General Environment

News: EU money putting at risk protected nature site

A new analysis suggests that EU funding for transport projects is putting at risk more than a thousand nature areas in Europe that are supposedly under EU protection.

June 16, 2008 | General Environment | Infrastructure | T&E Bulletin

News: Total clean-up?

Companies involved in maritime accidents that lead to major oil spills can be liable under EU waste law for the environmental damage caused, according to a preliminary finding at the European Court of Justice.

April 16, 2008 | General Environment | Shipping | T&E Bulletin

News: Illegal road action

The Commission has said it might take legal action against Spain over a road-widening scheme near the capital, Madrid, which did not have a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA).

April 16, 2008 | General Environment | T&E Bulletin

News: ‘Disproportionate’ influence for business lobbyists in EU

Lobbyists and representatives from industry have a disproportionate influence in the ‘expert groups’ that advise the Commission on drawing up EU legislation.

April 16, 2008 | General Environment | General Transport | T&E Bulletin

News: Low energy economy

A report from the business sector says energy efficiency is the ‘key to economic growth’. The report from the Allianz financial services company and the Lisbon Council policy think-tank says the view that higher energy efficiency levels hinder EU competitiveness is wrong, and presents evidence of a positive link between energy efficiency and productivity levels. The authors call for internalising the external costs of pollution, adding: ‘Far from hurting the economy, higher environmental standards will create new markets.’

March 12, 2008 | General Environment | T&E Bulletin

News: Record fine

The French oil company Total has been given the largest-ever fine imposed in Europe for damage caused to the environment. At the end of a long trial, a criminal court in Paris last month found Total guilty of ‘ecological prejudice’ and recklessness over the oil spill from the tanker Erika off the coast of France and Spain in 1999. Total and three other parties were ordered to pay €192 million for the environmental damage caused, after evidence was presented showing they ignored risks in the ageing tanker. Total has said it may appeal, but it might also face claims for more damages.

February 6, 2008 | General Environment | Shipping | T&E Bulletin

News: GDP Too Narrow

The Commission is to publish a policy paper next year on using a more environmental system than just GDP to measure a country’s wealth and well-being.

December 13, 2007 | General Environment | T&E Bulletin

News: And Finally ...

The impact of photochemical smog is greater on fat people than on those whose weight is within recommended limits.

December 13, 2007 | General Environment | T&E Bulletin

News: EU close to first standards on microparticles

The EU’s first-ever limits on fine particles moved a significant step closer earlier this month when ministers reached agreement with MEPs on maximum permissible concentrations of the soot particles known as PM2.5.

December 13, 2007 | General Environment | T&E Bulletin

News: Action On Shipping Pollution Is Legal

The EU is allowed to punish ship owners whose ships cause ‘intentional, reckless or seriously negligent’ pollution in EU waters, according to a preliminary opinion from the European Court of Justice.

December 12, 2007 | Shipping | T&E Bulletin | General Environment