Turns out COP30 isn’t the only thing happening this week – or is it? Brussels is buzzing with climate target projections, ETS2 delays and recommendations for the Circular Economy Act.
Veolia calls for stronger recycled-plastic requirements: On 13 November, FEAD and PRE joined a Veolia press conference where FEAD underlined that international dynamics and artificially low prices from third countries are strongly affecting the European plastic-recycling market. Veolia urged the EU to reinforce recycled-plastic content requirements in the upcoming Winter Package, noting recent plant closures and proposing higher PET and packaging targets, incentives for recycled content and fiscal measures including a tax on virgin plastic.
2040 climate target – Parliament deal: On 13 November, MEPs adopted with 379 votes in favour and 248 against their position on the 2040 emissions targets. The deal closely aligned with the Council position, supports a 90% reduction target for emissions by 2040 compared with 1990 levels to achieve a climate neutral EU by 2050.
MEPs vote on reporting and due diligence rules: On 13 November MEPs approved in plenary the omnibus package to simplify EU green reporting rules for businesses, with 382 votes in favour, 249 against and 13 abstentions.
EU and UK to launch talks on linking emissions trading systems: On 13 November the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the UK on linking their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems, alongside talks on a common sanitary and phytosanitary area.
Ecodesign materials: On 10 November, the European Commission made available the final reports of the ‘Ecodesign preparatory study for product-specific measures on scarce, environmentally relevant and critical raw materials, and on recycled content’.
EU Green taxonomy consultation: On 7 November, The European Commission launched a four-week consultation as part of a broader agenda to simplify the green taxonomy criteria and ease reporting requirements for companies.
FEAD feedback on European competitiveness fund proposal: On 12 November, FEAD submitted feedback to the public consultation, welcoming the Fund’s potential but stressing the need for stronger recognition of the circular economy and the waste and resource management sector.
PFAS restriction industry letter: On 28 October, six industrial companies from Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Denmark co-signed a letter to the European Commission urging swift restriction of PFAS chemicals.
LIFE fund circular economy projects: On 7 November, the European Commission announced 223 million euros under the LIFE programme, including 76 million euros for 31 projects supporting the “the transition to a clean, circular economy […] and resilient to climate change”.
OELs consultation: DG Employment has launched a study on possible amendments to the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive, including potential new occupational exposure limit values, and is consulting businesses until 19 December.
