Last week the Commission published its environment omnibus, and an agreement on new rules for vehicle circularity and end-of-life vehicles emerged. Here’s an overview of recent shifts in Brussels – and what they mean for Europe’s circular transition!
Council and Parliament agree on new rules for vehicle circularity and end-of-life vehicles: On 12 December, the Council presidency and representatives of the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on new EU rules governing vehicle circularity and the management of end-of-life vehicles.
Environment omnibus package published by the Commission: On 10 December, the Commission published the environment omnibus package introducing a series of legislative adjustments across waste, industrial emissions and permitting frameworks.
Recyclers call for EU-made recycled plastics to be prioritised in EU products: In the context of the plastics recycling crisis and ahead of the Circular Economy Winter Package, FEAD, Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) and Recycling Europe have sent a joint letter on 8 December to Commissioners Ribera, Séjourné and Roswall.
Council and Parliament strike deal to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence rules: On 9 December, the Council Presidency and European Parliament negotiators reached a provisional agreement to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements with the aim of boosting EU competitiveness.
Provisional 2040 climate target agreed with 90% emissions cut: On 10 December, the Council presidency and Parliament negotiators reached a provisional agreement to amend the European Climate Law and introduce a binding intermediate climate target for 2040 of a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels.
Commission publishes draft delegated act exempting plastic films and pallet straps: On 15 December, the Commission published a draft delegated act under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, exempting plastic films and pallet straps from transport packaging reuse targets, citing significant upfront investment needs and insufficiently developed automated solutions.
December infringement packages: The Commission has published the December infringement packages, including infringements to the waste framework and landfill directives.
Waste Shipment Regulation digitalisation moves forward with DIWASS timeline: In December, the Commission updated the implementation timeline of the Waste Shipment Regulation and the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS).
Commission responds to concerns over ban on exports of mixed municipal waste to Switzerland: On 5 December, the Commission responded that they are analysing the matter further, in regards to concerns raised in a Parliamentary question about the upcoming prohibition on exporting mixed municipal waste from the German Land of Baden-Württemberg to nearby treatment facilities in Switzerland.
Member States outline priorities for future EU Competitiveness Fund: On 8 December, EU industry ministers discussed their priorities for the next Competitiveness Fund under the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.
Parliament research service compiles background on the post-2027 MFF: On 5 December, the European Parliamentary Research Service published a briefing on background information for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.
ENVI considers draft opinion on interim report on post-2027 MFF: On 11 December, the ENVI Committee members reviewed a draft opinion on the interim report on the proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034.
EEA monitoring report warns circular economy targets for 2030 are off track: On 10 December, the European Environment Agency published its Monitoring report on progress towards the 8th EAP objectives 2025, which assesses progress under the 8th Environment Action Programme.
MEPs press to stop illegal and dangerous products entering the Single Market: On 4 December, MEPs urged the Commission to step up enforcement against illegal and dangerous products entering the EU market, particularly on large online platforms that repeatedly breach rules, according to the Parliament’s committee page on the initiative “Stop illegal and dangerous products entering the Single Market — Act Now”.
Statistical Report 2025 highlights strategic role of biogases: On 10 December, the European Biogas Association published the 2025 Statistical Report, presenting the most comprehensive analysis of biogas and biomethane markets in Europe.
First global baseline for employment in the circular economy: On 4 December, Circle Economy, the International Labour Organization and the World Bank Group published a report estimating that between 121 and 142 million people are employed in the circular economy worldwide.
New EFRAG guides to support SMEs in sustainability reporting: On 11 December, EFRAG announced three new supporting guides to help SMEs report on disclosures identified as particularly challenging during the public consultation and field testing of the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME).
