Newsflash on Zero Pollution - March 2025 (07/03/2025)

The first week of March has seen a number of important developments on the Commission's agenda towards zero pollution. Here is a short summary of the main news.

CoR Opinion supports continuing the work of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (05/03/2024)

The Committee of the Regions (CoR) has adopted an opinion on “A multilevel governance for the Green Deal. Towards the revision of the Governance Regulation,” proposing ideas for "Green Deal 2.0". The opinion emphasises engaging all stakeholders in Green Deal priorities, citing the success of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (ZPSP) co-chaired by the European Commission and the CoR. The CoR pledges ongoing support for the ZPSP and suggests its inclusion in "Green Deal 2.0" to sustain efforts towards achieving the Zero Pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment outlined in the European Green Deal.

Sixth meeting of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (26/04/2024)

Held on 18 April, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform’s sixth meeting focused on the next steps of the EU’s Zero Pollution agenda and the importance of continuing joint efforts to reach the 2030 targets for improving air, water, and soil quality, as well as reducing waste.

Stakeholder Workshop on the Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook (23/02/2024)

On 24 and 25 January 2024, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform hosted a workshop on the Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook. The workshop focused on the results and lessons learned from the first edition, as well as preparations and the collection of stakeholder inputs for the forthcoming second edition.

Zero Pollution: mid-term review of 8th Environment Action Programme (EAP) (23/02/2024)

The mid-term review of the 8th EAP sheds light on the progress towards achieving the EU's 2030 environmental targets outlined in the Zero Pollution Action Plan. Although most initiatives have been delivered and others are on track to reach their targets, challenges persist.

Towards Zero Pollution: new EU hygiene standards for drinking water contact materials (23/02/2024)

The Commission has approved new minimum hygiene standards for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water. These standards will aim to prevent microbial growth and reduce the risk of harmful substances leaching into our water supply.

CoR Opinion on plastic pellet losses (30/04/2024)

EU regions and cities have welcomed the new proposal for a regulation aimed at preventing plastic pellet losses in manufacturing processes to reduce microplastic pollution for a Zero Pollution environment.

Advancing Zero Pollution: New guidelines for a common approach to tackle marine litter (23/02/2024)

The JRC has released a new edition of the Guidance on Monitoring of Marine Litter in European Seas, which provides recommendations on how to sample, analyse and record marine litter with the aim to make the data comparable and usable across countries.

EU Ecolabel spurring the cosmetics industry towards Zero Pollution (26/03/2024)

From sourcing eco-friendly ingredients to switching to recycled PET, Portuguese cosmetics manufacturer Cosmopak overhauled its products to meet the EU Ecolabel’s strict criteria. Discover how this company is helping reduce pollution and is attracting more clients in the process.

Amendment to Horizon Europe 2023-24 Work Programme includes ZP cities (26/04/2024)

The Commission adopted an amendment to Horizon Europe's 2023-24 Work Programme, increasing the 2024 budget by €1.4 billion. The amended programme also introduces a new call on zero-pollution cities under the Smart and Climate Neutral Cities Mission, addressing various pollution types and their health impacts. The call will open on 17 September 2024.

CoR Opinion on the Green Deal and Health (05/03/2024)

The Committee of the Regions has adopted an opinion urging to accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal in partnership with local and regional authorities to respond to the health threats arising from environmental pollution and the consequences of climate change.

Give feedback on Zero Pollution for the Horizon Europe work programme 2025 (26/04/2024)

Share your insights and contribute to the design of the Horizon Europe work programme 2025, covering all six clusters, research infrastructures, European innovation ecosystems, the five EU Missions, and the New European Bauhaus facility. The feedback opportunity will close on 6 May.

Share ZP experience in the LIFE mid-term evaluation survey (26/04/2024)

Contribute to the mid-term evaluation of the LIFE Programme 2021-2027! Share your views and experiences with the programme or projects funded by it to help assess its effectiveness and shape the evaluation report. The survey will close on 21 May.

Cedefop survey for cities on green skills (23/02/2024)

Cedefop is conducting a survey to understand how cities assess the impact of the green transition on jobs and policies related to green skills. Your input will amplify cities' voices among policy makers and inspire greener practices for a Zero Pollution future. The survey takes 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed via the link below.

Save the Date - EU Green Week 2024 (29/05/2024)

Save the date for EU's leading environmental conference, taking place in Brussels 29-30 May, 2024. This edition will focus on recurring water-related crises, aiming to enhance the EU's water resilience for both present challenges and those of the future. Conference registration will open in April, with registrations for partner events set to run from 4 to 17 March.

Still time to contribute - deadline for Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform Survey extended to 31 January (12/12/2023)

Please help us improve the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform activities by filling out this short survey until 31 January! Your contribution will assist us in tailoring the website and newsletter to your needs, ensuring an open, EU-wide space for all stakeholders to share knowledge on Zero Pollution topics.

Zero Pollution Talks: Zero Pollution and the Soil Monitoring Law (19/01/2024)

On 7 November, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform hosted the third in its series of Zero Pollution Talks, this time focusing on the Soil Monitoring Law and the role of local and regional authorities and stakeholders for its implementation.

5th Meeting of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform held on 9 November (19/01/2024)

On 9 November, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform’s fifth meeting focused on the Zero Pollution Action Plan’s role in the European Year of Skills, the New European Bauhaus, and the strategic research agenda for the Green Deal Transition.

5th ZPSP Member State Steering Group meeting held on 17 October (19/01/2024)

On 17 October, the Member State Steering Committee of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform held its 5th meeting to discuss Zero Pollution at EU and national levels, focusing on the New European Bauhaus, the European Year of Skills, and the implementation progress of the Zero Pollution Action Plan.

Towards Zero Pollution: EU introduces chemicals reform “one substance, one assessment” (19/01/2024)

The European Commission has proposed a comprehensive set of legislative reforms under the “one substance, one assessment” package. The reform aims to streamline the evaluation of chemicals across EU legislation, enhance the knowledge base on chemicals, and ensure early identification and action on emerging chemical risks.

Paving the way to Zero Pollution: Provisional agreement on industrial emissions reform (19/01/2024)

The European Commission welcomes a provisional agreement to strengthen regulations towards a cleaner, carbon-neutral, and more competitive economy by 2050. The new law is designed to encompass additional sources of emissions, enhance the effectiveness of permitting, reduce administrative costs, increase transparency, and provide greater support to innovative technologies.

Towards Zero Pollution: EU Clean Air Forum advances strategies to tackle air pollution (19/01/2024)

The 4th EU Clean Air Forum held on 23-24 November united stakeholders to share experiences and best practices for improving clean air policies. Amid the ongoing revision of EU ambient air quality rules, the forum also marked the introduction of the European Air Quality Index app, highlighting the significance of transparent information for combating air pollution.

Zero Pollution: Negotiations towards a new global instrument to combat plastic pollution advance (19/01/2024)

In a significant stride toward addressing plastic pollution, the International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution has concluded its third session with a decision to proceed with the formulation of a draft treaty text. This crucial step paves the way towards a binding international agreement on plastic pollution and marks a pivotal moment in the global effort to advance Zero Pollution goals.

Zero Pollution: The long road towards better air quality in the European Union (19/01/2024)

Despite strides in recent decades, the impacts of emissions from various sources persist, leading to 300,000 premature deaths annually in the EU. Euronews "The Road to Green 6," delves into the challenge of air pollution within European cities, explores its effects on health and the environment, and the ongoing efforts to pave the way towards cleaner air.

Advancing Zero Pollution: new method for choosing the best clean-up technologies (19/01/2024)

In the battle against marine plastic pollution, a new method has been developed by EU CLAIM project to help decision-makers choose effective clean-up technologies. This method shows promise in aligning with the goals of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Action Plan Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water, and Soil.

Workshop “Second Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook” (24/01/2024)

On 24 and 25 January 2024, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform will host a workshop to discuss the lessons learned from the first and the preparations for the second Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook. Registrations for in-person participation have closed, but you can read more about the workshop and still register for online participation via the links below.

Zero Pollution Talk: Zero Pollution and the Soil Monitoring Law (07/11/2023)

On 7 November 2023, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform will host the third in its series of Zero Pollution Talks: "Zero Pollution and the Soil Monitoring Law”, focusing on the key role of local and regional authorities and stakeholders. Click below for additional information and registration details.

Interview with Frida Nilsson: Healthy soils for healthier citizens – taking local action (12/10/2023)

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is delivering an Opinion on the new EU soil legislation, focusing on local and regional actions. Here we interview the rapporteur for this Opinion, Frida Nilsson, CoR member for Lidköping Municipality, Sweden.

Soil Monitoring Law: ensuring healthy soils and progress on Zero Pollution (11/10/2023)

On 5 July 2023, the European Commission proposed a new law to ensure the sustainable use of soils, protect and restore them, and address key threats to soils in the EU. This new law provides a legal framework to achieve healthy soils by 2050, aligning with the EU's Zero Pollution Ambition.

Zero Pollution: new measures to reduce microplastics at source (11/10/2023)

The Commission has adopted measures restricting the use of microplastics under the EU chemical legislation REACH. These measures support the Zero Pollution Action Plan 2030 target to reduce microplastics released into the environment by 30%.

Zero Pollution Action Plan: paving the way for healthier new-borns (11/10/2023)

A recent study revealed that in 2019, exposure to PM2.5 air pollution was responsible for one-fifth of global neonatal health disorders. The study highlights the urgent need for air pollution control strategies, emphasising the significance of initiatives such as the Zero Pollution Action Plan.

EU Environment Newsletter: Farming with Nature for Zero Pollution (11/10/2023)

In September, the European Commission Directorate General for Environment’s monthly newsletter published a special issue on Farming with Nature. It covers pollution-related topics such as sustainable food production, innovative agriculture, ecosystem services for agriculture, European soil health and more. Read the online version and subscribe to the newsletter below.

Horizon Europe: calls for proposals supporting Zero Pollution (11/10/2023)

Two forthcoming Horizon Europe calls for proposals supporting Zero Pollution will open on 17 October 2023, with the deadline for submission on 21 February 2024. Projects responding to the calls should contribute to outcomes aligned with the European Green Deal and the Zero Pollution Action Plan.

Fifth meeting of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (09/11/2023)

The Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (ZPSP) with hold its fifth meeting on 9 November 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting is by invitation only, but there will be an option to follow it via the livestream link below on the day. For additional information click 'more'.

Fifth ZPSP Member State Steering Group meeting (17/10/2023)

The fifth meeting of the Member State Steering Group of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform will take place on 17 October 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. The agenda and further practical information are available on the event's webpage through the link below.

Stakeholder Consultation on the CoR opinion on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (24/10/2023)

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is issuing an Opinion on the new EU soil legislation, with a focus on local and regional actions. Frida Nilsson, CoR member for Lidköping Municipality, Sweden, who serves as the rapporteur for this Opinion, invites stakeholders to a consultation on 24 October from 11:00 to 13:00 CEST to gather information for the preparation of the draft. Click below for more information and registration.

Zero Pollution Talks launch: Zero Pollution and the European Year of Skills (17/07/2023)

On 27 June 2023, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (ZPSP) hosted the first in a series of Zero Pollution Talks. This first event, on "Zero Pollution and the European Year of Skills", focused on the critical role of green skills and a sustainability-guided educational curriculum in achieving zero pollution and driving the broader green transition.

Zero Pollution Talks: Zero Pollution and Foresight (18/07/2023)

The second in a series of Zero Pollution Talks was held by the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (ZPSP) on 11 July 2023. The talk titled "Zero Pollution and Foresight: Building a Zero Pollution Future" explored the role of foresight in EU policy-making and how it can help develop possible transition pathways, prepare the EU to withstand shocks, and inform policies for a Zero Pollution future.

Reducing health inequalities through Zero Pollution (17/07/2023)

During the dynamic two-day workshop on 14 and 15 June 2023, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (ZPSP) brought together key stakeholders to discuss themes, tools, and initiatives contributing to progress towards achieving Flagship 1 of the Zero Pollution Action Plan (ZPAP): "Reducing health inequalities through zero pollution."

Zero Pollution: EU Commission adopts proposal to revise Mercury Regulation (18/07/2023)

On 14 July, the European Commission adopted a proposal to revise the Mercury Regulation that will ban the use of dental amalgam, responsible for 40 tonnes of mercury consumption annually in the EU. This regulation sets clear rules to eliminate the last intentional uses of mercury in various products, aligning with the EU's Zero Pollution Ambition, and propelling the EU towards becoming the world's first mercury-free economy.

Newly Funded EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ projects will support Zero Pollution (18/07/2023)

On 30 June 2023, the European Commission announced 18 new projects that will receive over €106 million to contribute to the EU Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters.' Alongside their goals of achieving climate neutrality and restoring nature, these projects will also play a key role in preventing, minimising, and eliminating marine litter, plastic, and chemical pollution.

Zero Pollution Talks Launch: Zero Pollution & the European Year of Skills (27/06/2023)

On 27 June 2023,15:00 – 16:00 CEST, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform will host the first in a series of Zero Pollution Talks. This launch event is on "Zero Pollution & the European Year of Skills". Further information and registration are available through the link below: