Reacting to today’s discussion on climate change policy at a meeting of EU environment ministers in Brussels, Greenpeace EU climate policy director Joris den Blanken said: “It is time to rethink the international politics of climate change.

Brussels, Belgium — Greenpeace expresses its disappointment that EU member states have failed to openly reject the introduction of forest-based credits in the European carbon market. Instead, it has left the issue open and directed the Commission...

Brussels, Belgium — Among the many items that environment ministers will consider on Thursday, four are of significant importance for the protection of the global environment: 1) the review of the EU emissions trading scheme, 2) the vote on a...

Brussels, International — European environment ministers meeting in Luxembourg today are expected to criticise attempts by the European Commission to fast-track GM crop approvals in exchange for a flawed right to ban crops at the national level,...

Brussels, International — European environment ministers convened in Brussels today to discuss new EU climate policies. Greenpeace warned that the policies are unlikely to send businesses a clear signal to support green investments in innovation...

EU climate and energy ministers meeting at an informal gathering hosted by the Spanish presidency in Seville this weekend will discuss the state of play and new strategies on EU energy and climate policies.

European environment ministers met today in Brussels to put the final touches to the EU position going into the Copenhagen climate summit in December. Greenpeace welcomes the statement by the EU Presidency noting that the “EU is moving closer to...

Brussels, Belgium — EU environment ministers meeting today in Brussels failed to make concrete financial commitments to support developing country action against climate change. This issue will next be discussed by finance ministers (on 10 March)...

Brussels, Belgium — Despite the wrecking attempts by a small group of countries, EU environment ministers have sent a strong message today, calling for an improvement in the way the impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is being...

Brussels, Belgium — Environmental NGOs have today accused the EU Environment Ministers of supporting old-fashioned, inefficient and wasteful industries at the expense of those that innovate and create new jobs. During the discussion on the EU...

Brussels, Belgium — Franziska Achterberg, Greenpeace EU transport campaigner, said: “Today’s Environment Council has shown that there are strong calls by member states in support of a car emissions target in 2020, but that Germany is still at the...

Brussels, Belgium — For the third time since 2005, the European Commission today tried to win a qualified majority of member states in support of a proposal forcing Austria to lift its bans on two GM maize varieties (MON810 and T25).

Brussels, Belgium — For the third time [1], EU governments have blocked a European Commission proposal to force a European country to accept the cultivation of GMOs on its soil.

Brussels, Belgium — Environment Ministers agreed today that EU greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by 30% by 2020, compared to 1990 levels, as part of Kyoto's next commitment periods.

Brussels, Belgium — Greenpeace has issued a plea to EU environment ministers – due to meet tomorrow to agree their support for greenhouse gas emission reductions in the EU – to seize the initiative on climate change and commit to a 30% reduction...

Luxembourg/Brussels, International — As EU Environment ministers discuss today in Luxembourg the failures of the EU to properly evaluate risks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and to apply the precautionary principle, Greenpeace...

Brussels, International — Environment ministers will today discuss the outcome of the recent Cancun climate conference and the next steps that the EU should take to implement the agreements. Ministers will also continue their assessment of a...

European environment ministers meeting today in Luxembourg agreed on the EU’s position going into December’s global climate summit in Copenhagen. But the failure to bring commitments on emission cuts in line with scientific requirements means...

Brussels, Belgium — Today, environment ministers meeting in Luxembourg will rubber-stamp a Euratom Directive on Nuclear Safety. The law was meant to improve nuclear safety in Europe by setting EU-wide standards. However, the directive mainly...

Brussels, Belgium — EU environment ministers have overwhelmingly rejected a European Commission proposal to force member states to accept the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops on their territories. Over twenty member states voted...

International environment and development organisations are today calling on the European Union to withdraw proposals to massively expand the use of biofuels. The call follows the publication of a major report [1] by the UK government into the...

Brussels, Belgium — Environmental, women’s, health and consumer organisations are very concerned that the Council Common Position on the future EU chemicals law –REACH- will not protect people and the environment from toxic chemicals. We believe...