| Once upon a time in the land of the EU Bubble, where policy and politics intertwined like magic, all seemed well again. Indeed, after a week of intense negotiations, the nominees for Executive Vice-Presidents of the Commission are ready to be validated, with their journey set to begin on 1 December! |
College of Commissioners: On 20 November, the six nominees for the roles of Executive Vice-Presidents of the Commission were validated by MEPs after days of negotiations between the political parties. The plenary vote to confirm these decisions will take place on 27 November during the plenary session. Politico reports that the next college of Commissioners is due to start working on 1 December.
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): On 20 November, Executive Vice-President Šefčovič, on behalf of the European Commission, answered a written question by MEP Christine Schneider (Germany, EPP) on the PPWR who accused the Commission of a lack comprehensive scientific analysis or impact assessment in relation to the reuse targets.
PFAS restriction progress: On 20 November, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden released a progress update on the process to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe.
Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA): On 19 November, the European Parliament’s think tank published a briefing on Implementing the EU’s CRMA.
Ambient air quality Directive & Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (CLP): On 20 November, the Ambient air quality Directive and the CLP Regulation were published in the EU’s Official Journal.
Textile Emergency Action Plan (TEAP): Three associations (Zero Waste Europe, Rreuse and ACR+) have published an open letter, addressed to the European Commission and the Member States asking for financial help for the used and waste textile sector which they explain is in its ‘greatest-ever crisis’.
EU Framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage: On 19 November, the Council approved the Regulation establishing the first EU certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in products. The aim is to facilitate high quality carbon removal.
European hydrogen markets – 2024 Market monitoring report: On 19 November, the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) published a report on European hydrogen markets which states that with current consumption at 7.2 mt (with 99.7% of it comes from fossil fuels), the EU’s target of 20 Mt of renewable hydrogen consumption by 2030 will be challenging to achieve.
Emission Trading Systems (ETS): On 19 November, the European Commission published the first findings on the functioning of the European carbon market in 2023.
Innovation Fund 2024 Auction: The Commission clarified the terms and conditions for the second Innovation Fund renewable hydrogen auction, planned for 3 December, in a document.
EU Electricity supply for 2024 winter: The EU is well prepared for winter in terms of electricity supply, despite some risks in some regions, this according to a report by the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) which was published on 15 November.
COP29: On 15 November, the Azerbaijani presidency (the host of the COP29) launched an initiative where countries and organisations commit to ‘increase the production and deployment of renewable, clean/zero-emission and low-carbon hydrogen and accelerate decarbonization of existing fossil fuel hydrogen production not coupled with carbon capture technologies’.
COP29 agreement on climate financing: On 24 November, the UN Climate Conference closed with an agreement to triple financing to developing countries, protecting lives and livelihoods.
G20 Rio de Janeiro Leader’s Declaration: On 18 November, the G20 adopted a declaration which states that they ‘prioritize the prevention and, where not possible, the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste in support of a circular economy’ and ‘are determined to end plastic pollution and commit to working together with the ambition to conclude by the end of 2024 the negotiations of an ambitious, fair and transparent international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution’.
Global target for the production of primary plastic polymers – study: A report published on 13 November by the NGO Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and prepared by the firm Eunomia shows that a 40% reduction in the production of plastic globally by 2040 is unlikely to be achieved if our current trajectory is maintained, however, it is feasible if a 43% recycling rate is also integrated.
Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development: Re-establishment & 2024-2029 policy priorities: On 19 November, the Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Development held a high-level conference to present its 2024–2029 policy priorities and work program.
Maritime safety package: On 18 November, the Council adopted four new legislations on maritime safety. The legislations concern the ‘investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector’, ‘ship-source pollution’, ‘compliance with flag state requirements’ and ‘port state control’.
Council Appointments: Politico reports that journalist Beatriz Navarro, a former foreign correspondent for La Vanguardia, will work as European Council President-elect António Costa’s deputy spokesperson and foreign policy and defence expert Bernardo Pires de Lima, a political adviser to Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will also join Costa’s team as a senior adviser and speechwriter.
Subscribe to FEAD via Email
If you want to follow our work more closely, please make sure to subscribe to our news & events mailing list!
