This Week in Environment — Brussels (#23, 2026)
Automotive circularity regulation adopted; Chemicals omnibus VI agreement reached; New rules for PRM sector; Ocean funding at Our Ocean; State aid for Slovak cleantech; ETS auctioning rules amended; Bathing water status update.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Automotive circularity regulation adopted; Chemicals omnibus VI agreement reached; New rules for PRM sector; Ocean funding at Our Ocean; State aid for Slovak cleantech; ETS auctioning rules amended; Bathing water status update.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 22, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: ------; Amending Regulations (EC) No 1272/2008, (EC) No 1223/2009 and (EU) 2019/1009 as regards simplification of certain requirements and procedures for chemical products; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; *** End of electronic vote ***.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: ------; Amending Regulations (EC) No 1272/2008, (EC) No 1223/2009 and (EU) 2019/1009 as regards simplification of certain requirements and procedures for chemical products; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Exchange of views with Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, on 'The European Ocean Pact, one year after the UN Ocean Conference'.
- Environment Council: On June 25, the EU Council's Environment Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Regulations (EC) No 1907/2006, (EC) No 1272/2008, (EU) No 528/2012, (EU) 2019/1021 and (EU) 2021/697 as regards defence readiness and facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry; Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***.
European Commission
Commission approves €1 billion Slovak State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing
The European Commission has authorised a €1 billion State aid scheme for Slovakia targeting clean technology manufacturing, in pursuit of Clean Industrial Deal objectives. Approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF, adopted 25 June 2025), the measure will be available to SMEs and large enterprises, supporting investments into renewables, decarbonisation, and critical raw materials, until 31 December 2030. Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera underscored the flexibility of the scheme in supporting net-zero transition projects. The Commission’s analysis concluded that the scheme is consistent with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and CISAF, finding it necessary and proportionate to accelerate the green transition.
EU commits over €338 million for global ocean protection at Our Ocean Conference in Kenya
At the Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Mombasa, Commissioner Costas Kadis announced a €338.35 million pledge for marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and maritime security. The funds target initiatives such as the Global Ocean Observing System, OceanEye, anti-piracy activities, and support for Africa-focused BlueInvest. Additional measures address illegal fishing, marine pollution control, and expansion of marine protected areas. The commitment follows adoption of the Coastal Communities Strategy and implements the EU's international ocean governance framework.
Europe’s bathing waters remain safe to swim, Commission/EEA report finds
The annual Bathing Water Report, published jointly by the Commission and the European Environment Agency, shows that 85% of EU bathing sites met 'excellent' quality standards in 2025, with 96% reaching minimum quality and only 1.5% rated as ‘poor’. Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Greece had the highest percentages of excellent sites. Improvements are attributed to the Bathing Water Directive and other EU water legislation, as well as investments in wastewater infrastructure. The latest report covers over 22,200 sites and includes enhanced digital mapping resources.
Commission welcomes political agreement on plant reproductive material
A political agreement has been reached between the Council and European Parliament on revising and simplifying the EU framework for plant reproductive material. The new regulation streamlines existing directives, modernises market placement rules, and facilitates entry for diverse producers, especially for conservation and non-professional use. Key provisions include improved official controls, support for innovation, and measures to conserve plant genetic resources. Entry into force is subject to formal approval by the Parliament and Council; new obligations will apply four years after adoption.
Commission greenlights Bulgaria’s fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility
The Commission has issued a positive preliminary assessment for Bulgaria’s fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), associated with €1.1 billion. Bulgaria fulfilled 23 of 26 milestones and targets, which include anti-corruption reforms, decarbonisation, support for renewables and public transport, and vocational education. One milestone on water legislation and a target related to the cultural sector remain pending, with deadlines before August 2026. Part of the payment will be suspended pending completion of unfulfilled commitments.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
ETS auctioning: Commission updates rules for new emissions trading system sectors
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/787 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2830 concerning auctioning of greenhouse gas emission allowances, including for the new ETS covering fuels in buildings and road transport (Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC). The changes adjust auction calendars, Member State obligations, and administration of auctions ahead of the 2027 start, clarifying procedures for the Social Climate Fund and requirements for bidder eligibility.
EFTA Surveillance Authority revises ETS State aid guidelines
EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision 2026/1374 of 4 March 2026 updates State aid guidelines for the EEA’s greenhouse gas emission allowance trading system, aligning them with amendments from the European Commission’s ETS Guidelines. The revision modifies compensation calculations for indirect emission costs from 2026, expands eligible sectors, and adjusts rules to mitigate carbon leakage risks.
Commission approves free allocation rules for EU ETS 2026–2030
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1312 of 15 June 2026 confirms Member State implementation measures for transitional free allocation of EU Emissions Trading System allowances for 2026–2030, as required by Article 11(3) of Directive 2003/87/EC. The assessment validates national lists, with specific exclusions for installations proposed by Spain and Sweden not meeting system criteria.
Commission revises maximum residue levels for various pesticides
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1314 amends Annexes II, III, and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, adjusting maximum residue levels (MRLs) for 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene, chlormequat, metribuzin, terbuthylazine, and triclopyr on certain products. The changes are based on recent EFSA opinions and applicant data, affecting both plant- and animal-derived foods. Most provisions apply from 6 January 2027.
Commission amends conservation measures for Kattegat marine protected area
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/785 updates Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/118 regarding the site Nordvästra Skånes havsområde in the Kattegat. The revision introduces stricter restrictions on certain fishing gear to protect harbour porpoise and adjusts monitoring requirements, reflecting new scientific recommendations and a North Sea joint recommendation.
Commission decision extends French national restriction on creosote-treated wood
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1377 of 11 May 2026 retroactively extends France's national measure under Article 129 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) restricting use and marketing of wood treated with creosote or related substances, pending final EU-wide rule revision. The extension runs until 7 June 2028.
Commission updates technical standards for notification by external reviewers under Green Bond Regulation
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/543 sets implementing technical standards for Regulation (EU) 2023/2631, covering the notification of material changes by external reviewers registered for European Green Bonds. The Regulation specifies forms, submission procedures, and data retention, aligning with ESMA and data protection requirements.
European Parliament
New rules for a more sustainable EU automotive sector adopted
Parliament adopted a regulation introducing circular design and recycled content requirements for new vehicles, with 437 votes in favour, 112 against and 20 abstentions. The regulation sets binding recycled plastic targets and closes loopholes on end-of-life management, including stricter export and producer responsibility provisions. The Council must give its final approval before entry into force.
Chemicals: Parliament and Council reach deal on simplification package
A political agreement was reached on the 'omnibus VI' package, simplifying rules on cosmetics, classification/labelling/packaging of chemicals (CLP), and EU fertilising products regulation ((EU) 2019/1009). The new rules accelerate phase-out of hazardous substances, update label requirements, and retain essential registration obligations.
European Parliament backs updated single market rules for plant reproductive material
Parliament and Council reached a deal to harmonise plant reproductive material (PRM) rules across the single market, replacing multiple directives with a unified regulation. The agreement provides flexibility for small-scale PRM producers and gene banks, clearer marketing rules, and streamlined registration for conservation varieties.
Parliament calls for stronger EU action on weaponisation of water
In plenary, MEPs adopted a report with 431 votes in favour, urging enhanced EU action against the use of water as a tool for political pressure and conflict. The report seeks more effective transboundary water agreements, funding for water security, and accountability for deliberate targeting of water infrastructure.
EU Council
Environment Council to discuss CO₂ standards, nature-based business solutions and REACH
Environment ministers will meet 25 June to review the amendment of the regulation on CO₂ emission standards for cars and vans, progress on nature-based solutions for business, and the water resilience strategy.
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) to address European grids package
Energy ministers meet 26 June for a general approach on the European grids package and to discuss post-2030 decarbonisation and impacts of the Middle East crisis on energy.
Agriculture and Fisheries Council to review CAP post-2027 and sustainable fishing
On 22 June, agriculture ministers will cover the post-2027 CAP proposals and current market trends, with fisheries ministers discussing the Common Fisheries Policy and sustainable practices.
EP Committee Work
ENVI draft report on simplification of requirements in chemical and waste regulations
The ENVI Committee published Susana Solís Pérez’s draft report on proposed amendments to Directives 2008/98/EC (waste), 2010/75/EU (industrial emissions), 2015/2193 (medium combustion plants), and 2024/1785, aiming to reduce administrative burden and simplify obligations regarding environment and health.
ENVI draft report on streamlining requirements under EU battery and eco-design regulations
Susana Solís Pérez (ENVI) tabled a draft report proposing amendments to Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (batteries and waste batteries) and Regulation (EU) 2024/1244 (eco-design for sustainable products), focusing on simplification and administrative reduction.
ENVI opinion on accelerating permit-granting for renewables and electricity infrastructure
Rapporteur Rasmus Nordqvist submitted an ENVI opinion on amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001 (Renewables), 2019/944 (Electricity), and 2024/1788, supporting accelerated procedures for project permitting and environmental assessment.
EMPL draft opinion on the EU 2027 general budget
Rapporteur Romana Tomc presented the Employment and Social Affairs Committee's draft opinion on the 2027 EU general budget, covering funding priorities related to employment and social policies.
PECH draft opinion on EU 2027 general budget priorities for fisheries
The Fisheries Committee’s draft opinion, authored by Giuseppe Lupo, addresses priorities on the general EU budget 2027 as they relate to fisheries and related sectors.
BUDG draft report on Draft Amending Budget No 2/2026
Rapporteur Andrzej Halicki submitted a draft report by the Budget Committee regarding the Council's position on Draft Amending Budget 2/2026, which updates EU revenue and expenditure forecasts.
ENVI recommendation for second reading: regulation on plants from new genomic techniques
ENVI rapporteur Jessica Polfjärd issued a recommendation for second reading on the Council position for a regulation on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques, their food and feed, amending Regulation (EU) 2017/625.
BUDG Committee extraordinary meeting discusses budgetary matters
The Budget Committee (BUDG) held an extraordinary meeting on 15 June 2026 in Strasbourg to address budget and finance issues relevant to the upcoming financial cycle.
What We're Reading This Week
- Heat waves: Rising global temperatures are leading to more frequent and intense heat waves, threatening public health and infrastructure.
- Dominique Méda: 'We must make the green transition desirable': Sociologist Dominique Méda urges policymakers to frame environmental reforms as opportunities for improved well-being and social progress.
- What €40 billion means for Europe — and what happens next: A €40 billion investment signals major economic shifts for Europe, shaping future policy decisions and regional growth trajectories.
- Portugal urges Brussels to rethink free carbon allowances cut: Portugal calls on the EU to reconsider planned reductions in free carbon allowances, citing potential impacts on industry competitiveness.
- Video. World Environment Day summit demands faster climate action: Global leaders at the World Environment Day summit urge governments to accelerate efforts towards meeting climate commitments.
