WHAT’S THE EU’S STAND?

 

The EU is the world leader in terms of protecting the environment and fighting climate change. 30% of the EU budget (2021-2027) will be spent to fight climate change.

 

Does the European Green Deal ring any bells? It’s the plan to make the EU’s economy sustainable, outlining an action plan to:

 

• boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy
• restore biodiversity and cut pollution

 

By 2050, Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. To ensure this, the world’s first continental agreement was recently closed: the European Climate Law. 

And there’s a bunch of other things too… 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

 

Environmental NGOs working on nature, biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life get funding through the LIFE programme every year. WWF Europe, Climate Action Network Europe, Friends of the Earth Europe, BirdLife Europe, and Slow Food are just a few of the environmental, European, non-profit NGOs that receive EU funding.

 

Local authorities also receive support from the EU on their environmental projects and programmes.

 

PROTECTING ANIMALS

 

They’re cute and we love them to bits. Even the dangerous ones are essential for our environment. The EU has created legislation to protect animals in all sorts of contexts.

 

Through EU law you can bring your pets with you when travelling to another EU country. Farm animals get decent conditions, are protected from pain and have to be allowed to express their normal behaviours. The EU recognises animals as sentient beings and creates rules accordingly.

 

Wild animals in the EU are protected in special nature areas. Plus, the EU is hard on wildlife trafficking and supports biodiversity protection around the world.

 

The Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is on its way, and it will look at everything from Natura2000, deforestation, land degradation, protected species and habitats, and sustainable seas and oceans.

 

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC

 

Of the 8 billion plastic bags we use in Europe every year, many end up in our waters as marine litter. They stick around for hundreds of years and cause huge damage on the wildlife.

 

EU countries are required to implement measures to reduce the use of plastic bags. The next target is the most commonly used plastics on beaches like single-use straws, plates, cups, etc. Plus, the EU wants to make sure all plastic packaging is recyclable by 2030.