public consultation here. It will run for twelve weeks, until 24 June 2023.

Statement by President von der Leyen at the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (20/04/2023)

"Last year, we Europeans produced more electricity from sun and wind than from gas and any other source. And the world's electricity system is now cleaner than ever before. We are on the path towards net-zero. But the speed of our progress must accelerate."

Contribution EVP Timmermans on the Global Stocktake at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue 2023 (04/05/2023)

"In the European Union we set very ambitious goals, reaching at least 55% reduction by 2030 as compared to 1990. Today, with all the decisions that have been taken and confirmed by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, we will already go beyond the 55%."

European Green Deal: New EU-Norway Green Alliance to deepen cooperation on climate, environment, energy and clean industry (03/05/2023)

On 24 April, the EU and Norway established a Green Alliance to strengthen their joint climate action, environmental protection efforts, and cooperation on the clean energy and industrial transition.

EU’s Mission on Climate Adaptation launches its portal (03/05/2023)

The European Commission on 19 April launched a portal to drive forward the EU’s Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. The Portal provides information about the Mission and latest developments regarding its delivery, including by regional and local authorities that are participating.

Slight upturn in 2022 ETS emissions due to energy crisis and rebound in aviation – but declining trend maintained (03/05/2023)

Even against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the ensuing gas price spikes, greenhouse gas emissions covered by the EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS) only rose very slightly last year.

#EuropeDay: come visit our headquarters in Brussels! (06/05/2023)

The European Green Deal is the EU’s strategy to make Europe the world’ first climate neutral continent by 2050. Come by the Green Village and discover what this means and how you can help!

The EU Ecolabel showroom at European Commission Open Day on Saturday 6 May (03/05/2023)

On 6 May, the EU Ecolabel showroom on wheel will ride to the European Commission Open Day. It will display a selection of the over 88 000 products that have been certified with the EU label for environmental excellence. The EU Ecolabel contributes to circular economy and zero pollution and empowers consumers to take an active part in the green transition.

Extreme heat, widespread drought typify European climate in 2022 (04/05/2023)

Last year, Europe experienced its hottest summer and second warmest year on record, according to the 2022 edition of the Copernicus Climate Change Service’s (C3S) European State of the Climate (ESOTC) report. Globally, the last eight years have been the warmest on record, while in recent decades Europe has warmed faster overall than any other continent.

Have your say on the EU’s climate target for 2040 (04/04/2023)

We are launching a public consultation to gather people’s views on the EU’s intermediary climate target for 2040, setting a path from our already-agreed 2030 targets to net-zero emissions by 2050. It will run until 24 June 2023.

LIFE Calls for proposals 2023 (03/05/2023)

The LIFE Call for proposals 2023 were published on the Funding & tender opportunities portal on 18 April. The calls for Clean energy transition are expected to be published on 11 May.

Innovation Fund third small-scale call for projects (04/05/2023)

On 30 March 2023, the European Commission launched the Innovation Fund third small-scale call for projects, with a total budget of EUR 100 million. You can already find all information and documentation related to the call on the Funding & Tenders Portal, including the call text and application forms.

EU Mission Adaptation signatories now number over 300 (03/04/2023)

301 regions and local authorities have now signed the Charter of the EU Mission for Adaptation to Climate Change. In doing so, they support the goals of the European Green Deal and EU Climate Adaptation Strategy.

The Northstor+ story: introducing the world’s greenest battery (03/04/2023)

To reach climate neutrality in Europe by mid-century, we need to invest in making our electricity grids sustainable and emission-free, while boosting European green industry.

Innovation Fund: €100 million offered for innovative small-scale clean tech projects (03/04/2023)

On 30 March, the European Commission launched the third call for small-scale projects under the Innovation Fund, one of the world's largest funding programmes for the deployment of innovative low-carbon technologies.

Innovation Fund: 239 applications competing for EUR 3 billion from the third call for large-scale projects (03/04/2023)

The European Commission has received 239 applications from innovative clean tech projects, in response to the third Innovation Fund call for large-scale projects. The project proposals applying to four different topics will now compete for a total call budget of €3 billion.

Fit for 55: EU reaches new milestone to make all new cars and vans zero-emission from 2035 (03/04/2023)

On 28 March, the Commission welcomed the final adoption by the EU Member States of the European Commission’s proposal to make all new cars and vans registered in Europe zero-emission from 2035.

Global panel of scientists publish their latest verdict on the climate crisis and how we must respond (03/04/2023)

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has published its Synthesis Report, the final part of its sixth assessment cycle, which confirms the link between human activity and the climate crisis.

Humans, Science, and Policy Making: Behind the Scenes of IPCC reports (03/04/2023)

Thousands of experts from all around the world are involved in the drafting of IPCC reports – and some of them even work at the European Commission.

New EU-level technical guidance on adapting buildings to climate change (03/04/2023)

The new report, published by the European Commission on 29 March, comprises two parts published separately: broader technical guidance and a best practice guidance for concrete applications.

Commission launches market testing survey for the future operation of the EU ETS Innovation Fund (03/03/2023)

DG Climate action has launched a market-testing survey, to consult a wide range of stakeholders on key features of the future Innovation Fund and to establish an appropriate portfolio of support instruments that will best meet the market needs.

Cities on the Frontline of the Energy Crisis: the Covenant of Mayors Europe 2023 Conference (30/03/2023)

This year’s Covenant of Mayors – Europe conference in Brussels will focus on the local response to the energy crisis, discussing how it has shown (once again) that cities are frontrunners of Europe’s energy transition, and how these efforts can become long-term strategies to redefine lifestyles in the face of climate change. There are still some places left, so please hurry up to register!

Carbon removals: a strong ally to achieve climate neutrality in the EU (03/03/2023)

With 2022 ranked as one of the warmest years ever recorded, tackling climate change has become an even more pressing matter. This is nothing new for the EU which launched the European Green Deal back in 2019 to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

European Green Deal: Commission proposes 2030 zero-emissions target for new city buses and 90% emissions reductions for new trucks by 2040 (03/03/2023)

On 14 February, the European Commission proposed ambitious new CO2 emissions targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) from 2030 onwards.

European Climate Pact: Together in Action (06/02/2023)

On 1 February, the European Climate Pact celebrated two years of taking climate action together, in our worlds, for our planet. The event brought together Climate Pact Ambassadors, experts and activists to take stock of the journey so far and discuss ways to build a more sustainable Europe for the future. Watch the recording and photos from the event.

Innovation Fund: grant agreements signed with further 16 innovative large-scale projects (06/02/2023)

The European Union has granted EUR 1.8 billion through its Innovation Fund to 16 innovative projects that will avoid about 125 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in the first 10 years of operation. After successfully completing their grant agreement preparation, the projects’ leaders met on 19 January in Brussels for the signing of the agreement granting the project support from the Innovation Fund.

Energy in a low-carbon world: trade in fossil fuels plummets, global energy self-sufficiency increases (06/02/2023)

A modelling exercise for a 1.5°C global warming scenario shows that energy trade shrinks to account for 13% of global energy demand in 2050, and energy production goes local as renewables increase to reach 75% share of energy supply.

ETS Revision: no change to deadline to surrender allowances in 2023 (06/02/2023)

On 18 December 2022, the Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the revision of the EU emissions trading system (‘EU ETS’), as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package. This political agreement on the revision of the EU ETS includes adjustments to its compliance calendar. In particular, the deadline for competent authorities to grant free allocation is planned to be postponed from 28 February to 30 June, and the deadline to surrender allowances from 30 April to 30 September.

Cities on the Frontline of the Energy Crisis: the Covenant of Mayors Europe 2023 Conference (06/02/2023)

This year’s Covenant of Mayors – Europe conference in Brussels will focus on the local response to the energy crisis, discussing how it has shown (once again) that cities are frontrunners of Europe’s energy transition, and how these efforts can become long-term strategies to redefine lifestyles in the face of climate change.

Commission is calling for experts to advise on the new framework of the EU ETS Innovation Fund upcoming calls for proposals and new auction mechanism (06/02/2023)

The call for applications will remain open until 3 March 2023.

The Bigger Picture: how the climate and biodiversity are intimately linked, and what the EU is doing to protect them both (19/01/2023)

After the COP27 UN climate conference in Egypt and the COP15 biodiversity conference in Canada, it is clearer than ever that the two crises – climate change and biodiversity loss – are interconnected and need to be tackled together.

Implementing the Green Deal: Commission launches Climate Resilience Dialogue (19/01/2023)

The Climate Resilience Dialogue will explore how insurance and other risk mitigation actions can contribute to climate resilience, from increasing climate risk insurance penetration, to incentives and investment in good adaptation solutions.

Innovation Fund: additional large-scale geothermal project invited to prepare grant agreement (19/01/2023)

EAVOR-LOOP will proceed with the first commercial-scale implementation of an innovative closed-loop geothermal technology.

European Green Deal: EU agrees to strengthen and expand emissions trading, and creates a Social Climate Fund to help people in the transition (19/01/2023)

The European Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament and Council to strengthen the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), apply emissions trading to new sectors for effective economy-wide climate action, and establish a Social Climate Fund.

EU Carbon Market Report: driving emission reductions and enabling climate and energy investment (19/01/2023)

On 14 December 2022, the European Commission adopted its annual report on the European carbon market in 2021.

EU and international partners strike an agreement to support Viet Nam's ambitious climate and energy goals (19/01/2023)

Leaders from Viet Nam and the International Partners Group, including the EU, United Kingdom, France, Germany, the United States, Italy, Canada, Japan, Norway and Denmark on 14 December 2022 agreed a bold Just Energy Transition Partnership.

European Green Deal: new rules agreed on applying the EU emissions trading system in the aviation sector (19/01/2023)

The Commission welcomes the deal reached in the week of 9 December 2022 between the European Parliament and the Council to help make the aviation sector ‘Fit for 55', setting in law its contribution to our target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

The European Climate Pact: Together in Action (01/02/2023)

The European Climate Pact is celebrating two years of taking climate action together, in our worlds, for our planet. On 1 February 2023, we are bringing together Climate Pact Ambassadors, experts and activists to take stock of the journey so far and discuss ways to build a more sustainable Europe for the future. You can network with the people and organisations involved in the European Climate Pact, hear about their achievements, and learn how you can get involved.

LIFE Programme survey (24/03/2023)

The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. You can now give your input on the ex-post evaluation of LIFE 2014-2020 until 24 March 2023.