Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The Narrative Development training video is intended to provide information on the AFG program, what is new for 2024, and tips to assist applicants in developing their narrative for all application types and activities.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The State Fire Training Academy (SFTA) training video is intended to provide information on the AFG program priorities, what is new for 2024, and tips to develop and submit a successful SFTA application.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Activities training video is intended to provide information on the AFG program priorities, what is new for 2024, and tips to develop and submit a successful application for projects within the Equipment and PPE activities.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The Wellness and Fitness, Modification to Facilities and Training Activities training video is intended to provide information on the AFG program priorities, what is new for 2024, and tips to develop and submit a successful application for projects within the Wellness and Fitness, Modification to Facilities and Training activities.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The Application Submission Process training video is intended to provide a brief overview of the process for submitting applications in FEMA GO.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to resident and industry complaints regarding late or lost mail, Rep. Kat Cammack joined Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) in demanding USPS Inspector General Tammy Hull and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit and investigate the Regional Processing and Distribution Center (RPDC) in Jacksonville, FL.
Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Waltz (FL-06), and John Rutherford (FL-05) also joined the effort in requesting specific answers and solutions to the months-long delays and mail delivery inconsistencies families, seniors, and businesses continue to face in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
In the letter, the lawmakers wrote: “As members of Congress, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight and ensure the USPS is serving the people effectively. Therefore, we request the USPS Office of Inspector General to thoroughly audit and investigate the postal situation in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Specifically, we request to know the reason for the delays, how the transition to the Jacksonville RPDC has been implemented, and actions that can be taken to restore confidence in the postal services in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.”
Read the full letter to USPS Inspector General Hull HERE.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05) introduced the bipartisan Flood Loss Offset and Affordability Tax Credit (FLOAT) Act. The legislation introduces a tax credit of up to $1,000 to help individuals and families afford flood insurance premiums, whether through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.
The FLOAT Act aims to ease the financial burden of flood insurance, encouraging homeowners to invest in protective coverage. The tax credit will be available to households earning under $200,000 annually, with a phaseout for higher incomes, and up to $400,000 for joint filers. The credit is also limited to primary residences and is inflation-adjusted to ensure long-term affordability.
“Long Islanders know firsthand the impact of flooding and the importance of being prepared. This legislation provides a critical incentive for homeowners to protect their properties without breaking the bank,” said Rep. Garbarino. “With instances of severe weather on the rise, the FLOAT Act ensures that families in my district can afford flood insurance coverage, enabling them to recover quickly and avoid devastating financial losses.”
The FLOAT Act reflects a proactive approach to mitigating the risks and costs associated with severe weather events. By offering an annual tax credit for flood insurance premiums, the legislation makes insurance more accessible and ensures that homeowners and their communities can withstand and recover from disasters more effectively.
Read the full bill text here.
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Source: European Parliament
23.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002231/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gabriela Firea (S&D)
Human trafficking is a social phenomenon that takes many forms, involving the buying and selling and exploitation of adults and children. Traffickers take advantage of people’s vulnerabilities and their unstable circumstances arising from poverty, discrimination, violence against women, lack of access to education, ethnic conflict and natural disasters. In recent years, several Member States have reported an increase (to 21 % of all trafficking victims) in trafficking with a view to labour exploitation, including an increase in the number of men being pressed into agricultural work. Traffickers are taking advantage of loopholes in the laws relating to work permits, visas, workers’ rights and working conditions.
On top of this, the increase in child trafficking has been exacerbated by the current migration crisis, during which time the number of children arriving in the EU has increased exponentially.
Submitted: 23.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
22.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002220/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Radan Kanev (PPE), Wouter Beke (PPE), Stefan Berger (PPE), Markéta Gregorová (Verts/ALE), Bernard Guetta (Renew), Miriam Lexmann (PPE), Nicolás Pascual De La Parte (PPE), António Tânger Corrêa (PfE), Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR), Axel Voss (PPE), Lucia Yar (Renew)
Both the Draghi report on Europe’s global competitiveness and the new European defence industrial strategy[1] have uncovered significant gaps in Europe’s industrial capacity. These gaps have led to Europe being economically dependent on high-risk non-EU countries. This poses credible threats to the security of the EU and the wider Schengen area. One such threat is Chinese cyber warfare, including espionage and alleged data theft through China-produced scanning equipment at the EU’s external borders.
Submitted: 22.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
22.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002214/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
João Oliveira (The Left)
At a time of rampant speculation in the housing market, we have been alerted to a possible connection between the Erasmus+ programme and speculation-driven hikes in rent prices.
In countries such as Portugal, which traditionally host more Erasmus+ students than they send, the scant supply of student halls of residence and dearth of affordable accommodation have, alongside speculation, sent rent prices sky-rocketing in recent years.
The EUR 7.5 million in support for students announced by the Portuguese Government does nothing to address the underlying problem and may even have the undesirable effect of using public money to fuel speculation.
Instead, resources should go towards investing in increasing the supply of publicly owned student accommodation, which should also be available to Erasmus+ students.
In light of the above:
Submitted: 22.10.2024
Source: European Investment Bank
The EIB Group outlined the progress of the European Tech Champions Initiative (ETCI) – the fund of funds promoted by the European Union and participating EU Member States to foster the growth of cutting-edge technology startups with high growth potential (scale-ups) – today in Madrid. This initiative is led by the European Investment Fund (EIF), the EIB Group’s specialist provider of investment capital to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps.
The presentation took place during the Tech Champions Made in Europe day, which brought together representatives of the Spanish investment and technological innovation ecosystem and was attended by EIB Group President Nadia Calviño, Spanish Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo, EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt and Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) Chairman Manuel Illueca Muñoz.
Opening the day, President Calviño had the opportunity to detail the ongoing work to bolster the European capital market, including the expansion of the ETCI and opening it up to private investors. New financial instruments are also being developed to facilitate investor exits via acquisition or listing of the technology startups on European markets.
“Thanks to EIB Group support, Spain now has a top-tier European investment mega fund. We are already working on the second phase of this initiative, in which Spain is expected to retain its key role,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño.
The event was closed by Spanish Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo, who said: “Spain has already provided €400 million to the ETCI, and today we are announcing an additional contribution of €300 million from the Ministry of Digital Transformation that is soon to be approved by the Spanish cabinet.”
Since its launch in 2023, the ETCI has been fostering a positive environment in the European venture capital fund market and in the technology ecosystem. It has already closed fund deals worth €2 billion and mobilising five times this amount, totalling €10 billion in public and private sector resources for investment in growth-stage technology companies. ETCI-backed funds have so far invested in 16 European companies, two of which are Spanish.
In Spain, the ETCI has already made an initial investment in the Kembara Fund I FCR mega fund, a deep tech and climate-focused venture capital fund operating across Europe and managed by Alma Mundi Ventures SGEIC (Mundi Ventures). An investment in a second mega fund is expected by 2025. ETCI-backed funds have in turn invested in two Spanish high-tech companies in their advanced growth phase: Inke, which specialises in respiratory disease treatments, and Factorial, which develops and sells human resources software.
EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt said: “We are very happy with the ETCI’s progress to date, and are working on expanding it to increase its impact on the European venture capital and technological innovation ecosystems even further. We are exploring initiatives including structures where the private sector can play a greater role in this fund of funds, which is vital for ensuring European technological autonomy.”
During his speech, ICO Chairman Manuel Illueca Muñoz said: “The ETCI is helping to strengthen the EU innovation ecosystem. ICO Group aims to support Spanish startups and scale-ups throughout their lifecycle, until they reach sufficient maturity for the ETCI to turn them into European champions.”
Background information
The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group), consisting of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), reported total financing signatures in Spain of €11.4 billion in 2023, approximately €6.8 billion of which went to climate action and environmental sustainability projects. Overall, the EIB Group signed €88 billion in new financing in 2023.
The European Tech Champions Initiative (ETCI) is an EU programme managed by the EIF and backed by the European Commission and participating EU Member States. It helps to cover the financing needs of European technology scale-ups, preventing them from relocating and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness. Sectors benefiting from the initiative include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, deep tech, green technologies, biotechnology and digital technologies. The ETCI is also making a major contribution to the European financial markets and is an example of how the EIB Group can act as a pioneering instrument for the capital markets union.
Discurso completo de la presidenta Nadia Calviño durante la apertura de la jornada
Source: European Parliament
23.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002240/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR)
In an unofficial internal presentation, the Commission proposed replacing 530 ongoing programmes with 27 national operational programmes. This proposal would lead to the removal of regions’ competences and is in fact a way of acting outside the Treaties to boost the centralisation of Brussels’ power.
The changes the Commission is planning would increase red tape and reduce flexibility in responding to local needs. They would restrict regional authorities’ participation in the decision-making process and contribute to a greater disparity between the regions.
Under the guise of streamlining cohesion policy, the Commission’s ideas are dismantling EU regional policy, as other EU institutions – the European Committee of the Regions, the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control and the European Court of Auditors – have also pointed out.
In light of the above:
Submitted: 23.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
24.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002250/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left)
The Sierra del Escudo peatlands (special area of conservation (SAC) ES1300016) are the largest group of peatlands in southern Europe. Just a few metres away, a wind farm is being built.
The development’s environmental assessment recognises that the swept area of some of the turbines, plus the internal power cabling and access roads, all encroach on the SAC. The environmental assessment also establishes protection perimeters of at least 50 m around each peatland.
After construction work started, local groups reported that machines were working on the peatlands, violating the conditions imposed by the environmental impact statement and harming the largest group of peatlands and feeder microbasins in southern Europe. This can be confirmed by visiting the site or reading the local press.
Submitted: 24.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
23.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002237/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN)
According to recent media reports[1], the US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co. has allegedly made its investment of EUR 2.3 billion in Germany contingent upon a change in national legislation on the confidentiality of medicinal product prices. This practice could hamper competition in the internal market and lead to unequal market access conditions for pharmaceutical product manufacturers.
Submitted: 23.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
23.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002238/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN), Mary Khan (ESN)
The planned roll-out of the ‘EU Digital Travel App’ and the associated digitalisation of travel documents raises significant concerns regarding the protection of citizens’ rights and national sovereignty.
Firstly, the planned storage of sensitive information on mobile devices and the central administration via the app could lead to data breaches, especially in light of past cyber incidents.
Secondly, state pressure or organisational disadvantages could in future force citizens to use the app, even though it is formally considered voluntary.
Thirdly, the centralised management of these digital IDs could erode national sovereignty in sensitive security areas.
Submitted: 23.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
23.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002232/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)
Cyprus is the only Member State that remains condemned to energy isolation as it is cut off from all EU energy networks and cannot fulfil the objectives of the green transition. As a result, electricity prices in Cyprus are constantly rising, leaving much of the population mired in energy poverty. According to data from the European statistics service, Cyprus has the second highest electricity prices in Europe. Of those in the EU who are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, 35 % said they live in accommodation that is not comfortably warm in the winter.
In view of the above:
Submitted: 23.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
23.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002229/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Katri Kulmuni (Renew)
The only effective treatment for coeliac disease is a gluten-free diet. Coeliac disease is thought to affect around 1.4 % of people worldwide, and in some countries, the prevalence is significantly higher.
The composition and labelling of gluten-free foods is governed by an EU regulation.
The practical experience of many tourists, for example, is that restaurants in different EU countries have very different practices with regard to content labelling. In some cases, there is no labelling at all.
In view of the above:
Submitted: 23.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
23.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002241/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
César Luena (S&D)
Following an own-initiative inquiry into how the Commission takes decisions on applications by firms for authorisation of specific uses of particularly dangerous chemical substances, the Ombudsman has found that there is a lack of transparency and public information about the REACH Committee’s deliberations and has come to the conclusion that systemic delays on the part of the Commission and its failure to comply with statutory time-limits in the decision-making process constitute maladministration.
According to the REACH Regulation, firms wishing to use chemical substances that are of ‘very high concern’ must apply for authorisation to the Commission, which, on average, takes 14 1/2 months to prepare draft decisions, though the statutory time-limit is three months. That delay represents ‘a threat to human health and the environment’ because firms can continue to use those substances during the authorisation process.
Accordingly:
Submitted: 23.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
23.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002230/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
César Luena (S&D)
Following the recent decision of the Council[1] to adopt the European Commission’s proposal to lower the protection status of wolves uner the Bern Convention, a number of Member States’ ministers for agriculture, notably from the Baltic and Scandinavian region, expressed concerns about the impact of cormorants and seals on fisheries and food security, calling for a relaxation of EU regulations limiting their control.
Against this background:
Submitted: 23.10.2024
Source: European Commission
European Commission Press release Brussels, 30 Oct 2024 Today, the European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package, providing a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Türkiye
Source: European Parliament
17.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002147/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR)
A Commission staff working document on the EU financial framework for 2028-2034 sets out plans to introduce strict conditions that Member States must meet to access funds from the EU budget.
The document suggests that a method will be introduced to make the receipt of funds for social housing and farm subsidies conditional on a country’s adoption of rules on organic farming and gender equality policies.
The Commission’s tying of the receipt of EU funds to matters of philosophy and ideology is a step towards centralising power in the EU and an encroachment on national sovereignty.
Making countries subject to conditions of this nature is tantamount to blackmail.
In light of the above:
Submitted: 17.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
17.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002151/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Lynn Boylan (The Left)
On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice issued a historic advisory opinion that found that the occupation of Palestine is illegal under international law and that parties are under obligation not to engage in economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the occupied Palestinian territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory.
In the light of the advisory opinion:
Submitted: 17.10.2024
Source: European Parliament
Article 5 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) states that the limits of EU competences are governed by the principle of conferral and that the use of EU competences is governed by the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
Under the principle of conferral, the EU will act only within the limits of the competences conferred upon it by the Member States in the Treaties to attain the objectives set out therein. However, the EU does not have competences on the administrative and territorial organisation of the Member States.
It is the competence and the responsibility of the Member States to lay down the specific conditions for the conduct of their local referendums and public consultations, subject to the respect of the values enshrined in Article 2, which are given expression in basic principles, such as the principle of democracy laid down in Article 10 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and their international commitments.
Additionally, it is the responsibility of the competent national administrative and judicial authorities to ensure compliance with applicable law .
The Commission is committed to promote and uphold the rule of law, which is one of the values of Article 2 TEU. A key work stream in this respect is the Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report.
The annual Rule of Law Report focuses on developments, both positive and negative, in four key areas for the rule of law: the justice system, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism and freedom, and other institutional issues related to checks and balances.
It presents the Commission’s own assessment of developments occurring in these areas in each Member State. The annual Rule of Law Report does not focus on issues of local self-government.
Source: European Parliament
30.10.2024
The Schengen Borders Code[1], which has been thoroughly revised[2] with effect from 10 July 2024, provides in its Title III that internal borders may be crossed without border checks.
However, Member States may reintroduce internal border controls, exceptionally and temporarily, in case of threats to public policy or national security.
The revised framework provides for clearer deadlines and strict monitoring and reporting obligations. The Commission has stressed the importance of alternative measures to the reintroduction of internal border controls, such as joint police controls[3].
Border checks at the internal border do not call into question the right of EU citizens to move and reside freely within the EU, under the conditions set out in Directive 2004/38/EC[4].
EU citizens can still enter the territory upon simple presentation of a passport or of an identity card, unless there are reasons to restrict the right on grounds of public order, public security or public health.
The Commission is currently assessing the impacts of the recently notified reintroduction of border controls by Germany. In the notification of 9 September 2024, the German authorities indicated that they would attempt to minimise the impact of controls on free movement of persons within the Schengen area without internal border controls and cross-border regions.
The time-limits for a reintroduction of internal border controls are laid down in Article 25a of the revised Schengen Borders Code.
For foreseeable threats, a reintroduction may be extended to a maximum of two years for the same threat, with a possible renewal of twice six months in case of a major exceptional situation with regard to a persisting serious threat.
Source: European Parliament
On 13 October 2024, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement[1] on behalf of the EU condemning all attacks against any United Nations (UN) missions and expressing particularly grave concern regarding the attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), which left several peacekeepers wounded. Such attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute a grave violation of international law, are totally unacceptable and must stop immediately.
Unifil plays a fundamental role in the stability of South Lebanon and completes its mission under UN Security Council mandate (Resolution 1701 of 11 August 2006[2]). Currently 16 Member States contribute with personnel to Unifil.
The EU urgently calls for explanations and a thorough investigation from the Israeli authorities about the attacks against Unifil and urges all parties to fully uphold their obligations to guarantee the safety and security of Unifil personnel at all times, and to allow Unifil to continue to implement its mandate.
The EU has been consistently clear that political engagement and frank and open dialogue are the most effective way to convey EU concerns to third countries, including to Israeli partners. The Association Agreement with Israel[3] is the legal basis of EU’s ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities and provides important mechanisms to discuss issues and advance EU’s point of view.
Source: European Parliament
1. Under the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on the Carriage of Freight by Road signed on 29 June 2022[1], Ukrainian hauliers are granted only limited rights for access to the EU market compared to the rights of the hauliers established in EU. The Ukrainian operators are only allowed to perform bilateral transport operations from or to Ukraine and transit the EU territory in case of operations with third countries. They do not have the right to perform cross border trade between Member States or cabotage within a Member State, unlike European hauliers. Ukrainian hauliers are required to comply with all the obligations resulting from the Agreement. Member States have the responsibility to enforce these obligations including by laying down effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties.
The amending Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine signed on 20 June 2024[2] has clarified and reinforced control measures to enhance its implementation[3], including a system for monitoring compliance of road haulage operators.
2. The Agreement does not affect the competence and responsibility of Member States to control road transport activities, including to ensure that they do not involve any criminal or illegal activities such as human trafficking or drug smuggling.
3. Under the Agreement Ukrainian haulage undertakings are not granted the right to compete with EU hauliers for intra EU trade. Ukraine is a member of both the European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport[4] and the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) Multilateral Quota System[5], Ukrainian haulage companies and drivers are therefore subject to the safety, social and competition standards contained in these agreements.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware of the closure of road RN134 in France. The French authorities reported to the Commission that the Inter-Department Directorate for Atlantic Roads (DIRA) carried out a technical assessment on the ground, based on which it presented a proposal to repair the damage. Accordingly, the DIRA estimates that the works should be concluded in 2025[1].
The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF)[2] can only be activated at the request of an eligible state, which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002.
The EUSF may cover a part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities[3]. Private damage is not eligible. France has not requested EUSF assistance for this disaster yet.
The Commission supports Member States in improving their transport networks through different instruments, including Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for transport and Cohesion Policy’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
CEF supports the development of an interconnected trans-European transport network. Interreg supports cross border cooperation to promote the development of joint strategies and projects in relevant sectors for border regions.
The Spain-France-Andorra cooperation programme 2021-2027 invests EUR 18.7 million from the ERDF to promote climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience taking into account eco-system based approaches.
An additional EUR 12.4 million from the ERDF will be invested to increase the institutional capacity of regional authorities to deliver common services and to solve existing legal and administrative obstacles for better cooperation.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission is aware of its obligation under Article 15(2) of Regulation (EU) 2023/2405 (ReFuelEU Aviation)[1] and aims to publish its report in the shortest time possible.
The report will address important issues involving the entire value chain of the aviation fuels ecosystem. In preparing this report, the Commission conducted an extensive stakeholder consultation process which highlighted, among other things, the high complexity of the issue at stake and the necessary measures to be made to the already existing flexibility mechanism. Therefore, the Commission recognises that more time was necessary to produce the report. The document is being finalised and the European Parliament will be notified as soon as the report is published.
2. The work under the preparatory action on Establishing a book and claim system for SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) will directly relate to recommendations contained in the Commission report. It will be implemented in close cooperation with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) over a period of three years.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President have taken note of the article published by Politico on 26 September 2024 on the alleged actions of the Mozambican army against civilians in Cabo Delgado in summer 2021[1].
The EU continues to stress the importance of good conduct and behaviour of the Mozambican armed forces towards local populations.
In this context, trainings on human rights and international humanitarian law as well as women and children’s rights are part of the support to the Quick Reaction Forces of the Mozambican army provided by the EU military training mission in Mozambique and EU military assistance mission since their inception in November 2021 and September 2024 respectively.
The EU, through its delegation on the ground, has engaged with the Government of Mozambique to provide information on these actions and has made it clear to the Mozambican authorities that it expects elements of clarification in order to shed light on the events described in the article.
In a press statement released on 11 October 2024[2], the Ministry of Defense ‘regrets and refutes categorically the allegations mentioned in the article’.
It stands ready ‘to accept a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations in order to establish the truth’.
Based on Directive (EU) 2024/1760[3] on corporate sustainability due diligence which will start applying in 2027, companies in scope will be required to identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their activities inside and outside Europe.
Designated Member States’ authorities will enforce these rules and ensure that any victims receive compensation as foreseen by the directive. As such, TotalEnergies will have to comply with the directive should they decide to resume their operations in Cabo Delgado.
Source: European Parliament
The 2025 CO2 emission reduction targets for cars and vans were agreed by co-legislators and set in legislation in 2019[1], and they remained unchanged during the 2023 revision, providing manufacturers with sufficient time to develop compliance strategies.
The CO2 standards are designed to drive a gradual transition towards zero-emission mobility, and the 2025 milestone does not require full electrification.
More affordable electric vehicles, which have been announced by several manufacturers for 2025, can support a faster uptake of the technology. Other technologies can also contribute to reaching the targets, such as hybrids, plug-in hybrids or improvements in conventional vehicles. In addition, deploying smaller and more efficient vehicles can also contribute to reaching the CO2 targets.
The CO2 standards allow for stepwise improvements of the fleet average CO2 emissions. The previous standards were characterised by stagnating performances, followed by a significant reduction of CO2 emissions in 2020, as soon as the more stringent targets started to apply.
Some manufacturers argue that it would create competitive distortion to change the rules after they have invested to comply with them. With the rise in global market demand for electric vehicles[2], it is necessary to continue driving investments in technologies, infrastructure, skills and development of new value chains, in order to strengthen the competitive position of EU industry in the global transition towards zero-emission mobility.
In this context, it appears premature to draw conclusions on companies’ 2025 compliance situation at this stage.