Eco-tax championed, contested and still marginal in EU
Taxes on products considered polluting are struggling to gain ground in the EU despite backing from Brussels, in the face of opposition from movements like France's "Yellow Vests".
Five things the EU does for the environment
The EU has been prioritizing the protection of the environment with decisions such as putting an end to single-use plastics or greater control of chemical products.
EU agrees to ban most single-use plastics
EU countries and the European Parliament have agreed details of a ban on single-use plastics, including plates, cutlery and drinking straws, in a bid to cut marine pollution.
EU countries back single-use plastics ban
EU countries have backed the outlawing of certain single-use plastics, bringing the bloc a step closer to an outright ban on the products which account for huge quantities of waste in the world's oceans
War on plastic leaves manufacturers clutching at straws
For decades, plastic straws have been essential props for cocktail makers, smoothie lovers and fast food addicts. But that may be starting to change.
EU sets 2030 recycling target for all plastic packaging
The European Union has unveiled plans for all plastic packaging in Europe to be recyclable by 2030 and to phase out single-use plastic like coffee cups to fight pollution.