EC Report

87% emphasize ambitious renewable goals, and 85% stress EU energy efficiency action, including home insulation and electric cars. 70% see reduced fossil fuel imports as boosting EU security and prosperity.

While 93% take individual climate actions, most (56%) call for structural reforms, attributing responsibility to national governments (56%), EU (56%), and business (53%).

Over a third of Europeans face daily climate risks, exceeding half in 7 Member States, mainly in Southern Europe, Poland, and Hungary. 84% prioritize climate action for public health, and 63% see positive outcomes in preparing for climate impacts.

The Climate Change Eurobarometer surveyed 26,358 EU citizens from May 10 to June 15, 2023, aligning with the Spring 2023 Eurobarometer's support for energy transition and renewables. The European Green Deal remains a top Commission priority for a resource-efficient, inclusive green economy. The legally binding European Climate Law targets climate neutrality by 2050 and at least 55% net greenhouse gas reduction by 2030, supported by the 'Fit for 55' legislative package. Ongoing efforts include Nature Restoration Law, Deforestation Regulation, Sustainable Products, and Packaging Waste initiatives for biodiversity and circular economy advancement.

During these meetings, Mr Vella outlined the priorities of the European Commission, as well as stressed the need to further improve the communication between the European Commission and the National and Local Authorities, as well as citizens.

A new roadmap will be launched, aiming to eliminate animal testing in chemical regulations (REACH, etc.) and promote alternatives. The Commission will also support research for alternative methods and explore coordinated Member State efforts.

Key actions in response to the ECI:

1. Strengthen cosmetics testing ban: The Commission emphasizes the existing ban on cosmetic products tested on animals while considering potential legislative changes based on ongoing court cases.
2. Transform chemicals legislation: The Commission will collaborate with stakeholders on a roadmap to eliminate animal testing from chemical safety assessments.
3. Modernize EU science: The Commission will fund alternative approaches and initiatives to reduce animal testing in research, training, and education.

Background:

European citizens' initiatives (ECIs) empower citizens to influence Commission proposals. The 'Save Cruelty-free Cosmetics' ECI, registered on June 30, 2021, collected support until August 31, 2022. The Commission received it on January 25, 2023, marking the fifth successful initiative on animal welfare or the environment.

The EESC acknowledges the fishing industry's role in climate change mitigation, stressing ongoing efforts for energy efficiency and emission reduction. Decarbonization requires a balanced approach, incentives, and adoption of emission-free energy sources. The EESC emphasizes realistic decarbonization timelines that consider technology, logistics, and economics.

Green technology development faces challenges; the EESC urges creating fuels and infrastructure for effective decarbonization. It suggests interim hybridization and redefining "fishing capacity" for new technologies.

Regarding funding, the EESC suggests alternative sources and an emergency fund to hasten decarbonization. It envisions a sustainable EU fisheries sector, emphasizing new energy sources, job creation, circular economy promotion, and proper training for technology use.

Embracing energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture leads the way to a sustainable future, preserving oceans and reducing emissions for generations to come.

This law not only gathers data on soil health but also makes it accessible to stakeholders such as farmers and soil managers. It emphasises sustainable soil management and addresses situations involving unacceptable health and environmental risks due to soil contamination.

Innovation plays a central role in these measures. The package encourages the safe utilization of technical advancements in genomic techniques. This innovation enables the development of climate-resilient crops, decreases reliance on chemical pesticides, and ensures a more sustainable approach to seeds and reproductive material for plants and forests.

To further enhance resource efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the package also introduces steps to combat food and textile waste. By reducing waste, the EU aims to promote a more efficient use of natural resources.

The advantages of this package are widespread. They encompass economic, social, health, and environmental dimensions. These measures support livelihoods, rural prosperity, food security, and a robust bioeconomy. They also foster innovation, preserve biodiversity, and enhance climate adaptation efforts.

The proposed legislation also acknowledges the vital role of the European Parliament and Council. The forthcoming discussions on these proposals will align with the overarching objectives of the European Green Deal. This alignment underscores the EU's commitment to global climate action and resource security.

States will set indicative national targets in their energy and climate plans. A formula for national contributions, allowing up to 2.5% deviation, will be used, with a gap-filling mechanism if necessary.

Annual energy savings for final consumption will gradually increase to 1.9% by December 2030. Policy measures, emissions trading, and emergency measures count towards this goal.

The public sector commits to an annual 1.9% energy reduction (excluding public transport and armed forces) and renovating 3% of public building area yearly. The directive's formal adoption has occurred, awaiting publication in the EU Official Journal. Part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the directive aligns with the EU's 2050 climate neutrality goal and 55% emissions reduction target by 2030. It complements various proposals across sectors, adapting to the evolving energy landscape.

The EU promptly supported firefighting efforts in Greece and Tunisia with 490 firefighters and 9 planes deployed since July 18. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated by Greece and Tunisia, initiating a swift response:

Ten countries - Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Serbia - contributed to firefighting in Greece. Over 490 firefighters and 7 planes were deployed, assisted by an EU Liaison Officer and Copernicus satellite mapping for damage assessment.

Two Canadair planes from Spain's rescEU reserve were dispatched to northwest Tunisia.

Dry conditions exacerbated wildfires, endangering lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems across the Mediterranean. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism demonstrated solidarity during emergencies.

The rescEU fleet, featuring amphibious and lighter aircraft, complemented the EU Civil Protection Pool.

The Emergency Response Coordination Centre, strengthened for wildfires, anticipated and coordinated responses. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated by Member States for assistance.

From July 17 till September 1, children attending SkolaSajf will be attending interactive sessions focusing on the European Union, what EU funds are, and how EU funds are used around us. Through a short presentation, a quiz and interactive games, children are engaged to learn some basic facts about the European Union and how EU funds are used in Malta and Gozo through different projects related to education, heritage, health, transport, environment, inclusion and energy.

SkolaSajf activities are organised in close collaboration with the Foundation for Educational Services. We thank the European Commission Representation in Malta for providing some tokens and the Publications Office of the European Union for providing publications to the students.

These meetings were also marked by fruitful discussions about our collaborative efforts in disseminating essential information about the European Union to citizens.  Our Head of Representation was impressed by the dedication and commitment of all these entities, as well as the valuable services they each provide.

We extend our gratitude to everyone involved in making these visits a success!