Energy & Environment
Poland wants fresh EU money to back climate neutrality goal
Achieving climate neutrality requires “significantly larger” amounts of funding than what is currently on offer in the EU’s long-term budget proposal for 2021-2027, Warsaw said in a memo circulated ahead of an EU leaders’ summit opening today.
Velux CEO: ‘If you want the most energy efficient home, live in a cave’
Companies and lawmakers must take more responsibility in helping to solve issues related to buildings, including reducing carbon emissions and improving health standards, according to Velux CEO David Briggs.OpinionPromoted content
3 Winners of the European Social Innovation Competition to be announced in Brussels on 24th October
This year’s European Social Innovation Competition has looked for projects that offer fresh thinking on how to deal with Plastic Waste. 543 entrepreneurs applied to take part in the Competition and now a Judging Panel of independent experts has narrowed...
‘Broad support’ for EU-wide plastic tax
A European tax on plastic waste is gaining momentum as a way to bring new sources of revenue to the EU budget as leaders prepare for a two-day summit in Brussels beginning on Thursday (17 October).
1 in 3 children live in unhealthy homes, warns ‘alarming’ report
A third of European children live in damp, cold, dark or noisy homes, according to new findings released last week. Portugal is the worst offender in the EU, with one in two kids exposed to unhealthy conditions.OpinionPromoted content
Europe’s just energy transition
The transformation of the Polish energy sector is one of the biggest challenges that Poland’s economy is facing right now. This is why the members of the Polish Electricity Association (PKEE) are, already today, commencing proactively several initiatives aimed at...
Gas industry storms into EU green finance taxonomy debate
Industry executives argue fossil gas should be considered green when it displaces coal in power generation, sparking fresh controversy around an upcoming EU sustainable finance taxonomy aimed at rewarding investments in clean technologies.
EU Council follows Commission’s line, trims Baltic fishing quota
EU ministers have clinched a midnight deal on fishing quota limit in the Baltic Sea for 2020, following the Commission's proposal to decrease the total allowable catches for eight of the most commercially important fish stocks in the basin. VideoPromoted content
Appliances’ pension plan
The short reportage follows the life of an appliance that has been loyal to consumers, and has been left disappointed with the way some products are treated at their end of life.
Accelerating integrated energy systems for a climate-neutral EU
Achieving the EU climate objectives requires a complete transformation of our energy systems. To get there, we need to take a holistic approach, and to maximise synergies between sectors and systems.
French MP: ‘We try to bring method to the madness of building renovation’
The Yellow Vest movement has actually boosted France's ambition to be a building renovation champion as it positioned the economy front and centre in the debate, the government's 'co-pilot' for the project told EURACTIV.OpinionPromoted content
Investing in the solutions Europe needs
Eurogas President Philippe Sauquet announces support for the European Commission's vision of a carbon neutrality by 2050 and calls on industry players to work with legislators on timely and innovative solutions for gas, both technological and legislative. This will demonstrate how gas and gas technologies can enable the energy transition
Healthy homes: ‘The biggest health and business opportunity of a lifetime’
Indoor environment quality and healthy homes play an ever more substantial role in human wellbeing, according to new research unveiled at a high-level event last week (10 October).
Juncker Commission stalls EU climate bank in starting blocks
While the European Investment Bank is making efforts to end fossil fuel funding, the Juncker Commission is doing its best to frustrate it – and to undermine Ursula von der Leyen, writes WWF’s Sébastien Godinot.
Buildings and the forgotten 90%
Human beings spend on average 90% of their lives indoors. Buildings are also a huge drain on energy resources and create a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. This Special Report looks deeper into the places we live and work.
Why we should back the EIB on ambitious energy policy
As part of putting the Paris Agreement into action, the EU and its Member States should back the European Investment Bank’s proposal to cease fossil investments, writes Sir Graham Watson.
Something fishy this way comes
We can have more fish in the sea and secure a profitable future for our fishermen and women if we respect the sustainable limits of catches and let the stocks recover, writes Chris Davies.
Deutsche Bahn’s credit rating boosted thanks to German climate law
Germany’s railway service has had its credit rating score raised in response to a new climate law that will levy air and road travel, while cutting VAT for train journeys, in what has been hailed as a first in Europe.
Sustainable finance drive can help address EU’s political challenges
Sustainability and inclusivity have correctly been placed as guiding principles for Europe’s finance policy. The next few months – with decisions on the EIB and the start of a new European Commission – will be decisive in order to put those principles into action, write Tom Jess and Sandrine Dixon-Declève.
Fourteen mayors sign declaration to promote sustainable food policies in their cities
Fourteen cities announced on Thursday (10 October) that they would pay particular attention to the sustainable and healthy food supply in their cities in the future. This way, they aim to save 60% of the carbon emissions in the food sector. EURACTIV Germany reports.
MEP Larrouturou: ‘Entire S&D group wants guarantees on financing European Green Deal’
Incoming EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen should take an extra month or two to negotiate a coalition agreement with the European Parliament, including a new finance-climate pact to support the energy transition, says Pierre Larrouturou, adding he will not vote for the new Commission without additional climate cash.
Cities will be key in the fight against climate change, UN chief says
Mayors from all over the world are meeting in Copenhagen this week for the C40 World Mayors Summit. They have gathered to fight the so-called 'climate urgency' and are calling for a "Green New Deal" to be implemented worldwide. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The EU needs to fully unlock the potential of natural gas to deliver its Green Deal
Nord Stream 2 will contribute to achieving the EU's ambitious, climate-friendly energy transition while safeguarding competitiveness, affordability and prosperity for European households and businesses.