"EU Climate Action" Newsletter Issues

Message from the Director-General (17/12/2021)

Dear readers,

Another busy, but all in all very rewarding year in the fight against the climate crisis is drawing to a close. 2021 has been eventful at the Directorate General for Climate Action. Without going over everything from the past year, we saw the adoption of the Climate Law and of our new Adaptation Strategy, illustrating the importance that we, as the EU, attach to both mitigation and adaptation. We saw the development of the European Climate Pact, and the further strengthening of our climate diplomacy efforts, which undoubtedly contributed to the progress made at COP26 in Glasgow. We were, once again, at the forefront of innovation, supported by the granting of funds from the Modernisation and Innovation Funds. All initiatives with a major impact on the ground.

Perhaps the biggest step we took this year was the comprehensive package of proposals we presented in July to reform all aspects of Europe’s climate and energy policy framework. And last week, the Commission presented another package of proposals to deliver on our Green Deal targets, including a communication on Sustainable Carbon Cycles, a new framework to decarbonise the EU gas market, cut methane emissions and promote hyd

Modernisation Fund (21/12/2021)

Support for 26 investment proposals in eight beneficiary countries to modernise their energy systems and improve energy efficiency.

LIFE Programme: More than €290 million in EU funding for nature, environment and climate action projects (10/12/2021)

The Commission has today approved an investment package of more than €290 million for 132 new projects under the LIFE programme for the environment and climate action. This EU funding will mobilise a total investment of €562 million, with projects in almost all Member States.

European Green Deal - Commission proposals to remove, recycle and sustainably store carbon (17/12/2021)

Press release | Q&A

EVP Timmermans and Cer Simson's opening remarks at the press conference

EVP Timmermans introduction | Cer Simson introduction

Press conference

Factsheet

Communication COM(2021) 800 final

EU Climate Action web pages: Sustainable carbon cycles | Carbon farming

EU Climate Action Twitter: Sustainable carbon cycles | Carbon farming

Commission awards 27 grants under the Innovation Fund (10/12/2021)

On 10 December, 27 projects selected for a grant under the first Innovation Fund call for small-scale projects signed their grant agreement with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), the implementing body of the Fund.

Message from DG (Editorial) (15/11/2021)

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COP26: EU helps deliver outcome to keep the Paris Agreement targets alive (09/11/2021)

At the end of the COP26 UN Climate Conference, the European Commission supported the consensus reached by over 190 countries after two weeks of intense negotiations. COP26 resulted in the completion of the Paris Agreement rulebook and kept the Paris targets alive, giving us a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

New EU commitments at COP26

• €1 billion in funding for the Global Forests Finance Pledge to protect, restore and sustainably manage forests worldwide;
• Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa, which will mobilise an initial commitment of $8.5 billion for the first phase of financing;
• Official launch of the Global Methane Pledge, a joint EU-US initiative which has mobilised over 100 countries to cut their collective methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels;
• EU-Catalyst partnership with Bill Gates and EIB President Werner Hoyer to boost investments in critical climate technologies;
• New pledge of €100 million in finance for the Climate Adaptation Fund, by far the biggest pledge for the Adaptation Fund made by donors at COP26. 

EU invests over €1 billion in innovative projects to decarbonise the economy (17/11/2021)

The European Union is investing over €1.1 billion into seven large-scale innovative projects under the Innovation Fund. The grants will support projects aiming to bring breakthrough technologies to the market in energy-intensive industries, hydrogen, carbon capture, use and storage, and renewable energy. The projects are located in Belgium, Italy, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.

European Green Deal: Commission adopts new proposals to stop deforestation, innovate sustainable waste management and make soils healthy for people, nature and climate (17/11/2021)

On 17 November, the Commission adopted three new initiatives that are necessary for making the European Green Deal a reality. The Commission is proposing new rules to curb EU-driven deforestation, as well as new rules to facilitate intra-EU waste shipments to promote circular economy and tackle the export of illegal waste and waste challenges to third countries. The Commission also presented a new Soil strategy to have all European soils restored, resilient, and adequately protected by 2050. With these proposals, the Commission is presenting the tools to move to a circular economy, protect nature, and raise environmental standards in the European Union and in the world.

European Union launches a Green Team Europe Initiative in partnership with South East Asia (19/11/2021)

On 18 November, a Green Team Europe Initiative in partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)/South East Asia, was launched by Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, during the 3rd ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Sustainable Development. The initiative, backed by an initial €30 million grant from the EU budget, will strengthen the EU's partnership with the region in areas including climate action, environmental and biodiversity protection, clean energy transition, disaster resilience, prevention of illegal logging, wildlife trafficking and air pollution.

Commission awards first three grants under the Innovation Fund (04/11/2021)

At a dedicated event during COP26, the first three projects to be financed since the creation of the Innovation Fund signed their grant agreement with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), the implementing body of the Fund. They will benefit from a total grant of EUR 12.7 million. In addition, the Commission adopted a decision on the award of EUR 1.7 million for project development assistance to 10 projects.

With 4.3% drop in greenhouse gas intensity of road transport fuels, further action is still needed for meeting the 2020 6% fuel quality target (29/10/2021)

The Commission on 29 October adopted its annual Fuel Quality Report based on the 2019 reporting data submitted by EU countries. The report finds that the average greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of fuels in the 28 reporting Member States had fallen by 4.3% compared to the 2010 baseline. The year-on-year progress achieved compared to 2018 was limited to a 0.6 percentage point decrease. Progress varies greatly across Member States, and almost all need to act swiftly to meet the target set out under the Fuel Quality Directive to reduce the GHG intensity of transport fuels by a minimum of 6% by 2020 compared to 2010.

International Methane Emissions Observatory launched to boost action on powerful climate-warming gas (12/11/2021)

To support further progress on fulfilling the Paris Agreement, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with support from the European Union launched International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). IMEO will bring global reporting on methane emissions to an entirely different level, ensuring public transparency on anthropogenic methane emissions.

Information Session on the Mission Adaptation to Climate Change (23/11/2021)

On 23 November at 14:30 Clara de la Torre, Mission Manager, will be joined by John Bell (Deputy Mission Manager) and Dirk Beckers (Director of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency CINEA) to present the concept and implementation mechanisms of the Mission, and explain how the regions can engage in the process. This will be followed by a Questions and Answers session via SLI.DO.

Education for Climate Day (25/11/2021)

During the first Education for Climate Day, you will learn more about how the Education for Climate Coalition seeks to co-create a participatory education community to support the changes needed for a climate-neutral society.

EU side events at COP26 | Recordings (01/11/2021)

During COP26, the EU hosted more than 160 side events at the EU Pavilion in Glasgow, Brussels and online. These events, organised by a variety of countries and organisations from Europe and around the world, addressed a broad range of climate-related issues, such as the energy transition, sustainable finance and research and innovation.

You can watch the recordings of all events on the side events platform.

EU Climate Action Progress Report (17/11/2021)

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Climate action in the post-COVID world (12/11/2021)

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Population exposure and migrations linked to climate change in Africa (12/11/2021)

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Share your ideas for the European Year of Youth! (20/11/2021)

2022 will be the European Year of Youth! But it cannot be your year without your ideas. What do you want the EU to do for you? What should the year change in your life? This is your chance to help shape the year and the future of Europe together. Share your proposals (as many as you want!) via this call for ideas. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your say!

LIFE call for proposals 2021 (12/11/2021)

The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. The first LIFE Call for Proposals under the new LIFE programme 2021-2027 comprises four sub-programmes: nature & biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the clean energy transition, with a budget of over 580€ million to fund new projects.

Second call for large-scale projects under the Innovation Fund (11/11/2021)

The call is open for projects from all EU Member States, Iceland and Norway until the 3rd of March 2022. With a budget of €1.5 billion, the Innovation Fund will finance breakthrough technologies for renewable energy, energy-intensive industries, energy storage, and carbon capture, use and storage.

COP26: EU encourages partners to turn ambition into action and deliver on the Paris Agreement (28/10/2021)

From 1 to 12 November, the European Commission will take part in the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, in Glasgow, UK. On 1-2 November, President von der Leyen will represent the Commission at the World Leaders Summit which officially opens COP26. Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans will lead the EU negotiating team. Commissioner Kadri Simson will also attend COP26, and the EU will host over 150 side events at the EU Pavilion.

Press release | Q&A | Factsheet

EU at COP26

International action on climate change

COP26-European Union side events

EU Climate Action: Progress reports show 2020 emissions down 31% from 1990, 76% of ETS revenues used for green transition (27/10/2021)

Together with the annual State of the Energy Union Report, the Commission adopted on 26 October three reports on the progress of EU climate policies in 2020: the EU Climate Action Progress Report, the Carbon Market Report and the Fuel Quality Report.

State of the Energy Union 2021: Renewables overtake fossil fuels as the EU's main power source (27/10/2021)

The Commission adopted today its State of the Energy Union Reports for 2021, taking stock of the progress that the EU is making in delivering the clean energy transition, nearly two years after the launch of the European Green Deal. While there are a number of encouraging trends, greater efforts will be required to reach the 2030 goal of cutting net emissions by at least 55% and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Boosting Europe's green transition: Commission invests €1.5 billion in innovative clean tech projects (27/10/2021)

The Commission has launched the second call for large-scale projects under the Innovation Fund, one of the world's largest programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies, financed by revenues from the auction of emission allowances from the EU's Emissions Trading System. With a budget of €1.5 billion it will finance breakthrough technologies for renewable energy, energy-intensive industries, energy storage, and carbon capture, use and storage.

Global Covenant of Mayors recognised for its action for the climate (27/10/2021)

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has announced the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy as the winner of the 2nd Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. The Covenant was selected from 113 candidates in 48 different countries for its ability to enhance and support climate leadership across 11,000 different cities and local governments worldwide to advance towards a low-carbon economy and society. The award ceremony for the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity will take place on 9th November at the COP26 in Glasgow.

Joint Press Communiqué following the Second EU-China High Level Environment and Climate Dialogue (27/10/2021)

European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans and Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng held their second High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue (HECD) on 27 September 2021 and reaffirmed that the HECD will continue to be a key platform to enhance actions and bilateral cooperation on environment and in the fight against climate change.

#EveryTrickCounts: Commission joins forces with UEFA to fight climate change (27/10/2021)

Let's protect the climate together as a team! We have joined forces with UEFA and a team of football greats using their skills against climate change.

The European Union and the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) call for acceleration of climate action and ambition at COP26 (27/10/2021)

In preparation for the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) met in an OACPS High-level Dialogue with Partners on 15 September 2021 to discuss common priorities for the Conference.

Union for the Mediterranean countries commit to tackling climate and environmental emergencies (27/10/2021)

Ministers from the 42 member countries of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) met in Cairo on the 4th of October for the 2nd UfM Ministerial Conference on environment and climate action. They agreed to work together and strengthen efforts in the Euro-Mediterranean region to tackle its many climate and environmental challenges. At a critical moment for the region ahead of the UNFCCC COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, ministers stressed the importance of mainstreaming environment and climate action across all sectoral policies.

EU and Indo-Pacific leaders commit to enhance cooperation on climate action (27/10/2021)

The Prime Minister of Fiji Mr Frank Bainimarama, the President of the Marshall Islands Mr David Kabua and the Prime Minister of Samoa Ms Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa exchanged views with the Executive Vice-President in a virtual public conference. Representatives from the governments of Timor-Leste, Papua-New Guinea and Bhutan also contributed to the discussion.

Commission launches EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change (27/10/2021)

The Commission launched on 29 September five EU missions, a new and innovative way to work together and improve the lives of people in Europe and beyond. The Mission Adaptation to Climate Change will help prepare for unavoidable climate impacts and accelerate Europe’s transformation into a climate-resilient continent. The aim is to support at least 150 European regions and communities to move towards climate resilience by 2030.

EU side events at COP26 (01/11/2021)

During COP26, the EU will host more than 150 side events at the EU Pavilion in Glasgow, Brussels and online. These events, organised by a variety of countries and organisations from Europe and around the world, will address a broad range of climate-related issues, such as the energy transition, sustainable finance and research and innovation.

All events will be accessible online on the event platform, which will go live on Sunday afternoon! In addition, you may explore the digital booths and connect with other participants via the networking feature. These following two weeks there will be great opportunities to listen, learn and showcase climate action. Join us!

Mobilising finance for clean tech deployment (04/11/2021)

On 4 November, the first successful projects under the Innovation Fund will sign their grant agreement. On this occasion, the Directorate General for Climate Action is organising an event at COP26 to present these successful projects and discuss together with project promoters and finance representatives how we can bridge the investment gap of breakthrough low-carbon technologies.

The EU budget and NextGenerationEU: fireworks or big bang? (08/11/2021)

"The EU budget and NextGenerationEU: fireworks or big bang?" European Commission conference on 8 November 2021 will bring together policy-makers, research organisations, capital market participants and citizens. A technical workshop on measuring climate mainstreaming with Clara de la Torre (Deputy Director-General for Climate Action, European Commission) will be part of the event.

Innovation Fund: Second Large-scale call for projects Info Day (10/11/2021)

On Wednesday 10 November 2021, CINEA is organising together with DG Climate Action an Info Day to present the second call for large-scale projects under the Innovation Fund. The Innovation Fund is one of the world's largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies.

Information Session on the Mission Adaptation to Climate Change (23/11/2021)

On 23 November at 14:30 Clara de la Torre, Mission Manager, will be joined by John Bell (Deputy Mission Manager) and Dirk Beckers (Director of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency CINEA) to present the concept and implementation mechanisms of the Mission, and explain how the regions can engage in the process. This will be followed by a Questions and Answers session via SLI.DO.

Innovation Fund: lessons learned from the first call for small-scale projects and state aid support | Recording (27/10/2021)

On 12 October, the Directorate General for Climate Action and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) organised an event to present useful take aways from the Innovation Fund call for small-scale proposals, the revised state aid rules applying to clean tech projects, as well as relevant national aid schemes.

Mapping of international climate initiatives and coalitions (28/10/2021)

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EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change Implementation Plan (27/10/2021)

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Second call for large-scale projects under the Innovation Fund (26/10/2021)

The call is open for projects from all EU Member States, Iceland and Norway until the 3rd of March 2022. With a budget of €1.5 billion, the Innovation Fund will finance breakthrough technologies for renewable energy, energy-intensive industries, energy storage, and carbon capture, use and storage. An Info Day will be organised on 10 November.

Message from DG (Editorial) (17/09/2021)

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2021 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen (17/09/2021)

In her State of the Union address on 15 September 2021, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen outlined flagship initiatives which the Commission plans to undertake in the coming year.

Joint EU-US Press Release on the Global Methane Pledge (20/09/2021)

The European Union and the United States announced on 18 September the Global Methane Pledge, an initiative to reduce global methane emissions to be launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in November in Glasgow. President Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged countries at the US-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF) to join the Pledge and welcomed those that have already signaled their support.

The EU and Turkey discuss climate crisis and future cooperation (17/09/2021)

The European Commission’s Executive Vice President for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans and Turkish Minister of Environment and Urbanisation Murat Kurum met in Brussels for a high-level dialogue on climate. Both the EU and Turkey have recently experienced extreme impacts of climate change, such as wildfires and floods; Turkey has also seen the largest ever outbreak of “sea snot” in the Marmara Sea – overgrowth of microscopic algae caused by water pollution and climate change.

Modernisation Fund: First EUR 304 million to support climate neutrality in 3 beneficiary countries (17/09/2021)

Following the positive disbursement decision by the European Commission, the European Investment Bank has made the first payments from the Modernisation Fund. A total of EUR 304.43 million has been made available to Czechia (EUR 202m), Hungary (EUR 11.43m) and Poland (EUR 91m) to finance six investment proposals that have been confirmed as priority investments.

The European Commission has published new technical guidance on climate-proofing of infrastructure projects for the period 2021-2027 (17/09/2021)

The guidance will help mainstream climate considerations in future investment and development of infrastructure projects from buildings, network infrastructure to a range of built systems and assets.

The guidance was published on 16 September in the Official Journal (OJ C 373).

“Our planet, our future”: discussing climate action with school students (22/09/2021)

If you teach students between 11 and 17 years old, explore the interactive site “Our planet, our future” to learn about the science of climate change, what's happening across the EU and how we can all do our bit to fight climate change. In addition, the Teacher’s Hub offers a selection of classroom activities and relevant materials to help you structure your classes and engage students with fun interactive exercises. Check out the toolkit and help us spread the word!

On the move with the Climate Pact (17/09/2021)

In September and October, the Climate Pact is focusing on what we call ‘sustainable mobility’. This means using any form of transport with lower carbon emissions – from taking the train across the continent for your holiday to walking or biking to your local bakery. So why is mobility so important when it comes to climate change? And how can you be part of our sustainable mobility movement?

New European Bauhaus: new actions and funding to link sustainability to style and inclusion (22/09/2021)

On 15 September 2021 the Commission adopted a Communication that sets out the framework, core principles and key actions that will drive the New European Bauhaus forward, as it moves from co-design to delivery.

Conference on the Future of Europe: Citizens Panel on climate change, environment and health (01/10/2021)

The very first European Citizens' Panels of the Conference on the Future of Europe wrapped up this weekend! From September 2021 to January 2022, four panels, each comprising 200 citizens, will deliberate and make concrete recommendations on the future direction they want for Europe. The Citizens Panel on climate change, environment and health will hold its first session on 1-3 October. The plenary sessions of the Panels will be web streamed live on the Conference’s Multilingual Digital Platform. Video and audio recordings will also be made available afterwards.

"Towards a fairer, climate-neutral Europe for all" - 2021 European Covenant of Mayors Ceremony (07/10/2021)

The Covenant of Mayors Ceremony 2021 will be an opportunity to discuss a new chapter of the Covenant of Mayors initiative, with a new political commitment organised around four main topics: commit, engage, act and network. These topics will be reflected in a series of panels with key representatives of EU institutions and of European municipalities.The event will also showcase the richness of climate actions everywhere in Europe.

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage forum (11/10/2021)

The European Commission is pleased to announce the first high-level forum to engage and facilitate discussions on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). The forum is designed to involve all relevant stakeholders, representatives of the EU institutions and EU countries to facilitate deployment of CCUS technologies. The launch of the forum will take place in the presence of both Executive Vice president Frans Timmermans and Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.

19th European Week of Regions and Cities (11/10/2021)

Under the heading "Together for recovery", this year programme is focused on the capacity of the EU and of national and regional governments to support European citizens and their local communities with practical measures and public policies aimed at investing in a fairer, greener and more digital future for recovery.

EU Sustainable Energy Week 2021 (25/10/2021)

The EU Sustainable Energy Week is the biggest European conference dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe. Once again, the Policy Conference will be organised in a digital format, under the theme ‘Towards 2030: Reshaping the European Energy System’. Sessions organised by the European Commission and energy stakeholders will focus on sustainable energy issues, debate new policy developments, best practices and sustainable energy ideas.

Climate-related risk and financial stability (17/09/2021)

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CORDIS results pack on construction skills (17/09/2021)

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Improving the climate impact of raw material sourcing (17/09/2021)

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Evaluating the impact of nature-based solutions. A summary for policy makers (17/09/2021)

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Nature-based solutions Horizon 2020 research projects tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis (17/09/2021)

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Distributional impacts of climate policies in Europe (17/09/2021)

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Climate change – restoring sustainable carbon cycles (17/09/2021)

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Applications for the 2022 Natura 2000 Awards open until September (22/09/2021)

On Natura 2000 Day this year, the European Commission launched the 2022 edition of the Natura 2000 Award. The Award, now in its sixth edition, honours leading nature conservation achievements in Europe’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas. The Award aims to raise awareness about Natura 2000, the work carried out by different actors to safeguard the network’s vital natural assets, as well as the health, cultural, societal and economic benefits that the network provides to us all. Apply online until the end of September!

Commission launches a video competition for schools: “Film4Energy Challenge” (17/09/2021)

On 1 October, the European Commission is launching the “Film4Energy Challenge”, a video competition that invites schools across the European Union (EU) to create a short film about the importance of saving energy. Open to 12-15-year-old schoolchildren across the EU, the competition is not only aimed at stimulating creativity, but also a deeper consideration of the importance of saving energy in the fight against climate change.

Message from DG (Editorial) (13/07/2021)

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Delivering the European Green Deal (14/07/2021)

The European Commission has adopted a package of proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Achieving these emission reductions in the next decade is crucial to Europe becoming the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and making the European Green Deal a reality. With these proposals, the Commission is presenting the tools to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate Law and transform our economy and society for a fair, green and prosperous future.

European Green Deal: Commission proposes new strategy to protect and restore EU forests (19/07/2021)

The European Commission has adopted the New EU Forest Strategy for 2030, a flagship initiative of the European Green Deal that builds on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The Strategy sets a vision and concrete actions for increasing the quantity and quality of forests in the EU and strengthening their protection, restoration and resilience. By addressing social, economic and environmental aspects all together, the Forest Strategy aims to ensure the multi-functionality of EU forests and highlights the pivotal role played by foresters. It is accompanied by a Roadmap for planting three billion additional trees across Europe by 2030 in full respect of ecological principles – the right tree in the right place for the right purpose.

Eurobarometer Survey: Europeans consider climate change to be the most serious problem facing the world (05/07/2021)

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, Europeans remain very concerned about climate change and support action across the EU to tackle it, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey by the European Commission. European citizens now identify climate change as the single most serious problem facing the world. Read more about the survey and the results in your country.

EU invests €122 million in innovative projects to decarbonise the economy (27/07/2021)

For the first time since the creation of the Innovation Fund, the European Union is investing €118 million into 32 small innovative projects located in 14 EU Member States, Iceland and Norway. The grants will support projects aiming to bring low-carbon technologies to the market in energy intensive industries, hydrogen, energy storage and renewable energy. In addition to these grants, 15 projects located in 10 EU Member States and Norway will benefit from project development assistance worth up to €4.4 million, with the aim of advancing their maturity.

Innovation Fund: Commission announces planning of the next calls for proposals (08/07/2021)

Preparations for the next calls for proposals under the Innovation Fund are well underway. As announced at the Innovation Fund Expert Group meeting on 6 July, the Commission plans to launch the second call for large-scale projects on 26 October, while the second call for small-scale projects is expected to be launched in March 2022.

Innovation Fund (13/07/2021)

The Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies.

First edition of the Climate Pact Newsletter (29/07/2021)

Get the latest Climate Pact community news, delivered straight to your inbox, by subscribing to our newsletter. The European Climate Pact is a movement of people united around a common cause, each taking steps to build a more sustainable Europe for us all.

Average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars registered in Europe decreased by 12% in 2020 and the share of electric cars tripled as new targets started applying (29/06/2021)

According to provisional monitoring data published by the European Environment Agency, the average CO2 emissions of new cars registered in the EU, Iceland, Norway and the UK in 2020 have decreased strongly compared to 2019, as manufacturers were stepping up their efforts to raise the share of electric vehicles in their fleets.

The EU and Morocco form a Green Partnership on energy, climate and the environment ahead of COP 26 (29/06/2021)

The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco on 28 June announced their intention to establish a Green Partnership. The partners aim to strengthen their cooperation in the fight against climate change, and to work together on advancing their energy transition, protecting the environment and boosting the green economy. The first results of this work are to be presented at COP 26 in November.

Conference on the Future of Europe (09/05/2021)

The Conference on the Future of Europe is a unique and timely opportunity for European citizens to debate on Europe’s challenges and priorities. No matter where you are from or what you do, this is the place to think about what future you want for the European Union.

Factsheets on the Fit for 55 legislative proposals (22/07/2021)

We have published a series of factsheets to provide concise and comprehensive information on the European Commission proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

They are available in English, French and German.

Sustainable transport – new urban mobility framework (01/07/2021)

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Environmental sustainability – education and training (18/06/2021)

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Protecting the marine environment – review of EU rules (22/07/2021)

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End-of-life vehicles – revision of EU rules (20/07/2021)

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First Calls for Proposals of LIFE 2021-2027 launched (29/07/2021)

On 13 July, the first LIFE Call for Proposals opened under the new LIFE programme 2021-2027, which comprises four sub-programmes: nature & biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the clean energy transition. This first LIFE Call for Proposals 2021 offers a budget of over 580€ million to fund new projects.

Action speaks louder than words: Make a difference to the planet on 29 June! (29/06/2021)

Climate action: there’s a lot of talk about it, but what can you do to actually make a difference? Which changes can we all make in the worlds we inhabit – whether that’s at home, at school, at work or in our community – to collectively have an impact? How can we inspire our friends and colleagues to do the same?

To get concrete answers to these questions, join the Climate Pact Day of Action on 29 June.

Got an innovative idea for a climate solution? Join the Youth Climate Pact Challenge (29/06/2021)

Are you aged between 15 and 30 and want to make a difference for the planet? Then we want to hear from you!

The Youth Climate Pact Challenge, launched as part of the European Climate Pact, brings young people together to co-create and develop new climate projects and solutions. The challenge will be kicked off at the youth engagement workshop held as part of the Climate Pact Day of Action on 29 June.

The workshop is your chance to make your voice heard on climate issues, turn your ideas into reality and connect with the growing Climate Pact community. No experience is necessary – from beginner to seasoned sustainability advocate, everyone is welcome.

The Road to COP 26: the Bonn Climate Change Conference (24/06/2021)

After three weeks of intense round-the-clock negotiations, the UN Bonn Climate Change Conference came to a close on 17 June 2021. These sessions bring together the Subsidiary Bodies for Scientific and Technological Advice and for Implementation – the main governing bodies under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

NextGenerationEU - Make it Real (25/06/2021)

NextGenerationEU is a once in a lifetime chance to emerge stronger from the pandemic, transform our economies and societies, and design a Europe that works for everyone. The Recovery and Resilience Facility offers an unprecedented opportunity to speed up the recovery in Europe and reinforce the commitment to the twin transitions: green and digital.

Average CO2 emissions from new cars increased in 2019 ahead of stricter 2020 targets (25/06/2021)

The average CO2 emissions of new cars and vans registered in the EU, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom in 2019 stayed well below the applicable targets, according to final data published by the European Environment Agency. However, average CO 2 emissions of new passenger cars in 2019 increased for the third consecutive year, while emissions from new vans remained stable. This left manufacturers with the significant challenge of reducing the average emissions of their fleet in 2020 when stricter targets were introduced.

Closing the climate protection gap – Commission Staff Working Document (25/06/2021)

This Commission Staff Working Document is part of the knowledge base underpinning the 2021 EU Climate Adaptation Strategy, and some of the measures to close the climate protection gap that will be undertaken in the context of the upcoming Renewed Sustainable Finance Strategy. It may also be relevant for other policy- and decision-makers on adaptation issues at national, regional and local level.

“Our planet, our future”: discussing climate action with school students (24/06/2021)

The interactive site “Our planet, our future” that teaches 11-17 year-olds about the science of climate change. The website is available in all EU languages and teachers can find a selection of classroom exercises on the Teacher’s Hub.

LIFE programme: EU honours inspirational projects supporting nature, environment and climate action (25/06/2021)

At the EU Green Week , Europe’s biggest environmental event, the winners of the 2021 LIFE Awards were announced by the EU’s LIFE programme . This years’ Awards honoured winners in three different categories from the Slovak Republic (Nature), Spain (Environment), and France (Climate Action). The public also voted for their favourite project in the Citizen’s Award, and the work and dedication of young volunteers were recognised in the LIFE4Youth Award.

LIFE PlanUp final conference (28/06/2021)

LIFE PlanUp was set up to track and scrutinise national energy and climate plans in five countries: Italy, Spain, Hungary, Poland and Romania. At this event, the team will present the key findings of its three-year deep dive into national energy and climate plans.

Climate Pact Day of Action (29/06/2021)

The Climate Pact Day of Action will raise awareness of the progress and opportunities in the European Climate Pact, encourage pledging, share uplifting stories of climate action and connect people through actions in their own country. The Day will host a main event running in the morning, mini-launches in different EU countries, and a co-creation workshop on youth engagement.

3rd Summer School on Sustainable Finance (06/07/2021)

What is the role of finance in fighting Climate Change & environmental degradation? Join our 3rd Summer School on Sustainable Finance EU to find out!

Citizens' Dialogue online in Austria with the Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans | Recording (25/06/2021)

On 14 June, the Commission organised a citizen's dialogue on the European Green Deal in Austria. More than 30 schools from the whole region of Salzburg and from other parts of Austria participated in the online discussion with Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans and the Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler.

Call for applications: EU side events programme at COP26 (25/06/2021)

Applications are still open until 30 June.

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.

Call for applications for the selection of members of the expert group 'EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste' (25/06/2021)

The Commission is looking for private sector organisations to join the membership of the EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste for a new mandate, in order to further mobilise action against food loss and waste across the EU. A call for applications for private sector organisations with expertise and proven track record in food waste prevention has opened on 22 June 2021 and will run until 23 July 2021.

Join the Climate Pact Day of Action – 29 June 2021 (15/06/2021)

Are you ready to make a pledge for our planet?

Join the Climate Pact Day of Action to learn, engage and pledge.

The EU and Japan commit to a new Green Alliance to work towards climate neutrality (27/05/2021)

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.

Special meeting of the European Council of 24-25 May 2021 (26/05/2021)

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.

Call for applications: EU side events programme at COP26 (26/05/2021)

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.

European Green Deal: Developing a sustainable blue economy in the European Union (25/05/2021)

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.

European Green Deal: Commission aims for zero pollution in air, water and soil (25/05/2021)

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.

The EU and India pledge to collaborate more closely on climate action (25/05/2021)

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.

Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans attends Petersberg Climate Dialogue (25/05/2021)

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.

Commission sets the carbon farming initiative in motion (25/05/2021)

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.

President von der Leyen at the Global Leaders Summit (25/05/2021)

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

Making Copernicus Climate Change Data easily accessible through the European Climate Data Explorer (27/05/2021)

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.

Vote for your favourite LIFE project (26/05/2021)

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.

EESC Civil Society Prize 2021 (25/05/2021)

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.

Photo competition on climate change impacts and solutions (27/05/2021)

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.

Europe Day 2021 - virtual visit of the EU institutions (26/05/2021)

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.

European Climate Change Adaptation Conference (25/05/2021)

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.

Zero pollution for healthier people and planet | EU Green Week 2021 (31/05/2021)

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 urgency to step up climate adaptation action (01/06/2021)

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.

Inspiring good habits – behavioural change through storytelling and tools (EU Green Week 2021) (01/06/2021)

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.

LIFE awards ceremony (EU Green Week 2021) (02/06/2021)

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.

Covenant of Mayors Investment Forum: Energy efficiency finance market place (15/06/2021)

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.

#OnEarth: The European Development Days (15/06/2021)

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

Digital for our Planet | CONNECT University Summer School 2021 (21/06/2021)

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 (23/06/2021)

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.

Innovation Fund: Lessons learnt from the applications to the 2020 calls - recording (26/05/2021)

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.

Innovation Fund webinar: how to submit a full application for the second stage of the first call for large-scale projects - recording (26/05/2021)

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.

Sustainable products initiative (25/05/2021)

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Energy efficiency – Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (25/05/2021)

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Cohesion policy and climate change (25/05/2021)

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Overview of EU Climate Policy (25/05/2021)

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Climate change – new rules to prevent methane leakage in the energy sector (05/02/2021)

Innovation Fund: Lessons learnt from the applications to the 2020 calls (28/04/2021)

The event will provide an overview of the project applications invited to the second stage of the large-scale call, and present lessons learnt and best practices. It will also provide an overview of the applications received for the small-scale call and present the results of the applicants’ survey on the application process. Finally, it will give an outlook on the second round of Innovation Fund calls planned for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Healthy soils – new EU soil strategy (02/02/2021)

Sustainable products initiative (17/03/2021)

Energy efficiency – Revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (30/03/2021)

European State of the Climate 2020 (23/04/2021)

Science-informed policy on agriculture and land for climate and biodiversity - 6th Sino-European Expert Dialogue report (26/04/2021)

Nature-based solutions in Europe: Policy, knowledge and practice for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (23/04/2021)

The European bioeconomy in 2050: four foresight scenarios (23/04/2021)

Mapping and assessment of primary and old-growth forests in Europe (23/04/2021)

Message from DG (23/04/2021)

Commission welcomes provisional agreement on the European Climate Law (23/04/2021)

The Commission welcomes provisional agreement between the co-legislators on the European Climate Law. As one of the key elements of the European Green Deal, the European Climate Law enshrines the EU's commitment to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Sustainable Finance and EU Taxonomy: Commission takes further steps to channel money towards sustainable activities (23/04/2021)

The European Commission has adopted an ambitious and comprehensive package of measures to help improve the flow of money towards sustainable activities across the European Union. By enabling investors to re-orient investments towards more sustainable technologies and businesses, today's measures will be instrumental in making Europe climate neutral by 2050.

Covenant of Mayors looking to raise ambition across Europe (23/04/2021)

The European Commission has opened a new chapter in the life of the European Covenant of Mayors for climate and energy, seeking to raise ambition on the path towards climate neutrality in line with the European Green Deal, and put a greater focus on action.

Emissions trading: greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 13.3% in 2020 (23/04/2021)

Greenhouse gas emissions from operators covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) fell by 13.3% in 2020 compared to 2019 levels. This reduction resulted from an 11.2% decrease in emissions from stationary installations and a 64.1% decrease in emissions from aviation.

European Commission and IEA pull together for net-zero (23/04/2021)

Both organisations call on the world’s leading economies to pave the way for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions within a generation, with the energy sector playing a crucial role.

First Innovation Fund call for large-scale projects: 70 projects invited to submit full application (23/04/2021)

Following the evaluation of the first stage of the application process, 70 projects are invited to continue on the second stage and submit full applications for the first Innovation Fund call for large-scale projects, while all applicants have been informed about the results.

Launch of the digital platform of the Conference on the Future of Europe (23/04/2021)

The digital platform of the Conference on the Future of Europe invites EU citizens to contribute their ideas to help shape their own and Europe’s future. Climate change is one of the several key topics for debate on the platform.

Involving people in the just transition (27/04/2021)

The session will focus on how the Pact’s approach can benefit the Just Transition Mechanism by involving people, cities and companies in a futureproof development of fossil-fuel dependent and carbon-intensive regions or industries.

High-level Conference: Investing in Climate Action: The Make-or-Break Decade | 24 March 2021 (24/03/2021)

President von der Leyen, Executive Vice-Presidents Timmermans and Dombrovskis, Commissioner McGuinness and several senior officials from the Commission, attended this event co-hosted by the Commission and the European Investment Bank. The recording of the event is online.

China, the EU and Canada co-convene the 5th Ministerial on Climate Action (22/03/2021)

China’s Minister for Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President, Frans Timmermans, and the Canadian Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Jonathan Wilkinson, co-convened on 23 March 2021 the 5th session of the Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA).

Readout of the videoconference between EVP Frans Timmermans and China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua (22/03/2021)

On 15 March Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans met online with Mr. Xie Zhenhua, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change. The two envoys held a constructive discussion on the next steps ahead of the crucial climate COP in Glasgow this year and on China’s 14th Five Year Plan, following its recent adoption.

Visit of US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry (22/03/2021)

Joint Statement following the visit on 9 March 2021 of US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry to the European Commission, to discuss the preparation of the COP26 UN climate conference.

Adoption of the Regulation determining benchmark values for free allocation for the period 2021-2025 (22/03/2021)

The Commission has reached an important milestone in the preparation of phase 4 of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) with the publication of the implementing Regulation establishing the benchmark values to be used for calculating free allocation in the period 2021 – 2025.

Collecting real-world data on the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of new cars and vans (22/03/2021)

The real-world fuel and energy consumption of new cars and vans will be collected as of 2021 under a new Implementing Regulation adopted by the Commission on 4 March 2021. This data will make it possible to monitor the gap between type approval and actual CO2 emissions, and will provide a better understanding of how vehicles perform under real-world driving conditions.

EU-wide survey shows Europeans support the launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe (22/03/2021)

Climate change is clearly regarded as the main global challenge affecting the future of the EU, according to this survey released ahead of the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Conference on the Future of Europe.

New LinkedIn page: follow us at EU Environment and Climate (22/03/2021)

We are proud to announce the launch of our new LinkedIn page together with the Directorate-General for Environment, bringing you the latest news, events, reports and EU calls for projects and much more.
Follow us and be part of our new community.

Cleaner air for a better game (25/03/2021)

Millions of us in Europe love football. However, the cleanliness of air breathed by players can have a huge impact on the game itself. To raise awareness of this problem, the European Climate Pact is teaming up with UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, for their public awareness campaign “Cleaner Air, Better Game”.

European Green Deal: Commission presents actions to boost organic production (23/03/2021)

Today, the Commission presented an Action Plan for the development of organic production. Its overall aim is to boost the production and consumption of organic products, to reach 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030, as well as to increase organic aquaculture significantly.

Commission launches Pollinator Park – a dystopian virtual reality experience of a world without pollinators (23/03/2021)

Pollinator Park is an interactive digital tool to raise awareness about the decline of pollinators and mobilise global action to address it. Designed in collaboration with world-renowned ‘archibiotect’ Vincent Callebaut, Pollinator Park offers a glimpse of the future that awaits unless we radically change our relationship to nature.

Keeping healthy in a changing climate - Recording (04/03/2021)

During this virtual conference on 4 March 2021, the European Commission and the European Environment Agency launched the European Climate and Health Observatory and discussed the connections between climate change and health. The recording of the event is available online.

Expert workshop on the Market Stability Reserve - Recording (24/03/2021)

Vivid Economics organised on 24 March 2021 an expert workshop on the Market Stability Reserve, as part of a contract with the European Commission. The workshop will presented the initial findings of the study, as well as opinions by market experts. A recording and documents from the workshop will be available shortly.

Forests - new EU strategy (25/01/2021)

Healthy soils – new EU soil strategy (02/02/2021)

Climate change – new rules to prevent methane leakage in the energy sector (05/02/2021)

Sustainable products initiative (17/03/2021)

European Climate Pact (22/03/2021)

General Report on the Activities of the EU (22/03/2021)

Towards a Climate-Neutral Europe (22/03/2021)

The Open Access version of this book is available here and via OAPEN.