👻 EXORCISING THE HOUSING CRISIS

This week, we consider how a circular economy can help us exorcise some of the biggest demons facing our planet, as housing, e-waste, and overproduction get a spooky twist. Sadly, we must begin with a very real horror story: catastrophic flash floods in Valencia have taken the lives of over 95 people, adding to the growing toll of recent climate-related disasters across Europe and the world. Our thoughts are with all those affected.  

Events like these are tragic and ever-more-frequent reminders of the urgent need to address climate breakdown and of the need for Europe to strengthen its commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable world. They also deepen our resolve to work tirelessly to promote solutions that protect our communities and our planet from future harm. We must decarbonise faster—everything, everywhere, all at once. 

👻 HAUNTED (BY) HOUSES 

Our built environment — the homes, schools, offices, and infrastructure that support our daily lives—is a monstrous burden on the planet. In the EU, buildings account for 50% of all extracted material and 40% of energy consumption. Despite progress in reducing energy demand in European buildings, overall CO2 emissions per capita continue to increase. 

Untapped potential — Our built environment is also chock full of potential for tackling some of Europe’s greatest challenges. From rising homelessness and the affordability crisis to reducing energy dependence and meeting climate goals, housing policy has the potential to drive transformative change. 

No more monster house — The planet can’t take any more monster houses, with their absent occupants, drafty rooms and gurgling gas boilers. That’s why the EEB has been exploring innovative approaches that integrate sustainable planning, modern materials, and new technologies to support social cohesion, industrial transformation, and environmental sustainability. 

If this sounds too good to be true, come see for yourself! Next Monday, we launch our exhibition, Rethinking European Homes. Just a few minutes’ walk from the European Parliament, we will bring together social, environmental, and industrial leaders to rethink the homes of tomorrow with practical, forward-thinking solutions to Europe’s challenges. Join us!

Hearing voices — With the Commissioner hearings starting next week, Dane Dan Jørgensen will be grilled for his potential role as Commissioner for Energy and Housing. Combining energy and housing under one portfolio for the first time is a big step in the right direction, offering hope for addressing major socio-ecological challenges of buildings. Jørgensen’s mandate should prioritise boosting investments in affordable and decent housing, decarbonising construction (including renovations), and phasing out fossil-fuelled heating and cooling, especially within the upcoming European Affordable Housing Plan. 

Take your pick! We hope to hear a convincing commitment to addressing systemic issues that lead to the inefficient use of building stock, where sufficiency policies offer plenty of solutions.  

🕸️ LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 

E-zombies — The number of electronics on the EU market nearly doubled between 2013 and 2022, according to Eurostat, raising mountains of e-waste like an undead uprising. Alongside a coalition of environmental NGOs, we urge the EU to strengthen Europe’s e-waste law before this rise becomes a full-blown e-zombie apocalypse. 

Fast fashion’s curse — The EU Textile Strategy aimed to break the curse of fast fashion but missed the darker spirits lurking beneath: overproduction and harmful purchasing practices. New MEPs and policymakers can now banish these ghouls for good. Together with civil society partners, we urge them to tailor policies that regulate what’s in our clothes, protect those who make them, and control how they’re sold. 

Procurement in a crystal ball — Greening public procurement isn’t a supernatural vision: it can be easy, affordable and achievable. Authorities across the EU are already battling the spectres of waste and inefficiency, sharing expertise and best practices with powerful tools like the EU Ecolabel at their fingertips. Find out more. 

😱 WE’RE IN FOR A THRILLER 

As the EU Commissioner hearings creep closer, we’ll be keeping a close watch, ready to hear real commitments to a just, green transition that will lay lingering environmental injustices to rest. These hearings are a critical chance for prospective EU leaders to show they’re not just shadowy figures behind closed doors but are truly committed to protecting our planet and standing with Europeans. 

Reading the tea leaves — We’ll be sharing updates on social media, shining a light on key candidates’ stances. Keep an eye out for next week’s META newsletter, where we’ll deliver a complete analysis, revealing who’s ready to help lead a greener future and who might just be ghosting Europe’s climate promises. 

⚰️ BREATHING LIFE INTO A GRAVE SITUATION 

While some are dressing up for the Day of the Dead, we are celebrating the living world with our BeLIFE project. BeLIFE aims to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge, tools, and legal support needed to actively ensure compliance with EU environmental and climate laws. 

Calling climate defenders — In this vein, we are launching a major consultation to better understand youth climate defenders’ challenges, risks, and needs. If this sounds like you or someone you know, don’t hesitate! The responses will be used to design solutions, from advocacy efforts to practical support and resources. Tell us about your experience here. 

⚗️ NAVIGATING THE SHADOWS: MY CHEMICAL COMPASS

Infestation demanding attention — Finally, as we embrace the thrills and chills of the Halloween season, we are forced to confront yet another haunting reality: hazardous chemicals are lurking everywhere. From the insidious PFAS that infiltrate our food and water to bisphenols and other toxic substances threatening our health, we face an infestation that demands our attention. 

The magic potion — But fear not! We have prepared a magic potion: a briefing designed for, but not limited to, MEPs that provides an overview of the major chemical policy issues that the EU Parliament will face in the 2024-2029 term. Learn more! 

🤝 JOIN US 

Work with us. The work continues, and we often seek new colleagues to join our team. Could you be one of them? Check out our current vacancies on our website.

✨ SIGN UP 

Join the future. The European Pact for the Future ignites hope and courage, paving the way for new opportunities and ensuring the well-being of all. Our accompanying Action Plan provides all the details to get us there. Explore the Pact and Action Plan today, and if you haven’t already, sign up to be part of the movement shaping Europe’s future.

🚀 FOLLOW US

Don’t stay delulu, deal with the pollulu! We’ve just hit the 50k follower milestone on LinkedIn! This year, we’ve also grown our digital community by joining Instagram and TikTok, one of our latest videos going crazy viral. Stay connected and follow us for the latest green updates and our work across the EU and beyond. Don’t miss out! 

By: Ruby Silk. Special thanks to the EEB’s editorial team: Alberto Vela, Annick Hus, Ben Snelson, and Roi Gomez. Editor: Christian Skrivervik