Energy & Environment
EU nails rapid-fire deal on single-use plastics
Negotiators of the European Parliament, Council and Commission struck a provisional agreement early Wednesday morning (19 December) on banning single-use plastic products like cutlery and food containers, in what is one of the most quickly finalised proposals in recent EU memory.
First European agreement on recycled fertilisers
The regulation on the use of organic and waste-based fertilisers was the subject of a tripartite agreement on 13 December. Its aim is to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers in Europe. EURACTIV France’s media partner the Journal de l’environnement reports.
EU forges deal on coal phase-out, with special Polish clause
European Union legislators reached agreement in the early hours of Wednesday (19 December) over a proposed reform of electricity market rules that includes a 2025 cut-off date for coal subsidies, and a special clause for Poland.
France overlooks climate in school curricula
Climate is almost totally absent from future French school curricula, according to paleoclimatologist Valérie Masson-Delmotte. It is a staggering political and societal choice that runs counter to the Paris Agreement. EURACTIV France’s media partner the Journal de l’environnement reports.
EU agrees on 37.5% CO2 reduction for cars by 2030
EU negotiators on Monday evening (17 December) agreed on CO2 emission rules for cars and vans, as the Austrian presidency of the EU defied expectations and brokered a compromise.
Vestager: We would have preferred to close the Bulgaria gas case without a fine
The Commission imposed on Monday (17 December) a multi-million fine on Bulgaria’s BEH for blocking access to key natural gas infrastructure in the country. Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said the fine could have been avoided, had Sofia decided to follow another negotiation strategy.
EU weighs ‘derogation’ for Poland in bid to phase out coal
Greens have lashed out at the European Commission for trying to pass an exemption from draft electricity market rules that would allow poorer countries like Poland to continue subsidising coal because their GDP is lower than the EU’s average.
Nations agree on Paris Agreement rulebook, fail on climate ambition
Three years and three days after the Paris Agreement was adopted, the 197 signatory countries gathered in Katowice, Poland, agreed Saturday (15 December) on a rulebook for its implementation but failed to raise their ambition to keep global warming "well below 2°C".
Two of 196 signatory countries to Paris Agreement have raised their climate ambitions
The signatories to the Paris Agreement are supposed to revise their climate ambitions upwards within the next 18 months. While states are struggling to get involved, businesses are trying to move forward. EURACTIV France reports.
China open to ‘uniform’ climate rules, sidestepping old allies
China has signalled it is open to following “uniform” global climate change rules, shifting from its usual push for a clear division of responsibilities for rich and poor countries. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
France wants to support women’s role in addressing climate change
The inclusion of women in the climate debate remains in its early stages. The French women involved in the climate negotiations are trying to alert people to this issue. EURACTIV France reports.
COP24: Return of king coal
Poland is hosting lobbying for coal and fossil fuels of a scale that has rarely been seen during an annual UN conference on climate (COP). The EU is turning a blind eye to this new facet of its ‘enfant terrible.’ EURACTIV France reports.
COP24 diary – day #11
Over this special series on COP24, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into the goings on of the UN climate conference in Katowice and what is driving the conversation there. In this edition: climate ambition at last, UN Secretary-General pounding on the table, Portugal getting carbon neutral, 630 brackets, and more.
World’s first zero-emission cement plant takes shape in Norway
Norway is getting closer to building the world’s first carbon-free cement plant, a move that could reverberate across the globe as 197 countries meet for the UN's annual climate conference in Katowice, Poland.
Commission to fine Bulgaria over gas market distortions
The European Commission will fine Bulgarian Energy Holding as early as this month for hindering rivals’ access to key gas infrastructure, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday (11 December), based on information from three sources familiar with the dossier.
The US, still in the Paris Agreement, is trying to decide its future
Despite Donald Trump’s rejection of the Paris Agreement, the US is still very much in the accord and zealously setting the tone of international climate change negotiations. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
COP24 diary – day #10
Over this special series on COP24, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into the goings on of the UN climate conference in Katowice and what is driving the conversation there. In this edition: coal bonanza at the EIB, roaming COP24, German 'nein', Fijian drum beat, and more.
Poland increasingly deporting activists from COP24
Poland has already deported 14 people from Central Europe since the beginning of COP24, including two members of the Georgian delegation. Many NGOs are questioning the legality of these bans on entering Polish territory. EURACTIV France reports.
COP24: ‘Yellow vest’ crisis weakens French position
In the midst of the ‘yellow vest’ movement in France, criticisms made by heads of state – such as Trump, Salvini and Erdoğan – fuel mistrust towards climate action, notably that carried out by France. EURACTIV France reports.
EU talks to set CO2 emission limits for cars founder
The European Union failed on Tuesday (11 December) to reach a compromise over how sharply to curb carbon dioxide emissions from cars and vans as car-producing countries and more environmentally conscious lawmakers could not find a compromise.
Europe stuck on climate ambition at COP24
With the UK entangled in Brexit, France mired in the "Yellow Vest" movement, and Germany stuck in political quagmire, Europe is not ready to lead global climate talks as the decisive political phase of the UN climate conference opens on Tuesday (11 December).
COP24 dairy – day #9
Over this special series on COP24, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into the goings on of the UN climate conference in Katowice and what is driving the conversation there. In this edition: An update on the negotiations, postponing climate ambition, 415 institutional investors, a climate damages tax, and more.
‘Loss and Damage’ emerges as crunch item at COP24
There is still no clear picture in Katowice on how to provide a readily available funding mechanism for developing countries affected by extreme weather events.