Latest news with #GreenDeal
Euractiv
8 hours ago
- Business
- Euractiv
EU begins ‘simplification' of environmental law
A widely expected addition to the European Commission's series of 'omnibus' proposals to ease the administrative burden on EU companies was launched on Tuesday with a call for 'feedback on the simplification of future environmental legislation'. As it opened its initial public consultation , the EU executive published an outline of its plans, hinting at some areas of environmental legislation that 'may' be up for amendment in the latest round of deregulation. To help 'rationalise' reporting obligations, the Commission suggests scrapping the substances of concern in products (SCIP) database under the Waste Framework Directive. The law requires suppliers to notify the European Chemicals Agency of any products containing chemicals on the EU candidate list for prohibition at concentrations of over 0.1%. The EU executive also promises a review of some aspects of extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules – a contentious area where chemicals and pharmaceutical companies are currently fighting against the obligation to pay for the removal of product residues from sewage. The upcoming environmental omnibus might also target the EU's Nature Directives, which pre-date the Green Deal of the first von der Leyen Commission and have been judged by NGOs, the European Environment Agency and the Commission itself to be fit-for-purpose but badly implemented. This, at least, is one interpretation of the Commission's suggestion that the red tape-cutting package of amendments to EU laws could include 'addressing permitting challenges relating to environmental assessment'. The call for evidence runs until midnight on 10 September, and a legislative proposal is indicated for the fourth quarter of 2025. (rh)
Euractiv
13 hours ago
- Business
- Euractiv
Czech industries urge PM to pushback on EU climate rules
Six Czech industry associations have called on Prime Minister Petr Fiala to defend energy-intensive sectors in EU climate talks, warning that Green Deal targets could cripple key sectors. In a joint letter on Tuesday, the groups argued that soaring energy prices, which they linked to EU climate policy, have already stalled major decarbonisation projects, including those at Třinecké železárny, Lovochemie, and Orlen Unipetrol. 'It simply doesn't add up economically,' the letter states, warning that most cost pressures will drive companies out of the market. To avoid what they describe as a wave of industrial decline, the associations demanded urgent national measures, including a zero tax rate on gas, lower network charges for electricity and gas, as well as temporary state aid for industrial users if prices remain high beyond 2025. The group also wants the government to defend free allowances under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), despite the launch of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and to expand compensation for indirect emissions costs to cover strategic chemicals In calling for the release of a long-delayed expert report on national energy strategy, which remains withheld by the finance ministry, the associations also criticised the government for its lack of transparency. 'We want to know what the energy situation is, how it will be solved, and how much it will cost,' wrote the signatories, who represent Czech steelmakers, chemical producers, forging companies, foundries, engineering firms and paper mills. (cs, de)
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
What the EU stands to lose as the continent bakes
AS MUCH of Europe bakes in a heatwave — which has led to power cuts, deaths and wildfires — you'd think that the case for ambitious emissions cuts would be easy to make. Not quite. The European Commission's 2040 climate target has stuck to its climate change advisory board's recommendation of a 90% decline in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, which is welcome. But, under pressure from member states including Poland, Italy and France, it was only able to make that politically palatable with the addition of what the commission is calling 'flexibilities' and critics are calling 'loopholes'. It's a clear sign that the geopolitical context — and the European Union's (EU) approach to the environment — has changed. The proposal allows for the use of international carbon credits — typically purchased from poorer, more vulnerable countries — to make up 3% of emissions reductions from 2036 onward. In other words, it enables the EU to outsource climate action, and it's the first time the bloc has set a climate target in which sectors not covered by carbon pricing aren't wholly dependent on domestic progress. There are reasonable arguments for including the caveat. In theory, it could serve as a mechanism to funnel funds into countries that find it hard to access essential climate finance. Some nations are already doing it: Switzerland bought carbon offsets that funded the rollout of electric buses in Thailand. It's cheaper to electrify public transport in Bangkok than it is in Bern, but on paper the emissions reductions are the same, so why not? The problem is that offsets have a long history of not doing what they claim to. Critics, including the EU's own scientific advisory board, argue that it could 'undermine' efforts to reduce emissions in richer countries. To maintain the integrity of the EU's progress on emissions, the allowance needs to come with some strict rules regarding quality and the types of activities that qualify — and a way to properly enforce those standards. Despite the controversy, it's unlikely that a big fight will happen over the proposal, which is the result of intensive consultations behind the scenes. The EU needs to get this tidied away so it can inform the 2035 nationally determined contribution (NDC) required by the United Nations (UN), which is already months overdue. To have any sway at the next climate conference in Brazil, the NDC needs to be submitted by September. The real battle of wills will likely focus on the simplification agenda striking a number of key green regulations, including reporting rules, agriculture and finance. These so-called omnibus packages are part of a broader pattern of backtracking on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's flagship Green Deal introduced in 2019. Between wolves getting their protection status downgraded, delays to anti-deforestation regulation and electric vehicle (EV) targets and attacks on the nature restoration law, it's hard to shake the feeling that the EU is losing its grip on climate leadership. The pressure to dilute green ambitions stems from the rise of right-wing populist politicians across the bloc. Even French President Emmanuel Macron, once a staunch defender of climate action on the world stage, has allowed multiple environmental policies to collapse in France including the introduction of low-emission zones. He was one of the voices pushing to delay agreement on the 2040 target, arguing that it has to be 'compatible with our competitiveness'. The Green Deal was introduced to a continent unshaken by a pandemic and war, so in some ways it's understandable that defence and enterprise have grown in importance. But backtracking comes with its own costs for businesses. On July 1, a joint letter was published urging the EU to preserve its sustainable finance plans. Signed by more than 150 businesses and investors, including French energy multinational EDF SA, global insurer and asset manager Allianz SE and France's La Banque Postale Asset Management, the statement said that sustainability rules are 'conducive to competitiveness and growth, as well as long-term value creation and subsequent returns for investors'. What Europeans need more than anything is a clear and stable environment so they can plan for the future. The omnibus initiatives can help that by providing clarity where the laws are currently confusing. But it would be a big mistake to dilute the EU's green ambition any more than it already has. — Bloomberg This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
The Market Online
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Does Trump love hydrogen after all? The sector is celebrating! Plug Power, Nel, dynaCERT, and MP Materials are in rocket mode
Global pressure to reduce climate-damaging emissions is growing, and the hydrogen sector is increasingly coming into focus. Although US policy under Donald Trump does not prioritize climate protection, Europe and Asia are resolutely pushing ahead with the transformation in mobility, logistics, and mining. Hydrogen technologies offer enormous potential here, especially in the heavy-duty sector. Innovative providers such as dynaCERT (TSX:DYA) are focusing precisely on this area with tried-and-tested solutions for reducing emissions and increasing efficiency. The technologies are mature and ready for use, global demand is rising, and decision-makers are under growing public pressure to support sustainable alternatives. The sector remains relatively quiet, but with a bit of industry rotation, the pendulum could swing quickly in the other direction. Nel ASA and Plug Power – Back and Forth, Up and Down! Attractive opportunities are currently emerging for investors with foresight. For example, those who bet on the right hydrogen stocks now may be right in terms of trading, but they may also catch a trigger point for global changes in investor preferences. Anything seems possible in our distorted and overly politicized environment. It is not uncommon for minor success stories to lead to breathtaking price movements. Take Plug Power as an example: A simple announcement that the Company remains hopeful about receiving the promised multi-billion-dollar funding packages under the Biden administration – combined with the claim of having built the world's largest electrolyzer – was enough to send the stock soaring from a low of around USD 0.70 to about USD 1.70. However, because the Company still urgently needed capital, the high price was quickly used for ATM offerings, causing the share price to drop again. Nevertheless, at USD 1.55, the low is now a distant memory, and speculators are back on board! After all, 6 out of 24 analysts on the LSEG platform are voting 'Buy' and expect a 12-month price target of USD 1.85. Plug Power will likely have to work hard to earn this 20% premium!** This article is disseminated in partnership with Apaton Finance GmbH. It is intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice. Things are not going so well for its European counterpart, Nel ASA, which is ten times smaller. Public orders are still lacking, and the EU is also lagging miles behind its promises from the 'Green Deal.' In the first quarter of 2025, revenue fell to NOK 155 million, a decline of 44% compared to the previous year, while EBITDA ended up in the red at NOK -115 million. In January, Nel decided to temporarily halt alkaline production at its Herøya site and cut around 20% of its workforce in order to stabilize its cost base. At the same time, however, the medium-term outlook remains positive: Nel secured a reservation for more than 1 GW of alkaline electrolyzer capacity for the Mississippi Clean Hydrogen Hub, a potential order worth around NOK 3 billion that could be realized in production from 2025. In addition, Nel received funding of up to EUR 135 million from the EU Innovation Fund to scale up its new alkaline technology in Norway with a delivery potential of 25 MW by 2027. CEO Håkon Volldal confirms that, despite significant market challenges, the Company has solid liquidity and sufficient production capacity to grow opportunistically. The partnership with Samsung E&A from South Korea further strengthens the market opportunities in Asian markets. Investors are beginning to feel hopeful again, with Nel shares trading at NOK 2.66, at least 20% above their all-time low. There is currently no 'Buy' recommendation on the LSEG platform. If that is not a good sign, what is! dynaCERT – On the launch pad dynaCERT (TSX:DYA) reported a successful capital increase of CAD 5 million at the beginning of July. The Canadian hydrogen specialist is thus well prepared for a hot summer, both technologically and financially. After a long wait, the Company received the coveted VERRA certificate in fall 2024. This will enable users of the Company's HydraGEN™ systems, which make diesel combustion more efficient and cleaner, to generate CO₂ credits in the future. This is an attractive added benefit for customers in logistics, transportation, construction, and energy. The technology combines hydrogen and oxygen in real-time during the combustion process, reducing emissions and saving fuel. With an investment of around CAD 6,000 per machine, operating costs can be significantly reduced, which is a strong ESG argument for fleet operators. Following successful discussions at trade fairs and international sales meetings, many market participants now expect a series of sales announcements. The new funds will be invested directly in the global expansion of HydraGEN™ products. After years of preparation, industrial capacity expansion is now proceeding according to plan, led by an experienced German management team. Pre-production of 1,000 units following the 'bauma 2025' trade show demonstrates the high level of market readiness. In addition to its core product, dynaCERT is also advancing its HydraLytica™ telematics solution, which records fuel consumption and CO₂ savings, essential for certification and reporting purposes. With applications ranging from refrigerated trucks to mining vehicles, the Company covers a wide range of heavy-duty vehicles. The latest capital inflow strengthens its position in the billion-dollar market for CO₂ reduction, making dynaCERT a potential winner in the green industrial transformation. The new listing on the NASDAQ OTCQB Venture Market is boosting investor interest. The stock has now completed all preparations for launch, and the countdown is on! President Bernd Krüper provided interesting insights into the dynaCERT business model at the 15th International Investment Forum: MP Materials – Sprinting from USD 15 to USD 60 Another rapid four-bagger. Rare earth specialist MP Materials has established itself as a strategically important supplier of rare earths in the US within just a few months. With the US Department of Defense acquiring a 15% stake for over USD 400 million at elevated prices, the Company gained significance overnight. At the same time, Apple is now investing USD 500 million in domestic magnet production, securing MP's products. The new production facility in Texas is supplying NdPr metal for the first time in decades and is testing magnet products for the automotive industry. Delivery figures reached record levels in the fourth quarter of 2024, which was rewarded by analysts with price targets of up to USD 55. Government subsidies, the development of the entire value chain, and geopolitical trends toward independence from China remain key factors influencing the share price. Despite improving fundamentals, the short ratio remains around 25%, indicating high market skepticism. The stock is consequently highly volatile, but will benefit in the long term from political tailwinds and growing demand in the e-mobility and defense sectors. The price is therefore unlikely to turn around until the short ratio returns to normal levels through covering. A stock for trading specialists! While Nel ASA and Plug Power are still down 50 to 60% over a 12-month period, the slightly better-performing dynaCERT share is already showing the first signs of a spring breeze in its price trend. Nevertheless, the stocks still have a lot of ground to make up! Source: LSEG as of July 15, 2025 **The stock markets are proving resilient in the face of political turmoil, with global hotspots seemingly driving prices higher. Not much has happened yet in the hydrogen sector, but the key players are showing the first signs of stabilization. While Plug Power and Nel ASA are at least technically forming promising bottom formations, dynaCERT could soon fire up its operational turbo. MP Materials is a textbook example of the current state of the stock markets: a mix of hysteria and greed! Conflict of interest Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as 'Relevant Persons') currently hold or hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies and speculate on their price developments. 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Euractiv
15-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Denmark's vision for EU agriculture is firmly focused on simplicity
Denmark assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July, at a challenging moment for climate policy. The Danes' reputation in Brussels as pragmatic, efficient and cool-headed should serve them well against a backdrop of global instability, which has accentuated sharp disagreements between EU capitals. Denmark's bold climate credentials will be tested now that far-right politicians will lead the European Parliament's work on the bloc's new climate target. This move could delay an agreement on the goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. The presidency will also coincide with the early discussions on the EU's next medium-term budget, running from 2028 to 2034, with significant implications for farm spending and the future Common Agricultural Policy. Simplification, competitiveness The Danish EU Presidency's programme for July - December 2025 outlines a comprehensive vision for the agriculture and food industry, emphasising simplification, sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness. A central priority is to make daily life easier for farmers, fishers, and food producers by simplifying and improving EU agricultural, food, and fisheries policies. The Presidency plans to conclude negotiations on the agricultural simplification package, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring clearer, more effective regulation for stakeholders. This comes at a time when the EU is considering a dramatic shift in its green regulations, with the European Commission's bill to reduce green reporting obligations for companies still under negotiation at the European Council. Although Denmark supports the idea of simplification, it remains committed to the Green Deal's goals, asserting that sustainability and competitiveness can coexist. They have been notably successful in engaging their farmers in green initiatives, exemplified by the implementation of the EU's first agriculture carbon tax. The Common Agricultural Policy Another key focus of the Presidency is shaping a 'green, simple, and market-oriented Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that supports climate and environmental measures while bolstering competitiveness and innovation'. The presidency preparations for post-2027 CAP reforms will focus on rural development, organic farming, generational renewal, animal welfare, and more coherence with climate and environmental legislation. But this will be no easy feat. The Common Agricultural Policy is one of the EU's most expensive and politically sensitive programmes. With a budget of almost €400 billion, the CAP currently accounts for nearly a third of the EU's entire seven-year budget. Created in 1962, it is the bloc's oldest policy, both fiercely defended and criticised. The European Commission is expected to present its post-2027 CAP proposal on 16 July, alongside the next long-term budget. For a few months, it had even considered restructuring the Common Agricultural Policy, but the idea was met with such uproar and resistance that it was effectively shelved. Although the CAP's overall structure has been saved, reports suggest that the Commission is still expected to propose significant cuts to overall CAP funding. Early estimates indicate a reduction of between 15% and 25% compared to current levels. Nevertheless, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Jacob Jensen is one of the few agriculture ministers who is not pressing the EU executive on the size or the structure of the future budget. In an interview with Euractiv, he said: 'I'm not so concerned about the amount; I'm more focused on the content.' Instead, Jensen said he wants to promote specific 'political goals' and see the CAP further 'simplified' in its upcoming reform. 'We need to do more, and we need to do it fast,' he added. Consumer-focused innovation The Presidency will also prioritise continued product innovation and development to meet diverse consumer needs and ensure a level playing field within the EU. It aims to advance negotiations on new genomic techniques for plant breeding, as well as for forest and plant reproductive material, to support resilient and sustainable food production. Bioeconomy and bio-based solutions also contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural and food production. The Presidency will focus on the upcoming EU Biotech Act and address the need for flexibility, reduced administrative burdens, and regulatory simplification to foster these solutions. It also intends to strengthen the position of farmers within the food supply chain, which it lists as a priority, with efforts to conclude negotiations on unfair trading practices and amend the Common Market Organisation for agricultural products. Denmark plans to tackle animal, human, and plant health through the modernisation of European animal welfare legislation, particularly regarding animal transport and the welfare and traceability of companion animals. Issues that are likely to stir intense debate. The presidency's programme recognises that developing a common EU action plan for plant-based foods and a protein strategy is vital for sustainable food systems, livestock feed, and diversification of supply sources. Two key events in the autumn will back this effort: the presidency will host a conference on plant-based foods in September, followed by a 'Plant Food Inspiration Summit' in October. Jensen confirmed to Euractiv that he would like to see Brussels mirror Copenhagen's own strategy for plant-based foods – an EU-first that encouraged citizens to cut back on meat in favour of legumes and while he intends to steer clear of the debates over the labelling of plant-based foods, the Danish presidency will not shy away from debates over diets. [Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab ]
