Environment & Climate
The European Green Deal, energy transition, oceans and the climate policy behind the headlines.
Europe's Cleanest Swimming Waters: Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Austria Lead
The European Environment Agency's 2025 report finds 85% of over 22,000 bathing sites rated 'excellent.' Coastal waters outperform rivers, wh
EU Microplastics Ban in Cosmetics: Why Your Skincare May Still Contain Them
The EU restricted microplastics in cosmetics in 2023, but transition periods allow their use until 2035. Experts explain why plastics are ad
Belgium Sued Over PFAS Crisis: Human Rights Complaint Filed with European Committee
Environmental NGO ClientEarth has lodged a human rights complaint with the European Committee of Social Rights against Belgium. The country
German Households Turn to Battery Storage to Escape Fossil Fuel Price Volatility
German households are increasingly pairing solar panels with battery storage to protect against fossil fuel price spikes. Battery capacity i
Europe's Waterways Offer a Sustainable Alternative to Air Conditioning as Heatwaves Intensify
Europe faces more deadly heatwaves, with Spain, Portugal, and France bracing for temperatures above 40°C. District cooling systems using wat
EU Auditors: €43 Billion Renovation Fund Lacks Proof of Energy Savings
The European Court of Auditors has concluded that the EU's €43 billion post-pandemic renovation fund did not maximize energy savings or ensu
Portugal Demands EU Compensation for 'Energy Island' Status
Portugal's energy minister says the country is an 'energy island' due to limited grid links, needing more storage and resilience. She calls
Tour de France Champion Pogacar Warns of 'Logistical Nightmare' in Scorching Heat
Reigning Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar describes the extreme heat as a 'logistical nightmare' for riders. Wildfires near Perpignan f
Europe's Bathing Waters: 85% Excellent, but Pollution Persists in Inland Spots
Nearly 85% of monitored EU bathing sites are rated 'excellent', up from 80.7% in 2006. However, 1.5% remain 'poor', mainly in inland France,
Watchdog Report Accuses EU-Backed Chemical Alliance of Prioritizing Industry Over Environment
The EU's Critical Chemicals Alliance, launched to boost industrial competitiveness, is accused of being a front for deregulation. A watchdog
Greece Deploys Floating Barriers to Protect Beaches from Jellyfish and Pufferfish
Floating barriers are being installed on beaches in the northern Euboean Gulf to protect swimmers from jellyfish and pufferfish. The Municip
Alpine Water Tower Under Threat: EU Project Models Future of Headwater Catchments
The Alps are warming twice as fast as the global average, threatening water supplies for millions. The EU-funded Waterwise project deploys s