European Union News - Environmnet

The Environment Committee at the European Parliament voted in favour to take out of the next phase of trading the Emissions Trading System (ETS) credits in order to help lift the sinking carbon price. In addition, MEPs also voted on measures aiming to get the EU on track to meet its 20% energy efficiency target by 2020.

The Council adopted conclusions on the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 focusing on the concrete measures required to achieve its main targets: protect species and habitats, maintain and restore ecosystems among others. In addition, Environment Ministers also adopted conclusions on the Roadmap to a Resource-Efficient Europe proposal.

The Agriculture Ministers did not reach an agreement on proposals for decisions authorising the use of three genetically modified varieties in food, feed and for other uses, neither in favour nor against. In addition, Ministers had an exchange of views on the CAP reform proposal for a regulation on rural development.

The European Commission adopted a Green Paper and launched a public consultation on the future of LED-based lighting. The consultation has been launched because although LED lighting is one of the most energy-efficient and versatile forms of lighting,Europe also faces a number of challenges and more input is needed from citizens and businesses to refine the policy. To this end a consultation will run until 29 February 2012 to collect feedback on the Commission's ideas.

The capital of the Basque country in northern Spain has been granted with the title European Green Capital 2012. This title recognises and rewards cities that are at the forefront of environmentally-friendly urban living and which can act as role-models to inspire other cities.

The Energy Roadmap 2050 presented by the Commission explains the consequences of a carbon free energy system and the policy framework needed. According to the Commission, the Roadmap will allow Member States to make the required energy choices and create a stable business climate for private investment, especially until 2030.

The European Commission published its latest report on Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive implementation which confirms that work is progressing well but that collection and treatment compliance rates could still improve. According to the report, most EU-15 urban waste water collection systems are very effective and capture 99% of their target waters.

The European Commission presented a new Programme for the Environment and Climate Action – LIFE, in which it proposes to modify the existing LIFE+ Programme to have a greater impact, be simpler and more flexible throughout a significantly increased budget. Among the proposals, it would be the creation of a new sub-programme for Climate Action.

The European Commission has put forward a proposal in order to reduce noise produced by cars, vans, buses, coaches, light and heavy trucks. These measures, which are expected to reduce vehicle nuisance by 25%, will be put in place in two steps, two and three years once the text approved by the European Parliament and the Council is published.

The European Parliament delegation to the United Nations summit on climate change held in Durban, stressed that the constant blame game between the United States and China regarding climate change, is hindering the process to reach a global agreement. MEPs claimed in this Summit for the urgent setting of a roadmap that will lead to the signature of a binding global agreement.