Energy & Environment
The case for a border carbon tax as an own resource to the EU budget
To deliver on the flagship European Green Deal, there is a need to introduce a new source of revenues for the EU budget under the form of carbon tax, writes Ivailo Kalfin.
A Green Deal that works for everyone – Making the renovation wave a reality
The European Commission’s announced renovation wave offers an opportunity to bring the EU back on track when it comes to energy efficiency measures in buildings, write Marion Santini and Jan Rosenow.
EU’s Breton looking into ‘non-conventional’ measures to finance Green Deal
The EU's internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton, suggests tapping into the ECB's "easy money" and issuing long-term bonds of up to 50 years in order to unlock the €1,000 billion needed to finance the European Green Deal. EURACTIV France reports.
PwC boss ‘disappointed’ that climate is not considered a top risk for CEOs
The top five challenges for the World Economic Forum this year in Davos were related to climate and sustainability. However, climate is not considered among the top ten risks for CEOs, according to a survey published by accounting firm PwC ahead of the forum on Monday (20 January).
‘Jury is still out’ on EU’s carbon border tax, Hogan says
The European Commission will not reveal its approach on the EU’s proposed carbon border tax until late 2020 or early 2021, when it concludes a detailed feasibility analysis, said Phil Hogan, the EU’s trade commissioner.
Could bacteria help recycle greenhouse gases in the future?
Could bacteria assist in the recycling of greenhouse gases in the future instead of releasing them into the atmosphere? European researchers are working to reverse the metabolism of intestinal bacteria that feed on CO2 so that they form products that can be used at an industrial level. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Air pollution-busting ship fuel in climate backlash
New rules aimed at reducing air pollution from shipping may end up worsening the sector’s climate impact, according to new research, which warns that low sulphur fuels could end up producing more climate-bashing emissions, known as black carbon.
Billions to be wasted on ‘unnecessary’ gas projects, study says
Europe does not need new gas infrastructure to safeguard security of supply, according to a new study by industry consultants Artelys, which warns that there is a risk of €29 billion being wasted on 32 mostly “unnecessary” gas projects.
High hopes as Austria’s new night train sets off for Brussels
The first night train to set off for Belgium in 16 years departed from Vienna Sunday (19 January), carrying Austrian and European politicians who hope the new route can set an example as the continent tries to meet its climate targets.
Police detain 185 climate protesters at Brussels car show
Police detained 185 protesters in central Brussels on Saturday (18 January) after the environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion staged demonstrations at a car show in protest at the auto industry's role in CO2 emissions that cause climate change.
Plastic waste and recycling: France among EU’s ‘poor performers’
While the EU's plastic recycling rate has seen a slight increase of 1.4% between 2016 and 2018 amounting to 32.5% total according to Plastics Europe, France has been dragging the average down with a 24.2% recycling rate in 2018. EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'Environnement reports.
Industrial decarbonisation and the EU Green Deal: The case for bold action
The green deal is a credible first step to decarbonise energy-intensive industries such as steelmaking and chemicals. However, the transition to climate neutrality will also depend on the development of a comprehensive, integrated industrial strategy, writes Gauri Khandekar.Editor's picks
French forest industry not taking advantage of ever-growing forests
The forest continues to expand in France, according to industry figures, but the industry is not making the most of it. EURACTIV France reports.
Oil and gas sector ‘losing its social licence to operate’, UK boss warns
Tim Eggar, chairman of the UK's Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), sent shockwaves through the industry on Wednesday (15 January) when he said growing public awareness about climate change was putting the sector's very survival at stake.
Shipping to splash out on ammonia in green bid
A shipbuilder and engine maker are among leading companies looking to develop a vessel that can run on ammonia as part of efforts to speed up carbon reductions in shipping through cleaner fuel options, officials said on Wednesday (15 January).
Is Bulgaria’s Belene nuclear plant in line with EU competition law?
A Bulgarian lawyer has sent an eight-page letter to the European Commission pointing to various alleged violations of EU competition rules relating to the oft-delayed Belene nuclear power plant, EURACTIV Bulgaria reports.
Merkel, state leaders agree terms of brown coal exit
Germany has reached an agreement with the regions most affected by a plan to phase out the use of brown coal, or lignite, for its power plants by providing about 40 billion euros ($45 billion) in aid, a document reviewed by Reuters showed.
EU plans ditching carbon cost refund for seven industrial sectors
The European Commission has proposed removing mining activities and fertiliser manufacturing from a list of heavy industries eligible for state aid, arguing EU climate policies no longer puts them at risk of relocating production outside Europe.
What’s the hold up on ambitious climate action?
Some point to fossil fuel and heavy industry workers as a reason for delaying climate action. As the head of the world's largest trade union federation, Sharan Burrow says “not in our name”.
Not all member states will benefit from the European Green Deal
The wide-ranging European Green Deal provides for a European fund for a just transition, which is meant to support regions that are economically highly dependent on fossil fuels. But not all member states will benefit from it. EURACTIV France reports.
Kadri Simson: We need €260bn for European Green Deal per year
Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson talked about the Green Deal and energy issues with EURACTIV Croatia while she was in Zagreb for the meeting between the Commission and the Croatian government.
‘Flight shame’ takes hold in Europe, China, US, says new study
Most Chinese, Europeans and US citizens plan to fly less for holidays this year to limit aircraft CO2 emissions and help prevent catastrophic climate change, a survey by the European Investment Bank (EIB) showed on Tuesday (14 January).
Kazakhstan and Belarus to discuss oil supply deal
Kazakhstan and Belarus will discuss an oil supply deal before 20 January, Kazakhstan Energy Minister Nurlan Nogayev told reporters on Wednesday (15 January), without explaining the significance of that date.