European Union News - Environmnet

On the World Environment Day, the European Commission launched the European Resource Efficiency Platform in order to provide high-level guidance and advice on policy measures designed to transform the European economy towards a more sustainable growth path. In addition to this Platform, the Commission launched an online platform to gather contributions on this topic.

Environment Commissioner announced a new approach to assessing toxic chemical mixtures in which the Commission undertakes to address potential risks associated with chemical mixtures are properly understood and assessed. Having into account that the number of potential chemical combinations is very large, the first challenge under the new approach will be to identify priority mixtures.

According to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), increase in cancers and fertility problems may be caused by household chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The EEA Executive Director highlights that it would be prudent to take a precautionary approach to many of these chemicals until their effects are more fully understood.

The 2012 winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment are Marks and Spencer (UK) for management; Aquamarine Power (UK) for product; Umicore (Belgium) for process; INENSUS GmbH (Germany) for international business cooperation; and Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. (Slovakia) for business and biodiversity. According to the European Commission, the five winners reflect contributions to sustainable development.

MEPs approved a report which gives green light to the incorporation into EU law of new international measures to further reduce illegal catches of bluefin tuna. On the other hand, the European Parliament also backed the new deal with Mozambique. Thanks to the new agreement, 75 EU vessels from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and the UK will get fishing licenses.

The Committee of Permanent Representatives endorsed the compromise proposal regarding the directive which amends the directive on the sulphur content of marine fuels. This directive aims to reduce sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions to provide a high level of protection for human health and environment.

The European Commission published its figures on the minimum water quality standards set by the Bathing Water Directive which show that most of the waters in the EU meet those standards. Cyprus, Croatia, Malta and Greece had excellent reports on their bathing water sites, while the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Latvia, Luxemburg and Belgium had relatively low proportions of sites meeting the strict guide values, especially as regards inland waters.