The EU Methane Regulation (EU-MER) is crucial for reducing methane emissions from the energy sector, thereby enhancing our chances at achieving the climate targets. This paper describes the tasks of the Member States' responsible ministries and competent authorities, analyses the resources they will need to accomplish them, and provides recommendations for effective planning.
The EU Methane Regulation (EU-MER) is crucial for reducing methane (CH4) emissions from the energy sector, thereby enhancing our chances at achieving the climate targets. This paper discusses the respective roles of the responsible ministries (RM) and the competent authorities (CA) and examines how the CA's tasks can be allocated to various pre-existing agencies at the national or regional level. Additionally, the working paper discusses the importance of political autonomy for CA and how MS can prevent undue influence.
This publication discusses the penalty regime to be established by the EU Member States to sanction infringements against the recently adopted EU Methane Regulation (EU-MER). In these regimes, (administrative) fines will play a major role. The EU-MER stipulates that the level of fines must be proportionate to the environmental damage and impact on human health associated with the infringement as the core criterion. The working paper proposes applying a core reference value of 6.000 EUR/tCH4 to be adjusted according to the aggravating or mitigating factors foreseen by the regulation.
This report aims to provide inspiration and guidance for stakeholders in Central Eastern European (CEE) countries to pursue a more holistic and coordinated approach for transitioning towards climate friendly and resilient agri-food systems.
The guidance document "Developing ambitious local long-term climate neutrality strategies", developed as part of the Ready4NetZero project serves as a comprehensive roadmap for administrative staff in small- and medium-sized municipalities as they navigate the complexities of becoming climate neutral. It is structured to facilitate a clear understanding of the necessary cross-cutting measures for developing effective local long-term climate strategies, including realizing a long-term vision, establishing baselines, fostering participation, planning action, financing, monitoring, evaluation, and ensuring a just transition.
This report assesses the implementation status and quality of a selection of 11 provisions from 4 EU laws in 6 EU countries (Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Poland and Spain). These 4 EU laws are Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity (DIR), Regulation (EU) 2019/943 on the internal market for electricity (REG), Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable resources (RED) and Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 laying down a framework to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy (ACC).
This report analyzes documents and formats focusing on resource efficiency, resource conservation and the circular economy at the German, European and international level. It outlines significant developments and expected trends in resource policy and identifies research needs. Given the rapid increase in global resource use, driven by population growth and economic expansion, the transition to a resource-efficient and circular economy is a key challenge. This need is reinforced by various global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and increasing resource dependency. The report emphasizes that innovative and effective policies are needed at both national and international levels to promote and implement this transition.
This final report provides an analysis of the innovation and dissemination processes of infrastructure solutions that aim to increase sustainability and resilience. The research was conducted as part of the TRAFIS II project.
The report "Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters, and Soil" discusses the results of a questionnaire that was distributed to European countries via the German Federal Environment Agency. The report focuses on current and planned research and monitoring activities as well as strategies to control litter in different environmental compartments.
This report focuses on the assessment of the status of the marine environment, the definition of environmental objectives and the development of programs of measures to achieve good environmental status. It provides guidance to Member States on the assessment of marine waters, identifies key pressures and pressures factors and offers approaches for setting environmental targets. It supports the development of monitoring programs and the implementation of measures to reduce pollution and conserve biodiversity. The technical assistance aims to promote cooperation between Member States and create a coherent framework for maritime policy in the EU.
The KOPOS criteria set serves to make the sustainability and transformation impacts of initiatives in the food sector measurable and visible. It provides a basis for evaluating and improving the sustainability of projects, and is useful both for initiatives themselves and for institutions wishing to promote sustainability projects. In addition to the actual set of criteria, this working paper provides an introduction and a derivation of the criteria.
This report analyzes the challenges and opportunities arising from the phase-out of coal in Germany, with a specific focus on the three major coalfields: the Central German, Rhenish and Lusatian coalfields. It offers a detailed insight into the challenges and strategic approaches and emphasizes the need to develop regional infrastructures in a targeted and sustainable manner in order to meet the economic, social and ecological challenges of the three major German coalfields. Innovative technical solutions and a stronger integration of different infrastructure sectors can support the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a sustainable and resilient regional development.
This study assesses the progress of EU Member States in embedding participatory governance processes to foster transformative climate governance. Through comprehensive criteria-based analysis and in-depth interviews across several nations, this publication unveils the current state of MLCED implementation, challenges in stakeholder engagement, and the adequacy of mechanisms designed to steer us towards a climate-neutral future.
To achieve the ambitious climate targets of the Federal Climate Change Act a rapid expansion of renewable energies, particularly wind and photovoltaics (PV), is crucial. In this context, achieving 215 GW of installed PV capacity by 2030 has become a specific target of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). This report deals with the central role that buildings play in meeting PV expansion targets, with the potential to cover up to 25% of EU electricity consumption through rooftop PV.