About: Jan Huitema

Lawmakers back mandatory targets in EU circular economy action plan

Lawmakers in the European Parliament adopted a set of ambitious proposals on the EU’s circular economy action plan on Tuesday (9 February), including calls to introduce mandatory targets to reduce waste.

Circular economy can cut CO2 emissions by 39%: study

Switching to a circular economy could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 39% and ease pressure on virgin materials by 28%, according to the Circularity Gap Report, published on Tuesday (26 January).

Jan Huitema MEP: EU must tackle price gap between secondary and virgin plastics

Jan Huitema, who is in charge of guiding the circular economy strategy through the European Parliament, says his report will include requirements for products to contain a minimum amount of recycled material.

Dutch MEP: We have to close the gap between rural and urban areas

Innovation in agriculture and beyond is vital to close the widening gap that leads to polarisation and tension between rural and urban areas, says Jan Huitema MEP. Rural development plans must be made with the local community and not just in Brussels offices, he argues.

MEPs confirm electric fishing ban, despite eleventh-hour Dutch effort

The European Parliament approved on Tuesday (16 April) new technical rules on fishing activities and catching methods allowed within EU waters, confirming that the use of electric currents or 'pulse fishing' will be illegal from mid-2021.

Spotted in Parliament: Tiny horse with big job

The European Parliament welcomed its first accredited four-legged friend on Tuesday (25 September), when Dinky the guide horse visited the EU assembly.

Biostimulants take centre stage in EU push for green fertilisers

The review of the European Union's Fertilisers Regulation will promote innovative products such as biostimulants, in an effort to help agriculture take the turn of the circular economy.

MEP Huitema: EU should use CAP to reduce dependence on farm subsidies

The EU's Common Agricultural Policy should focus on investments to become more competitive in the global market and get less dependent on subsidies, MEP Jan Huitema told EURACTIV.com in an interview.

Debate: The future of organic agriculture in the EU

Organic plays an increasing role in EU agriculture. There's also an ongoing trialogue negotiation on organic regulation review among the Parliament, Commission and the Member States.