News

On 28/05/2020, the European Parliament's Environment Committee discussed the Committee's first draft opinion on the legislative framework for achieving climate neutrality, presented by the Commission in March 2020. The rapporteur for the Committee's opinion is Swedish MEP Jytte Guteland (S&D). In its proposal, the Commission has supported achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and reducing emissions by 50-55% by 2030. However, the Environment Committee proposes strengthening ambitions and reducing emissions by 65% by 2030 and proposes the introduction of an additional emission reduction target for year 2040 by 80 to 85% (compared to 1990).
More information is available here and here.

On 26/05/2020, the European Parliament's Agricultural Committee supported the introduction of clear criteria for combating deforestation in future EU trade agreements. The opinion was adopted by 31 votes to 13, with 4 abstentions. According to the opinion, EU trade agreements must include safeguard clauses allowing the EU to stop importing products from countries where deforestation is taking place. The agreements are to include binding and enforceable provisions for the protection of forests. The EU should also introduce a mandatory due diligence system and legally binding criteria for sustainable commodity production.
More information is available here.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO U.N.) has published a Report on the State of Forests. According to the report, agriculture is the main cause of deforestation in the world. Representatives of the FAO called it necessary to protect biodiversity and stop deforestation by changing the way food is produced. According to the FAO, agroforestry and agroecology should be supported, food waste should be reduced, and healthier eating habits should be encouraged.
More information is available here.

On 25/05/2020, Italy introduced a national voluntary animal welfare labelling scheme. In particular, labelling should ensure transparency in pig farming, and should be based on 4 main principles: the label should indicate breeding methods; an indication of whether or not the animal was kept in a cage; an indication of at least three levels of breeding environment for each species of animal; last but not least, the way in which information is presented must be clear and comprehensible.
More information is available here.

Austria informed the European Commission last week of a planned ban on the use of glyphosate. The placing of plant protection products containing the active substance glyphosate will be prohibited due to the precautionary principle. Austria is now awaiting approval from the European Commission. Luxembourg has introduced a ban on the use of glyphosate as early as 01/01/2020.