The figures
- All EU Member States reached the plastic packaging recycling target of 22.5% in 2017, and the EU-wide recycling rate is at 41.7%
- EU greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 21% between 1990 and 2018
- 492 kg of municipal waste per capita generated in the EU in 2018, of which 47.4% was recycled
- The EU has the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world. It is known as ‘Natura 2000’ and consists of around 27 000 marine and terrestrial sites.
EU environmental policy is based on the principles of precaution, prevention and correction of pollution at source, and the polluter pays principle. The precautionary principle is a risk management tool that can be invoked when there is scientific uncertainty about a suspected risk to human health or the environment from a particular action or policy.
The polluter pays principle is implemented by the Environmental Liability Directive (ELD), which aims to prevent or otherwise remedy environmental damage to protected species or natural habitats, water and land.
Combating climate change
The European Union is one of the most dynamic economic powers in the fight against greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2019, it had already reduced its emissions by 24% compared to 1990 levels, remaining on track to meet the Kyoto Protocol target of a 20% reduction by 2020.
Biodiversity
Internationally, the EU plays an important role in addressing the issues of biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change. In 2011, the EU committed to halting the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services within the EU by 2020.
The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change emphasises the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity. As part of the Green Pact for Europe, the Commission has proposed a new biodiversity strategy that aims to put European biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030 for the benefit of people, the climate and the planet.
The Natura 2000 European network
Natura 2000 sites are key instruments of European biodiversity conservation policy and aim to take better account of biodiversity issues in human activities. These sites are designated to protect a number of habitats and species that are representative of European biodiversity. The precise list of these habitats and species is annexed to the European Birds Directive and the European Habitats and Fauna Directive.
Efficient use of resources
The Resource Efficiency Roadmap is part of the Resource Efficiency flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy. It supports the transition to sustainable growth through a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy. The Roadmap takes into account progress made under the 2005 Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources [COM(2005)0670] and the EU Sustainable Development Strategy.
The green pact for Europe
In December 2019, the European Union presented its new environmental strategy, the Green Pact for Europe, to combat climate change and environmental degradation To address these challenges, the Green Pact for Europe will transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring :
- an end to net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
- economic growth decoupled from resource use,
- where no-one is left behind.
The Green Deal for Europe is also the way out of the COVID-19 pandemic. 1.8 trillion in investments from the NextGenerationEU recovery plan and the EU’s seven-year budget will finance the Green Deal for Europe.
As part of the Green Pact for Europe, the Commission presented its Farm to Table strategy in May 2020, which aims to make food systems fair, healthy and environmentally friendly. The European Parliament is currently drafting an own-initiative report that will be voted on by the end of 2021.
Financial instruments : LIFE Programme
The LIFE programme is the EU’s main funding framework for environment and climate change policies. With a budget of €3.5 billion for the period 2014-2020, it finances projects that benefit the environment and/or climate in the following priority areas.
Environment
- Environment and rational use of resources: water, waste, air quality and emissions…
- Nature and biodiversity: preservation of natural sites and species
- Governance and information: dissemination of good practices, awareness campaigns, etc.
Climate
- Climate change mitigation: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
- Adaptation to climate change: improving resilience
- Governance and information: dissemination of good practices, awareness raising campaigns
The next programme 2021-2027 should also see an increase in its budget, to €4.8 billion. Among the main new features of the programme are increased support for the implementation of the Green Pact for Europe and for the energy transition, for which a specific sub-programme should be created. The green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will also be a priority in the new programme.