What a week!
First off, we’ve noticed that our newsletter has been getting a bit longer over recent editions. So, this week we’ve set ourselves a challenge… to make this a quick, no-nonsense top-up on all the relevant bits.
There’s been a lot on this week (even by Brussels standards…), so here’s a quick round-up to bring you up to speed. In this edition, we’ve got updates on the Commission’s plans for 2026, the results of the EU leaders’ summit, as well as a series of votes on things that matter. Rest assured… there’s some good news in this one, as well as the usual dopamine hit at the end!
Enjoy the read, and if you like it, consider buying us a coffee 🌞
🪓 EU LEADERS GRIND THE AXE
CLIMATE DEAL OR DELAY? EU leaders signed off on “climate conclusions” last night, so vague that everyone could claim a win. Poland got language to reform ETS2 (more below), France added carbon sinks, Germany and Italy pushed “tech neutrality.” In other words: a shopping list of “flexibilities” for climate action. What no one got was clarity on the 2040 target. Without backing the 90% cut, leaders kicked the can down the road to November, a victory for delay and doubt.
VENTING, NOT LEADING – The summit’s outcome text is seen as “balanced” (Brussels code for vague). Meanwhile, behind closed doors, several leaders vented about EU green rules, into what can only be seen as appeasement to U.S. President Donald Trump, “who has moaned about the EU’s regulatory overreach and its effect on American businesses,” according to POLITICO.
🧭 COMMISSION PUBLISHES 2026 PLANS
2026 IN FOCUS – The week began with the EU Commission publishing its Work Programme for 2026 – its agenda that outlines policy priorities on things that affect us all – from our health and nature to our economies and foreign policies.
SO, WHAT’S IN THE BAG? At a time when we’ve just passed one of Earth’s catastrophic “tipping points”, and with COP 30 on the horizon, the absence of plans to address climate and environmental breakdown in the Work Programme is dangerously out of sync with the overwhelming evidence. With heavy focus on non-legislative “fixes” and omnibus deregulation packages, we warn that the 2026 agenda risks missing the moment.
EUROPE’S SPINE M.I.A – This sea-change in the EU’s approach to environment and climate is deeply troubling for people and the nature on which we depend. Many businesses are also piping up with concerns (more on this below). There’s no way of sugar-coating this: this Work Programme leaves a lot to be desired in times of triple planetary crisis. Check out the more detailed reaction on the Work Programme from the various EEB teams.
💬 WHAT EUROPE’S BUSINESSES HAVE TO SAY
“SIMPLIFICATION” IS BAD FOR BUSINESS – For Europe to thrive, and to remain a relevant actor in a rapidly evolving world, we need a strong EU regulatory framework. People want this. Our natural world needs this. And businesses across Europe are also recognising that the Commission’s “competitiveness” agenda – which at this point is looking like a bonfire of EU rules – in no way helps EU business to stay competitive.
EU RULES ARE GOOD FOR BUSINESS – EU rules are already making life simpler for businesses. They provide a common framework for companies to operate across one market, following one set of rules. The alternative is 27 different countries having 27 different sets of rules that inevitably conflict with each other. The whole purpose of the EU’s rules-based system is to ensure that all Member States are held to the same standards, and crucially, that businesses have stability and certainty – and therefore confidence to trade and operate across the bloc. It’s actually very simple: EU rules are good for business.
🐂💩 BUSINESSES CALL BULLSHIT ON “SIMPLIFICATION”
THROWING BUSINESSES UNDER THE (OMNI)BUS – It’s not only scientists, experts, civil society, and the general public who are standing up to the “simplification” crusade. It’s also businesses. Yep, that’s right: precisely the group the Commission is claiming to act in the interests of. EU companies are saying no to the EU’s regulation bonfire as it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Commission’s reckless “Omnibus”, meant to simplify rules, is instead fuelling abrupt reversals, creating uncertainty for businesses, undermining investor confidence, and delaying industrial renewal.
SMEs SAY ENOUGH – While the Commission is busy burning rules that uphold business confidence, the foundations of Europe’s competitive economy, a fresh survey shows that most EU businesses favour tougher sustainability reporting and due diligence rules.
BIG BUSINESSES JOIN THE CALLS – Even the biggest hitters are saying enough. Last week, 130 of Europe’s big business interests, including corporations, investor groups and chambers of commerce, called on EU policymakers to uphold rules and commit to green rules. What do they want? Among others, binding climate targets, circular economy, and a sped-up green transition. The reason for all of these, they stress, is simple: they support business confidence, encourage investment in Europe, and pave the way for a future where companies can compete and thrive.
🌞 FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT
PARLIAMENT SENDS OMNIBUS PACKING – Speaking of sustainability reporting and due diligence rules, this week, MEPs rejected the weakened JURI Omnibus I mandate, resisting political pressure and prioritising people and planet. The EPP-forced compromise threatened EU sustainability and human rights leadership. Its rejection reopens the path for genuine, good-faith negotiations and shared responsibility.
SOIL MONITORING LAW WIN – The EU Parliament has approved the EU’s first-ever Soil Monitoring Law, a milestone against soil degradation. Despite weakened ambition, it establishes EU-wide soil health tracking, better data, cleanup of contaminated sites, and demands strong implementation for lasting environmental impact.
FOSSIL FUEL GREENWASHING RULED ILLEGAL – A Paris court ruled TotalEnergies’ greenwashing ads are illegal, finding it misled the public by claiming to be an energy transition leader while expanding fossil fuels. The company must halt the ads and display the judgment online for 180 days.
🫧 IN THE EU BUBBLE
CAVING TO LAGGARDS ON ETS2 – Countries lagging on climate action pressured the Commission to weaken the new carbon market for buildings and transport. Fearing high 2027 prices, they missed the point: high prices reflect high fossil demand. Real solutions cut emissions, not add pollution permits.
URGENT CALL TO FIX CHEMICAL POLLUTION CRISIS – The EU Council also urges a REACH review to boost chemical sector competitiveness, despite the EEA reporting worsening chemical pollution and health impacts. Strengthening REACH to protect health and environment is urgent, prioritising safer, sustainable chemicals over weaker regulations.
GLOBAL CALLS TO FUND NATURE – Over 175 IUCN Members worldwide, including governments and NGOs, urged EU leaders to ensure the next long-term budget funds biodiversity and nature restoration, calling for adequate, dedicated, and transparent financing through a dedicated LIFE programme to turn Europe’s environmental commitments into concrete, effective action.
STRONGER EU WATER POLLUTION RULES ADVANCE – A provisional agreement to strengthen Europe’s rules on water pollution was approved this week in the EU Parliament’s ENVI, introducing new legal limits for glyphosate, PFAS chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. To be adopted, the proposal now awaits a full Parliament vote and Council approval.
PAVING THE WAY FOR WATER RESILIENCE – EU environment ministers adopted conclusions on water resilience, urging better enforcement of water laws. While supporting nature-based solutions, the Living Rivers Europe coalition says the conclusions lack funding, polluter-pays rules, subsidy reforms, and commitments to reduce water demand.
EUROPE’S METHANE CRISIS – Europe faces a silent crisis: unchecked methane emissions harm climate and public health. Despite proven success reducing other pollutants, EU policymakers delay action, pushing deregulation instead of prevention. Methane reduction is urgent to protect health and the environment. Check our latest piece with The European Correspondent.
🧠✨ DOPAMINE HIT
As ever, here are a few slightly happier updates to get your weekend off to a perky start:
- These are the finalists of the 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards. Read more here
- Renewables overtake coal as the world’s biggest source of electricity. Read more here
- Sea turtles are rebounding worldwide as nests and habitats become more protected. Read more here
- How a Declaration of Ancestral Wisdom Is Changing Law, Science and Our Understanding of the World. Read more here
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By: Ben Snelson. Special thanks to the EEB’s editorial team: Roi Gomez, Ruby Silk and Alberto Vela. Editor: Christian Skrivervik.
