Robert Hodgson
ADVERTISEMENT
Earth News
Electricity firms seek huge investment support for distribution grids
Europe’s energy transition and the EU goal of reaching ‘net-zero’ emissions could be at risk unless the equivalent of 0.4% of GDP is pumped into upgrading electricity distribution systems, the power sector has warned as energy ministers finalise their position on future grid development.
Earth News
Belgium makes last-ditch bid for deal on GMO deregulation
Belgium is looking to break a deadlock among EU governments over a proposed easing of regulation for GMO crops produced using the latest gene editing techniques, by addressing concerns over the patenting of novel seed varieties by agribusinesses.
Earth News
Berlin and Dublin spearhead move to unblock Nature Restoration Law
Eleven EU members are urging their peers to sign off on a new Nature Restoration Law - perhaps the most important piece of environmental legislation to fall foul of a backlash against the European Commission's green deal agenda.
Earth News
Von der Leyen mollifies MEPs over PFAS ban concerns
An exchange of letters reveals German centre-right MEPs' concerns over a proposed blanket ban of PFAS 'forever chemicals', and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen's efforts to reassure them that industry will be shielded from negative impacts.
Earth News
Green leader sees ‘huge danger’ to climate policy as elections loom
A trio of leading Green MEPs have presented a proposal for a Green Industrial Deal supported by a trillion-euro EU fund and preferential interest rates from the European Central Bank, while warning a swing to the right in June could see five years of climate legislation begin to unravel.
Earth News
How Europe’s energy crisis is feeding the election campaign
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy was already a central pillar of the European Green Deal before a belligerent Moscow triggered an energy crisis; now the question of how best to ensure secure, affordable energy is dividing political camps as EU citizens head to the polls in June.
Earth News
MEPs approve law to reduce growing stream of packaging waste
The European Parliament has adopted new binding targets for reuse, collection and recycling of packaging, and outright bans on a range of disposable plastic wrappers, miniature bottles and bags deemed unnecessary, but NGOs have raised another 'greenwashing' alarm.
Earth News
Commission seeks to clarify ‘essential use’ of dangerous chemicals
The European Commission has drawn up strict criteria on when the use the most dangerous substances is justified, but with an overhaul of the EU's core chemicals regulation still on ice, green NGOs have urged a redoubling of efforts to limit pollution and health risks.
Earth News
Budget watchdog enters political fray with warning over petrol car ban
The European Court of Auditors has strongly denied any political intent behind its decision to warn a looming ban on the sale of conventional petrol and diesel cars could lead to an influx of electric car imports from China.
Earth News
Belgium issues ultimatum over energy tax reform
A revision of a law setting minimum levies for fuels and electricity promised to bring an end to the era of tax-free energy for airlines and ship operators, but reform has been stalled for years, with EU governments unable to agree on how to update the 20-year-old Energy Taxation Directive.
ADVERTISEMENT