- 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
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
Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming: Recent EU Developments
- The EU has adopted methodologies for certifying activities that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it.
- The voluntary EU CRCF framework is intended to build increased trust and transparency for carbon credit methodologies and is expected to influence existing and emerging practices for certification in the
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
European Commission Proposes One-Year Delay to European Deforestation Regulation
The Commission published guidance documents to the regulation and proposed to postpone its entry into application to 30 December 2025.
By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, and James Bee
On 2 October 2024, the European Commission (Commission) adopted a proposal for a one-year delay to the implementation of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which was set to take effect from December 30, 2024. The Commission noted the proposal is a response to feedback from global partners and
European Parliament and Council Reach Political Agreement on Right to Repair Directive
The directive aims to reduce waste and bolster the repair sector.
By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, and James Bee
On 2 February 2024, the European Parliament (Parliament) and European Council (Council) reached a provisional deal on a directive promoting the repair of broken or defective goods, known as the Right to Repair Directive.
The directive was proposed in March 2023 by the European Commission[1] (Commission), seeking to deliver on environmental targets outlined in the European
European Commission Recommends 90% Emissions Reduction Target by 2040
The target aims to set the path for climate neutrality by 2050.
By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, and James Bee
On 6 February 2024, the European Commission (Commission) presented its recommendations for the EU’s 2040 climate target, following a detailed impact assessment on potential emission reduction pathways. This publication aligns with the implementation of the EU’s Climate Law, which enshrines the EU’s commitment to become climate-neutral by 2050, alongside the 2030 target to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55%, relative to 1990.
The Commission recommends a 90% net GHG reduction by 2040, as compared to 1990 levels. Notably, the recommendation refers to “net” GHG reduction, and therefore opens the door for the use of carbon removal technologies within the EU to meet the target.