Too sexy? Why the 'Wuthering Heights' trailer is dividing the internet
Robert Hodgson
Shipping firms plead for UN help amid escalating Middle East conflict
The world's shipping industry has called on the United Nations to provide military protection for vessels operating in the Middle East after the latest seizure of a container ship by Iran, although much commercial traffic between Asia and Europe has already been re-routed around Africa.
Critical raw materials: how the EU hopes to secure supplies
If Russia's war on Ukraine shocked Europe into realising the folly of its dependence on Moscow for gas suppplies, growing geopolitical uncertainty has forced the EU to consider where it sources the raw materials, from copper to rare earth metals, needed for the energy transition.
Brussels picks fight over UK ban on sand eel fishing
The European Commission is demanding an explanation from the UK government over a biodiversity protection measure that bans the industrial fishing of sand eels in much of its territorial waters, a move which has upset Denmark, which holds the lion's share of the UK/EU post-Brexit quota.
Survey rates parties on Green Deal - from 'pro' to 'prehistoric'
As European elections loom, a survey has revealed the extent to which the flagship Green Deal agenda of the von der Leyen Commission has divided even the centre ground in EU politics.
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Green Deal founders amid shifting policy focus
This week saw further signs that environmental legislation is slipping down the EU policy agenda as European leaders focus on industrial competitiveness and defence and Hungary prepares to take the helm of the rotating EU presidency.
European Parliament approves energy market overhaul
MEPs have approved a sweeping reform of EU gas and electricity market regulations, with the aim of accelerating the clean energy transition, and including provisions that could further restrict Russia's ability to continue selling natural gas to Europe.
Soil protection law survives plenary vote, but considerably weakened
Legislation designed to bolster the key role of soil in maintaining Europe's biodiversity and climate resilience has been approved by MEPs, but only after the requirements it would place on national governments were significantly lightened.
MEPs support exit from Energy Charter Treaty
In a decisive committee vote, MEPs have supported the European Union's exit from the Energy Charter Treaty over concerns its global investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system has been weaponised to sue governments over climate policy.
EU to probe Chinese wind turbine subsidies
The European Commission has announced an inquiry into suspected illegal subsides for Chinese wind turbine producers, amid fears the domestic industry could be decimated by cheap imports.
Packed mini-plenary edition, Newsletter
Packed mini-plenary edition
This week's key events presented by senior energy and environment correspondent Robert Hodgson
Cycling Declaration hailed as ‘historic’ moment for Europe
Although it carries no legal force, cycling advocates have greeted an undertaking by governments and MEPs to make Europe a more bike friendly place as an important recognition of the health and environmental benefits and a milestone in EU transport policy.
NGOs demand stringent criteria for ‘low-carbon’ hydrogen
The European Commission has been urged to consult broadly and take a methodical approach to defining new 'low-carbon-fuels, amid concerns that hastily drafted legislation could promote the unsustainable use of fossil gas.
Governments urged to reconsider bid to delay deforestation law
Forest conservationists and environmental campaigners have reacted angrily to governments' efforts within the EU Council to water down a recently adopted law designed to protect forests both overseas and in Europe, before it has even come into effect.
Fiery exchange over Nature Restoration Law overshadows climate debate
The failure of EU ministers to rubber stamp a political agreement on a new Nature Restoration Law risks undermining climate action and damaging the EU's credibility both globally and with voters, a handful of opposing ministers were warned on Monday.
Climate targets in focus, Newsletter
This weeks key events selected by senior environment reporter Robert Hodgson
Future of Nature Restoration Law uncertain amid further delay
With half a dozen member states blocking the final adoption of the Nature Restoration Law, a key element of the EU's flagship Green Deal, Hungary is being singled out for withholding its previous support.
Green groups reject nuclear revival as governments seek climate fix
Roughly half of EU member states have joined a call for a global nuclear revival, arguing it will be an essential element in halting global warming, but climate campaigners argue a renewed focus on atomic power could distract from the urgently needed roll-out of renewable energy.
Fate of Nature Restoration Law could be decided in Budapest
With seven of the EU's 27 members planning, after months of highly politicised debate, to oppose or abstain over a new law to restore degraded ecosystems to health, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán's right-wing government could find itself with the deciding vote on Friday.
Commission backs use of farmland for aviation fuel production
In a bid to cut the climate impact of flying, the European Commission says agricultural land can be used for aviation biofuel production, providng it does not interfere with food and feed production or damage soils. But questions have been raised over whether sufficient safeguards are in place.
Governments agree packaging waste law despite trade concerns
Belgium, current holder of the rotating EU Council presidency, has forged agreement between governments over new rules to tackle the growing problem of discarded packaging materials, overcoming the European Commission's concerns over trade diplomacy.
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