Latest news with #JessikaRoswall
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
EU eyes more cutbacks to environmental laws after industry criticism
iStock In a public consultation opened on Tuesday, the EU's executive European Commission said it was screening environmental laws to identify those where the administrative burden for companies and governments could be reduced. BRUSSELS: The European Union has begun consultations to further simplify environmental policies after cutting back an initial set of sustainability laws earlier this year in response to criticism from move is part of the EU's "simplification" agenda to slash red tape for industries who say that complex bloc-wide legislation means they struggle to compete with rivals in China and the U.S., where President Donald Trump is slashing a public consultation opened on Tuesday, the EU's executive European Commission said it was screening environmental laws to identify those where the administrative burden for companies and governments could be reduced. "The goal is not to lower the EU's environmental objectives or the protection of human health granted by EU environmental laws, but to attain them more effectively without causing avoidable costs," the consultation's text said. EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said on Wednesday the aim was to "simplify environmental legislation without compromising our high environmental standards". However, other EU proposals to streamline laws have so far included substantially reducing the number of companies covered by sustainability rules, and diluting requirements for companies to check their supply chains for and some businesses and investors have criticised these plans, accusing Brussels of gutting laws which help manage risks from climate change and drive capital to the green EU ombudsman is investigating a complaint by campaigners who accused the EU executive of weakening sustainability policies without first consulting the Commission has not yet decided which further environmental laws to simplify. EU environment policies cover many issues ranging from waste management to water quality and industrial pollution."Extended Producer Responsibility" schemes are among those being considered - although some governments want other policies cut back, including the EU's anti-deforestation law, two EU officials told schemes make companies responsible for how their products are eventually recycled or disposed of. They have been criticised by businesses who say the EU rules overlap with some national schemes, saddling companies with doubled-up regulation. The European Commission will draft any proposals to simplify laws after the public consultation closes on September 10.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
EU eyes more cutbacks to environmental laws after industry criticism
Live Events BRUSSELS: The European Union has begun consultations to further simplify environmental policies after cutting back an initial set of sustainability laws earlier this year in response to criticism from move is part of the EU's "simplification" agenda to slash red tape for industries who say that complex bloc-wide legislation means they struggle to compete with rivals in China and the U.S., where President Donald Trump is slashing a public consultation opened on Tuesday, the EU's executive European Commission said it was screening environmental laws to identify those where the administrative burden for companies and governments could be reduced."The goal is not to lower the EU's environmental objectives or the protection of human health granted by EU environmental laws , but to attain them more effectively without causing avoidable costs," the consultation's text Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said on Wednesday the aim was to "simplify environmental legislation without compromising our high environmental standards".However, other EU proposals to streamline laws have so far included substantially reducing the number of companies covered by sustainability rules, and diluting requirements for companies to check their supply chains for and some businesses and investors have criticised these plans, accusing Brussels of gutting laws which help manage risks from climate change and drive capital to the green EU ombudsman is investigating a complaint by campaigners who accused the EU executive of weakening sustainability policies without first consulting the Commission has not yet decided which further environmental laws to simplify. EU environment policies cover many issues ranging from waste management to water quality and industrial pollution."Extended Producer Responsibility" schemes are among those being considered - although some governments want other policies cut back, including the EU's anti-deforestation law, two EU officials told schemes make companies responsible for how their products are eventually recycled or disposed of. They have been criticised by businesses who say the EU rules overlap with some national schemes, saddling companies with doubled-up European Commission will draft any proposals to simplify laws after the public consultation closes on September 10.
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
EU eyes more cutbacks to environmental laws after industry criticism
BRUSSELS, July 23 (Reuters) - The European Union has begun consultations to further simplify environmental policies after cutting back an initial set of sustainability laws earlier this year in response to criticism from industries. The move is part of the EU's "simplification" agenda to slash red tape for industries who say that complex bloc-wide legislation means they struggle to compete with rivals in China and the U.S., where President Donald Trump is slashing regulation. In a public consultation opened on Tuesday, the EU's executive European Commission said it was screening environmental laws to identify those where the administrative burden for companies and governments could be reduced. "The goal is not to lower the EU's environmental objectives or the protection of human health granted by EU environmental laws, but to attain them more effectively without causing avoidable costs," the consultation's text said. EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said on Wednesday the aim was to "simplify environmental legislation without compromising our high environmental standards". However, other EU proposals to streamline laws have so far included substantially reducing the number of companies covered by sustainability rules, and diluting requirements for companies to check their supply chains for abuses. Campaigners and some businesses and investors have criticised these plans, accusing Brussels of gutting laws which help manage risks from climate change and drive capital to the green transition. The EU ombudsman is investigating a complaint by campaigners who accused the EU executive of weakening sustainability policies without first consulting the public. The Commission has not yet decided which further environmental laws to simplify. EU environment policies cover many issues ranging from waste management to water quality and industrial pollution. "Extended Producer Responsibility" schemes are among those being considered - although some governments want other policies cut back, including the EU's anti-deforestation law, two EU officials told Reuters. EPR schemes make companies responsible for how their products are eventually recycled or disposed of. They have been criticised by businesses who say the EU rules overlap with some national schemes, saddling companies with doubled-up regulation. The European Commission will draft any proposals to simplify laws after the public consultation closes on September 10.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
African Union and European Union join hands to promote and invest in Circular Economy and Sustainable Growth
The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) officially announced the launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa (2024–2034) today. Introduced by Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, and Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, the plan is designed to advance sustainability, drive economic growth, and enhance resource efficiency across Africa over the next decade. The CEAP focuses on transitioning African economies to a circular model by reducing waste, promoting resource reuse, and encouraging recycling. As a key component of the African Union's Agenda 2063, the initiative was developed with co-financing and technical support from the European Union. The CEAP offers a strategic framework for sustainable investments aligned with the Europe-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package and international partnerships. The CEAP will focus on priority sectors including agriculture, packaging, energy, construction, manufacturing, electronics, technology, as well as the fashion and textiles industries. Following a comprehensive approach, the CEAP will: Foster Circular Economy Across Sectors: The plan seeks to promote sustainable practices in key areas such as agriculture, industry, and energy by transforming waste into resources and encouraging innovation in resource management. Improve Waste Management: CEAP will enhance waste management systems and recycling infrastructure, particularly through the application of green technologies and local innovations. Create Green Jobs: The initiative aims to generate millions of green jobs and foster sustainable entrepreneurship, particularly among young and women. Enhance Regional Cooperation: The plan will facilitate cross-border collaboration to share best practices, align policies, and create a collective impact across the continent. Build Climate Resilience: By reducing consumption and promoting sustainable production, CEAP will help mitigate climate change and support biodiversity conservation. AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati said "The launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan is a pivotal moment for Africa's sustainable development. Through this collaboration with the EU, we are setting the stage for a green, inclusive, and resilient future. This plan represents a unique opportunity for Africa to lead in the global circular economy and tackle the challenges of climate change head-on." EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall added "The CEAP is a landmark initiative that builds on the strong partnership between the EU and AU. It is an opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce environmental impact. By adopting circular economy principles, we can achieve sustainable development and build a stronger future for both Africa and Europe." The launch of CEAP reflects the joint commitment of the African Union and the European Union to tackle global environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Both unions are actively supporting its implementation by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and capacity-building resources to ensure its success across all African countries. The overarching goal, however, is for the CEAP to serve as a transformative driver of sustainable economic growth throughout the continent. To achieve this, the AU is seeking additional support from international partners, including development banks and the private sector. The CEAP was launched on the sidelines of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment, with attendance from African Ministers of Environment, representatives from Regional Economic Communities, UN Agencies, the private sector, and Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), who showcased their circular economy initiatives. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya.
Euractiv
16-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Green groups see EU budget bill as death knell for environment funding
While the European Commission has proposed a substantial increase in the size of the bloc's central budget from 2028, green groups have accused the EU executive of lowering the priority of environmental action and warn civil society voices could be excluded from the policy making process. As expected, the European Commission has proposed axing the LIFE Programme, the EU's only stand-alone funding mechanism for environmental action. The 2028-34 budget bill also squeezes broader funding for climate and biodiversity policy goals. But the EU executive put a positive spin on its move to streamline green funding with the massively increased €2 trillion budget. 'We will have a climate and biodiversity spending target, so mainstreaming, of 35% for the new MFF," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters on Wednesday, referring to the EU's next multiannual financial framework. "This amounts to around €700 billion.' This substantial sum of money would have to be spent in ways that are compatible with the EU goal of reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century, and reversing biodiversity loss. Nevertheless, it is lower than the combined €658 billion ring-fenced for climate and €113 billion for biodiversity in the current budget. From 2028, central budget funding for climate and environment purposes will be split in two separate pillars: the 'clean transition and industrial decarbonisation' envelope of the €410 billion European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), and some €1 trillion spread across different priorities such as economy, agriculture, rural prosperity and security. 'Our proposal for the next MFF shows that we remain strongly committed to environmental priorities," Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said. "Water, circularity, nature and bioeconomy are prominent parts of the new competitiveness fund and the national plans." Less money for nature However some fear this new approach risks decreasing overall funding for nature and biodiversity. 'The loss of LIFE as we know it in the new MFF is not simplification – it's sabotage," said Patrick ten Brink, secretary general of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), an NGO umbrella group. "The LIFE Programme exists for a reason. It delivers targeted, cost-effective results for nature, climate and public health.' Ester Asin, director of the WWF European Policy Office warned the 35% global target could become little more than a PR exercise. "By grouping all environmental spending under a single target, there is a real danger that biodiversity will be sidelined in favour of industrial priorities that may be presented as green investments," she said. Others warned the proposed budget reform could actually widen a gap in funding for nature restoration that is currently estimated to be €19 billion annually. 'We are deeply concerned by the lack of dedicated biodiversity funding, as the LIFE funding is now suggested to be merged with other programmes," said Andras Krolopp, biodiversity policy lead at The Nature Conservancy. The concerns of civil society groups were also echoed by progressive voices in the European Parliament. 'It is irresponsible and short-sighted for this proposal to end the LIFE programme and leave out funding for biodiversity,' said Green MEP Rasmus Nordqvist, one of the negotiators of the MFF in the Parliament's budget committee. The cancellation of the LIFE Programme also represents an existential threat to numerous environmental NGOs who currently share €15 million in direct grants to cover part of their operational expenses. The Commission says such support could in future be disbursed via national programmes, but it is unclear for now how the funds would be allocated, and whether campaign groups will be able to meet unspecified criteria related to competitiveness or national policy objectives. '[By] repealing LIFE, core funding for environmental NGOs could disappear, leaving civil society under-resourced to support necessary implementation, enforcement, and public engagement," the EEB warned. 'The MFF needs to enable civil society actors to participate effectively in EU-level policymaking," MEP Nordqvist said. "It is essential to safeguard the right of everyone to meaningful participation in decision-making processes and the full cycle of implementation of the EU budget." (rh, aw)
