This week in Brussels was dominated by Council meetings, with EU environment ministers and Member States shaping the debate on battery fires, textiles and more. Here are the recent burning matters for Europe’s circular economy!
Environment Council Highlights: On 16 December, during the Environment Council Austria urged the Commission to accelerate work on a European deposit return system (DRS) for batteries amid rising fire risks. In response, the Commission announced that it will prioritise assessing a DRS. In a press release, FEAD welcomed the Commission’s commitment, while stressing the urgent need for decisive, coordinated action. At the Council, a majority of Member States backed France’s call for EU action against ‘ultra-fast fashion’. Moreover, EU environment ministers approved Council conclusions on ‘Europe’s Environment 2030 – Building a more climate-resilient and circular Europe’.
European Parliament endorses revised due diligence and reporting rules: On 16 December, the European Parliament approved by a large majority the agreement reached in trilogue on 9 December on the revision of sustainability due diligence and reporting rules.
Green taxonomy: European Parliament clears path for ‘simplification’ of disclosure rules: On 17 December, MEPs meeting in plenary rejected a motion for a resolution from S&D, Green and TheLeft with the aim to object to the Commission proposal to reduce the scope of reporting obligations under the EU sustainable investment taxonomy.
Guidance on simplified EU Taxonomy disclosures: The Commission published draft set of FAQs to support stakeholders in preparing for the simplified EU Taxonomy disclosure rules.
Danish Presidency launches Council work on the Environment Omnibus: On 15 December, the Danish Presidency launched Council-level work on the Commission’s Environment Omnibus, with a presentation to Member States held in a working group.
Commission responds to concerns over scrap export ban under Steel and Metals Action Plan: On 17 December, the European Commission published an answer to parliamentary concerns that the European Steel and Metals Action Plan could lead to a ban on scrap metal exports, potentially worsening steel overcapacity and harming recycling markets.
Commission confirms heating and cooling strategy for early 2026: On 15 December, the European Commission confirmed, through remarks by Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy, during a meeting of energy ministers, that it will present a dedicated EU strategy on heating and cooling in the first quarter of 2026.
Chinese imports on the frontline as CBAM extends to 180 additional products: On 17 December, the Commission announced plans to extend CBAM to 180 additional products with high steel and aluminium content, ahead of its full entry into force next year.
EU signs Council of Europe Convention on environmental protection: On 3 December, the EU signed the Council of Europe Convention on Environmental Protection, strengthening Europe-wide cooperation to combat environmental crime.
Study flags unintended effects of circular economy policies in textiles: On 3 December, the Commission published a new study on textiles and the circular economy, supported by academic research.
Environmental crime: illegal waste dumping under spotlight: On 17 December, Euronews published the final 2025 episode of its Road to Green series, focusing on environmental crime. The report investigates an illegal waste management operation in Slovakia involving hazardous waste dumping.
