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
EU’s ‘unnecessary’ gas splurge threatens climate goals: analysis
Europe is set to spend more than 100 billion euros on natural gas infrastructure, but a new study suggests this could imperil the continent’s climate goals
Germany looks to step up coal exit timetable
Germany has promised to speed up its exit from coal power generation and to pay operators compensation in a strategy instantly rejected by environmental campaigners
EU lays out trillion-euro ‘Green Deal’
The EU's executive body has launched a one-trillion-euro ($1.1-trillion) plan to finance its goal of making the bloc carbon neutral by 2050
New climate models suggest Paris goals may be out of reach
New climate models show CO2 is a more potent greenhouse gas than previously understood, a finding that could push the Paris treaty goals out of reach, scientists have told AFP
How plastic makes its way into the ocean
The millions of tonnes of plastic that end up in the world’s oceans pose a threat to marine animals. How does it get there? The following graphic shows a selection of possible sources.
Polish holdout mars EU climate target deal
EU leaders have agreed to a target of making the bloc carbon neutral by 2050, but the deal was immediately undermined by Poland's refusal to implement the aim