News & Events: NEWS

Business and NGOs Unite to Urge Energy Ministers to Triple Efforts on Energy Savings and Efficiency

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Europe’s energy ministers must lead the charge towards a three-fold increase in the impact of Europe’s efforts to stop wasting energy. Huge benefits from energy savings and energy efficiency are still being denied to the EU’s citizens and businesses - even when they strongly support it.

EEB calls upon European leaders to back proposal ending state aid to coal

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) welcomes today’s European Commission’s demand to end state aid to coal in the EU by October 2014. If accepted by the Member States, this would mean a definitive end of an environmentally hazardous subsidy that contradicts an effective fight against climate change.

EU/Oil industry meeting: calls for immediate arctic oil drilling moratorium grow

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

There should be an immediate moratorium on new offshore drilling in the environmentally-sensitive Arctic, say environmental groups.

Jump into Europe’s waters and call for better implementation of EU water policy

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(Brussels, Belgium - 9 July 2010) – This Sunday at 3 pm (15h) GMT+2, hours before the kick off for the World Cup final, thousands of people across Europe will take part in a simultaneous "Big Jump" at selected points into rivers, lakes and the sea to claim the right of all European citizens to have access to clean waters, living rivers and lakes.

Report: EU water policy doing little to improve cleanliness

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Days before hundreds of thousands of people across Europe demonstrate their support for clean rivers and lakes at the ‘Big Jump 2010’, a new report published by environmental group EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations, reveals that European governments are doing very little to protect and restore Europe’s waters.

Nano food: European Parliament puts safety first

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau welcomes the outcome of today’s vote in European Parliament, endorsing strong safety and labelling measures for food containing nanomaterials. This was decided during the second reading of the Novel Foods Regulation.

European Commission delays air pollution legislation, yet again

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The European Commission yesterday revealed that critical air legislation will be postponed until 2013, putting the health of millions of Europeans at risk. In an interview with Le Monde, Environment Commissioner Janez Poto?nik said air policies will not be reviewed until 2013 as they are too costly to implement.

Ten Green Tests for the Belgian EU Presidency

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

On 1st July the Belgian EU Presidency shall begin and, as is customary ahead of each new Presidency, the EEB has issued its ‘Ten Green Tests’, highlighting the most pressing needs on the environmental agenda for the coming six months.

Public Participation Pillar of Aarhus Convention Strengthened

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Studies cast further doubt on sustainability of bioenergy

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Two new independent scientific studies launched today cast further doubt on the EU’s policy of promoting biomass as fuel for heat and power generation, and biofuels for transport, according to BirdLife International, the European Environmental Bureau and Transport & Environment.

The EU Spanish Presidency: Good on biodiversity, bad on climate and emissions

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

“The Spanish Presidency will be remembered for its good work on biodiversity, where European Heads of State and Government endorsed an ambitious biodiversity target for the next decade”, said John Hontelez, Secretary General of EEB, Europe's largest federation of environmental citizens' groups.

EU paves the way for better e-waste management

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

EEB is pleased that MEPs have broadly supported a move to improve the management of Europe’s ever-increasing build up of electronic waste. Members of the Environment Committee yesterday voted on proposed amendments to the Directive on the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

European Parliament Committee strengthens draft biocides law, but concerns remain

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Health and environment groups welcome improvements to the European Commission's proposal for a revised EU biocides law, delivered in yesterday’s vote of the European Parliament's Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee.

EU puts industry interests first

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations, is greatly disappointed by the weak compromise deal reached today between the European Council and Parliament on the new Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

New EU biofuel sustainability rules ‘missing the point’

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The European Commission’s communication on biofuel sustainability, published today, will do precious little to address the impacts on land and emissions from crop-derived fuels used in transport, according to BirdLife International, ClientEarth, the European Environmental Bureau and Transport & Environment.

EU Ministers must take action on biowaste and hazadous substances

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The EEB has written to Environment Ministers ahead of the EU Environment Council meeting on June 11th asking them to take action on hazardous biocides and substances, as well as taking action on water scarcity and droughts.

Aiming high for a robust mercury treaty

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

As delegates from more than 100 countries today begin negotiating a treaty to control global mercury pollution, a coalition of environmental NGOs and indigenous nation representatives from around the world are calling on them to curb the rising tide of mercury pollution worldwide. Versione italiana.

EU takes tentative steps towards greener electronics

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Members of European Parliament’s Environment Committee today voted on proposed amendments to the Directive on the Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS).

EU must find new solutions for energy reduction

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

As things stand, the European Commission’s 20% energy savings target by 2020 will be missed and the EEB is urging EU Energy Ministers to take a different approach to reduce Europe’s energy consumption.

Hopes for better biowaste management dumped

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The EEB is dismayed by yesterday’s communication by the European Commission in which it said there was no need for further legislation on biowaste management at EU level.

Electronic giants and green groups push EU for flame retardants and PVC ban

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

An alliance of global companies, including Acer, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Sony Ericsson, and environmental organisations, including The European Environmental Bureau (EEB), have today released a statement demanding for restrictions on all brominated substances as well as PVC in electric and electronic equipment in the EU.

Cautious approach to ‘nano food’ supported

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The EEB welcomes yesterday’s vote by the European Parliament’s Environment Committee supporting the protection of Europeans from the possible dangers of using nanotechnologies in foods.

MEPs move towards reducing industrial pollution

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The EEB cautiously welcomes the outcome of today's European Parliament Environment Committee (ENVI) vote on the European Commission’s proposal for a Directive on industrial emissions.

Unused recovery funds targeted toward energy savings

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Green groups Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) welcome the European Commission's announcement today that unspent money from the Economic Recovery Fund will be used to leverage money for energy efficiency and renewables undertakings.

EU Parliament must resist pressure to weaken Industrial Emissions Directive

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Medical and environmental groups are alarmed by possible reductions in public health and environmental protection standards within the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), which is about to undergo a second reading in the European Parliament.

Aarhus Meeting: Compliance Mechanism Enables Citizens' Involvement

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The entry into force of the PRTR Protocol and the adoption this week of the Protocol’s compliance mechanism means the possibility for the public to bring communications before a compliance committee concerning a Party’s compliance with the Protocol. On top of that, the Meeting accepted three nominations by environmental NGOs for the composition of the Compliance Committee.

Unspent money must go to renewables and energy efficiency

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

CAN Europe and EEB have asked the European Commission to put its money where its mouth is and allocate the 115million Euros (or more) left unspent from the EU recovery plan towards energy efficiency and environmentally sound renewable energy sources.

European Ecolabel products linked to rainforest destruction activities

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The EEB is angered by revelations that illegally harvested wood is likely to be in paper awarded with the European Ecolabel, according to a report released today by FERN.

European Council gives Europe 2020 a Poor Start

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0200

At a time when we are seeing a great deal of focus on the economic deficit in Greece, there appears to be little concern about ensuring the Europe 2020 Strategy steers the EU away from the massive ecological deficit it is collectively running.

Civil society network calls on EU leaders for bold EU 2020 Strategy

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0200

EU leaders must push for significant improvements of the Europe 2020 Strategy if it is to really lead towards a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy, said the Spring Alliance, a network of four leading civil society organisations.

Opportunity to steer EU towards green prosperity

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0200

EU Environment Ministers have the opportunity to orientate the EU 2020 Strategy towards sustainable development and to halve the EU’s ecological footprint by 2030 which is now equivalent to 2.5 planet Earths.

Green groups sue Commission over withheld biofuels docs

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0200

a coalition of environmental groups filed a legal action against the European Commission over its refusal to release documents. The documents contain previously undisclosed information on the negative climate impacts of widespread biofuels use in the EU.

Media Briefing: EEB comments on upcoming EU Environment Council meeting, 15th March 2010

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau has written to EU Environment Ministers ahead of their Council meeting on 15th March urging them to take bold steps on biodiversity, climate, and in their debate on the EU 2020 Strategy.

Achievement award for former EU Environment Commissioner Dimas

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau today presented former Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas with the Twelve Stars Award in recognition of his exceptional work for Europe’s environment and sustainable development.

EU 2020: Seeing the light, but not the urgency

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The Commission is starting to see the light, but not the urgency” said John Hontelez, Secretary General of the European Environmental Bureau in a first response to the EU-2020 Strategy the Commission launched today.

Environmental groups welcome calls for greener standards and more balanced participation

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0200

EEB and ECOS welcome a newly released report highlighting the need to increase involvement of environmental NGOs in standardisation]. The report comes after a year of deliberation by an expert panel (“EXPRESS”) reviewing the European Standardisation System in view of the challenges ahead to 2020.

Leaked draft EU 2020 Strategy neglects Green Growth

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau wrote a letter to European Commission President Manuel Barroso urging him to make substantial improvements to the leaked draft EU-2020 Strategy if he really intends to put the EU on a path to ‘green growth’.

EEB welcomes MEP’s e-waste report

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau welcomes a report released yesterday evening by the rapporteur for the European Parliament’s Environment Committee Karl Heinz Florenz on electronic waste (e-waste).

EEB critique on EU2020 Public Consultation Summary

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The EEB's response to the European Commission's summary of responses to its consultation on what the EU-2020 Strategy should focus on. EEB Secretary-General John Hontelez described the Commission's summary as giving "too rosy a picture" of the environmental responses to the consultation.

EEB tells European Council to put EU on road to sustainable future

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) yesterday wrote to Members of the European Council ahead of their 11th February discussion about the EU post-Lisbon Strategy...

EEB Calls for action on biodiversity loss

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0200

One week after the European Commission published four different options for new biodiversity targets and on the eve of a High Level Conference organised by the Spanish Presidency debating these options

To EU Environment Ministers: Time to increase efforts on climate change

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0200

At the upcoming informal EU Environment Council Meeting this Saturday EEB Secretary General John Hontelez will present a set of key demands on how the EU should move on with its domestic and international climate polices...

Study Reveals EU's Drive for Greener Electronics is False Marketing

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The EU’s “Ecodesign” Directive can currently be considered as a case of “false marketing” according to a study released today by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB).

EU Energy Commissioner designate Guenther Oettinger’s hearing

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The EEB calls for the need for a binding absolute energy use reduction target of 20%, as a top priority for the new Commissioner and as part of the new Energy Efficiency Action Plan. If we are to secure our energy future we must learn to do more with less energy.

'Ten Green Tests' for Spain’s EU Presidency

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB [1] today issued its 'Ten Green Tests' for Spain’s six-month Presidency of the European Union, starting the 1st of January 2010. EEB has set these benchmark tests for each Presidency since 1998, following them up with an end-of-term performance assessment at each Presidency's conclusion.

EEB disappointed about overall performance of Swedish Presidency

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB today released its assessment of the Swedish Presidency which it has done for each presidency since 1998, based on the Ten Green Tests it put before the Swedish government when it took over from the Czech Republic on 1st July.

Ministers worried about hazardous chemicals cocktails, but postpone action

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EU Environment ministers meeting in Brussels today have expressed concerns that the environment and the health of European citizens may not be properly protected from the combined effects of hazardous chemicals, particularly those that can disrupt hormones.

Green NGOs Concerns about weakening Environment Department of EU Commission

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Copenhagen Accord falls far short on climate treaty

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) cast anger and disappointment today as no significant agreement was made in Copenhagen. The Copenhagen Accord was presented as ‘meaningful’ by some world leaders but was condemned by many for its lack of ambition and the process in which it was agreed.

Golden Opportunity for EU in Copenhagen

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

As European Heads of State arrive in Copenhagen, The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) is urging the EU Commission and Member States to fight further stalling and seize the opportunity for Europe to lead the way towards effectively combating climate change.

European Council short on sustainable development

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) calls upon Members of the European Council to take concrete steps towards an eco-efficient economy for the EU, ahead of the 10-11th December Council meeting.

EEB expectations for COP15, Copenhagen climate talks

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The largest climate talks in history opened today in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over 20,0000 people including around 65 Heads of State, Government Ministers, officials and advisers from 192 nations and civil society will come together at the United Nations conference to agree a new international deal to tackle climate change.

EEB tells European Council: Time to push for an eco-efficient economy

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) calls upon Members of the European Council to take concrete steps towards an eco-efficient economy for the EU, ahead of the 10-11th December Council meeting.

EU falls short in eco-standards for buildings

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) is disappointed with the final conclusions of yesterdays meeting at the European Commission regarding the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which saw many concessions and exemptions made.

Will the EU stop treating soil like dirt?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Today, at an expert meeting on the future use of dental fillings, a letter signed by over 70 non-governmental organisations from around the world was presented, calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish a schedule to phase out the use of dental mercury fillings as soon as possible.

Time to end use of mercury-based blood pressure devices

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0200

World governments move towards global treaty on mercury

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200

European environmental and health organisations today reaffirm their demand for the rapid phase-out of mercury-based blood pressure devices used in clinical settings, and ask the EU act on the findings in a recently published European Commission report.

EEB Comment on Environment Ministers conclusions on eco-efficient economy

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200

A coalition of environmental NGOs, including members of the "Coolproducts for a Cool Planet" campaign, will launch its new Cool Products, Warm Homes Manifesto Wednesday at a conference in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Green groups demand new EU laws to end energy wastage in buildings

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Environment Ministers must make EU lead at UN climate talks

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Ahead of the EU Environment Ministers Council meeting on 21st October, the EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations, has presented their key demands to Environment Ministers, focusing on preparations for the upcoming UN climate talks in Copenhagen in December.

New EEB report assesses critical governance issues of nanotechnologies

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations, launched today a report outlining the critical governance structures needed for the safe development and use of nanotechnologies.

Civil society and trade unions come face to face with President Barroso on EU priorities

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB: MEPs must challenge Barroso over lax environmental agenda

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has today written to MEPs demanding they challenge President Barroso’s lack of attention to environmental issues the EU and the world are facing. Today and tomorrow, Mr. Barroso will defend his policy guidelines for the next five years to individual political groups in the European Parliament

Green groups celebrate end of energy wasting lightbulbs, but demand clear consumer information

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Defying expectations, world environmental ministers agreed today to begin negotiating a treaty to control global mercury pollution. The decision represents the consensus of the more than 140 countries gathered here for the 25th UNEP Governing Council meeting.

At Informal EU Ministers meeting: EEB calls for radical and comprehensive EU eco-efficiency policies

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

In a presentation to the Informal Environmental Ministers Meeting in Sweden, representatives of the European Environmental Bureau called for radical and comprehensive EU eco-efficiency policies. John Hontelez, Secretary General of the European Environmental Bureau said: “The EU needs to set itself a general objective for the EU to reduce its Ecologic Footprint with 50%

Is the EU failing to protect species and valuable wetlands?

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Today the European Commission announced, in a groundbreaking new report, that less than one in five of the EU’s most vulnerable habitats and species are doing well [1]. The EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental NGOs, is alarmed by these findings and insists governments come up with detailed plans and a timetable to bring these species and habitats into a ‘favourable status’.

EEB's Ten Green Tests for the Swedish Presidency

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB [1] today issued its 'Ten Green Tests' for Sweden’s six-month Presidency of the European Union, which begins today. EEB has set these benchmark tests for each Presidency since 1998, following them up with an end-of-term performance assessment at each Presidency's conclusion.

Good on mercury and waste, bad on climate and enforcement: EEB assesses the Czech Presidency

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB today released its assessment of the Czech Presidency, which it has done for each presidency since 1998, based on the Ten Green Tests it put before the Czech government when it took over from the French on 1st January. EEB views the six-month Presidency as a convenient period over which progress on the EU’s environment-related policy and legislation can be measured.

Environment Council weakens controls on industrial emissions

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations, regrets the outcome of today’s Environment Council vote on the Directive on Industrial Emissions, during which Council even further weakened the Czech presidency’s compromise “middle ground” proposal for industrial emission controls.

EEB implores European Commission to heed calls for green VAT breaks

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

As many of you have already been reporting, this week the European Commission is holding internal consultations on proposals to amend the 2006 VAT (Value Added Tax) Directive to include reduced VAT for environmentally friendly products and services. However, it has come to light that the Commission unfortunately plans to reject the calls for reduced green VAT, for which France and the UK have been especially vocal advocates.

Turning up the pressure! Phasing out mercury measuring devices in hospitals

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Leading environmental and health NGOs released a report today [1] at their conference in Brussels clearly demonstrating that the transition to mercury-free measuring devices including sphygmomanometers (sphygmos) [2] in hospitals is technologically and economically feasible.

Green Groups: European Commission Off Target

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The environmental record of the outgoing European Commission is worryingly off target, the Brussels-based ‘Green 10’ coalition of leading environmental organisations said today as it published an assessment of the Barroso Commission, giving it an overall mark of 4.4/10.

River managers plan a bleak water future for Europe.

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

River managers plan a bleak water future for Europe

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

An ambitious European scheme to fix and safeguard its rivers and secure its water future is at risk of being undermined by poor and inadequate plans for water management prepared by EU countries, a new study by WWF and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has found.

EU Environment Ministers told to mind their soils and adapt to climate change

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Addressing EU Environment Ministers at an informal Council meeting today organised by the Czech Presidency on adaptation to climate change, EEB Secretary General John Hontelez insisted that an EU soil protection policy is an essential part of reducing climate change and its impacts.

New energy labels to leave consumers in the dark

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0200

European environmental NGOs (EEB, Inforse-Europe, Friends of the Earth Europe, Natuur en Milieu and ECOS) welcome this week’s vote by Member States on energy efficiency measures under the Ecodesign of Energy-Using Products (EuP) Directive [1] but fear the level of ambition is insufficient in a time of climate crisis

Tyres to get energy, noise and safety label

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Tyre and vehicle retailers will have to provide customers with detailed information on the energy efficiency, safety and noise performance of tyres following a vote in the European Parliament's industry committee today.

Parliament supports NGOs' calls for stricter controls on nanotechnology

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations heartily welcomed the results of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee’s vote on the regulatory aspects of nanomaterials. This positive outcome supported nearly all the key issues raised by NGOs prior to

MEPs vote to reduce industrial pollution

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens organisations, welcomes the outcome of yesterday's Parliamentary vote on the Directive on Industrial emissions, during which MEPs fought off industry attempts to further weaken industrial emission controls.

Retail forum paves way for sustainable consumption in Europe

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations [1], welcomes the Retail Forum, which was launched today by a coalition led by the European Commission [2]. The Retail Forum was created as part of the Commission’s Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and

MEPs vote to reduce industrial pollution

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0200

MEPs approve move toward more ecologically friendly products

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB welcomes several crucial votes on EU policies to make products more ecologically friendly at today’s meeting of the Environment Committee of the European Parliament. EEB applauds the Committee’s decision to maintain the ban on inefficient light bulbs and keep the most dangerous chemicals out of products bearing “the Flower”,

Fight climate change with the Buildings Directive - Zero energy homes require greater ambition

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0200

In light of today’s public hearing before the ITRE Committee [1], EEB [2] welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to increase the scope of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) as a potentially powerful tool in the fight against climate change. EEB applauds the move to expand the Directive

Civil society network calls on EU leaders for bold EU 2020 Strategy - Copy

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Press briefing.

A step in the right direction toward cleaning up industrial pollution

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations welcomed yesterday’s Environment Committee vote on the Commission’s proposal for a Directive on Industrial Emissions.

Less dangerous substances in consumer products: the Ecolabel should pave the way

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The EU’s environmental label, also known as the Ecolabel or ‘the Flower’ because of its flower logo, helps consumers to make ‘greener’ choices while purchasing many daily products such as light bulbs, detergents, mattresses or paper. Behind the Flower, many hidden criteria address different aspects of the product’s life-cycle (energy consumption, use of natural resources, packaging, use of dangerous chemicals etc).

World Governments Support Breakthrough Agreement on Mercury

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0200

EEB’s Ten Green Tests for the Czech Presidency of the EU

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200

EEB today issued its 'Ten Green Tests' for the Czech Republic’s six-month Presidency of the European Union, which will begin on 1st January. EEB has set these benchmark tests for each Presidency since 1998, following them up with an end-of-term performance assessment at each Presidency's conclusion.

EEB assesses the French Presidency : good on mercury, bad on climate, biofuels and agriculture

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200

“The French Presidency started its term with great ambitions and with President Sarkozy taking a strong personal lead. This approach certainly had its advantages, but it also led to a situation where results had to be achieved at any cost,” said EEB Secretary General John Hontelez.

Europe is on its way to missing its biodiversity target

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Reacting to today’s publication of the European Commission’s mid-term review of its Biodiversity Action Plan, EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations, is calling for a rescue plan to avert the planetary bankruptcy...

Carbon-rich peatlands threatened by new EU renewables law

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200

As the European Parliament and EU Member States are finalising their negotiations on a new European law for renewable energy, international environmental organisations are warning that under the new law large swathes of peatlands, possibly representing the world’s largest carbon stores, will be destroyed for the purpose of producing bio-energy.

It’s time to sort out water management

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0200

In 2005, EU governments found out that on average over 75% of Europe’s water bodies were suffering from over-abstraction, pollution and over-engineering. Now, before the end of 2008, governments have to present their plans to address these problems in compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) [1].

Solutions to the financial crisis must be ecologically sound

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Ahead of the global summit on the economy in Washington D.C. on 15th November, EEB, Europe's largest federation of environmental citizens' organisations [1], urges the inclusion of ecological criteria in any package designed to help bail the world out of the current global financial crisis.

Overwhelming majority of countries support a new free-standing global legally binding instrument on mercury.

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Public interest advocates welcomed the results of a global meeting convened to take decisions on the threats posed by mercury to human health and the environment.

New platform tackles European green fiscal reform

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Today the new platform Green Budget Europe (GBE) was launched at the conference "Market Based Instruments (MBIs) for the environment - prospects for progress in the EU" to tackle the issue of European environmental fiscal reform...

CAP post 2013 - last call for sustainability?

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

On September 23rd an informal Agriculture Council [1] meeting will be held in Annecy, dedicated to the future of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013.

New NGO report says more concrete is no solution for Europe’s rivers

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

A new study published today by environmental groups European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and WWF reports that the major causes of Europe’s poor water quality are at risk of being totally ignored.

New NGO report calls for more space for Europe’s rivers

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

A new study published today by environmental groups European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and WWF reports that the major causes of Europe’s poor water quality are being ignored.

Is soil the first failure of the French Presidency?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Today the European Environmental Bureau, Europe's largest federation of environmental citizens' organisations, challenged the French Presidency to start delivering on their promise to move forward on the Soil Framework Directive and to improve upon the last compromise reached during the Portuguese presidency in December.

Commission’s package on sustainable consumption welcomed - but sadly lacking in vision

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations, welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s long-awaited package on sustainable consumption, production and industry.

A clear step toward greener products in Europe

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The EEB, Europe's largest federation of environmental citizens' groups, welcomes national governments' support for a Commission proposal to cut electricity losses from the standby mode of electrical appliances for a broad range of products.

EU BIOFUEL TARGETS MUST GO

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

International environment and development organisations are today calling on the European Union to withdraw proposals to massively expand the use of biofuels. The call follows the publication of a major report [1] by the UK government into the indirect or knock-on impacts of using crops as transport fuels.

EEB's Ten Green Tests for the French Presidency

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

EEB today issued its 'Ten Green Tests' for France's six-month Presidency of the European Union, which begins today. EEB has set these benchmark tests for each Presidency since 1998, following them up with an end-of-term performance assessment at the Presidency's conclusion.

The Slovenian Presidency: Good on energy and biodiversity, bad on soil, agriculture and waste

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0200

"Slovenia's Presidency will be remembered for paving the way for an EU agreement on key energy and climate issues in time for the next international climate change summit in Copenhagen in 2009," said John Hontelez, Secretary General of EEB...

EU waste policy not fit for future

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Environmental NGOs are deeply disappointed with today’s European Parliament vote on the revised Waste Framework Directive. Parliament accepted a pre-arranged deal that sets inadequate European recycling targets and no target for waste prevention.

Aarhus Convention, the UN’s flagship international environmental democracy treaty, celebrates 10 years

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Today in Riga, about 100 NGOs from 33 countries met under the umbrella of the European ECO Forum to raise their concerns about the future of environmental democracy prior to the third Meeting of Parties to the Aarhus Convention.

EU waste deal decimates recycling targets

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The debate on recycling and prevention targets in the revision of the EU’s main waste directive has now entered a new stage, with a proposed deal at a third informal meeting between the Commission, Slovenian Presidency and a European Parliament delegation on Monday.

EEB calls for renewed negotiations on Access to Justice Directive

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 +0200

On Monday 2nd June, the European Commission will hold a conference in Brussels to discuss the results of a 2007 study on access to justice. At the conference, entitled “The Aarhus Convention: how are its access to justice provisions being implemented?”...

“EU set to lock down mercury”

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Environmental and health NGOs were very pleased that decision makers have found an agreement to implement an EU-wide ban on exports of mercury and to safely store the surplus.

Beneficial to cut air pollution from Europe’s power plants

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The use of up-to-date emission control techniques in European power plants would drastically reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and result in very significant health benefits across Europe, according to a new study.

European Ecolabel in danger of weakening

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The European Environmental Bureau, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens groups, has urged Member States to ensure that European Ecolabel remains a label of environmental excellence.

EEB welcomes European Parliament’s critical assessment of progress on EU environmental policy

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Today, the European Parliament adopted a critical report about the progress made on EU environmental policies since 2002 and the next steps necessary.

IMO clears the way for EU to clean up the air over European seas

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Environmental NGOs welcomed today’s decision by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) capping sulphur content in marine fuel, clearing the way for cleaner air over Europe’s seas.

European Commission position on decaBDE up in smoke after European Court decision

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0200

An international group of environmental, legal and health NGOs welcomed today’s judgment by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against the European Commission’s decision to exempt decaBDE, a brominated flame retardant, from a list of hazardous substances banned in the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

On course for full EU mercury export ban

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Environmental and health NGOs welcomed the results of the 2nd reading vote from the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee (ENVI) of the European Parliament on the proposed EU regulation to ban exports of mercury and safely store the surplus.

NGOs raise the alarm over Portuguese hydropower plan

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0200

In recognition of World Water Day on 22 March, the European Environmental Bureau, Europe’s largest federation of environmental NGOs, together with Portuguese environmental groups Almargem, Aldeia, COAGRET-Portugal...

SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MUST GUIDE EU POLICY

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0200

In their annual joint message to the EU Spring Summit in March, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and Platform of European Social NGOs (Social Platform) welcome the EU's...

Environmental groups welcome UK government concern over biofuels

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Environmental groups BirdLife International, EEB, Friends of the Earth and Transport and Environment, welcome UK transport secretary Ruth Kelly's announcement that the UK will initiate a wide ranging review of biofuel production.