Lithium is a key component in the manufacturing of batteries for electric cars and was recently added to the EU’s list of critical raw materials considered essential for the manufacturing of electric car batteries, mobile phones, and laptop computers.
In this first discussion, supported by ACE, we delved into the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
In conversation with Euractiv’s Anna Gumbau, Andreas Schwab and Jens Bresler explain the leadership challenges and opportunities in light of the latest EU policies for a sustainable transition.
Forests, trees and wood have always played a critical role for humanity and our future is intertwined with theirs. The coming years will reveal whether we manage to restore a most sustainable relationship with them and secure healthy forests for future generations.
The European Union stands as a leader in global efforts to combat climate change, driven by a commitment to secure a sustainable future for all. At the heart of EU climate action lies the European Green Deal, a framework for transforming the EU into a carbon-neutral and circular economy by 2050.
The European Commission identifies buildings in the EU as the primary energy consumer, accounting for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Decarbonising the heating and cooling sector is central to achieving the energy transition. This is recognised in the European Green Deal and the ‘Fit for 55’ package, as without increasing the share of renewables in this sector, our energy and climate targets cannot be achieved cost-effectively.
Forests play a vital role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. They act as carbon sinks and preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. Yet, climate change is increasingly causing extreme weather conditions, and damages such as wildfires, windstorms and floods are harming forests all over Europe.
In February, the European Commission proposed its recommendations for an EU 2040 climate target and the global pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Nuclear power is seen as part of the solution to tackle climate change and meet growing energy needs to decarbonise our economy.
In this first discussion, supported by ACE, we delved into the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWR). We're thrilled to host three experts on this file, Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea from the European Commission, Larissa Copello from Zero Waste Europe, and Annick Carpentier from ACE.
In a new era marked by climate disruptions, geopolitical conflicts and economic tensions, fundamental questions arise: do we still need industry in Europe? Or can the EU rely solely on fragmented value chains for its strategic autonomy?
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies are crucial for Europe to achieve its climate targets for 2040 and 2050. CCUS solutions can also enhance industrial competitiveness and bolster energy resilience.
The European Union is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, signaling a crucial turning point in the fight against climate change.
Water is essential to human life, to the health of our ecosystems and to European economies, yet it is under increasing stress due to overexploitation, rising demand and the effects of climate change.
Sustainable biodiesel is a primarily EU-produced fuel, which can replace imported fossil fuels in various sectors, such as transport, as a renewable alternative.
As a strategic raw material, aluminium plays a crucial role in the EU's journey towards climate neutrality by 2050 and achieving a green transition ‘made in Europe’. Its applications range from wind turbines and solar panels to electric vehicles and batteries, illustrating its essential role in clean technologies.
European forests are vital for preserving native wildlife and for fighting against climate change. Currently, the EU lacks some knowledge about its forests that would help to restore and protect them.
The EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans proposal aims to develop “an EU-wide forest observation framework” (European Commission) providing open access to the condition and management of the EU's forests.
The framework will use remote sensing technologies and geospatial data together with monitoring on the ground. The monitoring will focus on parameters connected to EU policy priorities, such as climate change, biodiversity, health, invasive alien species and forest management. In addition to monitoring the EU's progress towards its goals, the collected data would enable better forest management and take timely action in case of forest disturbances and disasters.
The legislative proposal could also introduce strategic plans for forests, developed by competent national authorities, and lay out Member States’ strategic vision for their forests and the forest-based sector for the upcoming decades. The proposal is expected before the end of 2023.
Join this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the proposed new EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans. Some questions to be discussed include:
- Does the proposal do enough to protect the EU's forests, and to fight climate change? - What are the key strengths and weaknesses of this proposal? - Will the proposal help to identify primary forests? - What is the impact on foresters and Member States with large forestry industries?
To reach the EU's climate targets, increase industrial competitiveness, and improve its energy resilience, carbon capture and storage technologies play an important role.
As part of its decarbonisation efforts, in 2023 the European Commission released a Net-Zero Industry Act for a simplified regulatory environment and a rapid deployment of carbon solutions.
The Act aims at promoting investments in the production capacity of products that are key in meeting the EU’s climate neutrality goals. To facilitate and enable carbon capture and storage projects and increase the availability of CO2 storage sites, the Act sets a target of 50 million tonnes of annual CO2 storage capacity by 2030.
In addition to this, the adoption of the Industrial carbon management strategy by the European Commission should help identify the gaps to deploy these systems at scale.
Industry stakeholders argue that while the EU has set ambitious objectives, the deficiency in transport and storage infrastructure remains an issue in the absence of substantial policy support. Hard-to-abate industries such as cement, steel, chemicals, are in particular need of additional technology options as they chart their transition and make investment decisions.
Join this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss where we stand on the road to reaching the target of 50 million tonnes of CO2 stored by 2030. Questions to be addressed include: - Is the Communication on industrial carbon management enough to raise awareness about the role of CCS? - How challenging is the business case for building a better transport and storage infrastructure? - What kind of policy support would be needed for appropriate transport and storage infrastructure to be put in place?
In June 2024, European citizens will go to the polls to elect new Members of the European Parliament. This event is the first of a series of institutional changes which will mark the start of a new five-year mandate for the European Institutions.
The EU will be able to reach its energy goals and reduce CO2 emissions as long as policy makers take a “more pragmatic” and science-based approach when it comes to biofuels, Valérie Corre, President of the European Renewable Ethanol Association (ePURE), told Euractiv in an interview.
“I believe that we need to have much more pragmatism in our decision making process, looking at facts and science and not let dogmatism in the way. Because when you take a dogmatic approach, you are missing the pointn […] you are killing opportunities that are really at our disposal to act today as we speak”, she said.
In June 2024, European citizens will go to the polls to elect new Members of the European Parliament. This event is the first of a series of institutional changes which will mark the start of a new five-year mandate for …
Listen to the full event here: While maritime transport plays an essential role in the EU economy and is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport, it is also a large and growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. Projections show …
With the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) entering into application on 30 December 2024, supply chain actors are doing their utmost to be ready to comply with the requirements of the regulation.
