- The EU PPWR became effective on the general application date of 12 August 2026.
- Certain rules (including the “conformity assessment” regarding restrictions on substances of concern and PFAS in food-contact packaging) and most harmonised EPR rules now apply, while other provisions enter into force on a phased basis.
- The European Commission published a guidance document
European Commission Publishes EU ETS Review, Proposing Significant Reforms
The proposed changes to the carbon pricing policy intend to balance industrial competitiveness with climate goals.
By Michael D. Green and James Bee
On 17 July 2026, the European Commission (Commission) presented its review of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), alongside an Electrification Action Plan. The EU ETS is the EU’s flagship carbon pricing mechanism, under which businesses in select industries must surrender and/or pay for allowances for each tonne of carbon they emit, creating a financial
UK Government Announces New Measures to Tackle Illegal Deforestation
New measures build on existing regulation to bring the UK further in line with the EU.
By Michael D. Green and James Bee
On 23 June 2026, the UK government announced plans for new rules intended to ensure that goods sold in the UK do not contribute to illegal deforestation. The measures will cover Great Britain, while businesses in Northern Ireland will be subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to maintain access to the EU single market.
Current UK
European Commission Publishes Draft Implementing Rules on CBAM Carbon Price Deductions
- The European Commission has opened a four-week consultation following the publication of a draft implementing regulation for CBAM on 13 May 2026.
- The draft rules explain how the payment of third-country carbon prices can reduce CBAM
EU ETS: European Commission Announces Additional Flexibilities, Including Updated Benchmarks
The package of measures recognises the need to promote energy security and combat rising costs.
By Michael D. Green and James Bee
Key Points:
- The Commission has outlined areas of ETS reform, including updated benchmarks for free allocations and a new €30 billion ETS Investment Booster.
- A medium-term ETS review is expected by July 2026 with the intention to “modernise” the system.
On 11 May 2026, the European Commission (Commission) presented updated EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) benchmarks for
European Commission Releases New EU Deforestation Regulation Measures
- The Commission has unveiled a package of EUDR measures aimed at providing guidance and easing implementation.
- The delegated act will adjust the range of commodities and products falling within the EUDR’s scope.
- The Commission has confirmed that it will not reopen the text of the EUDR, so companies should continue preparing for the 30 December
EU Sustainability Omnibus Published in the Official Journal
The publication marks the finalisation of the Sustainability Omnibus process, resulting in increased certainty for businesses.
By Michael D. Green, James Bee, and Toon Dictus
On 26 February 2026, the EU’s Omnibus I Directive, otherwise known as the Sustainability Omnibus, which introduces significant amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The Directive will enter into force on 18 March
European Commission Proposes Further One-Year Delay to the EU Deforestation Regulation
A new proposal could delay the EUDR implementation to 30 December 2026, as the Commission cites IT concerns.
By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, James Bee, and Toon Dictus
On 23 September 2025, the European Commission (Commission) announced that it will propose postponing the application of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by an additional year.
The Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy sent letters to the European Parliament and the Council indicating
European Commission Unveils Two Proposals Impacting the EU Batteries Regulation
The proposals are part of the broader “omnibus” initiative and would postpone due diligence obligations and introduce a “small mid-cap” category for in-scope companies.
By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, James Bee, and Toon Dictus
On 21 May 2025, the European Commission (Commission) published two proposals affecting the timeline and scope of the Regulation concerning batteries and waste batteries (the Batteries Regulation, or EUBR), aimed at streamlining compliance and providing clarity for economic operators within the
New German Government Takes Office: Key Developments in ESG and Supply Chain Laws
The Coalition focuses on reducing regulatory burden in supply chain requirements, achieving net zero by 2045, and voluntary measures in environmental and resource management.
By Axel Schiemann, Stefan Bartz, Joachim Grittmann, and Falko Schmidt
Following the German federal election in February 2025, the new coalition consisting of CDU/CSU and SPD (the Coalition) has reached a coalition agreement, unveiled on April 9, 2025. This agreement marks the culmination of extensive negotiations and sets the agenda for the new