Climate action — binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions (2021–2030) Regulation (EU) 2018/842 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement The regulation, known as the effort sharing regulation (ESR), sets out: the European Union (EU) Member States’ obligations on their minimum contributions in specific sectors to meet […]
EU emissions trading system — auctioning regulation Regulation (EU) No 1031/2010 on the timing, administration and other aspects of auctioning of greenhouse gas emission allowances It sets out the rules to ensure that the procedure for allocating emission allowances within the European Union emissions trading system (EU ETS) is open, transparent, harmonised and non-discriminatory. Auctioning Auctioning has been the default method of allocating emission allowances […]
Clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles Directive 2009/33/EC on promoting clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles It aims at promoting and stimulating the development of a market for clean and energy-efficient vehicles. It requires public authorities and certain other public transport operators to take into account the impact of these vehicles during their operational lifetime in terms of: energy consumption; CO2 emissions; and other pollutant […]
Substances Harming the Ozone Layer EU regulation covers certain substances harmful to the ozone layer. These include CFCs, HCFCs, and certain other substances. The regulation also affects products and equipment relying on these substances. The placing on the market or production of the substances or products and equipment containing them is prohibited with the exception of certain limited uses. The placing on the market of […]
EU rules on national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants Directive (EU) 2016/2284 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants It aims to reduce the health risks and environmental impact of air pollution by establishing national emission reduction commitments. The directive also aligns emission reduction commitments under EU law with international commitments (following the revision of the Gothenburg Protocol in 2012). The legislation […]
Substances affecting the ozone layer The European Union (EU) wishes to phase out substances which deplete the ozone layer in order to protect human health and the environment. To contribute towards this objective, this Regulation integrates the provisions of the Montreal Protocol. It prohibits the production and placing on the market of the most dangerous substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It also lays down rules […]
Non-road mobile machinery: gaseous pollutants In order to reduce air pollution caused by the engines of non-road mobile machinery, the Directive specifies, at Community level, acceptable emission standards for these engines and certification procedures with respect to these standards. Directive 97/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1997 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to […]
Reducing greenhouse gases by 2020 This Decision contributes to meeting the commitment made by the European Union to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 in relation to 1990 levels. It sets objectives for reducing emissions for each of the Member States and defines the means for checking whether they have been met. These objectives could be increased in line with international agreements. […]
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) The Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) forms a framework, based on the precautionary principle, which seeks to guarantee the safe elimination of these substances, which are harmful to human health and the environment, as well as reductions in their production and use. The Convention covers 12 priority POPs, although the eventual long-term objective is to cover other substances. Council […]
Reduction in CO2 emissions of new passenger cars Road transport is one of the largest greenhouse-gas emitting sectors in the European Union (EU). In order to reduce emissions in this sector, this Regulation sets limits for new passenger cars. Regulation (EC) No 443/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars as part […]