About: Taxonomy
No industry support without a commitment to cleaner production
While there is strong claimed support for a 'green' recovery from the European Commission, the European Parliament and key member states like Germany, the devil is in the detail, write Doreen Fedrigo and Camille Maury.
Emission thresholds in EU green finance taxonomy are too high. Here’s why
Carbon dioxide emission limits in the EU taxonomy suggested by the technical expert group are too high and will make it virtually impossible to reach EU climate goals for 2030 and 2050, argues a group of Swedish lawmakers.
Dutch spell out green ideas for EU recovery fund
The Netherlands has floated proposals to ensure a green recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, suggesting an “exclusion list” of economic activities like nuclear power, which the Dutch believe should be banned from receiving EU funds.
Climate change in the time of coronavirus: How we can green the ECB
If, like Cicero wrote, the sinews of war are infinite money, let’s make sure the funds are being used for the right battles, write Brook Riley and Peter Sweatman.
EU experts recommend two-tier approach to ‘green’ investment rules
European policymakers should use a two-tier approach to define sustainable investments in order to smooth the bloc's transition to a low carbon economy, a group of industry experts has said.
This is how Europe is opening the floodgates to ‘green’ money
The European Commission launched on Wednesday (6 February) a consultation with member states, the European Parliament and other stakeholders to review the EU's fiscal rules, the Stability and Growth Pact.
EU seals deal on green finance in breakthrough for climate goals
Lawmakers in the European Parliament have approved a compromise on the EU’s proposed sustainable finance rulebook, ending a bitter fight with EU member states on whether to recognise nuclear power as “green”.
UK’s Brexit election explained: ‘There will be one less pro-climate vote in the EU’
With Germany’s dwindling leadership on climate, Britain’s departure from the European Union could have “potentially huge” consequences for climate policy, says Sandrine Dixson-Declève.
France, UK block green finance deal in setback for climate goals
Led by France and Britain, EU states yesterday (11 December) blocked a set of new rules governing which financial products can be called "green" and "sustainable", fearing it would prevent investments in nuclear and gas projects.
COP25: Connecting the dots on climate finance
As negotiators in Madrid are trying to break the impasse on global climate finance governance, tectonic shifts in the real economy are signaling changing tides for the oil & gas industry. Far from being separate adjustments, these changes are part of a one, large movement where Europe is at the fore-front. MEP Bas Eickhout explained to EURACTIV why.
‘Do no harm’: Nuclear squeezed out of EU green finance scheme
European Greens claimed victory on Thursday (5 December) after EU negotiators reached agreement on a green finance taxonomy aimed at channelling billions of private investor’s money into clean technologies. Coal, and – in principle – nuclear power, are out.
EU reaches milestone by agreeing on green criteria for finance
MEPs and the Finnish presidency of the EU Council agreed Thursday (5 December) on a taxonomy to determine what economic activities can be considered ‘green’, paving the way for billions of euros to be channelled into investments to fight climate change.
EU banking regulator: ‘No green economy if we encourage banks to be insolvent’
Europe wants to use all the tools available to transit toward a 'green' economy. But ‘green’ lending should not be incentivised by easing capital requirements for banks, the European Banking Authority chief, Jose Manuel Campa, told EURACTIV in an exclusive interview.
Paris, Berlin divided over nuclear’s recognition as green energy
Disagreement on the inclusion of nuclear power in the EU’s upcoming green finance taxonomy has revived long-standing divisions between France and Germany over the energy transition. EURACTIV France reports.
EU strives to clarify ‘transition activities’ on path to zero-carbon goal
The European Commission has attempted to define “transition” and “enabling” economic activities on the way to net-zero emissions as part of efforts to reach compromise on a draft EU green finance taxonomy.
Nuclear power ‘dead and alive’, S&P proclaims
Growing competition from cheap renewable electricity, safety concerns, and rising costs of new plants are slowly driving nuclear power over the edge – except in Russia and China where the industry continues to enjoy extensive state support, S&P said.
EU bank tees up fossil fuel compromise ahead of crucial vote
The European Investment Bank will decide on Thursday (14 November) whether or not to purge its loan books of fossil fuel projects. All signs point to the EU lender striking a compromise with Germany and Italy which want more leeway for new gas projects.
Banks taking only ‘superficial’ climate action, study reveals
Despite an explosion in green finance, banks have made only superficial changes to their lending practices, with fossil fuel funding going virtually unabated over the past years, according to a new report by Boston Common Asset Management released today (11 November).
Bioenergy, forestry sectors jump on EU’s green finance bandwagon
Bioenergies, including wood, biofuels and forest-based industries, should be recognised under the EU’s draft sustainable finance taxonomy, in line with the recently-updated renewable energy directive, an industry coalition has claimed.
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.
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.
Will Germany block EIB plans to ditch natural gas?
The European Investment Bank wants to purge its loan books of fossil fuels, including natural gas, by 2020. Although the Bank's final decision is expected to be delivered on 15 October, resistance, especially from Germany, is brewing. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Sustainable financing may have its limits
With an increasing number of investors being concerned about climate risks, they have started to push for sustainable business practices. Although they are showing more interest in protecting the environment, critics warn that such a "greening" of capitalism will not be enough. EURACTIV Germany reports.