This week was marked by delays to the Industrial Accelerator Act and growing tensions around key files. Read on for the latest EU policy updates shaping the circular economy and the waste management sector!
Industrial Accelerator Act delayed: As reflected in the Commission’s indicative calendar, the presentation of the Industrial Accelerator Act was delayed from 29 January to 25 February. A draft document was leaked last week.
Critical Raw Materials Act attracts over 160 strategic project applications: On 19 January, according to the European Commission, more than 160 projects applied for strategic status under the Critical Raw Materials Act.
Commission reappoints expert platform advising on green taxonomy: On 21 January, the EU executive published the list of members of the third mandate of the Platform on Sustainable Finance, which will advise the Commission until the end of 2027.
Parliamentary question challenges interpretation of waste shipment code: On 20 January, as published by the European Parliament, a written question asked whether Poland’s waste authority can independently interpret the EU3011 waste code under Regulation 1013/2006, disregard the Commission’s Correspondents’ Guidelines on plastic waste classification, and bypass the 6% contamination threshold for the uniform application of waste shipment rules.
Parliament questions safety and regulation of PFAS waste incineration: On 14 January, a written question was submitted to the Commission on the processing and incineration of PFAS-containing waste, referring to the Indaver plant in Stabroek, Belgium.
Zero Waste Europe calls for EPR systems for biowaste: In a study published on 22 January, the NGO finds that despite EU targets under the Waste Framework Directive, only 26% of food waste is separately collected and argues that EPR schemes are needed to shift financial and operational responsibility from municipalities to producers.
Member States shift State aid towards EU priorities in 2024: According to the European Commission on 15 January, Member States spent €168.23 billion on State aid in 2024 (down from €203.35 billion in 2023), with around 90% supporting EU priorities, including €68.82 billion for environmental protection and energy, of which €30.45 billion went to decarbonisation and €27.31 billion to energy infrastructure.
Environment Committee backs 2040 climate target agreement: On 19 January, the Parliament’s ENVI Committee endorsed the agreement setting a 90% net greenhouse gas reduction target by 2040 compared to 1990.
Bruegel urges linking free carbon allowances to decarbonisation investments: In a 22 January analysis, the Brussels-based think tank said that free ETS emission allowances for carbon-intensive industries should be made conditional on concrete decarbonisation investments.
Parliament adopts resolution on ‘28th Regime’ for innovative companies: On 20 January, according to the European Parliament resolution, MEPs called for a new optional EU legal framework to support innovative companies operating cross-border.
New environment advisor joins French Permanent Representation: In January, as reported by the French Permanent Representation in Brussels, Ariane Angelier joined the environment team as advisor on water, soil, air and bioeconomy.
