This Week in Environment — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Solar glass duties repealed; new critical raw material projects recognised; battery removability rules updated; environmental reporting decisions adopted; food contaminant monitoring recommendations.
October 19, 2026 to October 25, 2026
Solar glass duties repealed; new critical raw material projects recognised; battery removability rules updated; environmental reporting decisions adopted; food contaminant monitoring recommendations.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Repeal of Anti-dumping Duties on Solar Glass from China
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2314 of 19 October 2026 repeals the definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of solar glass from the People’s Republic of China. The decision follows an expiry review under Regulation (EU) 2016/1036. The investigation found no active Union industry producing solar glass and no likelihood of resumption. Duties collected since the initiation of the review will be repaid upon request. This regulation enters into force the day after publication.
Repeal of Countervailing Duties on Solar Glass from China
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2310 of 19 October 2026 repeals the definitive countervailing duties on imports of solar glass from China, pursuant to Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1037. The review identified no ongoing Union production and no prospect of resumption. The regulation stipulates repayment of duties collected during the review, with no interest payable. This measure is effective from the day after its publication.
Non-approval of Extension of Use of Urtica spp. in Plant Protection
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2340 of 22 October 2026 denies the extension of use of the basic substance Urtica spp. under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. The European Food Safety Authority’s Technical Report from March 2021 found insufficient data on operator and environmental risks and efficacy. The regulation enters into force twenty days after publication and is directly applicable in all Member States.
Commission Delegated Regulation on Battery Removability Derogations
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1770 of 14 July 2026 supplements Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 by detailing derogations for the removability and replaceability of portable batteries. The act introduces exemptions for certain wearables, medical and telematics devices, and wireless thermometer probes, based on product safety and design considerations. The regulation enters into force twenty days post-publication.
Recognition of Strategic Critical Raw Material Projects
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2349 of 9 October 2026 recognises 46 critical raw material projects as Strategic Projects under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. The decision follows the evaluation of applications submitted by 15 January 2026 and assessment by external experts and the European Critical Raw Materials Board. Recognised projects include extraction, processing, and recycling initiatives across several Member States, with promoters notified individually.
Environmental Data Reporting: New Formats and Raw Materials List
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2267 of 13 October 2026 establishes the format, frequency, and list of relevant raw materials for environmental data reporting by Member States under Regulation (EU) 2024/1244. The act repeals Decision (EU) 2019/1741 and aligns reporting for the Industrial Emissions Portal, with administrative and thematic data requirements phased in from 2027 and 2028. Special provisions apply for installations rearing poultry and pigs.
Update to Industrial Emissions Reporting Requirements
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2326 of 13 October 2026 amends Decision (EU) 2018/1135 to streamline and align reporting under Directive 2010/75/EU with Regulation (EU) 2024/1244 on the Industrial Emissions Portal. Prefilled electronic templates and sector-specific reporting requirements are introduced, including phased obligations for installations rearing livestock. The amendments apply from 1 January 2028.
Recommendation on Monitoring Chlorinated Paraffins in Food
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/2335 of 21 October 2026 calls for Member States and food business operators to monitor the presence of chlorinated paraffins in food from 2026 to 2029. The recommendation specifies analytical methods, threshold values for various food groups, and data submission requirements to the European Food Safety Authority. The aim is to enable robust human exposure assessment.
Recommendation on Monitoring Nitrate and Nitrite in Feed
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/2297 of 16 October 2026 encourages Member States and feed business operators to monitor nitrate and nitrite in forages, roughages, and certain by-products, in line with EFSA’s 2020 risk assessment. The recommendation outlines principles for good practice and data submission to EFSA for centralised assessment.
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council to Discuss Post-2027 CAP and Baltic Sea Fisheries
On 26 October 2026, agriculture ministers will seek a partial negotiating position on post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy rules and address trade-related agricultural issues. Fisheries ministers will aim for political agreement on 2027 Baltic Sea fishing opportunities and prepare for the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas annual meeting.
Energy Ministers to Address Network Charges and Security
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), meeting in Luxembourg on 29 October 2026, will discuss a proposed regulation on network charges for electricity bills and exchange views on EU energy security and future energy targets.
