About: Frans Timmermans
Europe’s new climate plan heralds energy ‘transformation’
Meeting the EU’s proposed new climate targets for 2030 will require a “transformation” of the bloc’s energy system, with a renewed focus on renewables and further efforts to cut fossil fuels in buildings, transport and industry, the European Commission has said.
Timmermans defends higher EU goals on climate change
If the European Green Deal made economic sense before the COVID-19 crisis, “it makes even more sense now” because it will help reboot the economy, said Frans Timmermans, the EU Commission vice-president in charge of climate action.
EU Commission criticised for its reporting on nuclear energy’s sustainability
The European Commission is looking into whether nuclear energy can be classed as a sustainable green investment. But the EU executive's decision to task its research centre with the assessment has already prompted criticism. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Benelux nations tout bicycles as post-virus transport cure-all
Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands mapped out on Tuesday (14 July) how the humble bicycle could become king of the road and urged the EU to prioritise two wheels in the post-virus recovery.
EU Commission charts path towards 100% renewable hydrogen
The European Commission unveiled plans on Wednesday (8 July) to promote hydrogen based entirely on renewable electricity like wind and solar, but said low-carbon hydrogen derived from fossil fuels will also be supported in order to scale up production in the short term.
EU, China and Canada renew pledge for climate action, despite virus
In spite of the economic crisis posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the EU, China and Canada sent “a clear political signal” on Tuesday (7 July) that they are still committed to the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Taxing jet-fuel still on the radar, despite aviation’s virus woes
Kerosene’s plum position as one of the few fuels exempt from taxation is still under severe scrutiny, as momentum builds behind the idea of setting up multilateral agreements between willing countries.
EU urged not to mess with UN aviation rules
Leading MEPs have asked the European Commission and Council not to seek changes to the UN's global aviation scheme, which is aimed at making the industry carbon neutral. Airlines have requested more leeway to ride out the coronavirus outbreak slump.
Farm to Fork Strategy – What’s on the menu?
In this special edition of the agrifood podcast, EURACTIV's agrifood team spoke to a range of policymakers and stakeholders to hear their remarks on the presentation of the highly anticipated Farm to Fork strategy, the new EU's landmark food policy
Number crunching on expanded Just Transition Fund continues
The European Commission revealed on Thursday (28 May) how individual EU members stand to gain from the newly-fortified €40bn Just Transition Fund. Talks are still ongoing on widening the scope of the fund to more regions that might need green aid.
Our historic duty: A more resilient, inclusive and green recovery
As Europe starts to get a better grip on the COVID-19 emergency, we need to undertake the immense task of rebuilding our economies and repairing the staggering damage to our communities, workers and businesses, write Frans Timmermans and Fatih Birol.
Food security again under EU spotlight in the wake of COVID-19 crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has left its mark on the EU's new food policy, as the Farm to Fork strategy (F2F), presented on Wednesday (20 May), demonstrated a renewed interest in food security to ensure the supply during crises of any nature.
Commission upholds highly ambitious targets to transform EU food system
After several delays, the EU's new flagship food policy was finally released on Wednesday (20 May), confirming the aspiration of the EU executive to transform the European way of producing, distributing and consuming food.
Green ‘cash for clunkers’ deals on the starting grid
Car renewal schemes aimed at boosting the automotive industry and the wider economy during the virus recovery period are likely to be linked to climate targets, although the actual effectiveness of such programmes is still a matter of debate.
Timmermans: Farm to fork strategy delayed by couple of weeks, not months
European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans assured MEPs that the new EU Food policy and biodiversity strategy might be delayed by several weeks but no longer, after the launch was pushed back until 29 April.
Timmermans promises green recovery to EU lawmakers
The European Commission's Green Deal chief, Frans Timmermans, assured EU lawmakers on Tuesday (21 April) that "every euro" spent on economic recovery measures after the COVID-19 crisis would be linked to the green and digital transitions. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU climate chief sees green strings for car scrappage schemes
The European Union's chief climate official said on Tuesday (21 April) there could be green conditions attached to any car scrappage schemes set up by the bloc to revive vehicle demand following the coronavirus pandemic.
Which world do we want after COVID-19?
The coronavirus crisis has caused a lot of suffering and uncertainty, but its aftermath offers us an opportunity to break with old habits and build a circular, sustainable and highly competitive economy, write Frans Timmermans and Bertrand Piccard.
EU urged to bring building ‘renovation wave’ into recovery plan
The European Commission should make its future pandemic recovery plan conditional on commitments to the green transition, says Bendt Bendtsen, a former MEP who is now leading a Danish interest group lobbying for energy efficiency.
Spain finally sends 2030 climate plan to Brussels
The Spanish government has submitted its energy and climate plan for 2030 to the European Commission, three months after the deadline, while five EU countries, including France, still need to turn in their strategies.
‘We won’t slow down’ on climate: EU reacts to COP26 postponement
The European Commission “took note” of the UK’s announcement to postpone this year’s UN climate summit but stressed its “strong commitment” to the global climate agenda, as nations grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite health crisis, EU presses on with 2030 climate agenda
As the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the European Commission stays the course on green policies, launching a public consultation on Tuesday (30 March) to raise the bloc’s climate target for 2030.
Coronavirus-hit carmakers urge EU to pull legislative handbrake
Europe’s largest auto manufacturers have argued that the coronavirus outbreak will limit their ability to comply with EU rules aimed at cleaning up the sector’s carbon footprint.