Environmental policy, unlike other political fields, is an area in which the European Union has a comparatively wide array of responsibilities. In some of them the block has tackled problems head-on. One example is plastics, the use of which the EU is keen on limiting. On the other hand critics argue that the EU isn’t very forceful when it comes to issues such as air pollution or eco-friendly agriculture. Will the bloc use its powers more effectively in the future?
Environmental pollution
Working towards a cleaner union
Air pollution: Here’s where the EU’s highest nitrogen dioxide levels are
Which European cities have the worst air quality? This interactive graphic shows where the concentration of nitrogen dioxide is the highest.
EU ministers seek to limit bus, lorry CO2 emissions
EU environment ministers agree on carbon dioxide emissions standards for lorries and buses across the European Union.
How Germany will turn lights out at last black coal mine
After more than 150 years, Germany's last black coal mine will close in the Ruhr region, posing a gigantic geological and environmental challenge to the former industrial heartland.
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 sets goal to be ‘climate neutral’ by 2050
The European Union has urged government, businesses, citizens and regions to join its ambitious plan to cut emissions and make the bloc carbon neutral by 2050
Exhaust gas purification for diesel vehicles
Industry wants to curb nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel engines using modern catalytic converter technology. One possibility is the admixture of AdBlue, which contains urea. But how exactly does it work?