This Week in Environment — Brussels (#26, 2026)
Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan published; exports ban revision for waste to Switzerland adopted; new pest measures for Meloidogyne graminicola; stricter pesticide residue limits set.
July 05, 2026 to July 11, 2026
Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan published; exports ban revision for waste to Switzerland adopted; new pest measures for Meloidogyne graminicola; stricter pesticide residue limits set.
📋 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 July 14, 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; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On July 14, 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.
European Commission
Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan adopted by the Commission
On 6 July 2026, the European Commission launched the Livestock Strategy and the Protein Action Plan to support farmers facing economic, environmental, and market challenges. The strategy details actions across five priority areas: resilience, competitiveness, sustainability, territoriality, and excellence, encompassing crisis responsiveness, animal welfare, and support for vulnerable rural regions. Commissioner Raffaele Fitto, along with Commissioners Olivér Várhelyi and Christophe Hansen, outlined measures for climate resilience, fair income, animal disease management, and origin labelling. Through the Protein Action Plan, the Commission aims to increase EU-grown protein supply from oilseeds and protein crops to 35% by 2035, to reduce dependence on imported feed. Engagement with stakeholders—including extensive consultations with farmers and industry—formed the basis for developing solutions focused on sustainability, innovation, and securing food safety. Harmonised emissions measurement, targeted legislative revisions for animal welfare, and facilitation of rural investment are central pillars. The Commission will monitor implementation via the EU Livestock Workstream and dedicated Protein Dialogues.
ec.europa.eu | ec.europa.eu | ec.europa.eu
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Ban on export of mixed municipal waste to Switzerland revised
Regulation (EU) 2026/1703, adopted on 8 July 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 to permit exports of mixed municipal waste for recovery to Switzerland, after concerns that the previous prohibition would increase emissions and transport costs. The change enters into force twenty days after publication in the Official Journal, maintaining high waste management standards on cross-border shipments.
Commission Regulation limits residue levels for benomyl, carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1546 amends Annexes II, III, and V of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, setting maximum residue levels for carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl at limits of determination due to public health concerns and cessation of import tolerances on citrus fruit and okra. Remaining tolerances are revoked, aligning with Codex Alimentarius actions and EFSA risk assessments.
Meloidogyne graminicola: new pest measures implemented
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1433 lists Meloidogyne graminicola as a Union quarantine pest known in the EU, with Annexes specifying entry and movement requirements. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1432 establishes measures for eradication, containment, annual surveys, and reporting, replacing prior temporary provisions.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
European Parliament
Parliament adopts Sustainable Development Goals report, highlighting $4 trillion investment gap
On 7 July 2026, the European Parliament approved a report emphasizing the need for substantial financial commitments to close the global SDG funding gap. MEPs urge the EU and Member States to support climate mitigation, and highlight the importance of Global Gateway for sustainable partnerships, referencing the lack of progress on water, sanitation, and other SDG targets.
Environment Committee strengthens carbon border adjustment mechanism
The ENVI Committee adopted its position on expanding CBAM to downstream products and tightening anti-circumvention rules. MEPs also secured measures for online sales, technical assistance, and excluded certain credits. The temporary decarbonisation fund position was adopted, broadening eligibility to downstream operators and fertiliser producers.
EU Council
São Tomé and Príncipe Fisheries Partnership Protocol concluded
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1548 formally concludes the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe for 2025–2029, enabling continued EU vessel access and joint sustainable fisheries management.
EP Committee Work
ENVI Committee extraordinary meeting: decarbonisation, CBAM, and support funds
On 6 July 2026, the ENVI Committee held an extraordinary session in Strasbourg to vote on amendments to the market stability reserve, extension of Regulation (EU) 2023/956, establishment of the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund, and opinions for fisheries and partnership funds for 2028–2034. Rapporteurs included Danuše Nerudová (PPE), Mohammed Chahim (S&D), Pascal Canfin (Renew), and Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D). The agenda addressed anti-circumvention and export measures within climate policy.
ENVI Committee opinion: support to fisheries policy and Ocean Pact
On 7 July 2026, the ENVI Committee, with rapporteur Pierfrancesco Maran, issued its opinion on the proposed regulation establishing implementation conditions for Common Fisheries Policy, the European Ocean Pact, and Union’s maritime and aquaculture policy in the National and Regional Partnership Fund for 2028–2034.
What We're Reading This Week
- Video. French government activates new 'extreme heat' Orsec plan: France initiates its first-ever 'extreme heat' emergency response, signalling escalating climate risks and public safety concerns.
- Video. ‘More grids, more electricity’: IEA chief and EU Commissioner: IEA and EU leaders urge rapid investment in power grids to meet growing electricity demand and support clean energy goals.
- Wildfires rage in Portugal and Spain as authorities in Greece warn of toxic smoke: Intense wildfires sweep across southern Europe, prompting health concerns and emergency measures due to hazardous smoke conditions.
- Hidden microplastics in your skincare? | Euronews Tech Talks podcast: Many everyday skincare products contain invisible microplastics, raising concerns about their impact on health and the environment.
- How Europe made most, but not all, of its swimming waters 'excellent': Most European bathing sites now meet top water quality standards, though some regions still struggle with pollution.
