The European Commission considers that Ireland and the United Kingdom are not fully in line with EU gas market rules and has decided to refer these countries to the Court of Justice of the European Union. The best way for ensuring security of supply and affordable energy prices is to have a competitive internal EU … Read more
The European Commission is concerned that Ireland has incorrectly implemented the concept of water services as described in EU water legislation – leading to inappropriate water pricing. The Commission is sending Ireland a reasoned opinion to ask it to adjust its national legislation accordingly. If Ireland fails to reply within two months, the Commission may … Read more
The European Commission has proposed new rules that will set stricter limits for emissions from jet skis and recreational boats. Scientific studies show lakes and seashores can be seriously polluted by the concentration of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from the EU’s 6 million leisure craft. The proposed revision of the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) sets … Read more
The count down has started to achieve Europe’s 20% energy efficiency target for 2020. If nothing changes in the coming years, the EU will achieve only half of the target. A new set of measures for increased Energy Efficiency has recently been proposed by the European Commission to fill the gap and put the EU … Read more
The latest survey by the European Commission shows that the environment is an important personal concern to more than 90% of respondents in every single Member State. A large majority of Europeans agree that using natural resources more efficiently and protecting the environment can boost economic growth in the EU. The report also contains a … Read more
The European Commission has adopted a Communication preparing the ground for the EU’s position at the Rio+20 UN Sustainable Development Conference, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. The Communication outlines objectives and specific actions on the two inter-linked themes of the Conference- enabling the transition to a green economy in … Read more
The European Commission is asking Ireland to take urgent action to improve the implementation of legislation that protects peat bog habitats. The Commission is concerned that peat extraction is ongoing in numerous protected Natura 2000 sites, despite letters sent out by the Irish authorities. Scientists have warned that up to 35% of certain priority habitats … Read more
The European Union should establish a common framework for the safe management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has urged. The public must be positively engaged in proposals to determine the long term future of these materials and urgent action must be taken to resolve issues which have … Read more
The European Parliament’s influential Industry Committee (ITRE) has voted to call on the European Commission to “analyse and if appropriate to increase the legally binding renewable energy target beyond.” This is the latest signal that European Union policy makers are seriously considering extending renewable energy targets beyond 2020. Recently Commissioner Connie Hedegaard told The Guardian … Read more
European thought leaders and experts in sustainable transport technology and infrastructure were in Dublin today (05/05/11) to inform Irish companies about the opportunities for new technologies and partnerships arising in transport in the UK and Western Europe. The European Green Transport Conference was organised by Enterprise Ireland for Irish technology companies that supply or are … Read more