This Week in Environment — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission refers Greece, Cyprus to Court over waste; Decisions on biocides for cultural heritage; Horizon Europe expands biodiversity calls; Arctic climate report; Council on fisheries funding.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Commission refers Greece, Cyprus to Court over waste; Decisions on biocides for cultural heritage; Horizon Europe expands biodiversity calls; Arctic climate report; Council on fisheries funding.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On October 05, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3012 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the certification methodologies for carbon farming activities; Commission Regulation amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards certain botanical species containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives.
European Commission
Commission refers Greece and Cyprus to Court of Justice for inadequate waste treatment
On 30 September 2026, the European Commission referred Greece (INFR(2021)2166) and Cyprus (INFR(2021)2217) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with the Landfill Directive (Directive 1999/31/EC) and the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC). The Commission found 66 of 81 Greek landfills non-compliant and concluded that 21% of waste in Cyprus is landfilled without prior treatment. Both countries were also found to lack adequate capacity for pre-treatment of mixed municipal waste. Formal notice was sent in 2021, followed by a reasoned opinion in December 2024. The Commission now considers national efforts insufficient and is escalating the cases to the Court.
Commission report: Arctic shifts and record marine heatwaves
The Marine Environment Monitoring Service of Copernicus, under the European Commission, published its tenth Ocean State Report on 29 September 2026. The report documents an average sea level rise of 4.2 mm per year since 2012 and a loss of 490,000 km² of Arctic sea ice per decade since 1979. The Mediterranean and Black Sea experienced marine heatwaves exceeding 4.6°C above normal in 2024. The findings indicate increased vulnerability for coastal infrastructure and small island states. Commissioners Andrius Kubilius and Costas Kadis commented on the implications for marine ecosystems and European climate resilience.
Commission expands Horizon Europe with €500 million for research and biodiversity
On 28 September 2026, the European Commission allocated an additional €500 million to Horizon Europe for 2026–2027, bringing the two-year budget to €14.8 billion. New cross-cutting calls target research on AI, biodiversity impacts, and nature-positive economic models, with €227 million dedicated to transformative change for biodiversity. These calls align with the Nature Restoration Regulation, Ocean Pact, and the European Water Resilience Strategy. The Commission also released reports showing Horizon Europe’s appeal to researchers and businesses, with over 61,000 projects funded since 2021.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Czechia, Slovakia, France, Latvia, Poland authorised to use ethylene oxide biocides for cultural heritage
Between 24 and 28 September 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Decisions (EU) 2026/2150 (Czechia), 2026/2153 (Slovakia), 2026/2132 (France), 2026/2125 (Latvia), and 2026/2146 (Poland), each allowing the respective Member State to authorise biocidal products containing ethylene oxide for the protection of cultural heritage, including archive material, until 31 July 2031. The derogations are granted under Article 55(3) of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 due to the lack of effective alternatives for the disinfection of sensitive collections.
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Italy permitted to authorise sulfuryl fluoride biocide for cultural heritage preservation
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2142 of 25 September 2026 allows Italy to authorise the biocidal product 'Vikane,' containing sulfuryl fluoride, for use in the protection of large-scale, non-movable cultural heritage objects with wooden parts. The derogation, under Article 55(3) of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, is valid until 30 September 2031.
EU Council
Council reaches partial mandate on post-2027 fisheries support
On 28 September 2026, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council achieved a partial negotiating mandate on the regulation for post-2027 EU fisheries sector support. Ministers also discussed amendments to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.
What We're Reading This Week
- Diesel taxes in Europe: Which countries charge the most?: New data reveals significant differences in diesel tax rates across Europe, impacting fuel costs and cross-border transport competitiveness.
- US urges Europe to release more emergency oil reserves as prices surge: Washington presses European allies to tap strategic oil stocks in response to rising global energy prices.
- No relief at the pump: EU diesel hits new record of €2.24 a litre: Rising diesel prices in the EU are fueling concerns over inflation and transportation costs for businesses and consumers.
- Video. World's tallest wind turbine rises to 365 metres in Germany: Germany unveils a record-breaking 365-metre wind turbine, advancing renewable energy technology and electricity generation capacity.
- Can cities cope with Europe's tourism boom? MEPs debate in a special edition of The Ring: MEPs discuss strategies to manage surging tourist numbers as European cities grapple with overcrowding and sustainability challenges.
