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Kazakhstan is a major producer of critical raw materials (CRMs), and an increasingly important energy supplier for the European Union. Metals and chemicals from Kazakhstan are helpful in the EU’s efforts to advance the green and digital transition. The Central-Asian state is becoming a key player in supporting EU sectors such as the net-zero industry, space, defence, and technology.
The EU-Kazakhstan relations were recently strengthened by the Annual Cooperation Council which took place in October 2024, which aims to strengthen political, economic and trade cooperation. Cooperation in the raw material sector was particularly reinforced by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in November 2022.
Kazakhstan’s recent accession to the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) Forum, which serves as a new platform for cooperation in the CRMs area, also broadened EU-Kazakhstan relations further.
In the context of the upcoming European Commission’s Raw Materials Week 2024, listen to this Euractiv Conference to explore the future of EU-Kazakhstan relations in the CRM sector and the emerging opportunities driven by the EU’s green and digital transitions. Questions to be discussed include:
- What are the implications of the Mineral Security Partnership Forum for EU-Kazakhstan cooperation in the CRMs area?
- How can the MSP Forum support sustainability and diversification of the CRMs supply chains in EU-Kazakhstan trade relations?
- Does the scaling up of Kazakhstan’s CRMs production align with the EU’s green and digital transition ambitions? -
Governments across the world have recognised the strategic importance of leadership in key technological standards, including for cellular communications, and relying on an open, industry-led standardisation process.
The European Union's proposed regulation on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) has sparked significant debate within the technology industry over its implications on Europe's ability to innovate in next-generation technologies such as 5G and 6G. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on innovation, competitiveness but also national security and defence capabilities.
Over a roundtable lunch hosted by Euractiv in collaboration with Qualcomm, representatives from industry, academia, and government will delve into the future of SEPs and standardisation in Europe.
Questions to be discussed include:
- How will the proposed regulation impact national security and defence capabilities?
- What is the role of courts and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in resolving intellectual property disputes, particularly in the context of SEPs?
- How can we achieve a balanced approach that protects both patent holders and implementers in the SEP landscape? -
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With the EU Public Country by Country Reporting and the CSRD Directive having entered into force in 2024, Tax Transparency will become a reality within the EU legal reporting framework. Debates are still active on the merits of such initiatives, with some companies gradually have become more transparent about their tax affairs, while others have kept their tax cards closer to their chest. Ultimately, in 2026, qualifying companies will have to disclose their CbC-Reporting and need to include comprehensive information in their CSRD-reporting, insofar tax is considered a material topic.
For the last decade there has been a lot of focus in the EU on additional reporting and anti-abuse measures, which ultimately had lead to a high cost of tax compliance. According to the Draghi Report this has resulted in the EU having proportionally smaller companies compared to the US. In the current context, the European Business Tax Forum (EBTF) estimated it was the right time to make a status on tax transparency in Europe while continuing promoting a fact-based public debate by disclosing the tax contribution of major multinationals in Europe.
Listen to this hybrid conference with the support of Euractiv to discuss the current state of Tax Transparency in Europe and how companies are preparing for the upcoming reporting requirements, and to find out how the European MNC’s are contributing to the public finances globally and how this has been evolving.
Questions that will be discussed include:
- What differences can be seen in the various sectors and around Europe in terms of the current level of tax transparency?
- Will the upcoming reporting obligations be sufficient for informing stakeholders adequately?
- What are examples of best transparency practices?
- What role do European MNC’s play in increasing the future EU competitiveness? -
Urban mobility plays a pivotal role in the EU’s broader green transition goals. For the EU to meet its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, innovation and transformation in the mobility sector is crucial.
In the latest study on urban mobility transition by EIT Urban Mobility, findings show that investments in innovation are already yielding significant results in improving traffic congestion and reducing emissions in several European cities. By 2030, technological progress in mobility solutions could help reduce CO2 emissions by 21%.
According to the report, public transport emerges as the most affordable and inclusive solution to reduce urban mobility emissions. By 2030, public transport ridership could increase by up to 7%, while private car trips could drop by up to 16%. Moreover, findings show that shifting to active transport modes like walking and cycling could generate €1,170 in health savings per capita between 2022 and 2050.
Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the costs and benefits of the EU’s urban mobility transition and how the EU can ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to a cleaner, more efficient urban mobility system. Questions to be addressed include:
-What are examples of innovation in urban mobility? How can they be advanced?
-How can cities finance new infrastructure and technology upgrades while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all citizens? What role do public and private investments play in this?
-What could be the economic impacts of the transition? How can the EU mitigate negative outcomes for vulnerable populations? -
The European steel industry employs over 300,000 people directly and supports millions more indirectly. As the backbone of many key industrial value chains, including clean technologies from renewables to electric vehicles, steel has been foundational to the European Union, driving prosperity, resilience, and innovation.
Yet European steel’s viability and leadership in breakthrough decarbonisation projects - worth billions in investments - are now under threat. Global steel overcapacity, unfair trade practices, high energy costs, and increasing carbon prices are eroding Europe’s industrial competitiveness, as highlighted in the recent Draghi Report.
Can the EU’s renewed focus on industrial competitiveness and the proposed Steel Action Plan be the solution? What does it take to shape an actionable, timely European Steel Action Plan to address these crucial challenges?
Listen to this EUROFER Conference - running alongside the exhibition “Steel: At the Heart of Europe – Stronger with European Steel”, hosted at the European Parliament from 19 to 21 November - to discuss these pressing questions with Members of the European Parliament, steel industry leaders, and social partners.
At this pivotal time - just days before the new European Commission begins its work, with President Ursula von der Leyen’s pledge to take decisive action within the first 100 days - panellists will exchange views on:
· What immediate actions are needed to secure investments in green steel and protect quality jobs in Europe;
· How to craft a strategic, full set of measures across all policy areas to ensure Europe’s competitive edge in the race for climate-neutral production;
· Why an EU Steel Action Plan is urgently needed not only to safeguard a sustainable future for the sector, but to ensure the resilience of Europe’s entire industrial ecosystem.
Organised by: EUROFER
Media Partner: Euractiv -
As the EU embarks on a new mandate, its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is driving a renewed focus on shaping a regulatory framework that fosters sustainability and preserves Europe’s competitiveness.
With the Draghi report underscoring the importance of a competitive and sustainable Europe, and growing momentum for harmonising climate policies across the Single Market, this event offers a timely platform to discuss how the forthcoming EU Green Claims Directive (GCD) can support these objectives, and the role that Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) plays in this transition.
The GCD is set to be a cornerstone in enhancing transparency and integrity in green claims, helping to combat greenwashing and provide consumers with reliable information. However, it is also important to ensure that the Directive does not unintentionally hinder the use of the VCM, which is an essential tool for mobilising substantial private sector investment in climate action. Far from being a ‘licence to pollute,’ high-integrity carbon credits support valuable environmental projects and accelerate the transition to net-zero.
With the GCD soon entering interinstitutional negotiations, this event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss how the GCD aligns with the EU’s broader climate objectives and how the VCM can continue to play a vital role in the EU’s decarbonisation efforts, all while maintaining transparency, trust, and market integrity.
Organised by: The Business Alliance for Climate Action (BACA)
Media Partner: Euractiv -
Free and independent media is a key pillar of democracy, but recently, worrying trends have emerged across Europe. In response, a new legal instrument was adopted at EU level - the European Media Freedom Act - which came into force on 7 May 2024. Most of its provisions will be applicable by 8 August 2025.
The F.R.E.I.H.E.I.T project (Fact-checking & Reliable European Information to Help Europe Integrate Together) aims to address foreign interference in European media. Through fact-checked, independent editorial production, freelance journalists from Europe and the Eastern Neighbourhood are working to combat disinformation and promote reliable information.
Media freedom remains under pressure in many Eastern Neighbourhood countries. Critics claim that Georgia struggles with disinformation, Moldova faces news bias, and Russian propaganda is replicated in Azerbaijan. There are also reports of an increase in disinformation in Armenia, and a deterioration of free speech in Belarus.
Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the state of media freedom in Europe. Journalists from the F.R.E.I.H.E.I.T project, reporting from Eastern Europe, will bring their on-the-ground experience to the conversation. Some questions to be addressed include:
- What are the most pressing challenges to media freedom within the EU, and how do they differ from those in the Eastern Neighbourhood?
- Does the European Media Freedom Act adequately address these issues? What improvements could be made?
- How can EU countries provide more support to Eastern Neighbourhood journalists facing media freedom challenges?
- How can EU-Eastern Neighbourhood collaboration be strengthened to combat shared disinformation threats?The sole responsibility for any content supported by the European Media and Information Fund lies with the author(s) and it may not necessarily reflect the positions of the EMIF and the Fund Partners, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the European University Institute.
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An estimated 67 million Europeans rely on heat provided by district heating, which is currently undergoing a decarbonisation process to achieve the goal of being climate-neutral by 2050.
However, different district heating systems are at different stages of progress towards net-zero. Some systems, particularly low-temperature district heating networks, have already been fully decarbonised through the use of technologies like heat pumps and geothermal energy. In contrast, large-scale district heating systems that require high temperatures face more limited options, such as biomass, electrode boilers (as part of power-to-heat solutions), and energy storage.
A key principle of the energy transition is to ensure that no one is left behind, including customers of district heating systems. This transition presents a range of challenges, not only technical and technological, but also regulatory and economic. These difficulties will be especially pronounced in large, densely developed cities. To address this, it is essential to establish regulatory frameworks and effective mechanisms, in line with the Fit for 55 package, that will support investment and ensure the transformation is both feasible and acceptable for heat recipients.
Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the road to net-zero of district heating systems. Questions to be discussed include:
- What is the future role of district heating systems? With rising heatwaves across Europe, what potential do these systems have to provide both heating and cooling?
- What technological and regulatory solutions can be implemented to meet the new targets for energy-efficient district heating and cooling systems?
- How can the cost burden of the transformation be minimised for end users? What financial and regulatory tools are required to support the transition?
- What is the potential of power-to-heat solutions and thermal storage, and how can they complement the role of large-scale cogeneration units?
- Do heating networks pose limitations to the energy transition? How can high-temperature district heating systems be decarbonised?
- What regulatory frameworks are necessary for the district heating sector to effectively manage the transformation process? -
The European Union is intensifying efforts to improve consumer protection in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. At the same time, industries are exploring how new technological solutions can be used to safeguard consumers in innovative new ways.
The forthcoming "Digital Fairness Act" will impact a range of industries, from e-commerce to entertainment, which will need to adhere to new standards, including transparent marketing practices and measures to prevent addictive behaviours, all aimed at creating a safer and more equitable digital environment for consumers.
The Commission has also launched a fitness check of EU consumer law on digital fairness to assess whether the current legal framework is sufficient to guarantee a high level of consumer protection in the evolving digital landscape.
Where the upcoming implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act specifically aims to regulate AI systems and their application in industry and the Digital Services Act (DSA) regulates online content, these new measures seek to level the digital playing field, address unfair practices, and ensure consumers are thoroughly protected both online and offline.
Lsiten to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the protection of consumers in the digital environment. Questions to be discussed include:
- What role does the Digital Services Act play in holding online platforms accountable for ensuring a high level of safety and privacy for consumers?
- What role should public consultation and stakeholder engagement play in shaping future digital fairness legislation to ensure it addresses real consumer concerns?
- What lessons can be learned from the lottery industry in their ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers and prevent addictive gambling behaviours? -
Renewable energy projects require substantial front-end investment as well as complicated permitting and licensing in order to operate, but what happens when there are disputes in the sector? In 1994 the European Union signed the Energy Charter Treaty which provided for International Arbitration through the World Bank ICSID Court. However, earlier this year the EU signalled it’s intent to leave the Treaty, citing its support for traditional forms of energy. Why then are nearly all of the outstanding claims in renewable energy? And what impact will leaving the Treaty have on renewable investor confidence in Europe?
As an example, we will discuss the Spanish Renewable Awards. Spain has defaulted on more than 25 international arbitration awards amounting to €1.56 billion in compensation for the retroactive withdrawal of renewable premiums. This amount is further increased by over €315 million in legal and financial overcosts resulting from non-compliance with the rulings. The situation has become so bad that numerous enforcement procedures and asset seizures are in play through courts in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Australia, and the United States.
The Spanish Government has been accused of taking an ideological position to refuse to settle these claims and has attempted to persuade the European Commission to retrospectively declare these awards as ’state aid’. If this is proven to be the case, what message does this give to large renewable investors about the rule of law in Europe?
Join us for this important and lively discussion with renewable energy investors, senior litigators and European officials.
Organised by: Aream Group SA
Media Partner: Euractiv -
In 2020, as an integral part of the European Green Deal, the EU presented its Farm to Fork Strategy, aimed at making Europe's food systems more resilient, healthier and more sustainable. The Farm to Fork strategy was the first to integrate all aspects of the food chain (agricultural, ecological, and nutritional) into a unified approach to food systems, moving beyond traditional farm policy.
Scientific evidence underlines the urgent and exacerbated need for more sustainable and healthier food systems. This is due to factors related to the climate crisis, such as soil degradation and a decline in biodiversity, as well as other factors such as increased obesity levels in many countries.
Many stakeholders argue that the transition to sustainable food systems needs to be accomplished in a manner that respects and preserves Europe's natural resources. Farmers play a key role in this transition. Recent protests throughout the EU highlighted that the upcoming mandate will be critical in delivering the necessary assistance and funding farmers' needs for this transition.
Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the way forward to more resilient and sustainable food systems in the EU. Questions to be discussed include:
- What are the main financial challenges currently faced by farmers in the transition towards sustainable food systems?
- How can EU policy frameworks be adapted to provide more flexible and financial support to farmers transitioning to sustainable practices?
- How can we create favourable market conditions that protect natural resources while transitioning to sustainable food systems? -
Neurotechnology, where neuroscience meets technology, includes all the tools and methods that are used to improve our understanding of how the human brain functions as well as what can be done to improve or repair the brain’s capacities. These advancements are opening new possibilities across various aspects of life, from healthcare to daily activities.
However, the rapid development of neurotechnology raises important questions regarding its societal impact and regulatory requirements. As neurotechnologies intersect with various EU legislative and policy initiatives, a comprehensive and integrated approach will be necessary for the EU to establish a legal framework governing these technologies.
Moreover, certain applications of neurotechnology could pose challenges related to fundamental rights, such as concerns about mental surveillance or consent to collection and processing of brain data. The EU will need to identify potential gaps in existing fundamental rights’ protections and address them to ensure neurotechnology advances responsibly. A key element of the EU's approach will be engaging stakeholders and ensuring inclusiveness in discussions on the regulation and application of neurotechnology.
Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss neurotechnology's rapid evolution and its legal implications in the EU policy-landscape. Questions to be discussed include:
-With the evolution of other technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the effects of neurotechnologies become even more elusive. How can we anticipate their long-term consequences?
-Do neurotechnologies fit into existing fundamental rights’ protections or do we need new human rights frameworks and rights for the brain?
-How can we ensure equal access to these technologies and address the risk of exacerbated or even new types of inequalities?
-How do we prepare a legislative framework for neurotechnology, with a focus on inclusive and participatory discussions? -
With elections on both sides of the Atlantic, 2024 is set to bring many changes to transatlantic relations. If the elections result in new leadership, priorities and strategies will shift, impacting trade and competitiveness policies.
Launched in 2021, the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) aims to revitalise transatlantic cooperation through coordinated approaches to key global trade, economic, and technology issues. Both regions have strong incentives to collaborate, but the specifics will depend on the outcomes of the elections and the policies adopted by new or continuing leadership. Moreover, the EU and the US may seek to renegotiate or reaffirm trade agreements to face global competitors such as China.
Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss what impact the upcoming US elections might have on transatlantic cooperation and how EU-US relations may develop in the coming years. Questions to be addressed include:
- How might European multinationals and SMEs, production and exports be impacted by the US election outcome? Is there scope for reduced trade barriers?
- What does industrial competitiveness mean for free trade? What role does the US Inflation Reduction Act play in transatlantic relations?
- What scope is there for new agreements and collaborations, addressing supply chain disruptions and labour market challenges? And how does that fit with reducing dependencies on global competitors such as China?
- What could be the implications of the upcoming US elections for EU security and defence, and the outcome of the war with Ukraine? -
Gas venting, flaring, and leakage accounts for tremendous wastage. An estimated 267 billion cubic metres (BCM) of natural gas could be made available to gas markets with a global effort to reduce methane emissions and tackle non-emergency flaring. These volumes amount to over 70% of the EU’s annual gas consumption, which was estimated at 360 BCM in 2023, and could be worth $48 billion.
This wasteful practice harms not only the environment due to high heat-trapping potential of methane, it also harms the health of local communities in the vicinity. Conversely, if this gas was captured instead of wasted into the atmosphere, it would produce revenues for producers, energy security for purchasers, and help slow near-term global warming.
Unfortunately, this major opportunity isn’t on the radar of companies, banks and governments for several reasons. This is in part due to poor data on flaring and emissions, the lack of internal incentives to prioritize their reduction, and high competition for other company priorities. Even when gas-recovery prospects are identified, project development can be expensive and risky, and the economic feasibility can be hampered by tax regimes, expensive borrowing costs, and poor visibility on upstream demand for abated gas.
This event will bring stakeholders together to discuss a new whitepaper from CATF, illustrating how the EU’s You Collect We Buy initiative can be shaped to capture and market gas that would have been leaked, vented or flared.
Ahead of the EU’s anticipated engagement at COP29 on methane reductions in the energy sector, this event will consider how to build the necessary engagement, coordination, and partnerships to capitalise on these opportunities, and create economic, energy, and climate benefits for all.
CATF's Report "Developing an Implementation Plan for ‘You Collect We Buy’ Capitalising on the gas capture opportunity" can be accessed here: https://www.catf.us/resource/developing-implementation-plan-you-collect-we-buy/
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In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the fight against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Europe has committed to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 and EU-wide progress has been made towards the UNAIDS goals.
However, many countries – including in Europe – are not on track to meet the global goals. HIV continues to pose a public health threat in the EU/EEA countries where an estimated 765 000 people are living with the virus and approximately 23 000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Advocates have been calling for stronger actions at EU and national levels to end the HIV epidemic in Europe.
A new report published by BCG (commissioned by Gilead Sciences), “Going the extra mile to end the HIV epidemic”, lays out the need for sustained funding and investment in HIV prevention, innovation, and other policy efforts such as adopting a range of testing options. The report also highlights the importance of coordination and commitment from a variety of stakeholders, including governments, public health leaders, healthcare providers, and community-led organisations and people living with HIV.
Significant progress has been made in the fight to end the HIV epidemic, but we are currently at risk of falling short of the 2030 targets. An extra effort is required to achieve the global goal. Just 5 years out from 2030, join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the actions needed to end the HIV epidemic in the EU. Questions to be addressed include:
- Considering the UN SDGs, what steps can the EU take to accelerate its efforts to end the HIV epidemic in Europe by 2030?
- To what extent can the EU support its Member States in their fight against HIV? How can the Commission coordinate initiatives at EU and national levels?
- What role do biomedical innovations play in ending HIV in Europe and worldwide? How can they be accelerated?
- How can the EU and its Member States contribute to sustained funding and guarantee access to innovative treatments?
- What are the best practices for HIV testing?
- What is the role of the new EU Institutions in this important fight and to maintain the political momentum for action? -
Panel I: Meet the candidatesDiscussion of the upcoming elections with representatives of Uzbekistan’s political groups and civil society.
Panel II: EU and Central Asia – What avenues for future cooperation?
In 2022 and 2023, the Central Asian Heads of State and the President of the European Council held their first-ever high-level meetings, resulting in the preparation of a further joint roadmap for deepening ties between the EU and Central Asia. An EU–Central Asia leaders' summit is due to take place in 2024 and will be an opportunity to match the EU's political relevance in the region with its status of major donor and investor.This intensification of high-level relations reflects Central Asia's growing geostrategic importance in the light of recent global developments. These developments also provide further avenues for partnership and cooperation in areas such as energy, agrifood, raw materials and connectivity.
Energy remains a cornerstone of cooperation, as the region holds significant reserves of oil and natural gas. This could present potential for more energy partnerships, as well as investments in pipeline infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and the development of green hydrogen initiatives. Raw materials are another critical area of cooperation, with the EU's high-tech industries and green transition relying on these materials. Enhanced cooperation in mining and sustainable extraction technologies could be pivotal in meeting the EU’s industrial needs while promoting sustainable practices in Central Asia.
The launch of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform in Astana on 12 June marked a milestone in strategic integration. This transport corridor is aimed at connecting Europe and Central Asia within 15 days or less to improve trade and connectivity and follows the Global Gateway Investors Forum in January this year.
Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to learn more about the untapped opportunities in the Central Asian region and what the new avenues for cooperation with the EU are. Questions to be discussed include:
- What role can the EU's Global Gateway play in modernising Central Asian infrastructure and further integrating the region with European markets?
- What new market opportunities are there for agrifood trade and Central Asian produce within the EU?
- What are the opportunities for EU investment in the region?
- What will EU-Central Asia cooperation look like under the new EU mandate? -
The last European Parliament mandate introduced the first-ever legal framework on artificial intelligence through the AI Act. This act addresses the risks associated with AI and positions Europe to play a leading role globally.
In line with this, the development of the new European AI Office ahead of the new mandate will centralise AI expertise across the EU and play a key role in implementing the AI Act.
Looking ahead, a shift to the right following the European Parliament elections may result in fewer regulatory initiatives in tech, a weaker push for market integration, but increased support for defence innovation, according to Euractiv.
Large-scale disinformation campaigns, particularly Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), as defined by the European External Action Service (EEAS), pose a major challenge for Europe and could be a significant focus in the upcoming mandate.
Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the new legislative agenda for 2024 to 2029 and explore the anticipated challenges and opportunities for the tech sector.
Questions to be discussed include:
- What will be the legislative priorities for the tech sector in the new Commission mandate, particularly regarding AI and disinformation?
- How will the new European Parliament formation impact tech policies in the next mandate?
- What will be the major challenges and opportunities for tech policy from 2024 – 2029?
- What are the key priorities for the tech industry in the coming years?This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement no 101070190.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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On 24 September, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will unveil their new study showing the availability of community and biodiversity friendly land in Europe for achieving renewable energy targets. This study is a critical step toward balancing our energy needs with conservation efforts.
The revised Renewable Energy Directive mandates European countries to conduct national renewable energy spatial mapping within a year. By February 2026, they must designate Renewable Acceleration Areas. The timeline is tight, but it’s essential to approach this exercise mindfully, considering both the biodiversity and community values. But countries need to go smart to go fast.
TNC's new study "Land use and Europe’s renewable energy transition: identifying low-conflict areas for wind and solar development" reveals that Europe has enough low-conflict land to achieve 45% of renewables by 2030. However, it will not happen on its own – achieving this goal requires conscious adoption of smart siting practices as an imperative in the implementation. The launch event will bring together energy, biodiversity and social science experts. They will discuss how smart siting measures can accelerate sustainable and equitable renewable energy deployment, to achieve the required speed and scale of energy transition to tackle climate change.
Europe’s renewables potential can be unlocked through thoughtful planning, balancing energy needs with environmental stewardship. Smart siting is the key to achieving our renewable energy goals while safeguarding our natural heritage and communities.
Organised by: The Nature Conservancy
Media Partner: Euractiv -
Climate change is increasingly causing environmental damage and disturbing biodiversity across Europe. This situation calls for greater initiatives to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and industry’s carbon footprint.
In this context, the European Commission approved a new legislation on environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings in February 2024. These scores serve as an informational tool for companies to assess their risks and impacts on people and the environment. The legislation aims to bolster investor’s confidence in sustainable products, while encouraging companies to explore carbon removal projects in Europe.
As such, carbon and biodiversity credits can also play a role in corporate environmental strategies. These credits can incentivise companies to compensate for their carbon footprint through carbon removal projects, such as forest conservation and ecosystem restoration projects.
Some stakeholders believe that ESG ratings can benefit carbon removal companies. However, some are concerned about companies claiming that they are reducing their carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits, and about a lack of transparency on ESG ratings methodology and data sources. To address those inconsistencies, the Commission presented a new
‘Proposal for regulation on transparency and integrity of ESG rating activities.’Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the ESG legislation and its implications for carbon removal projects in Europe. Questions to be addressed include:
· How can the ESG legislation impact companies’ investment in carbon removal projects in Europe? What are the opportunities for companies specialised in carbon removal?
· How can corporations integrate carbon and biodiversity credits into their environmental strategies?
· What are the potential implications of higher carbon credits price on companies’ costs and their products?
· How effective is the new proposal on transparency and regulation on ESG ratings in ensuring companies reduce their carbon emissions?Life Terra is co-financed by the European Commission through the LIFE Programme (LIFE19 CCM/NL/001200).
The content of this publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The Agency does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.
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To explain what the ENEFIRST Plus project is, the project’s senior expert Jean-Sébastien Broc starts by outlining what it isn’t: While it all revolves around promoting energy efficiency, that does not mean achieving efficiency at all costs.
Joined in this podcast by Managing Director and Chairperson Vlasios Oikonomou, the two colleagues discuss the main considerations that embody the spirit of the EU’s Energy Efficiency First principle. They also introduce a core part of their project which involves 8 case studies in four different EU countries – Italy, Poland, Greece, and Croatia.
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