Environment and Energy

Green diplomacy: Council conclusions reaffirm the EU’s commitment to work closely with partners to accelerate a global just and inclusive green transition

The Council approved conclusions on green diplomacy, unequivocally affirming the EU’s commitment to promote a just and inclusive green transition, and to support the implementation of global commitments in this regard, in close cooperation with partner countries worldwide through enhanced multilateralism and global action. In its conclusions, the Council reiterates the gravity of the accelerating triple planetary crisis of climate …

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Quarterly reports confirm renewed resilience and the continuation of positive structural changes in gas and electricity markets in 2023

The gas markets report outlines the continued decline in gas consumption and production, lower import volumes and gradually increasing wholesale prices amidst increased market volatility. Overall, the EU gas market strengthened resilience and continued its structural changes away from Russian pipeline gas supply and towards a more prominent role for liquefied natural gas (LNG), more hub trading, …

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Commission invests over €233 million in Strategic Environment and Climate Projects across Europe

The Commission is investing over €233 million in twelve new Strategic Projects across Europe under the LIFE programme to support the implementation of the EU’s environmental and climate ambitions under the European Green Deal. These Strategic Projects are expected to mobilise substantial additional funds from other EU sources, including agricultural, structural, regional and research funds, as well as from …

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Commission approves up to €6.9 billion of State aid by seven Member States for the third Important Project of Common European Interest in the hydrogen value chain

The Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a third Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI’) to support hydrogen infrastructure. This IPCEI is expected to boost the supply of renewable hydrogen, thereby reducing dependency on natural gas and helping to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU Plan. The project, called “IPCEI Hy2Infra”, was …

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Commission presents recommendation for 2040 emissions reduction target to set the path to climate neutrality in 2050

The Commission has published a detailed impact assessment on possible pathways to reach the agreed goal of making the European Union climate neutral by 2050. Based on this impact assessment, the Commission recommends a 90% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, launching a discussion with all stakeholders; a legislative proposal will be made …

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President von der Leyen launches Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, a new forum mandated to shape a shared vision for the future of the EU’s farming and food system. The Strategic Dialogue, announced by the President in her 2023 State of the Union address, will address challenges and opportunities …

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COP28: Overall outcome & EU reactions

At the end of the COP28 UN Climate Conference in Dubai, European Union negotiators succeeded, with partners from around the world, to keep alive the possibility of delivering on the commitment in the Paris Agreement to limit global average temperature increase to 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels.   At COP28, the first Global Stocktake was concluded on …

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Accelerated investment in renewables and energy efficiency key to 1.5°C target

The current decade is critical to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C: directing investments towards low- and zero-emissions technologies is instrumental to achieving the Paris Agreement target. Investment in the energy sector as share in the global GDP in the future remains broadly the same as today, indicating the economy can manage the burden of decarbonisation. …

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