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• Economic Transition
  26 September 2023

  Over 40 Civil Society Organisations converge to advocate for Sustainable and Just Raw Material Policies

  Today marks the official launch of the CSO Coalition on Raw Materials, a vital convergence of over 40 civil society organisations (CSOs) from the EU and […]

• NEWS
  20 September 2023

  MEPs agree on wastewater rules but fall short on micropollutants

  MEPs in the European Parliament’s environmental committee agreed to update existing rules for wastewater treatment, but significantly weakened rules for the removal of micropollutants carried by […]

• Economic Transition
  14 September 2023

  Critical Raw Materials Regulation Vote Leaves Mixed Feelings

  In a decisive session that unfolded today, MEPs cast their votes on a series of crucial amendments, shaping the path for the EU’s strategy concerning Critical […]

• Air Quality
  13 September 2023

  Parliament Votes For Cleaner Air, But WHO Alignment Is Delayed

  Today, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) paved the way towards better air quality, but unfortunately did not commit to WHO air quality guidelines by 2030, […]

• NEWS
  13 September 2023

  Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech conceals setbacks, delays and broken promises

  In her State of the European Union speech, Ursula von der Leyen presented a narrative of promises kept and progress on the European Green Deal. However, […]

• Circular Economy
  12 September 2023

  Paper-based food packaging at the centre of Europe’s waste crisis, new report reveals

  Some of the most regressive actors in the packaging value chain, such as single-use paper packaging producers and McDonald’s, have been conducting a massive lobbying campaign to […]

• NEWS
  12 September 2023

  Clear message from Parliament: We must tackle water pollution

  Today, the European Parliament approved new quality standards for surface and groundwater and sent a clear message on the need to curb water pollution in the […]

• Climate & Energy
  8 September 2023

  German Building Law Puts Europe’s Heating Transition On Shaky Grounds

  In a move that may have profound implications for Europe’s ambitious heating transition, the German Parliament voted today to keep the door open to fossil fuel […]

• NEWS
  26 July 2023

  Call for tender: Media Expert

  Deadline for applications 23 August 2023. The EEB is Europe’s largest network of environmental citizens’ organisations. We bring together over 180 member organisations from 40 countries. […]

• Economic Transition
  20 July 2023

  Raw Material Regulation could reshape the Green Transition, but more ambition is needed.

  Two votes in Parliament this week on Europe’s new critical raw materials law show that more ambition is needed if the EU is serious about securing […]

• NEWS
  19 July 2023

  Industry Committee attempt to undermine new EU packaging law

  Three votes in Parliament this week on Europe’s new packaging law aim to favour the throwaway packaging industry and undermine measures to curtail record levels of […]

• Mercury
  14 July 2023

  One step closer towards making mercury history in the EU

  Today, the European Commission adopted its long-awaited proposal for a revised mercury regulation in line with its commitment to ensure a toxic-free environment under the European […]

• Circular Economy
  12 July 2023

  Ecodesign – major success for sustainable products and the environment

  Good news for consumers: members of the European Parliament took an important step today to make sustainable products the norm. Following an ambitious report from the […]

• Nature
  12 July 2023

  Weber fails to derail EU Green Deal, but Parliament agrees to a weakened Nature Restoration Law

  Today, the European Parliament voted in favour of the Nature Restoration Law and the EU Green Deal, despite an unprecedented – and often outright absurd – […]

• Circular Economy
  11 July 2023

  EU green policies must not alienate trade partners, EEB warns

  New European Environmental Bureau’s (EEB) research shows which indicators should be taken into account to minimise undesired impacts on EU trade relations, using the example of […]

• Industrial Emissions
  11 July 2023

  New EU Industry Laws Fail Green Test: Polluting Sectors Keep Business-as-Usual

  The rocky roads to EU’s carbon neutrality and climate protection grow in distance. In today’s vote for the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and the Construction Products […]

• Chemicals
  11 July 2023

  Largest ever public screening finds “alarmingly high” chemical exposure

  Europe’s largest ever screening programme for toxic chemicals has found significant parts of the population exposed to multiple hazardous substances above levels that could cause serious […]

• Circular Economy
  5 July 2023

  EU makes bid to stop food and textiles waste

  The European Commission released today its plans to revise the Waste Framework Directive [1], with a focus limited to new rules on the responsibility of textile […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  5 July 2023

  New Soil Law offers glimmer of hope for EU soils but lacks teeth

  Today, the European Commission adopted its long-anticipated food and biodiversity package of legislative measures aimed to strengthen the resilience of EU food systems and farming, including […]

• NEWS
  30 June 2023

  Presidency of the EU: Spain must drive key environmental files, Sweden disappoints

  Spain is taking on the rotating 6-month Council Presidency of the EU from July, amidst the illegal Russian war in Ukraine and energy and inflation crises […]

• Chemicals
  29 June 2023

  Europe’s mirror measures on pesticides fail to stop toxic practices, new report reveals

  Mirror measures on pesticides affect only half of the neonicotinoids banned in Europe. Loopholes in current  EU regulation also allow for the continued export of banned […]

• Air Quality
  27 June 2023

  European Parliament wants solid and fair air law

  The European Parliament’s Environment Committee has taken the first step towards protecting air quality by supporting an ambitious set of compromise amendments to the European Commission’s […]

• Chemicals
  27 June 2023

  European Parliament calls for action to curb water pollution

  The European Parliament has sent a clear signal on the need to curb water pollution by voting in support of measures that will improve monitoring and […]

• Nature
  27 June 2023

  Nature Restoration Law hangs in the balance: All eyes on European Parliament’s Plenary vote

  Following today’s showdown, the plenary vote on the 12th of July will determine the future of the Nature Restoration Law after the ENVI Committee first rejected […]

• Nature
  20 June 2023

  Member States to European Parliament: Europe needs a Nature Restoration Law now!

  Member States to European Parliament: Europe needs a Nature Restoration Law now! EU countries, which will be in charge of implementing the Nature Restoration Law, come […]

• Nature
  15 June 2023

  The Nature Restoration Law lives to fight another day

  European People’s Party fails with disinformation campaign  Nature and the ever-growing list of stakeholders supporting the Nature Restoration Law can breathe a sigh of relief as […]

• Circular Economy
  15 June 2023

  MEPs give greenlight to make sustainable products the norm

  Environment committee vote sets the stage for adoption of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations before the end of this parliamentary term. Key aspects will still […]

• Mercury
  6 June 2023

  The EEB, Zero Mercury Working Group and CARICOM rally to phase out toxic mercury products in the Caribbean

  Today, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), The Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG), and the Caribbean Community and Common Market Secretariat (CARICOM) have gathered 14 countries in […]

• Circular Economy
  1 June 2023

  Parliament shows red card to out-of-control fashion industry

  Today, the European Parliament sent a clear message that the fashion industry needs to transform its harmful practices and respect social rights and the environment. A […]

• Environmental Democracy
  1 June 2023

  Justice over profit: Parliament votes in favour of strong sustainable due diligence law

  Today, the European Parliament gave the green light to a new law that will force companies to ensure their supply chains meet various environmental and human […]

• Climate & Energy
  25 May 2023

  Half of EU countries have no mandatory energy-saving measures in place for next winter, new analysis shows

  Most measures adopted by EU states to save gas and electricity are voluntary and only targeted at public buildings, a new analysis reveals. Governments refraining from […]

• Industrial Emissions
  24 May 2023

  Environmental decision-makers fall short of an ambitious Industrial Emissions Directive vote

  Today the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) of the European Parliament failed to push ambition for climate and the environment with its […]

• Nature
  23 May 2023

  Nature Restoration Law: EU agriculture’s lawmakers vote against farmers’ future and food security

  This afternoon, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) of the European Parliament voted for a full rejection of the Commission’s proposal for the EU […]

• Press Release
  15 May 2023

  SDGs: EU Voluntary Review does not support rhetoric of transformative and participatory change

  Despite EU claims that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are well integrated into Europe’s governance architecture and that Europe is making sufficient progress, the recently published […]

• Circular Economy
  11 May 2023

  Red card to greenwashing and early obsolescence: EU Parliament votes to strengthen consumer protection

  The European Parliament has taken decisive action against unfair commercial practices today, by approving a stronger EU law that safeguards consumers from deceptive environmental claims and early […]

• Circular Economy
  10 May 2023

  Environmental Taxonomy: CSOs fear more greenwashing

  Environmental experts urge substantial improvements to the controversial EU Taxonomy Act to ensure science-based criteria and preserve environmental integrity. A coalition of civil society organisations urges […]

• Circular Economy
  27 April 2023

  European Parliament calls for action on overproduction of textiles

  The European Parliament has today sent a clear message to the fashion industry by voting in support of measures to tackle overproduction in a vote that […]

• NEWS
  27 April 2023

  The EU could take a step towards its 2050 climate target – if new ecodesign rules phase out sales of fossil fuel boilers

  Member States and other stakeholders meet today to debate ecodesign rules for ‘stand-alone’ fossil fuel boilers. Raising energy efficiency requirements for heating appliances could effectively phase […]

• Chemicals
  25 April 2023

  EU pledge to ban most toxic chemicals is failing – NGOs

  ClientEarth and European Environmental Bureau joint press release   25 April 2023 – An EU plan to ban more harmful chemicals than anywhere else in the […]

• Air Quality
  12 April 2023

  Lowest pollution limits improve public health and save billions in taxpayer money, says new analysis 

  Adjusting Europe’s most polluting industry regulated by the Industrial Emissions Directive to the lowest achievable pollution limits will not only improve environmental protection but also save up […]

• Climate & Energy
  30 March 2023

  Conclusion of RED trilogues: EU lawmakers fail to set ambitious renewables target

  Thursday 30 March, negotiators from the European Parliament, Commission and Council reached a long-awaited agreement on the revision of the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED).  In […]

• Circular Economy
  28 March 2023

  European Parliament takes on greenwashing and early obsolescence to empower consumers

  The European Parliament cracked down on greenwashing and early obsolescence today, by voting for a stronger EU law to protect consumers from unfair commercial practices. The […]

• Circular Economy
  22 March 2023

  Protecting consumers: new EU laws set to curtail greenwashing and boost repair

  The European Commission took a step towards better consumer protection in the EU today, by proposing two new laws to address vague and misleading green claims, […]

• Circular Economy
  20 March 2023

  Online sales of unsustainable products will dodge EU environmental rules, warn NGOs and industry

  United NGOs and European industry report that online sellers could escape the EU’s new product sustainability requirements using the E-market loopholes. This affects online sales of […]

• Climate & Energy
  16 March 2023

  The EU will not become a green industry front-runner through deregulation, NGOs say

  Today, the Commission published two crucial legislative proposals to support the clean technology industry and gain independence in the race to net-zero. Yet the shortcuts taken […]

• Circular Economy
  16 March 2023

  EU Commission prepares to crack down on greenwashing with new Green Claims law

  PRESS BRIEFING   What is happening?  On 22 March 2023, the European Commission is expected to table the Green Claims Directive (GCD). This much-awaited law aims […]

• Industrial Emissions
  15 March 2023

  Member States set to undermine pollution prevention rules, green NGOs warn

  Environmental NGOs warn that the EU Council Presidency proposal for a general approach on the revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) ignores the urgency of […]

• Chemicals
  15 March 2023

  NGO analysis on the delay of chemicals law reform

  EU Commission’s delay of chemicals reform endangers human health, the environment and EU industry competitiveness, study shows. The long-awaited reform of the EU’s flagship chemicals law, […]

• Circular Economy
  14 March 2023

  EU Parliament votes for warmer homes and climate protection

  Dubbed the EU’s new “green building law”, the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has been officially adopted in the EU Parliament today, signaling that Europe […]

• Mercury
  14 February 2023

  ‘Prime’ time to stop online sales of illegal mercury skin-lightening products

  Groups make recommendations on verge of UN kick-off meeting on ‘Eliminating Mercury Skin Lightening Products’ at WHO-HQ in Geneva Geneva, Switzerland — Several mercury watchdog groups […]

• Circular Economy
  7 February 2023

  Talk the walk: industry calls on policies to support the inevitable clean heat transition

  For the third year in row, the heating and cooling industry is sending positive signals about a green energy transition. Without prompts from legislation, companies have […]

• Climate & Energy
  1 February 2023

  EU green industrial plans must be better, not just bigger

  The EU’s green subsidy scheme for ‘clean technologies’ unveiled today as a response to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) must go beyond subsidies to challenge […]

• Circular Economy
  17 January 2023

  Rethink Plastic alliance applauds historical European Parliament vote passing a full ban on plastic EU waste exports and full implementation of the Basel Convention

   Today, the European Parliament voted on the report tabled by MEP Weiss on the Regulation for the shipment of waste. The Rethink Plastic alliance and the […]

• Global & Regional Policies
  13 January 2023

  Czech and Swedish presidencies: Presidency assessment and ten green tests

  Despite advances on biodiversity and clean air, and efforts on climate, the EU’s Green Deal did not progress sufficiently towards a just transition under the outgoing […]

• Climate & Energy
  14 December 2022

  One-third of EU countries have not yet introduced any measures to reduce energy demand – New analysis

  Measures adopted by governments to reduce gas and electricity consumption vary widely across Europe and seem insufficient to meet the EU’s energy-saving targets, a new analysis […]

• Climate Change
  13 December 2022

  Member States against strong EU rules to penalise environmental crimes

  Environmental NGOs, including Birdlife, Born Free, EEB, IFAW, Eurogroup for Animals, Humane Society International, and WWF voice their concerns over the Council’s position on the revision […]

• Chemicals
  1 December 2022

  European Commission must keep to its Green Deal promise and ban the EU exports of hazardous chemicals

  In 2018 alone, more than 81,000 tonnes of pesticides containing 41 different hazardous chemicals banned for agricultural use in the EU, were exported by European corporations. […]

• Circular Economy
  30 November 2022

  Only two files remaining in a meager Circular Economy ‘package’

  Today the European Commission released a pared back set of Circular Economy initiatives as a second edition to the package released in March this year.  Initially […]

• Agriculture
  30 November 2022

  Certifiably Problematic: Commission’s plan for Carbon Removals

  The European Commission has just released a long-anticipated proposal for the Carbon Removals Certification (CRC) framework, offering a potentially game-changing opportunity to remove carbon emissions from […]

• Circular Economy
  23 November 2022

  Commission must not bow to industry lobbying on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation revision

  Some weeks ago, a leaked draft of the revised European Commission’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, scheduled to be officially released on 30 November, was circulated. […]

• EU Green Deal
  21 November 2022

  Revealed: The countries championing and blocking EU food waste action

  EU policymakers face pressure to back ambitious legally binding food waste targets The countries supporting and opposing ambitious legally binding EU food waste targets have been […]

• Industrial Emissions
  14 November 2022

  EPP draft report waters down key industrial pollution prevention rules

  Today’s released report on the revision of EU industrial pollution laws by Member of the European Parliament Radan Kanev, from the conservative EPP group, is another […]

• Agriculture
  9 November 2022

  Commission bends over backwards for the fertiliser industry

  Without obtaining any input from civil society or the scientific community, the Commission has just published its Communication on ensuring availability and affordability of fertilisers which […]

• Climate & Energy
  9 November 2022

  EU is taking a troublesome path to accelerate renewables roll-out

  Today’s European Commission proposal for an emergency regulation on renewables does not tackle real obstacles to the energy transition. Rather, by overriding environmental safeguards and democratic checks, […]

• Air Quality
  26 October 2022

  Air pollution law revision can be a game changer for zero-pollution ambition

  Today, the European Commission released the proposed update to the Ambient Air Quality Directives (AAQD), the first one since 2008. As part of the Zero Pollution […]

• NEWS
  26 October 2022

  European Commission makes steps to tackle water pollution but falls short on chemical mixtures

  Released today, the revised EU rules for clean water target pollutants of emerging concern but lack teeth to address chemical cocktails effects, warns the EEB. The […]

• Circular Economy
  25 October 2022

  Fashion industry’s green claims at risk of being misleading

  Rules in development to compare fashion products may give a limited picture of real environmental impact making them unfit to back up green claims, NGOs warn. […]

• EU Green Deal
  18 October 2022

  Commission’s 2023 Work Programme caves under chemical and farm industry pressures

  Released today, the European Commission Work Programme (CWP) for 2023 scraps bold plans to protect Europeans from hazardous chemicals and transition to a nature-positive economy.  Pressure from […]

• Economic Transition
  17 October 2022

  We need a quantum leap in EU economic and fiscal governance for a future-fit economy

  The open letter by the Fiscal Matters coalition outlines a vision of a reformed EU economic governance framework that targets the roots of the social and […]

• Chemicals
  17 October 2022

  EU Commission to drop chemicals law reform as a gift to polluters

  The European Commission is tomorrow set to capitulate bold plans against hazardous chemicals and betray its own commitment to protecting health and environment, a leak of […]

• Circular Economy
  20 September 2022

  EU wastes more food than it imports, says new report

  EU wastes more food than it imports, says new report European Commission faces pressure to set legally binding targets to tackle food waste scandal. The EU […]

• Chemicals
  21 July 2022

  Babies exposed to highly toxic nappies face severe disease threat later in life

  90% of babies exposed to highly toxic nappies Severe disease threat later in life, say French officials EU resists consumer protections, missing legal deadline   Officials […]

• Chemicals
  11 July 2022

  Need for speed on chemical protections in Europe

  Stopping dangerous use of chemicals takes EU a decade Important protections have slowed, despite surge in chemical use Industry systematically misleads regulators over serious health risks […]

• EU Green Deal
  7 July 2022

  French EU Presidency leaves much to be desired

  The French Presidency of the Council of the EU displayed a positive commitment to cooperation and openness to engage with civil society, but did not do […]

• Climate & Energy
  6 July 2022

  EU credibility crippled after MEPs accepted calling gas and nuclear green, NGOs say

  In a tight vote, the European Parliament failed today to veto the inclusion of gas and nuclear in the list of sustainable investments. The EEB challenges […]

• Agriculture
  23 June 2022

  The new EU Pesticides Regulation receives cautious welcome by environmental groups

  The European Commission presented today its long-awaited proposal for a regulation to reduce pesticide use in Europe in order to avoid ecosystem collapse. The proposal has been given […]

• Nature
  22 June 2022

  EU nature restoration law: Huge opportunity to fight biodiversity and climate crises – NGO reaction

  The legislative proposal for binding nature restoration targets presented by the European Commission today can put the EU’s degraded ecosystems on a path to recovery, NGOs […]

• Environmental Democracy
  16 June 2022

  Placing citizens at the heart of the green and just transition to achieve a REAL DEAL for people and planet

  European researchers in deliberative democracy and some of Europe’s largest civil society organisations have teamed up to reshape citizens’ participation and deliberation for the European Green […]

• Agriculture
  13 June 2022

  New Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plans ignore climate reality and biodiversity crisis

  A new assessment released by Birdlife Europe and the European Environmental Bureau finds that EU member states are failing to use CAP funds to address environmental […]

• Chemicals
  1 June 2022

  EU’s detox pledge sabotaged by illegal delay to microplastics regulation

  As of today, EU’s proposal to slash intentional microplastic pollution has been delayed by a whole year – jeopardising the European pledge for zero pollution and […]

• NEWS
  24 May 2022

  Patrick ten Brink appointed Secretary General of European Environmental Bureau

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) announced that Patrick ten Brink has been selected as Secretary General of the Brussels-based environmental non-profit organisation, effective 1 July 2022. […]

• Climate Change
  18 May 2022

  REPowerEU paves the way for renewables but also undermines environmental legislation

  The plan to wean the EU off Russian fossil fuels presented today by the European Commission set a promising agenda for renewables that, unfortunately, is overshadowed […]

• Circular Economy
  12 May 2022

  Ministers for environment, not for industry, should be in the driving seat for new ecodesign regulation, warn environmental NGOs

  In a letter sent today, ECOS, EEB and Zero Waste Europe urge the Council of the European Union to appoint the Environment Council as the minister […]

• Circular Economy
  11 May 2022

  “Doughnut (economics) for all”: NGOs and policy makers join voices for a more well-rounded EU economy

  EEB launches new campaign for a ‘doughnut economy’ that improves wellbeing for all within planetary boundaries Environmental NGOs, Members of the European Parliament and EU institutions’ […]

• NEWS
  5 May 2022

  EEB Statement Concerning the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

  – Adopted by the EEB Board on 3 March 2022 –   The EEB strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine launched on 24 February […]

• Chemicals
  25 April 2022

  The great detox – largest ever ban of toxic chemicals announced by EU

  Thousands of the most notorious chemicals will be rapidly banned in Europe, the European Commission announced today, as part of the Zero-pollution goal in the EU […]

• Agriculture
  20 April 2022

  New NGO report: CAP national strategic plans will not deliver on EU Green Deal

  Both nature and food security under threat as Member States cave in to misguided farm lobby agenda. Today, BirdLife Europe and the European Environmental Bureau released […]

• Circular Economy
  19 April 2022

  Decisive negotiations on batteries: NGOs demand clear commitments to responsible sourcing, design, reuse and recycling

  ECOS – Environmental Coalition on Standards, European Environmental Bureau (EEB), Transport & Environment (T&E) and Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) call on the European Commission, Parliament and Council […]

• Climate Change
  6 April 2022

  Revised F-Gas Regulation lags behind market evolution, NGOs warn

  The European Commission’s revision of the F-gas regulation is pushing the refrigerant sector in line with the EU climate goals. However, the text is less advanced […]

• Industrial Emissions
  1 April 2022

  New EU laws on industrial pollution not fit for zero pollution ambition

  The proposal for the review of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) reveals significant steps forward. Yet the Commission jeopardises the progress achieved by leaving significant loopholes […]

• Circular Economy
  31 March 2022

  Textile strategy contains green ambition but forgets workers from the equation

  The European Commission has today, 30 March 2022, set out plans to bring more sustainability to the textile industry – a sector which remains largely under-regulated. But civil […]

• Circular Economy
  30 March 2022

  New Circular Economy Package set to be a game changer

  New Circular Economy Package set to be a game changer The package is a fundamental step forward but still lacks teeth to make sustainable products the […]

• Circular Economy
  29 March 2022

  Companies must not be given the pen to write their own environmental rules in standards for construction products – NGOs warn EU Commission

  The new Construction Products Regulation must include strict environmental requirements for products by law, both on environmental information disclosure and on performance, say Environmental Coalition on […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  23 March 2022

  Delay in new pesticides law publication risks derailing Farm to Fork

  Civil society organisations deeply regret that the much needed revision of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD) is being postponed and ask the European Commission […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  23 March 2022

  EU Commission plays into hands of anti-nature lobbies, ignores citizens by delaying Nature Restoration Law

  Today, the European Commission postponed its highly anticipated proposal for an EU Nature Restoration Law without setting a new publication date. Over the weekend, more than […]

• Circular Economy
  22 March 2022

  Fashion must end toxic relationship with economic growth

  New ‘Wellbeing Wardrobe’ study shows EU action vital to build new textile systems A new report [1] commissioned by the European Environmental Bureau says that only a […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  16 March 2022

  Exposure to pesticides worldwide has clear human rights implications

  Farmers, farm workers, civil society from the North and the South, and Members of the European Parliament urge the European Commission and Member States to protect […]

• Economic Transition
  15 March 2022

  Manifesto for a green, just and democratic European economy

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB), with more than 270 prominent academics, think tanks, and civil society organizations from all EU 27 Member States, have today published […]

• Circular Economy
  14 March 2022

  NGOs to EU ministers: We need rules to make batteries low carbon, reusable, and responsibly sourced – now

  ECOS – Environmental Coalition on Standards, EEB – European Environmental Bureau, Transport & Environment, and DUH – Deutsche Umwelthilfe call on EU ministers to show the […]

• Climate & Energy
  11 March 2022

  EU’s green independence from fossil fuels will require further and faster action, say NGOs

  As EU leaders recognised today in Versailles, our best chance to tackle energy prices and defund Putin’s war chest lies in speeding up the green transition. […]

• Press Release
  11 March 2022

  Most EU member states miss collection target for electronic waste, NGOs demand quick action from European Commission

  Electrical equipment provokes serious environmental impacts due to insufficient collection and recycling, short lifetimes, poor repair suitability, as well as illegal imports and exports. NGOs and […]

• Mercury
  10 March 2022

  Dangerous and often illegal cosmetics enter EU due to lack of online regulations

  Report exposes shady side of cosmetics industry A global report released today by the Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) confirms that illegal mercury skin lighteners are […]

• NEWS
  3 March 2022

  EEB Statement Concerning the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

  – Adopted by the EEB Board on 3 March 2022 –   The EEB strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine launched on 24 February […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  28 February 2022

  Commission’s draft pesticides regulation fails in ambition on reducing use of pesticides and protecting biodiversity and human health

  The upcoming proposal falls short in delivering the transformative changes needed to secure the EU’s transition towards agroecology in line with the Green Deal objectives. These […]

• Mercury
  25 February 2022

  EU bans toxic lights in house but continues exportation globally

  After an over 6-year uphill battle of delays, NGOs reach an important milestone with the EU finally banning toxic fluorescent lightbulbs; but the decision comes with […]

• Climate & Energy
  24 February 2022

  After fossil gas companies’ record 2021 profits, civil society calls on the EU to provide affordable, renewable heating for all

  Seven major civil society organisations from across Europe, representing the large majority of Europe’s environmental movements, are calling today on the EU to provide clean renewable […]

• Agriculture
  21 February 2022

  CAP national strategic plans will fail to deliver on European Green Deal environmental and climate objectives, NGO assessment reveals

  The overwhelming majority of Common Agricultural Policy strategic plans delivered by Member States to the European Commission fail to adequately address the urgent crises of biodiversity […]

• Climate & Energy
  16 February 2022

  19 companies lead Europe’s heating sector out of fossil gas – Joint press release

  Findings from the latest domestic heating market analysis reveal the companies leading the renewable heating transition in Europe. These industry front-runners, together with the largest European […]

• NEWS
  8 February 2022

  Unlock the true green potential of carbon farming and avoid greenwashing, the EEB urges Agricultural Ministers

  Speaking in Strasbourg this morning, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) urged Agricultural Ministers to harness “carbon farming” to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises while improving […]

• NEWS
  7 January 2022

  Slovenian EU Presidency assessment – not so green, say NGOs

  The European Union under the Slovenian Presidency failed to make significant progress towards a green transition at this critical moment for tackling the environmental crisis, as revealed by an EEB assessment.   Slovenia’s six-month […]

• NEWS
  23 December 2021

  NGOs’ green demands for new Council of EU FR-CZ-SE 2022-2023 Presidency Trio

  To tackle the arduous challenges our planet and societies face, the new EU Presidency Trio – inaugurated by France in 2022 – must accelerate policies, investments […]

• Chemicals
  17 December 2021

  NGOs applaud Commission’s move to turn the Mercury Lights out in the EU

  The EEB and CLASP welcome the decision to adopt provisions that will phase-out compact and linear fluorescent lamps Brussels 17 December 2021 The EEB and CLASP applaud […]

• Circular Economy
  16 December 2021

  EPBD will fail to decarbonise European buildings as Commission leaves embodied impacts of materials for renovation behind

  • Yesterday’s proposal fails to fully address environmental impacts from buildings, warn ECOS and the EEB. • New rules will not be enough to decarbonise the […]

• Climate & Energy
  15 December 2021

  Second FitFor55 Package is a Christmas gift to fossil industry, NGOs say

  Rather than steering the market towards the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, the European Commission is making harmful concessions to industry […]

• Environmental Democracy
  13 December 2021

  EU criminal law must pave way for better environmental protection, NGOs demand

  Commission must fix EU criminal law and ensure environmental crimes such as wildlife trade, waste dumping, illegal hunting and fishing, unlawful logging and mining no longer […]

• Chemicals
  9 December 2021

  Experts highly concerned as EU body rejects proposal to exclude hazardous chemicals in diapers

  Environmental and health organisations have reacted with severe concern after the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s scientific committees today rejected an attempt to eliminate hazardous chemicals from […]

• Circular Economy
  9 December 2021

  NGOs warn against delays to EU battery rules

  There are growing concerns that the EU rules to create a sustainable European battery industry could come into effect far too late. Brussels, 9 December 2021 […]

• NEWS
  8 December 2021

  General Block Exemption Regulation must align with EU climate neutrality and zero pollution goals, urges the EEB

  Regulation allowing governments to provide state aid without notification to the European Commission must be improved to meet European Green Deal objectives Brussels, 8 December 2021 […]

• Circular Economy
  6 December 2021

  Non-replaceable batteries are bad news for the environment and consumers, new research finds

  In the growing market for rechargeable electronics, a growing number of devices contain non-replaceable or non-repairable lithium ion batteries Smartphones, laptops, headphones and e-bikes are amongst […]

• Chemicals
  1 December 2021

  NGOs demand Member States to vote on chemicals with a conscience

    PRESS BRIEFING:  Next week, on 7-8 December, Member States will have the opportunity discuss three crucial matters with the Commission in REACH’s Committee meeting. There will be a discussion on the restriction of […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  1 December 2021

  Draft CAP eco-schemes unlikely to deliver on Green Deal objectives

  NGOs call for the urgent revision of eco-schemes to transition away from destructive farming practices and incentivise the restoration of biodiversity and nature. An expert assessment […]

• Chemicals
  25 November 2021

  Delay in proposed microplastics restriction leading to irreversible pollution

  One additional year without a restriction on microplastics could see levels of pollution equivalent to 1.6 billion plastic bottles released into the environment. An EU proposal […]

• Climate & Energy
  25 November 2021

  German government deal sets 2030 coal phase-out date but makes poor commitments on gas

  Despite high expectations, the final text of the new German government’s deal is disappointing and does not live up to Germany’s climate leadership prospects Presented by […]

• Circular Economy
  17 November 2021

  EU Waste Shipment Regulation falls short of fixing Europe’s waste export crisis

  NGOs demand a stronger ban on waste exports, a better alignment with waste treatment hierarchy and fairer shipments for reuse Brussels, 17 November 2021 – The […]

• Circular Economy
  17 November 2021

  MEPs vote on Critical Raw Materials: what to watch

  PRESS BRIEFING Brussels, 17 November 2021 – Next week, the European Parliament will vote on their opinion on the European Commission’s Critical Raw Materials Action Plan. […]

• Air Quality
  15 November 2021

  Right to clean air: European Commission refers Portugal to Court of Justice for breaching safe levels of nitrogen dioxide

  The European Commission has referred Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union for the Member State’s poor air quality resulting from nitrogen dioxide […]

• Circular Economy
  25 October 2021

  Wasteful destruction of unsold goods must be banned, NGOs urge the EU

  Belgian, French and German initiatives to end product destruction must be upscaled at the single-market level Brussels, 25 October 2021 – The deliberate destruction and disposal […]

• Press Release
  14 October 2021

  EU rule of law hypocrisy at the upcoming Aarhus Convention meeting

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) calls on the European Union to prevent a rule of law fiasco ahead of next week’s seventh session of the Meeting […]

• Circular Economy
  5 October 2021

  ‘Green mining’ is a myth: EU must slash resource consumption by two-thirds – new study

  PRESS RELEASE New analysis suggests the EU must ditch plans under its European Green Deal to increase mining and set hard limits to the natural resources […]

• Air Quality
  22 September 2021

  Long-awaited update to World Health Organisation Global Air Quality Guidelines published

  The World Health Organisation has today published a long-awaited update to its Global Air Quality Guidelines, the first such update since 2005 The World Health Organisation […]

• Industrial Emissions
  17 August 2021

  Four years of unnecessary pollution: EU governments fail to curb emissions from most toxic plants

  PRESS BRIEFING Most lignite plants in the EU have waited until the very last minute to implement pollution-control technologies that were available and economically viable already […]

• Mercury
  27 July 2021

  European Environmental Bureau challenge Signify’s contradictory claims

  Last week the Light Review published ‘Signify: a response to EEB greenwash claims‘ that responded to EEB’s ‘Higher bills for millions as EU lets lighting firms […]

• Fit for 55
  14 July 2021

  EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ is unfit and unfair

  The European Commission is missing another historic opportunity to phase out fossil fuels in the ‘Fit for 55’ package, leaving the door open for coal, gas […]

• Climate & Energy
  9 July 2021

  Higher bills for millions as EU lets lighting firms milk old technology

  Wasteful toxic lamps treated as “cash engine” by Signify, despite green claims EU ignored € billions in consumer losses and its own legal benchmarks 9 July […]

• Press Release
  6 July 2021

  Reusable packaging can bring significant environmental and economic benefits by 2030, report finds

  New report shows a reusable packaging target of 50% in key sectors could drastically reduce CO2 emissions, water consumption and waste.   A reusable packaging target […]

• Press Release
  6 July 2021

  Get ‘Fit for 55’ with Agriculture

  Our food systems are responsible for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. This scientific reality should place farming at the heart of the European Commission’s revised ‘Fit […]

• Industrial Emissions
  6 July 2021

  New EU environmental standards for chemical industry fall short of Green Deal ambition

  Progress towards air quality goals will be witnessed on new EU standards to prevent emissions from chemical installations (WGC BREF). However, the vague methodology set to […]

• Mercury
  6 July 2021

  Call to action: Tell the EU to eliminate mercury in light bulbs

  Eliminating all fluorescent bulbs from European markets would significantly reduce toxic mercury pollution, lower carbon emissions and save people and businesses billions of euros in energy […]

• NEWS
  1 July 2021

  Portuguese and Slovenian presidencies: Environmental assessment and 10 green tests

  Despite a major breakthrough on chemicals policy, the European Union made lacklustre progress towards a robust green transition during the Portuguese presidency, a comprehensive assessment reveals. […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  25 June 2021

  New EU farm policy will worsen environmental crises for years

  Weak rules will maintain support for harmful farming practices   25 June 2021, Brussels – Europe will continue major funding of harmful intensive farming practices until […]

• Chemicals
  21 June 2021

  First laws to tackle serious polymer health threat being crippled

  Research shows widespread pollution and presence in vital organs   But new rules to cover just 6% of polymers after industry lobbying   21 May 2021, […]

• Industrial Emissions
  17 June 2021

  ‘Green Deal Commission’ needs to walk the ‘zero pollution’ talk

  Air pollution prevention from chemical industries may enter into a deregulation mayhem under the EU Commission proposal for WGC BREF. Polluters-complacent countries would be rewarded with […]

• Circular Economy
  16 June 2021

  Urgent break with fast fashion needed in upcoming EU textile laws

  25 NGOs rebuff voluntary agreements to clean up the fashion industry, calling for the EU’s upcoming textile legislation to hold brands accountable for their contribution to […]

• Industrial Emissions
  9 June 2021

  European Commission sides with citizens in landmark cross-border anti-coal court case

  The European Commission will join the Czech Republic in the legal dispute against Poland concerning the controversial Turów mine [1], which is depleting water resources and […]

• Chemicals
  4 June 2021

  Pakistani workers poisoned during scrapping of infamous mercury-laden tanker

  The Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) tanker J. NAT has been beached on the shipbreaking shores of Gadani, Pakistan despite clear warnings by Interpol and international […]

• Circular Economy
  3 June 2021

  Urban mining: when communities reject the throwaway economy

  A growing number of communities across Europe are speeding up the shift to more resilient economies and supply chains, rethinking the way we create, use, and […]

• Industrial Emissions
  21 May 2021

  European Court of Justice orders halt to operations at controversial Polish mine

  LUXEMBOURG, 21 May 2021 – The European Court of Justice has ruled that mining at Poland’s sprawling Turów coal mine must cease while the court processes […]

• EU Green Deal
  12 May 2021

  EU zero pollution action plan lacks action, NGOs say

  Despite committing to a zero pollution ambition, the European Commission’s latest action plan may not propose any new binding actions to clean up Europe’s air, water […]

• Industrial Emissions
  6 May 2021

  German government and Green regions are letting the lignite industry decide on air pollution standards for power plants

  On Friday 7 May the German Bundesrat may vote a dangerous compromise allowing business as usual pollution levels for German coal and lignite power plants. The […]

• Circular Economy
  5 May 2021

  Rapid reaction: No viable blueprint for a green transition in Commission’s Industrial Strategy

  The European Commission has released its revised Industrial Strategy. Despite fine words about the importance of the EU “giving back more than it extracts”, the strategy […]

• Chemicals
  4 May 2021

  Africa lights a path for Europe to ban toxic mercury in fluorescent bulbs

  With African countries demanding the phasing out of fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury, it is high time for the EU to roll out its much-delayed ban […]

• Environmental Democracy
  3 May 2021

  Whistleblowers still risk jail time in Europe, study reveals

  Less than a year until ‘big bang’ in legal protections Read this story in El Pais Whistleblowers and journalists who expose criminality can face large fines […]

• Climate & Energy
  30 April 2021

  National recovery plans ‘a missed opportunity’ – NGO reaction

  National plans to reset the economy after the Covid-19 crisis fall short of delivering a green and just transition. Despite some good measures, there is a […]

• Industrial Emissions
  30 April 2021

  One year of European Commission inaction on the illegal Turów coal mine

  Polish utility PGE will have operated its sprawling Turów lignite mine illegally for one year this coming Saturday 1 May, despite the European Commission confirming that […]

• Climate & Energy
  21 April 2021

  Climate greater worry than COVID-19 for young Europeans, new poll finds

  Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the environment beat infectious diseases on the list of priorities expressed in a pan-European youth survey. Despite years […]

• Industrial Emissions
  14 April 2021

  Money for nothing? Commission set to release first findings on golden handshake to German lignite

  PRESS BRIEFING   What is happening? As part of its coal phase-out, Germany promised multi-billion Euro payouts to lignite operators for closing their plants. On 2 […]

• Air Quality
  24 March 2021

  Germany close to miss key chance to slash toxic industrial pollution

  The Bundesrat vote on industrial emission limits is the country’s second opportunity to protect public health and lead Europe by example. On March 26th the German […]

• Circular Economy
  17 March 2021

  EU governments kick off talks on sustainable batteries

  Some of Europe’s largest green networks urge ministers to make durable, repairable and low carbon batteries the norm. Sustainable Batteries: NGO position paper File size: 3.11 […]

• Circular Economy
  11 March 2021

  One year of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan

  The European Union’s strategy to overcome its addiction to overconsumption and waste turns one year old today. In this brief, the European Environmental Bureau takes stock […]

• Chemicals
  25 February 2021

  EU microplastic ban just got closer – with major loopholes

  Pollution reduction target impossible to meet without improvements, NGOs warn   25 February 2020, Brussels – EU plans to stop firms adding microplastic to almost all […]

• Climate & Energy
  12 February 2021

  Fossil gas included in guidelines for EU recovery plans

  The European Commission has adopted a technical guidance document for upcoming spending under the newly agreed  Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which will channel funds to member […]

• Circular Economy
  10 February 2021

  European Parliament demands first-ever EU targets to reduce over-consumption

  MEPs confirm push for targets to reduce resource use by 2030 and bring EU consumption within planetary boundaries by 2050 – an unprecedented move that could […]

• Industrial Emissions
  1 February 2021

  EU industrial pollution law revision essential to cut greenhouse gases and pollutants

  The Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) currently excludes limits on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), making it unfit to support the EU’s moves to […]

• Industrial Emissions
  28 January 2021

  EU air pollution rules for Large Combustion Plants remain valid, European Court of Justice rules

  The EU’s new air pollution limits, which could save more than 20,000 lives every year by cutting pollution from coal-fired power plants alone, were annulled today by the judges of Luxemburg […]

• Industrial Emissions
  26 January 2021

  Serbia’s public electricity company faces court for breaching toxic emission limits

  Cross-border pollution from Serbian coal plants threatens EU citizens’ health Environmental campaigners have taken legal action against Serbia’s state-owned electricity company EPS for exposing Serbian and […]

• Agriculture
  22 January 2021

  10 tests challenge “deadend” €350 billion EU farm policy

  Officials meet as protests intensify 22 January 2020, Brussels – Worried environmentalists say tens of billions of Euros is being set aside for destructive forms of […]

• Air Quality
  18 December 2020

  False ceilings: Only Belgium and Slovakia are on track to meet EU air pollution targets, report finds

  All of the EU’s member states but two have failed to show how they will slash air pollution to comply with the emissions limits set out […]

• Industrial Emissions
  11 December 2020

  Coal firms get €50+ million ‘free pass’ on water bills – investigation

  Hidden subsidies for major polluters, while public forced to pay Auf Deutsch | W języku polskim 11 December 2020, Brussels – Officials are shielding the coal […]

• Circular Economy
  10 December 2020

  Sustainable batteries: Revised EU laws can pave way for greener transport

  EU officials want to make durable, repairable, and recyclable batteries the norm. From transport to energy storage, this is the way forward to reduce the environmental […]

• Climate & Energy
  8 December 2020

  Make-or-break talks on EU climate action to begin this week

  National governments hope to reach a common position on Europe’s emissions reduction for 2030 in a key meeting this Thursday. The bloc’s 27 heads of state […]

• Air Quality
  23 November 2020

  Three quarters of EU urban population exposed to toxic air as governments fail to cut emissions

  Air pollution health impacts make us more vulnerable to Covid-19, report highlights Most Europeans living in cities are still breathing air that is dangerous to their […]

• NEWS
  20 November 2020

  Making Europe work again: A blueprint for employment and wellbeing in post-pandemic EU

  The economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of job losses. But it need not be so. A new report provides a […]

• Climate & Energy
  19 November 2020

  EU offshore wind strategy must ensure protection of marine habitats

  NGOs welcome a proposal to scale up offshore windfarms but raise concerns over its potentially negative impact on marine habitats. UPDATE: This press release was updated […]

• NEWS
  23 October 2020

  Updated: Mid-term environmental report card for German EU presidency

  The EEB has released its mid-term scorecard for the German presidency of the European Union. Germany has so far prioritised the environment, performed well on biodiversity and made some progress on climate, despite the challenges […]

• Agriculture
  21 October 2020

  EU locks in billions of euros to nature-trashing farming

  Thunberg: “this isn’t how democracy is supposed to work” Transition to ecological farming frozen, say NGOs The EU has voted through hundreds of billions of Euros […]

• Agriculture
  19 October 2020

  Farm ministers resist EU Green Deal

  Farm ministers today gave a cool welcome to EU plans for new laws to greatly reduce pesticides, fertilisers and boost ecological farming. At a meeting in […]

• Agriculture
  19 October 2020

  Will we pay €350 billion to trash nature? This week we will know.

  EU farm policy 2023 – 2027: a media briefing Forget the ‘million dollar question’. This week Brussels will answer one worth €358 billion: the shape of […]

• Chemicals
  14 October 2020

  Chemical detox plan for Europe announced

  Major reforms could rapidly reduce chemical pollution   NGOs welcome action on “serious and growing” threat   Ban for PFAS, the ever-lasting poison in drinking water […]

• Implement For LIFE
  14 October 2020

  Commission proposal to strengthen access to justice tackles main obstacle but falls short overall

  The EU has taken an important first step to correct a glaring imbalance in access to justice to protect the environment with a proposal from the […]

• Climate & Energy
  14 October 2020

  Building on shaky foundations: EU’s renovation strategy needs more action

  The European Commission plans to double the renovation rate of homes, schools, and hospitals by 2030. But its strategy falls short in key areas, such as […]

• Agriculture
  13 October 2020

  Coup for big farmers worth € billions in EU payments

  Transition to agro-ecological farming could be “frozen” until 2027   13 October 2020, Brussels – The future of ecological farming in Europe is hanging in the […]

• Industry & Health
  12 October 2020

  German city threatened by Polish coal mine joins call on EU to uphold water laws

  Zittau, 12 October 2020 – The controversial Polish Turów lignite mine is polluting the Lusatian Neisse River, and causing subsidence that could damage houses across the […]

• Climate & Energy
  7 October 2020

  EU climate credibility rescued in tight Parliamentary vote

  The European Parliament voted to increase the EU 2030 target for carbon emissions reduction to 60% today, moving closer to science and away from politics. But this still […]

• Chemicals
  1 October 2020

  Toxic shock: health officials block progress on chemical safety

  1 October 2020, Brussels – Health officials in Brussels are blocking progress on the biggest upgrade of EU chemical safety laws in a decade, according to […]

• Climate & Energy
  30 September 2020

  As Czech government prepares to take Poland to court for illegal mining, activists urge European Commission to act

  Campaigners call on the European Commission to start an infringement procedure immediately against Poland for the Turow mine’s illegal water grab. [1] Environmental groups welcome the […]

• Climate Change
  25 September 2020

  European Parliament must show greater ambition on climate migration, civil society groups urge

  A resolution being drafted by the European Parliament’s Development Committee must raise the bar on EU action to mitigate the impact of climate change on vulnerable […]

• Climate & Energy
  10 September 2020

  EU Climate Law still needs more ambitious emissions targets

  MEPs in the environment committee voted to improve the European Commission’s proposal for the bloc’s first-ever Climate Law today. But more work is needed to increase […]

• Industrial Emissions
  9 September 2020

  New tracking tool maps the reality of industrial pollution in Europe

  With national governments and the EU failing to report crucial information, a new NGO database shows what plants are playing by the rules. Italy emerges as […]

• Circular Economy
  3 September 2020

  Europe’s strategy for critical raw materials “a double-edged sword”

  From electric vehicles to solar panels, energy storage products are Europe’s way out of fossil fuels. But if left unchecked, mining for the materials needed to […]

• Chemicals
  1 September 2020

  EU microplastics ban set to make a growing problem worse

  The world is being smothered by a growing cloud of toxic plastic particles, which the EU has pledged to ban. But the typical cast of powerful […]

• Climate & Energy
  3 August 2020

  Stop funding new gas boilers – NGO and industry letter

  Industry groups and NGOs condemn unfair competition and hostile market conditions for renewable heat solutions in a letter to the European Commission. The groups call for […]

• EU Green Deal
  22 July 2020

  EU’s trillion euro recovery fund must be made greener

  While welcoming the targeting of environmental issues in the EU’s much-needed stimulus package, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) warns that more needs to be done to […]

• Agriculture
  21 July 2020

  Governments miss yet another opportunity to green EU farming – NGO reaction

  The European Commission must amend its proposal to reform the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) before farm ministers and the European Parliament come to a conclusion […]

• Climate & Energy
  8 July 2020

  Europe’s hydrogen strategy “a gift to fossil fuel companies” – NGO response

  The EU’s strategy to boost the production of hydrogen risks locking Europe into burning fossil gas for generations, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) said today. In […]

• NEWS
  1 July 2020

  Germany’s EU presidency must tackle climate and biodiversity emergencies alongside COVID-19 crisis

  The coronavirus crisis is not an excuse to delay environmental action but a reason to accelerate it and scale it up. As Germany takes over the […]

• Climate & Energy
  30 June 2020

  Mapping a faster route to zero emissions Europe – new report

  A new clean energy scenario shows that the EU can achieve climate neutrality by 2040 – a decade before the 2050 target – raising hopes for […]

• Air Quality
  26 June 2020

  Most member states are failing to protect citizens from toxic air

  Nearly all member states must step up their effort to cut air pollution and ensure citizens can breathe clean air, states the European Commission in a […]

• Nature
  23 June 2020

  EU water law will NOT be changed, confirms European Commission

  In a landmark day for Europe’s rivers, lakes and wetlands, the European Commission has announced that the EU’s strong water legislation — the EU Water Framework […]

• EU Green Deal
  27 May 2020

  EU plans multi-billion euro ‘green recovery’ but falls short in crucial areas

  European Commission proposals for a green recovery fund and new EU budget promise to provide the money needed to rebuild weakened economies – but environmental groups […]

• Agriculture
  20 May 2020

  EU nature and farming plans welcomed by green groups

  The EU Commission has today set out its vision for the future of nature and farming policies, as it prepares to put the European Green Deal […]

• Circular Economy
  23 April 2020

  Coronavirus strengthens case for new EU textile laws – 65 civil society groups publish joint vision

  – Companies must take responsibility for their whole supply chain – Now is the time for stricter environmental rules – Broad coalition of fair trade, human […]

• Air Quality
  21 April 2020

  Air pollution returns to China

  Europe risks going “back to a dirty future” Covid-19 deaths linked to pollution   21 April 2020, Brussels – Air pollution is returning to China after […]

• Environmental Justice
  27 March 2020

  Invitation to report launch: ‘Pushed to the wastelands: Environmental racism against Roma communities in Eastern and Central Europe’

  Many Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe experience systematic environmental racism, which pushes them out into marginal and polluted lands and neighbourhoods, and deprives them of […]

• Circular Economy
  11 March 2020

  EU to take unprecedented steps against ‘throwaway economy’

  ​​The EU has unveiled its master plan to move beyond the ‘throwaway economy’ today. Despite the absence of targets to reduce the impact of our consumption, […]

• Climate & Energy
  10 March 2020

  Opportunity or disaster? Commission set to launch new EU Industrial Strategy

  The European Commission will today publish its new industrial strategy, a unique opportunity for transformational change to the manufacturing sector in the EU. Ahead of the […]

• Air Quality
  6 March 2020

  EU governments admit they need to do more to improve air quality

  EU environment ministers have accepted that more needs to be done to ensure European air quality standards are met across the continent. Civil society groups welcomed […]

• Climate & Energy
  4 March 2020

  EU climate law: more ‘man stuck in traffic’ than ‘man on the moon’

  The EU’s newly released proposal to address the climate emergency fails to live up to Green Deal promises. Without higher targets and concrete measures now, Europe […]

• Implement For LIFE
  2 March 2020

  Environmental crimes cost us billions: sanctions must reflect this

  The European Union must step up action to tackle an environmental crime spree that is costing us billions, that’s the conclusion of a new EEB report […]

• Climate & Energy
  17 February 2020

  EU Summit Challenge: A budget for the climate emergency

  Heads of state meet this week hoping to reach a final agreement on the size and purpose of the next EU budget. The outcome should tell […]

• Chemicals
  5 February 2020

  Hollywood’s Mark Ruffalo brings chemical warning to Europe 

  PFAS “out of control” with child contamination “alarming” 5 February, Brussels – Oscar-nominated actor Mark Ruffalo visits the European Parliament today to present Dark Waters. In […]

• EU Green Deal
  29 January 2020

  ‘Green Deal Commission’ overlooks environmental rights in 2020 work programme

  The European Commission’s 2020 Work Programme has failed to include essential measures needed to ensure European citizens’ environmental rights. The European Union has faced fierce criticism […]

• Environmental Democracy
  9 January 2020

  Finnish EU presidency’s environmental scorecard: Good, could do better

  Finland’s presidency of the EU, in the second half of 2019, performed well on the circular economy, chemicals and wellbeing, and made significant efforts on climate, […]

• EU Green Deal
  11 December 2019

  Next 12 months crucial as Green Deal commits EU to “deeply transformative policies”

  The European Commission has responded to calls for climate and environmental action by publishing plans for a European Green Deal including the promise of “deeply transformative […]

• Chemicals
  9 December 2019

  Industry wish list ‘copy & pasted’ into EU Green Deal

  End chemical pollution – union, consumer and green groups demand The EU risks missing a major opportunity to protect workers, consumers and the environment from serious […]

• EU Green Deal
  2 December 2019

  Media Briefing on European Green Deal: early test of Von der Leyen’s commitment to environment

  On Wednesday 11 December 2019, the European Commission is expected to announce details of its European Green Deal in Brussels – potentially an era-defining policy for […]

• Implement For LIFE
  2 December 2019

  Still too hard to access environmental information in the EU – EEB report

  A new report by the European Environmental Bureau shows that it is still too difficult to access information on environmental matters across the European Union. More […]

• Air Quality
  29 November 2019

  EU Commission to get tougher on air quality laggards – Fitness Check concludes

  Brussels, 29 November 2019 – The European Commission has published its conclusions on the Fitness Check of the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive, at the Clean […]

• Industrial Emissions
  29 November 2019

  EU unblocks international process to improve tracking of industrial pollutants, but access to information is still limited

  At the meeting of the United Nations’ Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on the international pollution data protocol, the EU gave its green light to improve […]

• Chemicals
  28 November 2019

  ‘Flood’ of toxic Chinese toys threatens children’s health

  Phthalates found in children at harmful levels in 13 out of 15 EU countries Brussels, 28 November 2019 – Government officials are facing a ‘flood’ of […]

• Industry & Health
  27 November 2019

  Amazon, eBay among websites found selling illegal mercury-laced skin lighteners

  158 products tested in 12 countries: 60% contained too much mercury  Some products had tens of thousands of times more mercury than legal limit International coalition […]

• NEWS
  23 November 2019

  Industry Working Groups 16-18 December 2019

  The Industry Working Group will meet on 16-18 December, in Brussels.   On Monday 16 December, the Group will start with a NGO Workshop ‘Changing the […]

• Chemicals
  8 November 2019

  Biggest ever human screening for toxic chemicals in Europe

  – Chemical safety laws are failing, NGOs warn – Brussels to strengthen regulations this winter   Evidence of widespread contamination from harmful man-made chemicals has triggered […]

• Air Quality
  16 October 2019

  Air pollution: New figures reveal extent of problem, but ten governments fail to plan

  Poor air quality is putting our health at stake, reveals the European Environment Agency in a new report released today – but campaigners warn national action […]

• Nature
  10 October 2019

  EU top court confirms strict protection rules to stop killing of endangered species

  The EU’s top court has today upheld strict protection rules set out in the EU Habitats Directive which national authorities should follow in order to stop […]

• Air Quality
  7 October 2019

  International treaty takes off towards cleaner air

  The amended Gothenburg Protocol enters into force today, marking an important step towards protecting human health, ecosystems and the climate from dangerous pollutants.   The protocol sets […]

• Circular Economy
  1 October 2019

  EU to pull plug on wasteful, unrepairable products

  Newly adopted EU laws will make several products easier to repair and more energy efficient, saving people money while reducing pollution, NGOs in the Coolproducts campaign […]

• Circular Economy
  20 September 2019

  The Circular Plastics Alliance: a missed opportunity

  Environmental groups have decided not to sign the Circular Plastics Alliance declaration fur to a regrettable lack of ambition, transparency and NGO involvement. ECOS, the European […]

• Circular Economy
  18 September 2019

  Revealed: The climate cost of ‘disposable smartphones’

  Extending the lifespan of smartphones and other electronics by just one year would save the EU as much carbon emissions as taking 2 million cars off […]

• Air Quality
  11 September 2019

  Half of EU governments fail to deliver a plan to cut air pollution

  Five months past the deadline, EU officials are still waiting for fifteen Member States to detail their programmes to improve air quality. National governments were due […]

• NEWS
  10 September 2019

  EU ready for Green Deal as von der Leyen appoints new Commissioners

  European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen has highlighted the importance of EU environmental action by creating a new role of Executive Vice President for the […]

• NEWS
  1 August 2019

  Europe needs Green Deal leaders

  Current nominations for top jobs in Ursula von der Leyen’s European Commission reveal a worrying lack of candidates with a track record of promoting green policies. […]

• Air Quality
  25 July 2019

  Right to clean air: the Commission takes Bulgaria and Spain to court

  The Commission is sending Bulgaria and Spain to Europe’s highest Court for repeatedly breaching EU air quality standards and failing to guarantee citizens’ right to clean […]

• NEWS
  16 July 2019

  Ursula von der Leyen puts environment first for EU

  Ursula von der Leyen has been elected as European Commission President after winning MEPs’ votes with a bold vision for a greener Europe. Von der Leyen […]

• Climate Change
  8 July 2019

  Decoupling debunked: Why green growth is not enough

  Is economic growth compatible with ecological sustainability? A new report shows that efforts to decouple economic growth from environmental harm, known as ‘green growth’, have not […]

• NEWS
  3 July 2019

  Mixed picture for Europe’s environment under Romanian presidency

  Sustainable development was on the agenda but virtually absent from a long-awaited declaration during Romania’s six-month Presidency of the EU, which ended this week. Citizens’ groups […]

• NEWS
  28 June 2019

  Memo to the EU: Blueprint for a greener Europe

  As Finland takes up the helm of the European Union during its six-month presidency, it must deliver on its commitment and steer the EU towards a […]

• Climate & Energy
  21 June 2019

  Infamous four: Decision on carbon neutral EU delayed by Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Estonia

  Four governments have delayed an essential decision for the EU to be climate neutral by 2050, leaving Europe empty handed at upcoming UN climate talks. The […]

• Air Quality
  20 June 2019

  EU funding ‘new coal lobby club’ as part of €10m annual gift to coal ‘research’

  The European Commission is paying coal lobby wages, as part of millions of Euros it spends every year on coal ‘research’ projects. Documents obtained under access […]

• Agriculture
  17 June 2019

  Out of touch farm ministers miss Europe’s climate memo

  Ahead of a ministerial discussion on the future of the EU’s agricultural policy tomorrow, European farm ministers have shown total disregard [1] for the urgent need […]

• Industrial Emissions
  14 June 2019

  Loophole could encourage ‘poison mix incineration’

  New rules for waste incineration plants in the EU will be voted on 17 June in Brussels, but rather than reducing the environmental impact of one […]

• NEWS
  13 June 2019

  Europe’s failure to stamp out inequalities

  Despite the European Union’s commitment to leave no one behind, millions of people in Europe are falling victim to widening inequalities, a major EU-wide report concludes. […]

• Sustainability & Governance
  11 June 2019

  Open letter to EU leaders: Our sustainable future must start now

  Dear EU Heads of State and Government, Society expects adults to educate children but it is our kids who are schooling the grown-ups, with their regular […]

• NEWS
  26 May 2019

  ‘We can really talk about a green wave’

  Early projections following the EU election point to success for green candidates. Polls suggest support was especially strong among young people. The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) […]

• Chemicals
  21 May 2019

  Named: major brands ‘breaking EU chemical safety law’

  Cosmetics, medicine, food and plastic sectors using substances illegally Regulators unable to guarantee consumer products are safe Authorities protect identity of implicated firms Approved by legal […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  15 May 2019

  The future of EU rivers: New paper exposes business lobbies’ wish list of destruction

  Unsustainable industries, including industrial agriculture, hydropower, and coal mining, are lobbying for devastating changes to the EU water law – the Water Framework Directive (WFD). A […]

• Climate Change
  9 May 2019

  EU leaders fail to commit to common climate action at key summit, NGOs say

  EU leaders gathered in Sibiu, Romania, today to discuss the future of Europe ahead of this month’s European elections. The 28 heads of state agreed on […]

• Environmental Democracy
  7 May 2019

  European Elections 2019

  Want to find out more about the European Elections and what we’re asking from MEP candidates? Our 2019 Elections hub is now live at eeb.org/eu2019 There […]

• Environmental Democracy
  6 May 2019

  Sustainability and Wellbeing Pact: The climate is right for radical change

  The European Union’s fixation on economic stability and growth is leading us in the direction of ecological instability and collapse. That is why the EU needs […]

• Environmental Democracy
  2 May 2019

  ECJ backing of ‘investment courts’ places multinationals above citizens

  The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has concluded that including a so-called Investment Court System in the EU-Canada free-trade agreement is “compatible with EU law” – […]

• Air Quality
  30 April 2019

  Most EU governments failed to file air pollution plans by April deadline

  EU officials are still waiting to receive crucial air pollution reduction programmes from fourteen EU governments, including France, Germany, Poland and Spain. National governments were supposed […]

• Environmental Democracy
  24 April 2019

  Locking citizens out of environmental decision making is a threat to democracy – report highlights problems across the EU

  Restrictions placed on civil society are dangerous for both our democracies and our environment. A new report by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) reveals examples of […]

• Agriculture
  2 April 2019

  Agriculture committee MEPs vote for farm income subsidy windfall with bare-bones environmental standards

  MEPs on the European Parliament’s Agriculture committee have today voted for income support payments to no longer be subject to the respect of certain minimum environmental […]

• Chemicals
  2 April 2019

  Half of checked chemicals unsafe in current commercial use

  – Cancer and other harms, but no action yet for 74% of danger substances – Unreliable industry data stalls safety checks for nearly 2 out of […]

• Chemicals
  2 April 2019

  Chemical Evaluation report: Achievements, challenges and recommendations after a decade of REACH

  The REACH Registration process generated knowledge for nearly 22,000 substances in over 90,000 registration dossiers by the third registration deadline on 31 May 2018. With this […]

• Nature
  13 March 2019

  375,000+ citizens tell the European Commission “Hands off our water law!”

  375,386 people have called on the European Commission to defend Europe’s strong water law, making the EU’s public consultation on the legislation one of the largest […]

• Circular Economy
  11 March 2019

  Newly approved energy labels can transform the way we shop

  EU consumers can expect significant energy savings and cheaper bills following today’s adoption of new EU energy label rules for TVs, fridges, washing machines and other […]

• Chemicals
  8 March 2019

  Court of Justice: stop selling dangerous paint immediately

  8 March 2019, Brussels – Lifting EU bans on dangerous chemicals is illegal when safer alternatives exist, the European Court of Justice ruled yesterday. The judgement […]

• Circular Economy
  5 March 2019

  Reaction to the European Commission’s report on the Circular Economy

  We must praise the work done so far by EU officials to boost the transition towards a circular economy. But it’s too early to jump to […]

• Chemicals
  1 March 2019

  Major safety gaps for most chemical files – official

  Unsafe and uncontrolled chemical use in 71% of substances   Chemical companies failed to provide important safety information in nearly three quarters (74% or 211 of 286) […]

• Agriculture
  14 February 2019

  Historic European Parliament vote for nature-friendly farming

  MEPs on the European Parliament’s Environment committee have today stood up for higher environmental ambition under the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). MEPs defended our environment […]

• Chemicals
  13 February 2019

  Biggest ever EU application to use banned chemical that kills hundreds

  Thousands of firms want EU permission to use the banned cancer-causing chemical that made Erin Brockovich famous. A consortium of companies has submitted the biggest ever […]

• Chemicals
  12 February 2019

  Cancer warning to be traded away on sunscreens and cosmetics

  Scientific advice rejected to dodge cancer warning after “unprecedented” lobbying. This story also appeared in the Daily Mail Cancer warnings will likely be kept off packets […]

• Circular Economy
  1 February 2019

  Europe struggles to cut waste, new data

  Newly released data shows little to no progress in reducing waste across the EU, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) warns. EU countries generated 487kg of waste […]

• NEWS
  30 January 2019

  Commission must use sustainability ‘reflection’ paper as stepping stone to strategy with real teeth

  A long-awaited European Commission ‘reflection paper’ on how to make the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality has finally seen the light of day – […]

• Chemicals
  30 January 2019

  EU moves to ban microplastics in most products

  The EU will use its powerful chemical laws to stop most microplastics and microbeads being added to cosmetics, paints, detergents, some farm, medical and other products, […]

• Circular Economy
  23 January 2019

  Circular Electronics Day aims to extend the lifespan of electronics

  Today’s extensive consumption of electronics lead to alarming amounts of waste and the release of substances hazardous to human health and the environment. Finite natural resources […]

• NEWS
  22 January 2019

  New campaign: “Rights for People, Rules for Corporations – Stop ISDS”

  At the start of the 2019 World Economic Forum in Davos, The European Environmental Bureau and 150+ other European organisations, trade unions and social movements launch […]

• Circular Economy
  15 January 2019

  Europe paves way for right to repair

  EU governments have taken a small step towards cutting waste and greenhouse gases from manufacturing of popular consumer goods. For the first time, manufacturers will be […]

• NEWS
  7 January 2019

  Austria rose to challenge in plastic fight in 2018 but failed to apply same zest to agriculture pollution

  An assessment of the performance of the Austrian Presidency of the EU has found that it was big on tackling plastic but less effective in dealing […]

• Environmental Democracy
  7 January 2019

  Ten green tests for Romania’s EU presidency

  As Romania takes the helm of the EU’s rotating presidency for the next six months, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) assesses the challenges and opportunities ahead […]

• Press Release
  21 December 2018

  No more ‘small steps poorly implemented’, green groups tell incoming EU presidencies

  The practice of ‘small steps poorly implemented’ is clearly now insufficient and inappropriate to protect Europe from harmful chemicals, polluted air, climate change and plastic pollution. This […]

• Circular Economy
  19 December 2018

  It’s OFFICIAL: EU agrees unprecedented cuts to single-use plastics

  After months of intense negotiations, the EU has agreed much-anticipated laws to slash single-use plastics in the EU. The agreed text is a significant step forward […]

• Chemicals
  18 December 2018

  More banned chemicals in toys than any other product type

  – Toys the worst product for banned chemicals – official figures – Officials destroy 30,000 mainly Chinese dolls of “serious risk” to children – NGOs criticise […]

• Circular Economy
  13 December 2018

  EU governments support first set of laws for more repairable products

  EU governments have supported first-ever repairability measures for fridges despite opposition from manufacturers and hesitation from the European Commission. The same progressive approach may now also […]

• Circular Economy
  29 November 2018

  EU to deny citizens longer-lasting and repairable popular consumer products – MEDIA BRIEF

  Major industry lobby groups have pushed the European Commission to abandon plans for longer-lasting products despite increasing public support. But EU governments can still rescue the […]

• Implement For LIFE
  28 November 2018

  Challenge accepted – Five reasons NGOs won’t see you in court: EU governments warned to remove barriers to justice

  Challenging environmentally damaging decisions in court is burdensome and barriers to justice are widespread across the EU, according to the new EEB report published today. Accessing […]

• Air Quality
  28 November 2018

  EU climate strategy sets course, now governments must speed up

  Energy efficiency and circular economy crucial   Europe still 10 years behind Paris Agreement   €200bn of annual health benefits by cutting air pollution   The […]

• Environmental Democracy
  26 November 2018

  Green NGOs welcome environmental commitments in Brexit deal

  After almost two years of negotiations, an agreement on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, and on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship, has been […]

• Air Quality
  30 October 2018

  EU governments announce “green deal” for transport in Europe

  ‘Graz Declaration’ could be a turning point for air quality and transport in Europe   Ministers promise a “transformation” of European mobility   More money for […]

• Air Quality
  29 October 2018

  98% of EU urban population exposed to harmful air – EEA report

  Almost everyone living in a city in the European Union is breathing air that is harmful to their health, according to a new report by the […]

• Circular Economy
  24 October 2018

  European Parliament takes historic stand against single-use plastic pollution

  The European Parliament has leapt forward to protect people and the environment from plastic pollution, but national governments must now show the same ambition, according to […]

• Circular Economy
  22 October 2018

  Stand up for your Right to Repair

  Tired of wasting money on products that don’t last? Help us put an end to the “throwaway” culture. Sign the petition below and share this message. […]

• Chemicals
  22 October 2018

  ‘Erin Brockovich chemical’ set for revival in Europe, despite ban

  ‘Erin Brockovich chemical’ set for revival in Europe, despite ban   Not a single ‘banned’ chemical blocked from reuse in Europe   Progressive companies warn of […]

• Circular Economy
  19 October 2018

  Electronic waste is an environmental time bomb, NGOs warn in new video

  E-waste is estimated to reach a record high in 2018. Tech companies must be held accountable for profiteering from short product lifespans and a “throwaway” culture, […]

• Chemicals
  12 October 2018

  A third of chemicals break EU safety laws

  Widespread use of potentially dangerous chemicals in consumer goods – 3 year official study Authorities pledge to continue weak enforcement   Read this story in Sueddeutsche […]

• Circular Economy
  10 October 2018

  Plastic producers could market single-use items as reusable to dodge EU ban

  European Parliament must close loopholes, say campaigners Producers could simply market items like throwaway plastic cups as reusable, under changes to a draft EU ban on […]

• Industry & Health
  10 October 2018

  Noise from traffic and aircraft must be cut, wind turbines must be sensitively located – EEB welcomes WHO noise findings

  The World Health Organisation has made strong recommendations for specific interventions to cut noise pollution from traffic and aircraft, in a landmark report published today. The […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  9 October 2018

  100 environmental groups launch European campaign to save the EU water law

  A lot of things go into beer production, but it all starts with good quality water. But imagine a world where your favourite beer looked, smelt […]

• Climate & Energy
  9 October 2018

  IPCC report: EU governments must follow the science on climate action

  EU governments must respond to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report with appropriately ambitious conclusions at the Environment Council meeting in Luxembourg today. The European […]

• NEWS
  25 September 2018

  Launch of the Manifesto for a Sustainable Europe for its Citizens

  Today is the 3rd anniversary of the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and the Global Day of Action to #Act4SDGs. SDG Watch Europe, and a coalition of […]

• Agriculture
  20 September 2018

  Ministers shut green groups out of debate on EU’s ‘last chance’ farm policy

  EU Agriculture Ministers will come together in Vienna next week to discuss the next reform of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). While representatives of the […]

• Circular Economy
  13 September 2018

  Biodegradable plastics will not solve plastic pollution, says the European Parliament

  Biodegradable and compostable plastics do not prevent plastic pollution and should not be an excuse to keep consuming single-use plastics, the European Parliament recognised in a […]

• NEWS
  12 September 2018

  President Juncker’s State of the Union speech shows late recognition of duty to future generations – we now need politicians with the courage to deliver it

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) welcomes President Jean Claude Juncker’s expressed wish to ‘leave a healthier planet behind for those that follow’ but regrets that this […]

• Chemicals
  12 September 2018

  Get banned chemicals out of consumer products, Europe demands

  Chemicals long-banned by the EU are still being blended into consumer products by recyclers. The problem must end, the European Parliament is expected to signal this week. […]

• Air Quality
  11 September 2018

  “Poor” air in Brussels is “good” in Krakow – EU report highlights two-tier Europe and calls air quality limits “very undemanding”

  The EU’s air quality rules are still too weak to effectively protect our health, yet most governments are failing to meet their requirements, an EU body […]

• Product Policy
  7 September 2018

  Stand up for people’s Right to Repair

  The time is right to change the way we produce, use and dispose of our everyday products, designing stuff that can be repaired and lasts longer. […]

• Environmental Democracy
  6 September 2018

  European elections 2019: put people and planet first, say major green NGOs

  Major NGOs from the Green10 coalition are calling on political groups to put environmental protection and the well-being of people at the heart of their 2019 […]

• Energy Savings
  23 August 2018

  Lower energy bills as EU retires wasteful light bulbs

  The imminent phase out of halogen light bulbs across the EU is set to deliver mammoth savings to consumers, according to Coolproducts campaigners and market experts. […]

• Press Release
  2 August 2018

  EEB publish Memorandum to the Austrian Presidency of the European Union

  This Memorandum reflects on the issues that the EEB would like to see advanced during the Austrian Presidency. The most important issues are highlighted in the […]

• Air Quality
  1 August 2018

  Eleven governments ask EU to help hide their air pollution failure

  After breaching their national air pollution limits, eleven governments have asked the European Commission to effectively raise their ‘emission ceilings’. Green groups have warned that the […]

• Circular Economy
  10 July 2018

  EU Parliament backs microplastic bans to tackle plastic pollution

  The European Parliament’s environment committee today voted to strengthen the European Commission’s overall plans to cut plastic pollution, under the so-called Plastics Strategy. On behalf of […]

• NEWS
  4 July 2018

  Bulgaria failed to prioritise nature during its EU Presidency but made good efforts on energy and circular economy

  An assessment of the performance of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU has found that it failed to prioritise and protect nature in the EU and […]

• Nature & Agriculture
  3 July 2018

  More action needed to clean up rivers and lakes – EU Environment Agency report

  A new report published today by the European Environment Agency shows that the vast majority of the EU’s lakes, rivers, coastal waters and groundwater fail to meet […]

• NEWS
  29 June 2018

  EEB sets Austria ‘ten green tests’ to improve Europe’s environment

  The Austrian EU Presidency will be judged on climate action, the response to the ongoing biodiversity crisis and agricultural policy reforms, among other burning issues, according […]

• Climate & Energy
  19 June 2018

  Energy efficiency compromise fails Paris Agreement

  The European Union has tonight agreed to increase its energy efficiency by 32.5% by 2030. This figure falls well short of the binding target of at […]

• Environmental Democracy
  18 June 2018

  EU governments dust off rarely used treaty article to take Commission to task on environmental justice failings

  EU Member States have today invoked a little-used treaty article to call on the European Commission to take steps to address the EU’s shortcomings when it […]

• Climate & Energy
  14 June 2018

  Limited progress on renewables overshadowed by collapse of energy efficiency talks

  The European Union has agreed a 32% target for renewable energy after earlier talks on energy efficiency failed to reach a deal. While a compromise agreement […]

• Chemicals
  12 June 2018

  Industry spending millions to avoid warning labels for cancer-linked chemical

  The chemical industry is spending millions to stop people finding out about the potential carcinogenic properties of titanium dioxide, a whitening chemical used in a wide […]

• NEWS
  6 June 2018

  New campaign warns UN sustainability goals meaningless if inequality not tackled

   Without action on global inequality countries won’t achieve a set of UN goals that aim to end poverty and protect the planet – the Sustainable […]

• Chemicals
  5 June 2018

  European Chemicals Agency favouring microplastics industry opinion over scientific evidence of environmental damage

  The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has been favouring industry during its initial gathering of evidence on microplastics, prompting environmental organisations to remind ECHA not to overlook […]

• Agriculture
  1 June 2018

  Commission’s timid farm policy ‘reform’ ignores environmental crisis on Europe’s farmland

  The European Commission has today published its vision for the EU’s food and farming system for the years to come. The EEB strongly criticises the new […]

• Circular Economy
  31 May 2018

  European Parliament sets path for better products for people and the environment

  Manufacturers should place durable, repairable and recyclable products on the EU market in addition to making them energy efficient. This is the vision set by the European Parliament […]

• Circular Economy
  28 May 2018

  European Commission steps forward to cut down on single-use plastics – but it’s just the beginning

  The European Commission has taken a leap forward in tackling plastic pollution, with new laws to reduce throwaway single-use plastics. Speaking on behalf of Rethink Plastic […]

• Air Quality
  17 May 2018

  EU air quality limits breached on a ‘continental scale’, six countries sent to ECJ

  Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Romania and Hungary have been sent to Europe’s top court for their consistent failure to tackle toxic air pollution. The six […]

• Nature
  17 May 2018

  Commission failing as nature’s last line of defence

  Nature protection efforts are being undermined by the European Commission’s failure to consistently challenge Member States on illegal nature destruction, warn four nature NGOs in a […]

• Air Quality
  15 May 2018

  National air pollution plans ‘too little too late’ to avoid court

  France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and four other countries should this week expect to be sent to Europe’s top court for their failure to tackle […]

• NEWS
  2 May 2018

  EU budget lacks ambition to address climate challenges and sustainability, says EEB

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) warns that the EU budget proposal does not go far enough to bring down carbon emissions, reverse biodiversity loss or mainstream […]

• Agriculture
  26 April 2018

  Free pass for farming to sidestep environmental accountability

  A leaked copy of draft Commission proposals for the future of EU farm policy reveals that billions of euros in farm subsidies could continue to be […]

• Nature
  26 April 2018

  Nature (in)Action Plan: EU countries lag behind

  A year after a Commission ‘Action Plan’[1] stated EU governments should better implement nature protection rules, a new report assessing 18 EU countries shows that all […]

• Agriculture
  25 April 2018

  Next EU budget can usher in end of harmful farming era

  It’s just one week to go until the publication of the Commission’s proposal for the EU’s next 7-year budget on 2 May, and how much funding […]

• NEWS
  18 April 2018

  Beach artists take a spectacular stand against plastic pollution

  Artists have created enormous etchings on beaches across Europe during April to protest against plastic pollution. Tagged with the #BreakFreeFromPlastic movement hashtag, the works come in […]

• Industrial Emissions
  18 April 2018

  Business as usual for waste incineration as ‘updated’ EU protections match or weaken existing guidelines

  A three-year process to update EU environmental standards for waste incineration plants could be about to lead to new rules that most currently operating facilities already […]

• Chemicals
  30 March 2018

  Industry attempts to limit human health protections must be resisted – NGOs tell health and environment commissioners

  Leading health and environmental groups have strongly condemned industry claims that human health concerns fall outside of the scope of EU‘s industrial pollution legislation. In a […]

• Air Quality
  28 March 2018

  Delays and secrecy surround governments’ plans to tackle air pollution

  Government plans to tackle Europe’s air quality crisis are either being deliberately kept secret or are ‘completely inadequate’, air quality campaigners have concluded after a series […]

• NEWS
  21 March 2018

  Calls for EU budget to put people and planet first gather steam

    A host of academic institutions, a diverse range of civil society groups, and a number of businesses and trade unions [1] have called on the […]

• Agriculture
  19 March 2018

  Farm ministers in tangle over direct payments as EU financial watchdog issues ‘business as usual’ warning on future of farm policy

  A new report from the European Court of Auditors (ECA) has branded the changes suggested in the Commission’s plans for an overhaul of the Common Agricultural […]

• Agriculture
  8 March 2018

  Ministers’ farm fantasy risks decreasing CAP legitimacy further

  Ahead of a meeting of EU farm ministers on 19 March, the EEB has criticised them for putting together draft conclusions that are based entirely on […]

• Chemicals
  6 March 2018

  Precautionary in principle, flawed in fact: European Commission review accepts environmental groups’ criticism of chemical regulation

  Environmental groups have welcomed a European Commission evaluation that accepts key criticisms of the EU’s flagship chemical regulation. A five-year review of the REACH regulation echoes […]

• Industrial Emissions
  28 February 2018

  Umweltverbände gehen vor Gericht, um EU-Grenzwerte gegen die deutsche Kohlelobby zu verteidigen

  Lobbyisten der Kohleindustrie und die deutschen Eigentümer von einigen der schmutzigsten Kohlekraftwerke und Tagebaue Europas reichen Klage gegen die Entscheidung der Europäischen Kommission ein, die Grenzwerte […]

• Air Quality
  28 February 2018

  Environmental groups take legal action to defend EU rules from coal industry attack

  Coal industry lobbyists, and the owners of the some of Europe’s dirtiest coal plants and mines, are suing the European Commission over a decision to update […]

• Circular Economy
  26 February 2018

  Green activists disrupt tech conference

  Environmental activists disrupted the world’s largest mobile phone conference with a provocative piece of 3D pavement art highlighting the growing problem of electronic waste.     […]

• NEWS
  23 February 2018

  Environmental policies need to be implemented better, the EEB tells Environment Ministers in open letter

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has published a letter sharing its views on some of the issues on the agenda of the forthcoming EU Environment Council, […]

• Air Quality
  22 February 2018

  Polish air quality ruling is warning to ‘toxic bloc’ governments

  The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled against Poland for persistently breaching EU air quality limits and failing to act quickly enough to improve the […]

• Air Quality
  30 January 2018

  European Commission tells air pollution ministers: inaction has consequences

  Environment ministers from the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the United Kingdom today failed to convince European Commissioner Vella that they had […]

• Air Quality
  26 January 2018

  MEDIA BRIEFING: EU ‘toxic bloc’ air pollution summit

  EEB’s Question and Answer Introduction to Next Week’s Summit What’s happening? The European Commission has summoned ministers from countries that are facing court action for breaking […]

• Air Quality
  19 January 2018

  ‘Toxic bloc’ summit welcome, but no substitute for legal action

  Environment ministers from nine EU Member States are being hauled to Brussels to answer questions about their failure to cut air pollution. European Commissioner Vella will […]

• Climate & Energy
  17 January 2018

  MEPs approve energy savings to rescue Europe’s climate policy

  The European Parliament has backed a more ambitious target for energy efficiency in a vote in Strasbourg today. A 35% binding target in the Energy Efficiency […]

• Agriculture
  17 January 2018

  MEPs back reining in methane emissions

  Sustainable farming across Europe is only possible if emissions of methane – a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming – are tackled alongside carbon dioxide […]

• NEWS
  16 January 2018

  The European Commission steps forward to reduce plastic pollution

  The European Commission has stepped forward today to address plastic pollution with the release of its Strategy on Plastics in the Circular Economy, says the Rethink […]

• NEWS
  22 December 2017

  ‘Good on chemicals and Aarhus, poor on climate and fisheries’ – Europe’s biggest network of environmental groups publishes its assessment of the Estonian Presidency of the EU

  An assessment of the environmental performance of the Estonian Presidency of the EU has been published by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB). Following a systematic assessment […]

• Circular Economy
  18 December 2017

  EU takes timid steps towards circular economy

  The EU institutions reached a compromise today with member states on crucial waste laws to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Europe. But all […]

• Climate Change
  15 December 2017

  Two-faced EU governments are gutting Europe’s key climate law, say 6 NGOs

  EU governments must step back from irreparably weakening Europe’s biggest climate law, six of Europe’s leading environmental NGOs have said, after talks between member states and […]

• Agriculture
  12 December 2017

  EU body calls farm policy’s green credentials into question

  The last attempt to ‘green’ EU farm policy did not lead to any significant increase in environmentally-sound farming practices – despite European governments spending a huge […]

• Press Release
  11 December 2017

  New research challenges countries reporting highest recycling rates

  A new report published by environmental consultancy Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd with the support of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) reveals that the world’s leading […]

• Air Quality
  7 December 2017

  National inaction and Commission delays undermining EU air quality protections

  More than ten months after calling out five Member States for their failure to tackle air pollution, the European Commission has missed another opportunity to hold […]

• Agriculture
  7 December 2017

  Curtailing methane emissions long overdue, say MEPs

  Methane is 86 times worse for global warming than carbon dioxide. And today MEPs on Parliament’s Environment and Industry committees have called on the Commission to […]

• Circular Economy
  7 December 2017

  World vows to end pollution, but Paris Agreement-style action needed

  For the first time at the UN Environment Assembly, yesterday world leaders signed resolutions to clean up our air, land and water. The European Environmental Bureau […]

• Circular Economy
  4 December 2017

  Cut waste, end pollution – NGOs tell UN in Nairobi

  As the third session of the UN Environment Assembly gets under way in Nairobi, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) calls for global action on the waste […]

• Agriculture
  29 November 2017

  Nice try – but Hogan’s direction of travel not on course to sustainable farming

  While Commissioner Phil Hogan’s new results-based plan for the future of EU farm policy – presented today in Brussels – sounds attractive, it remains to be […]

• Climate & Energy
  28 November 2017

  European Parliament challenges Member States to adopt ‘cheapest and most effective’ route to cut emissions

  The European Parliament is set to back raising EU energy efficiency targets after MEPs in the Industry Committee voted on amendments to the Energy Efficiency Directive […]

• Agriculture
  21 November 2017

  Not fit for purpose – NGOs present Fitness Check of the Common Agricultural Policy

  The results of a new study show that the current CAP, accounting for almost 40% of the EU budget (almost 60 billion EUR per year), is […]

• NEWS
  8 November 2017

  The EEB elects new President

  Members of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) voted yesterday to re-elect Jouni Nissinen, Head of the Environmental Policy Unit at the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, […]

• Climate Change
  4 November 2017

  Blockadia map reveals global rise of anti-fossil fuel blockades

  A new interactive map shows the rise of Blockadia: the direct-action phenomenon of people putting their bodies in the way of fossil fuel projects.[1] In the […]

• Air Quality
  2 November 2017

  Challenge to EU leaders: It’s time to move Europe Beyond Coal

  Health, environment and climate groups are calling on the European Union to hasten the move away from coal and other fossil fuels and towards clean renewable […]

• Environmental Democracy
  2 November 2017

  Most EU countries failing to ensure effective access to industrial pollution information

  More than half of the EU’s Member States are failing to share crucial information about highly-polluting activities effectively online.  Many are failing to meet even the minimum […]

• Mercury
  26 October 2017

  Switzerland must enact full mercury export ban say environmental groups

  Fifty environmental groups are calling on Switzerland to match their words with action by fully banning mercury exports. Just weeks after Switzerland held the first COP […]

• Agriculture
  24 October 2017

  MEPs vote to rein in toxic fertilisers

  Years of use of mineral fertilisers rich in cadmium – a dangerous carcinogen – has polluted soil and the crops that grow our food, leading to […]

• NEWS
  23 October 2017

  A growing number of European citizens demand sustainable food supply chains

  Cheap prices are no longer the only driver for consumers. A growing number of Europeans are demanding information about the origin of the products they consume. […]

• Sustainable Development
  23 October 2017

  SUPPLY CHA!NGE European Round Table Report

  The SUPPLY CHA!NGE project aims to improve labour conditions in countries of the global South and reduce environmental damage along the food supply chains. The project […]

• NEWS
  11 October 2017

  Concerns raised about industry influence over exemptions for cancer linked chemicals

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has expressed concerns to the European Commission over the involvement of an industry consultant in recommendations to create exemptions for the […]

• Agriculture
  11 October 2017

  Farming contributes to deadly levels of air pollution, new report

  400,000 Europeans die every year as a result of air pollution from several sources – including from agriculture. That’s the main finding from a new European […]

• NEWS
  9 October 2017

  EEB provides input to the EU Environment Council Meeting, Brussels 13 October 2017

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has provided input to Environment Ministers ahead of the EU Environment Council Meeting in Brussels on 13 October. The EEB has […]

• Industry & Health
  28 September 2017

  As new global mercury treaty enters into force, worldwide mercury production skyrockets

  This week 156 countries convened for the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on mercury — yet at the same […]

• Agriculture
  26 September 2017

  ‘Extinction’ Conference to turn spotlight on livestock industry’s role in species loss

  If any European politicians or diplomats working in Brussels need a visual reminder of what a mass extinction event looks like they don’t need to travel […]

• Circular Economy
  25 September 2017

  Cutting waste could boost EU furniture industry, new study finds

  Improved refurbishment and remanufacture of discarded furniture can trigger up to 157,000 new jobs and save about 6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in the EU, a new […]

• Sustainability & Governance
  25 September 2017

  Juncker should stop avoiding the elephant in the room and ‘Make Europe Sustainable For All’

  Two years after signing up to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EU still has no clear plan on how to achieve them and the clock […]

• Global & Regional Policies
  18 September 2017

  The Switch September 2017

  The latest edition of the EEB’s Global Policies and Sustainability Unit’s monthly newsletter ‘The Switch’ is now available. This issue includes: Not much to celebrate at birthday […]

• Environmental Democracy
  15 September 2017

  EU slammed for lack of respect for rule of law on environmental justice

  A day after European Commission President Juncker declared the rule of law to be one of three principles that must anchor the European Union in his […]

• NEWS
  13 September 2017

  State of the Union: Action more than words are needed to make Europe a leader on climate change

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) welcomes President Juncker’s aim to keep Europe as a leader on climate change but regards this as meaningless without commitments to […]

• Air Quality
  12 September 2017

  Germany can cut coal emissions, but regional leaders’ “untrue and desperate” claims threaten progress on air quality

  German government ministers are being warned not to believe “untrue and desperate” claims about new EU measures to reduce air pollution. Instead, eight environmental groups have […]

• Climate & Energy
  7 September 2017

  EU Environment committee votes for higher efficiency targets, Industry and Energy Committee must follow

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) welcomes the decision of the European Parliament Environmental Committee to support higher targets for energy efficiency in 2030. This positive step […]

• Agriculture
  6 September 2017

  Bold overhaul of EU farm policy now on the cards

  The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has played a major role in the development of a socially, economically, and environmentally disruptive model of farming in Europe. Ahead […]

• Circular Economy
  31 August 2017

  Breakthrough in smartphone technology a win for consumers and environment

  Modular upgrades promise to extend phone lifetimes and cut waste The first upgradeable smartphone modules were announced today, a move that could save consumers money, reduce […]

• Air Quality
  17 August 2017

  The clock is ticking: new rules set deadline for dirty plants

  The European Commission has today published new standards for Europe’s most polluting power plants, including many large coal-fired power stations. Plants now have four years to […]

• Industry & Health
  16 August 2017

  New treaty’s entry into force set to curtail global mercury crisis, say NGOs

  Today’s entry into force of the Minamata Convention establishes the first new multilateral environmental agreement in over a decade.  The Zero Mercury Working Group* has been […]

• Air Quality
  31 July 2017

  New rules hasten end for Europe’s dirtiest power plants

  Europe’s most polluting power plants, including many large coal-fired power stations, will be forced to clean up or close down thanks to new EU rules adopted […]

• Air Quality
  28 July 2017

  National governments must not use legal loopholes to hide failure on air quality

  Nine EU Member States have asked the European Commission for permission to pollute above national limits set in EU law. Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, […]

• Global & Regional Policies
  17 July 2017

  The Switch July 2017

  The latest edition of the EEB’s Global Policies and Sustainability Unit’s monthly newsletter ‘The Switch’ is now available. This issue includes: Editorial: Future of Europe: Commission unimaginative, […]

• Environmental Democracy
  14 July 2017

  Leading French and German NGOs tell Merkel and Macron: Don’t lose sight of Europe’s vision

  ‘Make sustainability the guiding principle of the EU’ is the core message of an open letter from European environmental groups to the German Chancellor and French […]

• Chemicals
  13 July 2017

  Commission to face EU Court over authorisation of lead chromate in paint

  The European Commission is facing a second court challenge for allowing a Canadian company to sell two dangerous chemicals used for road markings and painting industrial […]

• Agriculture
  13 July 2017

  Attempt to weaken farm water pollution rules foiled in Parliament committee vote

  Intensive farming contributes to water and air pollution, to soil damage and climate change. Yet, in a move condemned by the EEB, MEPs on Parliament’s Internal […]

• NEWS
  4 July 2017

  Uncertainty among EU countries on waste proposals threatens transition to a circular economy

  Ongoing investigation by NGOs exposes divide and doublespeak among EU countries on waste law proposals. In May, an investigation by the EEB, Zero Waste Europe and Friends […]

• Environmental Democracy
  4 July 2017

  Leading environmental groups call on EU governments to stand up for the rights of citizens

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB), ClientEarth and Justice & Environment have today called on Member States to reject a proposal from the Commission that would prevent […]

• Environmental Democracy
  3 July 2017

  ‘Good on biodiversity but poor on climate and energy’: the EEB publishes its environmental assessment of the Maltese Presidency of the EU

  An assessment of the performance of the Maltese Presidency of the EU in relation to environmental issues has been published by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB). […]

• Chemicals
  3 July 2017

  Attempts to limit the use of hazardous substances in Europe are being hindered by poor implementation of Europe’s chemical laws

  Governments who want to limit the use of toxic chemicals are being set a high burden of proof while industry concerns are being accepted with little […]

• Environmental Democracy
  30 June 2017

  European Commission seeks to block access to justice for EU citizens

  The European Commission yesterday took an unprecedented step to attempt to prevent access to environmental justice for its citizens, bluntly rejecting greater public accountability of the […]

• EU Ecolabel
  30 June 2017

  EU report confirms Ecolabel must keep benefiting consumers and the environment

  Today the European Commission decided to maintain its EU-wide Ecolabel and ensure more products display it. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and the European Environmental Bureau […]

• Climate & Energy
  26 June 2017

  Energy ministers weaken EU energy savings obligation

  Energy ministers in the EU Council today confirmed 30% energy efficiency target, but weakened the key energy saving measure to deliver it. A meeting of EU […]

• Climate & Energy
  21 June 2017

  Closing the ‘Reality Gap’ – Ensuring a Fair Energy Label for Consumers

  Strengthening product testing of dishwashers, refrigerators and televisions Last week, the European Parliament voted a revised Energy Labelling Regulation reinforcing its consumer empowerment role. Following that […]

• Environmental Democracy
  20 June 2017

  European supermarkets need to use their market power to stop injustices in their supply chain

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) says that store brands of European supermarkets have built up decisive market power and that they need to use that power […]

• NEWS
  20 June 2017

  EU environment ministers need to show more support for EU waste laws, says the EEB

  Despite a disappointing Council position, a number of EU governments still support higher targets for waste management and prevention, a meeting between EU environment ministers revealed […]

• NEWS
  20 June 2017

  Over 250 Non-Government Organisations Launch Alternative Vision For Europe

  The EEB stands for a more sustainable future. Today a diverse group of NGOs have come together to outline a new vision for the future of […]

• Nature
  19 June 2017

  Boost for Europe’s wildlife as action to halt nature loss gathers speed – EEB calls on politicians to keep up momentum

  Europe’s most iconic animal and plant species have been given a glimmer of hope today as EU environment ministers rubber-stamped a new Action Plan [1] to […]

• Agriculture
  14 June 2017

  Reprieve for nature on farms: attempt to sabotage pesticides ban fails in Parliament vote

  Farmers across Europe who have been receiving several billions of euros of public money a year under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for improving nature on […]

• Climate & Energy
  14 June 2017

  European citizens and businesses to benefit from newly approved energy label

  The European Parliament approved today the EU energy label reform for home, professional and commercial appliances – a move that is expected to cut energy use […]

• Climate & Energy
  13 June 2017

  European Parliament should be a leader in the fight against climate change

  A crucial European Parliament climate vote on binding annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets for EU countries will take place on Wednesday 14 June. The Effort […]

• Climate & Energy
  13 June 2017

  MEPs must support, not sabotage, the Energy Efficiency Directive

  The EEB strongly rejects the conclusions of Polish MEP Adam Gierek’s draft Energy Efficiency report, which was released to European Parliament’s Industry Committee (ITRE) last week. […]

• Global & Regional Policies
  12 June 2017

  The Switch June 2017

  The latest edition of the EEB’s Global Policies and Sustainability Unit’s monthly newsletter ‘The Switch’ is now available. The latest edition includes: Editorial: How are we going […]

• Chemicals
  7 June 2017

  European chemical law has made a difference but still needs to be implemented properly warn EEB

  After 10 years of chemicals legislation, REACH, we still need to do much more to protect people and the environment effectively. Europe’s flagship chemicals legislation, REACH, […]

• Climate & Energy
  2 June 2017

  EEB calls for tough response to US withdrawal from Paris Agreement

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has strongly condemned the decision of US President Donald Trump to abandon the Paris Agreement and called for a robust response. […]

• NEWS
  30 May 2017

  Measures to extend the lifetime of products should be compulsory not voluntary

  EU circular economy policies should aim to extend the lifetime of products, the availability of repair services and spare parts, and improve consumer information and rights. […]

• Agriculture
  30 May 2017

  MEPs determined to defend environmentally-harmful model of farming at all costs

  A move to ban pesticides on areas of farms dedicated to nature conservation has shamefully been shot down by a strong majority of MEPs on Parliament’s […]

• Agriculture
  22 May 2017

  Agriculture and Sustainable Water Management in the EU: EEB & PAN Europe reaction

  The Commission has produced a Staff Working Document on Water and Agriculture (SWD(2017)153 final) which it will present in the informal meeting of Agriculture Ministers in […]

• Industry & Health
  19 May 2017

  EU ratification propels global mercury treaty into force

  Today the EU and seven of its member states (Bulgaria, Denmark, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden) ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury, thereby providing […]

• Resource Efficiency
  16 May 2017

  Revealed: leaders and laggards of EU waste policy

  EU countries obstructing measures that would bring the EU closer to a circular economy are revealed – and they are not your usual suspects. NGOs led […]

• Agriculture
  11 May 2017

  Overhaul of farm policy crucial for EU to meet sustainable development goals, new study shows

  The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is not even delivering on its own stated objectives let alone on several of the relevant Sustainable Development Goals [1] that the […]

• Agriculture
  3 May 2017

  Over 250,000 people call on European Commission to radically reform EU agriculture

  Today a clear and strong message reached the European Commission: the EU’s agricultural policy needs to be radically changed. This is what 258,708 citizens and 600 […]

• Air Quality
  28 April 2017

  Cleaner air the winner after Germany fails to block new EU rules

  Campaigners have welcomed the EU’s adoption of new air pollution limits that could significantly reduce toxic emissions from Europe’s dirtiest power plants. The new rules, which […]

• Agriculture
  27 April 2017

  Success of EC’s new nature plan will hinge on further action to tackle drivers of biodiversity loss

  The European Commission’s new Action Plan to ensure EU nature protection rules are better implemented is an important step in the right direction – but the […]

• Industry & Health
  26 April 2017

  European NGOs call on dentists to stop mercury use on children immediately

  European NGOs are calling on dentists to implement immediately the upcoming ban on mercury dental fillings for children and pregnant women. Yesterday, the EU Council adopted […]

• Industrial Emissions
  21 April 2017

  Commission must not give in to pressure to protect dirty coal

  Leading environmental NGOs have written to European Commissioner Karmenu Vella [1] urging him to protect a new environmental standards document that could reduce toxic pollution and […]

• Air Quality
  5 April 2017

  Air quality ruling is tip of the iceberg

  The EEB welcomes today’s ECJ judgement on Bulgaria’s illegal air. [1] The ruling sends a warning signal to at least 18 other countries, including France, Germany, […]

• Air Quality
  4 April 2017

  European petition demands government action to slash toxic coal deaths

  Effective air pollution limits could save more than 20,000 lives every year, yet some national governments are threatening to veto EU measures to tackle toxic pollution. […]

• Environmental Democracy
  25 March 2017

  Rome Declaration acknowledges our need for a sustainable Europe, now our leaders must deliver

  As thousands of European’s took to the streets today to #MarchForEurope, EU leaders sent a message that puts sustainability into the vision for Europe. The European […]

• NEWS
  25 March 2017

  Keeping environmental protection at the heart of the European Union is an antidote to the anti-democratic forces which challenge it

  As European leaders gather to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Rome it is time to take stock of the success of the EU and […]

• Nature
  23 March 2017

  Green shoots for rewilding

  A coalition of five organisations have kicked off a new initiative to promote and strengthen the EU ecological restoration agenda. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding, […]

• Agriculture
  23 March 2017

  Civil society call to fix broken EU farm policy gains ground

  Over 140 organisations from all over Europe – representing consumers and the food sector, and those working to promote environmental protection, health, and animal welfare – […]

• Climate & Energy
  22 March 2017

  New energy label must be introduced quickly to slash energy use and household bills

  Changes to the energy label agreed between the European Commission, Council and Parliament must be introduced quickly so citizens can enjoy the long-awaited energy savings the […]

• NEWS
  21 March 2017

  Europe should remain focused in the face of Brexit and not lose its value for the environment, former Commissioners and leading experts warn

  A group of former Commissioners, Ministers, scientists, civil society and policymakers from around Europe have called on EU leaders to put the environment at the centre […]

• Environmental Democracy
  20 March 2017

  Aarhus finding paves way to more democratic Europe

  The EEB welcomes the Aarhus Compliance Committee’s conclusion that the European Union is in breach of its legal obligations under the Aarhus Convention due to the […]

• Industry & Health
  14 March 2017

  EEB welcomes European Parliament’s vote on mercury

  The EEB today welcomed the European Parliament’s vote to restrict the use of mercury within the EU.  The new regulation, already informally approved between the EU […]

• Circular Economy
  14 March 2017

  European Parliament votes to strengthen waste laws to support circular economy

  Members of the European Parliament voted in plenary today to strengthen resource efficiency in the EU by 2030 – a move that signals strong political support […]

• Agriculture
  6 March 2017

  150 Civil society groups call for reform of European agricultural policies

  Over 150 European civil society organisations representing environmental and social justice networks, organic farmers, pastoralists, peasants, sustainable forestry groups, health groups, animal welfare organisations, consumer rights […]

• Air Quality
  15 February 2017

  EEB welcomes European Commission action on illegal air

  The EEB welcomes today’s announcement that the European Commission will pursue infringement proceedings against France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK for having failed to protect […]

• NEWS
  10 February 2017

  10th anniversary of EU recycling rules marked by green groups

  On 13 February 2007, Members of the European Parliament voted in pioneering waste rules that have led to higher recycling rates across Europe. [1] They must […]

• Chemicals
  10 February 2017

  EEB reaction to the Commission’s regulation on flame retardant DecaBDE

  While the EEB welcomes the Commission’s action to restrict the use of the flame retardant DecaBDE, we regret it took more than 15 years for the […]

• NEWS
  4 February 2017

  NGOs call for defunding of incineration capacity in Central and Eastern European countries

  Brussels, Bucharest, Ljubljana, Prague, Sophia, Warsaw, Vilnius and Zagreb Following a call from the European Commission for defunding of waste-to-energy, NGOs urge Central and Eastern European […]

• Agriculture
  2 February 2017

  Urgent need for fundamental reform of EU food and farming policy – debate kicks off

  Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has today fired the starting gun for debate on the future of food and farming in Europe as he launches a 12-week […]

• Nature
  2 February 2017

  Lack of scrutiny over future developments’ impact on protected areas

  Required procedures for assessing the potential negative environmental impacts of future developments on protected areas [1] in Europe are too often not carried out properly – […]

• Product Policy
  26 January 2017

  European Commission plastics roadmap not leading anywhere

  The European Commission’s newly released Roadmap for the EU Strategy on Plastics in a Circular Economy [1] fails to get to the root of the problem […]

• Circular Economy
  24 January 2017

  Foundations laid for green jobs boom as MEPs vote for strong recycling targets

  MEPs laid the foundations for a green jobs boom across Europe in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee by voting for high recycling targets, said the European […]

• Circular Economy
  23 January 2017

  MEPs must seize opportunity to create over 800 000 jobs across Europe

  Over 800,000 new jobs could be created across the EU if MEPs in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee vote for both an ambitious recycling target and […]

• NEWS
  21 December 2016

  EEB calls on incoming Maltese EU Presidency to stand up for people and planet

  2016 is certainly not a year that will be omitted from the history books, though unfortunately more for bad rather than good reasons. In terms of […]

• Industry & Health
  9 December 2016

  EEB welcomes strengthening of EU mercury laws

  The EEB today welcomed the deal struck in the early hours of yesterday (7 December) by the European Commission, EU Member States and the European Parliament […]

• Nature
  7 December 2016

  Nature dodges bullet: huge public campaign saves EU nature laws

  European Commission confirms EU nature protection laws will be saved after record-breaking campaign – now put the laws to work, say NGOs President Juncker and his […]

• Industry & Health
  7 December 2016

  New initiative on nanomaterials will not improve transparency

  NGOs say new initiative by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) aimed at improving transparency around the use of nanomaterials is not fit for purpose. On 7 […]

• Nature
  7 December 2016

  Nature dodges bullet huge public campaign saves EU nature laws

  European Commission confirms EU nature protection laws will be saved after record-breaking campaign – now put the laws to work, say NGOs   President Juncker and […]

• Environmental Justice
  2 December 2016

  Stop sacrificing nature human rights to make cookies

  A petition was launched today under the SUPPLY CHA!NGE project aimed at stopping abuse against nature and indigenous peoples in the supply chains of European businesses. […]

• Climate Change
  30 November 2016

  EU on thin ice with winter package

  EU on thin ice with Winter Package The European Commission today published its energy package for 2030. This was its big moment to show that the […]

• Agriculture
  29 November 2016

  Greening measure to protect nature on farms will be environmentally ineffective, new study shows

  EU Member States’ demand for flexibility undermines key CAP measure A new study has revealed that ‘Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs)’ – a flagship Common Agricultural Policy […]

• Industry & Health
  29 November 2016

  Civil society calls for ban on dental amalgam

  Europe will imminently decide the fate of dentistry’s most controversial procedure: the use of mercury-based dental fillings, known as amalgam.  It is condemned as a risk […]

• Air Quality
  23 November 2016

  EU air pollution law approved: now is the time for action

  Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) meeting in Strasbourg have finally approved new EU-wide air pollution rules. Louise Duprez, EEB Senior Policy Officer, said: “This is […]

• Air Quality
  21 October 2016

  Now the talking’s over, it’s time for action to cut power plant emissions

  Today a major step has finally been made towards agreeing new environmental standards for European power plants. Stakeholders provided final opinions on a revised technical document […]

• Industry & Health
  13 October 2016

  EU back on track to address global mercury crisis

  The European Parliament’s Environment Committee (ENVI) voted this morning (13 October) to strengthen the European Commission’s proposal for a mercury regulation [1]. This moves the EU […]

• NEWS
  13 October 2016

  SDG Watch Europe launch – civil society groups push for sustainable future

  Seventy-five diverse civil society organisations have today joined forces to formally launch SDG Watch Europe. This broad coalition will work to ensure that the European Union […]

• Environmental Justice
  13 October 2016

  Stop squeezing out the orange juice workers

  In the name of the 24,507 people who asked to “stop the squeeze out and make orange juice fair”, members of the international SUPPLY CHA!NGE campaign […]

• NEWS
  12 October 2016

  Civil society organisations call for ambitious recycling targets

  NGOs, including the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), think tanks and business groups have written to all 28 EU Environment Ministers, calling on them to adopt ambitious […]

• Air Quality
  11 October 2016

  Lifting Europe’s Dark Cloud: How cutting coal saves lives

  Effective emissions limits could save thousands of lives every year, yet more than half of coal power stations in Europe are operating with ‘permission to pollute’ […]

• Chemicals
  3 October 2016

  Fashionable cosmetics more important than health for European Chemicals Agency

  ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency, today recommended that EU companies are allowed to carry on using chromium trioxide in lipsticks and perfume caps and for other […]

• NEWS
  28 September 2016

  EEB elects two co-presidents

  Members of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) voted yesterday at the organisation’s AGM in Hainburg an der Donau, Austria to elect two co-presidents for the next […]

• NEWS
  26 September 2016

  Annual Conference: From Sustainability Talk to Policy Walk

  The EU, and indeed the world, is at a crossroads – it is critical for leaders to decide whether to continue on the current path of […]

• Agriculture
  21 September 2016

  One step closer to much-needed scrutiny of EU farm policy

  The EEB’s proposal for an in-depth review of EU farm policy has been given the stamp of approval today by a key European Commission advisory group. […]

• NEWS
  16 September 2016

  Europe must put people and planet first

  As the EU-27 gather in Bratislava today, leading environmental organisations call for genuinely transformational change in the wake of the UK referendum. Nine of the largest […]

• NEWS
  14 September 2016

  Juncker fails to join dots in State of the Union

  The State of the Union speech given by EU President Jean-Claude Juncker this morning showed he had made an effort to understand the mood in Europe and the need […]

• Agriculture
  7 September 2016

  Tweaking Rural Development policy will not deliver for environment and countryside – full CAP overhaul needed

  The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and BirdLife Europe have warned that new proposals [1] made by Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan to revitalise rural areas and promote […]

• Chemicals
  1 September 2016

  Chemicals laws good for health & nature – Commission study

  Comment by Dolores Romano, EEB Senior Policy Officer for Chemicals, on the study just made public by the European Commission’s DG Environment on the benefits of EU chemicals […]

• Agriculture
  20 July 2016

  Commission proposal sticks with outdated climate targets

  Today, only seven months after the Paris Agreement, the European Commission published its proposal for the Effort Sharing Regulation and the rules for accounting the land […]

• Agriculture
  14 July 2016

  Cosmetic changes won’t make CAP greening credible

  A Commission proposal for a pesticide ban on areas set aside for nature protection will be discussed at a meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Brussels […]

• Industry & Health
  13 July 2016

  Mercury report: EEB reaction

  EEB Reaction to the exchange of views in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee (12 July 2016) on the report on mercury by the rapporteur MEP Stefan […]

• Nature
  13 July 2016

  EU takes important step in fight against Invasive Alien Species

  The European Commission has today published its first list of invasive alien species (IAS) which identifies 37 non-native plants and animals which pose a significant threat […]

• Air Quality
  1 July 2016

  EU member states overrule efforts for ambitious air pollution deal

  Despite efforts by the European Commission and the European Parliament to put in place ambitious targets to slash air pollution, EU member states have agreed a […]

• NEWS
  30 June 2016

  Slovakia needs to put environment at heart of EU reform

  Slovakia is taking over the six-month EU rotating Presidency at a particularly testing time following on from the continuing fall-out of the Brexit vote. The future […]

• NEWS
  24 June 2016

  EEB reaction to the UK referendum

  Jeremy Wates, EEB Secretary General, said: “This is bad news for the UK, Europe and the environment. All evidence shows that the EU has brought many environmental […]

• Climate Change
  23 June 2016

  EEB reaction to the successful vote on the Energy Efficiency Directive

  The EEB has welcomed this morning’s successful vote on the Energy Efficiency Directive’s implementation report that took place in the European Parliament’s plenary session [1]. Roland […]

• Air Quality
  20 June 2016

  Air quality deal in sight, but at what cost?

  Environment ministers meeting in Luxembourg today (Monday) suggested they were moving closer to a deal on air pollution limits. However, away from the cameras, many countries, […]

• Climate Change
  14 June 2016

  EP industry committee vote leaves consumers in the dark on energy labelling

  The decision today (Tuesday) by the European Parliament’s Industry Committee (ITRE) to keep customers confused by delaying the introduction of clear energy label rules is severely […]

• Energy Savings
  13 June 2016

  MEP Herbert Reul must get with the times on new EU energy labelling rules

  European People’s Party MEP Herbert Reul’s claim that a swift revision of current energy efficiency labels for electronic products will be bad for business is baseless, […]

• Climate Change
  10 June 2016

  EU Paris ratification is meaningless without real climate action

  EEB reaction to the European Commission’s proposal to ratify the Paris Climate Agreement: Roland Joebstl, Climate and Energy Policy Officer for the European Environmental Bureau (EEB): […]

• NEWS
  6 June 2016

  Time for EU to walk the talk on 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda

  SDG Watch Europe, an alliance of 70 organisations including the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and Plan International, has today (6 June) written to European Commission President […]

• NEWS
  2 June 2016

  EEB reaction to draft waste reports

  A suite of new EU laws to turn waste into gold The march towards a circular economy in Europe stepped up a gear today as rules […]

• NEWS
  30 May 2016

  EEB reaction to UNEA-2

  As the second session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-2) drew to a close in Nairobi in the small hours of Saturday morning (28 May), […]

• Energy Savings
  24 May 2016

  EEB reaction to ITRE energy efficiency vote

  The successful vote of the European Parliament industry (ITRE) Committee today has amplified the strong voice for more energy efficiency in Europe and a strengthened Energy […]

• Environmental Justice
  20 May 2016

  EEB and partners highlight fossil fuel pollution on anti-Chevron day

  On the occasion of the 3rd international day of action against Chevron on 21 May, a new map has been added to the Atlas of Environmental Justice (EJAtlas) […]

• Chemicals
  26 April 2016

  Civil society demands action, not words, on nanotechnology

  NGOs, consumer groups and research organisations [1] have expressed disappointment with the European Commission’s continuing failure to propose adequate measures for the collection and publication of […]

• NEWS
  25 April 2016

  EEB statement on 30th anniversary of Chernobyl

  Statement by Jeremy Wates, EEB Secretary General, on the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster (26 April 1986): Last week world leaders met in New York to […]

• Climate Change
  21 April 2016

  EEB calls on EU to deliver on Paris climate agreement

  Statement by Jeremy Wates, Secretary General of the European Environmental Bureau, regarding the signing of the Paris Agreement by world leaders in New York, on 22 […]

• Chemicals
  20 April 2016

  Toxic hormone disrupter approved for use

  The REACH Committee has today approved the proposal by the European Commission to grant authorisation to Vinyloop Ferrara, Stena Recycling and Plastic Planet to use the […]

• Agriculture
  22 March 2016

  115 environmental, health, and social NGOs call for major review of EU food & farming policy

  CAP needs root-and-branch change As the Forum for the Future of Agriculture (FFA) conference kicks off in Brussels today, 115 leading environmental, health, and social NGOs […]

• Agriculture
  22 March 2016

  World Water Day: farming and hydro projects leave EU countries’ water stressed

  On #WorldWaterDay (22 March), the deadline for EU Member States to submit their Second River Basin Management Plans to the European Commission, the EEB is warning […]

• Agriculture
  22 March 2016

  115 NGOs call for major review of EU food & farming policy

  CAP needs root-and-branch change   115 leading environmental, health, and social NGOs are calling on European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to initiate an in-depth review of […]

• Agriculture
  8 February 2016

  New figures uncover the hidden truth behind ‘green’ rural development funding

  Analysis (1) carried out by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and BirdLife Europe has revealed a one billion euro (2) fall in the actual amount of […]

• Nature
  2 February 2016

  European Parliament shows real ambition on nature protection

  A huge majority of MEPs from all political groups has sent a strong message to the Commission and Council today by adopting a key report which calls […]

• Nature
  20 November 2015

  Commission study’s ‘fit for purpose’ verdict on EU nature laws backed-up by new EEB report

  Findings (1) from a team of experts hired by the European Commission as part of its ongoing review of EU nature laws (2) suggest the rules […]

• Agriculture
  11 November 2015

  New research shows CAP greening will fail to make positive impact on Europe’s farms

  Two new EEB-funded studies published today highlight the alarming state of nature on Europe’s arable land and show how an expected lack of ambition from Member […]

• Nature
  2 October 2015

  EU not on track to halt biodiversity loss

  The European Commission has today published its mid-term report (1) on the EU’s biodiversity strategy to 2020 (2), which was adopted in 2011. Overall the assessment […]

• Nature
  27 July 2015

  Record breaking number of EU citizens call to protect nature

  Over half a million people have called on the European Commission to save Europe’s nature laws in a public consultation – by far the highest number […]

• Nature
  30 June 2015

  Safeguarding biodiversity on farms: Commission must probe member states over policy choices

  The European Commission must disclose information on what member states are doing to protect biodiversity on farms. In a letter sent today[1], NGOs have called on […]

• Agriculture
  18 June 2015

  Shared agriculture, land use, and forestry emissions target would undermine EU climate action

  Emissions from land use change and forestry must not be grouped together in a common target with those from farming and other sectors – doing so […]

• Nature
  26 May 2015

  Nature Alert campaign smashes public consultation response record

  The European Environmental Bureau, BirdLife and the WWF have welcomed the news that the EU Nature Alert campaign [1] has now generated more public responses to an […]

• Nature
  21 May 2015

  Citizens around Europe support Nature Alert campaign on International Biodiversity Day

  As the International Day for Biodiversity kicks off, citizens and environmental organisations from around Europe are joining the Nature Alert campaign [1]. Since the online action to save European nature […]

• Nature
  20 May 2015

  State of Nature report highlights importance of EU nature regulations

  The European Commission today published its EU State of Nature report. This underlines the dire state of European nature, but it also highlights that when properly protected and managed, […]

• Nature
  19 May 2015

  Commission plans to reduce red tape cross a red line for democracy and the environment

  Following the publication of the European Commission’s “Better Regulation” package today [1], Jeremy Wates, Secretary General of the European Environmental Bureau, said: “This proposal is a bad deal […]

• Nature
  12 May 2015

  Nature Alert: environmental groups rally as European Commission threatens vital nature laws

  Today over 90 environmental NGOs across Europe will launch a joint online action to save European nature from Commission President Juncker’s deregulation agenda. An internet action […]