This Week in Environment — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission launches OceanEye International Alliance; EU adopts new sustainability reporting standards; Key biocidal and GMO product approvals; Eurobarometer shows strong CAP support.
September 21, 2026 to September 27, 2026
Commission launches OceanEye International Alliance; EU adopts new sustainability reporting standards; Key biocidal and GMO product approvals; Eurobarometer shows strong CAP support.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
EU and Canada secure nearly €220 million for Global Ocean Observation
The European Commission and the Government of Canada announced the launch of the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at a high-level pledging event in New York on 22 September 2026. The event, co-hosted by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, resulted in pledges totaling almost €220 million from 31 members, including the EU and 30 countries. The EU committed an additional €92 million under Horizon Europe, allocated to support observing networks, innovation, and data flows. The Alliance aims to secure long-term funding for global ocean data and broaden international cooperation, with a next meeting scheduled for COP31. Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO to formalise this partnership.
Speech by President von der Leyen at the OceanEye International Alliance Pledging Event
President Ursula von der Leyen addressed leaders at the OceanEye International Alliance Pledging Event on 22 September 2026, underscoring the importance of ocean observation for climate adaptation, maritime safety, and the blue economy. She announced increased EU funding for ocean observation, the expansion of sensor networks, and new partnerships such as the Vendée Globe sailing race contributing ocean data. Von der Leyen also referenced the Digital Twin of the Ocean, an initiative for open, global data sharing and predictive modelling.
Commission greenlights Luxembourg's third payment request for €92.2 million under NextGenerationEU
On 24 September 2026, the European Commission approved Luxembourg's third payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, amounting to €92.2 million. The assessment found that Luxembourg met all nine required milestones and targets, including measures in renewable energy, clean transport, biodiversity, healthcare, and digital public services. Over 50 municipalities fulfilled local biodiversity certification ('Naturpakt'), and reforms in healthcare and anti-money-laundering frameworks were completed. This payment brings Luxembourg's total RRF receipts to €182 million, or 76% of its allocation.
Speech by President von der Leyen at the High-Level meeting on Climate Action and Just Transition
On 22 September 2026, Ursula von der Leyen spoke at the United Nations on EU climate and energy policy. She recounted the EU’s transition from Russian gas to diversified supply and domestic renewables, noting that 70% of EU electricity now comes from clean energy. Von der Leyen cited investments in storage, grid integration, and the expansion of global emissions trading and carbon pricing. She highlighted the Global Gateway investment programme, with €150 billion earmarked for Africa’s energy transition.
Eurobarometer survey reveals strong public support for EU agriculture and rural policy
According to the latest Eurobarometer survey published on 21 September 2026, 95% of Europeans consider agriculture and rural areas important for the EU’s future, and 93% prioritise stable food supply. Seventy percent believe the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) benefits all Europeans, with high approval for achievements in food security, pricing, environmental protection, and farmer support. The survey covers 26,456 respondents across all Member States.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 on voluntary sustainability reporting standards
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 of 3 July 2026 introduces voluntary sustainability reporting standards for undertakings protected by the value chain cap, supplementing Directive 2013/34/EU. The regulation sets a framework for entities not subject to mandatory reporting to disclose sustainability information and establishes a value chain cap restricting the information larger companies can request from smaller suppliers. Application begins for financial years from 1 January 2027.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1563 simplifying sustainability reporting standards
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1563 of 3 July 2026 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772 by simplifying sustainability reporting standards under Directive 2013/34/EU. Changes include reducing datapoints, clarifying materiality assessment, and improving interoperability with global standards. The new rules apply from financial years starting 1 January 2027, with transitional provisions for 2026.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1753 amending Regulation (EU) 2018/858 on vehicle environmental performance
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1753 of 13 July 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2018/858 to update requirements for in-vehicle battery durability, brake particle emissions, electric vehicle system power, and range at low temperatures. The regulation also updates the list of UN Regulations recognised as alternatives. The changes apply to vehicles produced in unlimited series and special purpose vehicles.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2114 on State aid for Lithuania’s LNG Terminal
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2114 of 7 April 2026 finds that Lithuania’s aid to maintain the Klaipėda LNG Terminal in 2016–2018 was compatible with the internal market under Article 106 TFEU, following a review of the compensation methodology and compliance with the 2012 SGEI Framework. The case concerned support to Litgas for LNG supply obligations.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2131 postponing expiry of hydrogen peroxide approval for biocidal products
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2131 of 24 September 2026 postpones the expiry of hydrogen peroxide approval for use in biocidal products of product-types 1–5 to 31 July 2029 under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, allowing time for further evaluation of renewal applications.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2124 postponing expiry of IPBC approval for biocidal products
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2124 of 24 September 2026 extends the approval of IPBC (product-type 13) to 31 May 2029 under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, due to delays in renewal evaluation by the Danish authority.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2119 postponing expiry of K-HDO approval for biocidal products
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2119 of 23 September 2026 postpones the expiry of K-HDO approval for product-type 8 to 30 June 2029, following delays linked to assessment of its endocrine-disrupting properties.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2116 authorising Christeyns Peracetic Acid Biocidal Product Family
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2116 of 8 September 2026 grants Union authorisation to Christeyns NV for the Peracetic Acid Biocidal Product Family (product-types 2, 3, 4) for a period from 15 October 2026 to 30 September 2036.
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council to discuss post-2027 CAP and ocean policy
On 28 September 2026, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will seek a partial general approach on post-2027 support for the Common Fisheries Policy, EU maritime and aquaculture policies, and the ocean pact. Ministers will also discuss the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy and exchange views on agricultural market developments.
What We're Reading This Week
- How European travel habits have changed over a decade: Rising sustainability concerns and technology adoption have significantly reshaped European travel preferences and patterns over the past ten years.
- Startups in Europe are pitching ways to tackle the AI power crunch: European startups propose innovative solutions to address rising energy demands caused by artificial intelligence technologies.
- Video. UN to protect statehood of disappearing island nations: UN adopts measures to safeguard legal status of island nations threatened by climate-driven disappearance.
- EU electric car registrations jump 63% as Chinese brands gain ground: Surging EU electric car sales reflect growing competition from Chinese automakers, intensifying pressure on European manufacturers.
- Bentley launches its first EV, and it could be its cheapest model: Bentley unveils its inaugural electric vehicle, signaling a shift toward more accessible pricing in its luxury lineup.
