This Week in Environment — Brussels (#20, 2026)
Council suspends fertiliser tariffs; Commission acts on plant protection products; new biocidal approval deadlines; Parliament committees visit Mozambique, Azores, Guadeloupe; biodiversity corridors initiative registered.
May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026
Council suspends fertiliser tariffs; Commission acts on plant protection products; new biocidal approval deadlines; Parliament committees visit Mozambique, Azores, Guadeloupe; biodiversity corridors initiative registered.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission acts on member states' transposition of environmental directives
The European Commission initiated infringement procedures against several Member States for failing to communicate the full transposition of environmental directives. Twenty states did not fully transpose Directive (EU) 2024/825 on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition by the 27 March 2026 deadline. This directive aims to improve transparency of green claims and combat greenwashing. The Commission also sent formal notices regarding Directive (EU) 2024/782 on updated training for health professionals and Directive (EU) 2024/869, which sets lower exposure limits for lead and diisocyanates. Member States have two months to respond, after which reasoned opinions may follow.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1181: Suspension of fertiliser tariffs
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1181 of 22 May 2026 temporarily suspends Common Customs Tariff duties for certain nitrogen-based fertilisers and their inputs, as referred to in Article 56(2), point (c), of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. The measure excludes imports from Russia and Belarus and applies for one year, aiming to diversify supply and improve competitiveness. The Commission will monitor the fertiliser market and may propose extensions or modifications.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1120 adds twelve unacceptable co-formulants for plant protection
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1120 amends Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 by listing twelve co-formulants not accepted for inclusion in plant protection products. Member States must withdraw authorisations containing these substances by 16 June 2028, with grace periods for disposal and use.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1123 sets new labelling rules for plant protection products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1123, effective 1 January 2028, lays down updated labelling requirements aligned with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and introduces digital labels for plant protection products. Physical and digital labels must reflect authorisation details; grace periods apply for phasing out older labels.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1116 lists waste streams for critical raw materials recovery
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1116, under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252, provides an updated list of products, components, and waste streams with critical raw materials recovery potential. The list informs national circularity programmes.
Regulation (EU) 2026/1165 extends biocidal data protection periods
Regulation (EU) 2026/1165 amends Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, extending data protection periods for biocidal active substances under review to 31 December 2030. This covers substances for which decisions were pending as of 7 June 2018.
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council discusses fertiliser availability
On 26 May 2026, ministers exchanged views on EU fertiliser availability and affordability, reviewing the Commission’s fertiliser action plan and related trade issues.
EP Committee Work
Committee on Foreign Affairs delegation strengthens EU-South Africa partnership
The Committee on Foreign Affairs delegation concluded a visit to South Africa, engaging with parliamentarians, civil society, and EU-supported projects. Discussions focused on geopolitical competition, regional cooperation, and sustainable development, including a field visit to a zero emission power facility.
Development Committee MEPs assess EU projects in Mozambique
A four-member Development Committee delegation visited Mozambique from 26-28 May 2026 to review Global Gateway projects in digitalisation and renewable energy, and assess development challenges in Cabo Delgado. Meetings included government officials, civil society, and international organisations.
Committee on Petitions conducts fact-finding in Guadeloupe and Saint Martin
A nine-MEP delegation led by Chair Bogdan Rzońca (ECR, PL) investigated sargassum influx management and the 'octroi de mer' tax system in Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. The committee reviewed environmental, fiscal, and socio-economic impacts and will draft a final report for discussion.
Committee on Fisheries delegation visits Azores for maritime and biodiversity research
The Fisheries Committee delegation visited the Azores, meeting regional officials and researchers at the Okeanos Centre and MARTEC Lab. Activities included reviewing marine biodiversity, fisheries control, and EU-funded projects, as well as discussions on maritime safety.
Draft opinion on EU general budget 2027 by AGRI Committee
Wouter Beke (rapporteur) published the draft opinion on the EU's general budget for 2027 for the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. The document covers all sections and will inform budgetary negotiations.
European citizens’ initiatives on nature rights and biodiversity corridors registered
The Commission registered two citizens’ initiatives: 'Rights for Nature: Empower Citizens to Represent and Protect Ecosystems' (decision 2026/1141), aiming to recognise rights of nature in EU law, and 'Reconnecting nature through the creation of European biodiversity corridors' (decision 2026/1142), calling for a directive to enhance ecological connectivity. Both initiatives met the formal requirements for registration under Regulation (EU) 2019/788.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
What We're Reading This Week
- How France's early heatwave is affecting plants and wildlife: Unseasonably high temperatures in France are disrupting plant growth cycles and threatening local wildlife populations.
- Climate law – Page 3: Lawmakers advance new climate legislation aimed at reducing emissions and promoting clean energy initiatives nationwide.
- Three Lake Constances: Europe's biggest underground drinking water: A vast underground reservoir beneath Europe holds enough drinking water to rival the volume of three Lake Constances.
- Why Swedish football fans are being asked to ‘pee for the planet’: Swedish football clubs are collecting fans' urine at stadiums to recycle nutrients for sustainable fertilizer production.
- 'We can halt warming – and we must': IPCC scientist on why Europe keeps choosing fossil fuels: Despite clear solutions, Europe’s continued reliance on fossil fuels threatens climate goals, warns leading IPCC scientist.
