EU Policy Updates by EUROCITIES

Policy / Relevance for the EUROCITIES State of play and actions undertaken by Description of the initiative Actors involved Legislation EEF EUROCITIES

Climate & Energy

The EU Climate Law is the flagship With the European Climate Law, The Commission has published its proposal for Parliament: initiative of the European Green the Commission proposes a legally achieving climate neutrality on 4 March 2020. ENVI Committee Deal aiming at making Europe the binding target of net zero The proposal is available on the Commission’s first climate-neutral continent by greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. website. Rapporteur: Jytte 2050. Guteland (S&D, EUROCITIES welcomes the EUROCITIES responded to the feedback Sweden) The European Commission has European Commission’s proposal consultation on the Climate Law, related to Shadow Rapporteurs: announced the revision of the EU for a regulation to enshrine climate the EU 2030 reduction targets to support the Mairead McGuinness 2030 emission reduction target neutrality into EU law. upwards revision and to encourage the Commission to set up legally-binding targets (EPP, Ireland) / Nils from the current 40% to at least EUROCITIES also welcomes the Torvalds (Renew at member-state level. 55% compared with 1990 levels, in revision of the EU 2030 emission Europe, Finland) / EU Climate Law order to comply with the Paris reduction targets and calls for a On 17 September 2020, the Commission Michael Bloss and EU 2030 Agreement and to anchor Europe revision to at least 60% by 2030, at published its impact assessment on the (Greens/EFA, Germany) climate in the trajectory to climate EU level. In addition, the increased ambition of the EU 2030 emission / Sylvia Limmer objectives neutrality. Commission should intensify reduction target and has amended its Climate (Identity & Democracy, Germany) / Anna collaboration with and support for Law proposal to include a new objective of Zalewska (ECR, Poland) those cities leading the way by 55% emission reduction by 2030. / Silvia Modig aiming for an even higher In October, the European Parliament voted in (GUE/NGL, Finland) reduction target for 2030. favour of the report of Ms Jytte Guteland Commission: asking – among other topics - for a 60%

emission reduction target. DG CLIMA Unit DG.01

In mid-October, Eurocities sent an Open Letter to the Council of the EU and the European Council to advocate for ambitious reduction targets. The Open Letter was signed by 58 Mayors, you can read more about this action on Eurocities website.

In November, Eurocities agreed upon a revised statement to pledge for a 60% emission reduction target by 2030 on EU level. You can find the policy statement here. Trilogue negotiations (technical & political) have started on 30 November on all the provisions of the European Climate Law, except the EU 2030 climate objectives, and will continue under the Portuguese Presidency (January – July 2021). The EU 2030 objective will be discussed at heads of states level during the European Council of 10-11 December. With the European Green Deal, the In 2012, the Energy Efficiency On 3 August 2020, the Commission opened a Parliament: EU is increasing its climate Directive established a set of roadmap consultation ending on 21 Not applicable ambition and aims at becoming the binding measures to help the EU September 2020. Eurocities decided not to first climate-neutral continent by reach its 20% energy efficiency respond to this consultation. Commission: 2050. The Commission has target by 2020. On 17 November 2020, the Commission DG ENER Unit C.3 therefore pledged to review and In 2018, as part of the 'Clean opened its public consultation for this Energy revise where necessary the existing energy for all Europeans’ package, initiative which is opened until 9 February Efficiency legislation to meet the 2030 a new amending Directive on 2021. Eurocities is preparing a response to this Directive greenhouse gas emission target, Energy Efficiency was agreed to consultation. We are expecting the including the Energy Efficiency update the policy framework to Commission to adopt the proposal of the Directive. 2030. The key element of the revised directive in the second quarter of The Commission has announced in amended directive is a headline 2021. Once adopted, the Report will be sent to the Renovation Wave Strategy (see energy efficiency target for 2030 of the European Parliament and the Council for below) a revision of the Energy at least 32.5%. The target, to be examination.

Efficiency Directive by June 2021. achieved collectively across the EU, The Commission will also take a decision on a The revision will propose to extend is set relative to the 2007 possible upward revision of the EU's 2030 the scope of the requirements to modelling projections for 2030. energy efficiency headline target, based on an renovate public buildings to all assessment of the target, in 2023. The public administration levels and to proposal would then be forwarded to the increase the annual renovation Council and the European Parliament and obligation in the Energy Efficiency would follow the ordinary legislative Directive (EED). procedure.

Based on an impact assessment, the revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive by June 2021 aims to strengthen the capacities of public authorities to prepare, finance and implement comprehensive heating and cooling planning in coordination with renovation projects

As announced in the Renovation In 2009, the EU agreed on a set of The Commission opened a consultation to Commission: Wave Strategy (see below), the binding legislation to ensure the EU gather feedback on the inception impact DG ENER Unit C.1 Commission will review the meets its climate and energy assessment for the Renewable Energy Renewable Energy Directive in targets for the year 2020. Among Directive until 21 September 2020. Eurocities June 2021. Among the expected, it them, the EU as a whole had to has submitted its feedback to this Renewable will consider strengthening the reach a 20% share of renewables in consultation. renewable heating and cooling their energy consumption target Energy Directive On 17 November 2020, the Commission target and introducing a minimum for 2020. opened its public consultation for this renewable energy level in In 2018, as part of the 'Clean initiative which is opened until 9 February buildings. This will include energy for all Europeans’ package, 2021. Eurocities is preparing a response to this facilitating access to waste and the Renewable Energy Directive consultation. The Commission is expected to renewable heat and cold has been reviewed to include a adopt the proposal for the revised directive

new binding 2030 EU target of 32% during the second quarter of 2021. Once share of renewable in the energy adopted, the Report will be sent to the consumption, compared to 1990 European Parliament and the Council for levels. examination.

The Commission is also expected to consider raising the EU's 2030 headline target in renewable energy by 2023.

Under the European Green Deal, Nearly 90% of EUROCITIES In May 2020, the Commission presented an Parliament: the Commission has committed to members have adopted a climate inception impact assessment outlining its plan ENVI Committee, Lídia revise the EU Strategy on adaptation strategy to adjust to the for the new Strategy and inviting stakeholders Pereira (EPP, Portugal)/ Adaptation to Climate Change to impact of climate change and to send their feedbacks. Marek Paweł Balt (S&D, strengthen efforts in the EU on protect their citizens. But only 40% Following different consultations with Poland)/ Fredrick climate proofing, resilience of European cities with more than members, EUROCITIES has issued its position Federley (RE, Sweden)/ building, prevention and 150,000 inhabitants have adopted Simona Baldassarre (ID, on the post-2020 Adaptation Strategy and has preparedness. adaptation plans to protect their Italy)/ Pär Holmgren responded to the Commission’s consultation. citizens from climate impacts. (Greens, Sweden)/ Increased financial support and EUROCITIES has also been consulted on a Alexandr Vondra (ECR, EU Strategy on capacity building is needed to get report initiated by MEPs on the EU Strategy for Czechia)/ Petros Adaptation to everyone on board. adaptation post-2020 and has provided inputs Kokkalis (GUE, Greece) Climate Change to this report. Commission: The Parliament adopted the vote on the DG CLIMA Unit A3 amendments on the Climate Adaptation Strategy in the ENVI Committee on 1 December 2020. The Commission is expected to adopt and publish the Communication on the revised Climate Adaptation Strategy in either February or March 2021.

On 14 October the European From a local perspective, the The work on the Renovation Wave is led by the Parliament: Commission published the energy efficiency of buildings can WG AQCCEE with the cooperation of the WG Not applicable Renovation Wave strategy in the contribute substantially to Housing. form of a non-legislative reducing greenhouse gas Commission: The Commission published a roadmap Communication. The strategy was emissions, preventing energy consultation on the initiative in May 2020. On accompanied by an annex with the poverty, stimulating the local DG ENER Unit C3 7 June 2020, EUROCITIES submitted feedback list of policy initiatives until 2024 a economy and improving health. to the roadmap consultation. set of recommendations on energy The whole strategy has a strong poverty, and a staff working On June 11, the Commission launched a 4- emphasis on the role of cities: it document on Support from the EU week public consultation. EUROCITIES mentions the mobilisation of cities budget to unlock investment into responded to the consultation. and local authorities as driver and building renovation under the key to sustaining the renovation Renovation Wave. EUROCITIES has held meetings with relevant wave, and highlights the role of players in the Commission (Cabinet of the Renovation Objectives: networks and initiatives to Commissioner and DG ENER - energy facilitate good practice exchange efficiency unit, and shared successful example Wave Strategy – • at least double renovation rates1 Communication and mutual inspiration. from cities of building renovation. in the next 10 years and ensure the renovations lead to high energy Many of the points we have been In September, EUROCITIES published a policy and resource efficiency raising in the public consultations, paper which will can be found on the in our policy paper, and in our Eurocities website. • 35 million building units meeting with the Commission have renovated by 2030 been considered in the Strategy, On October 14, the Commission officially adopted the Renovation Wave Strategy along • 160,000 green jobs in the such as: with the New European Bauhaus initiative and construction sector • Increasing the volume and a set of recommendations on energy poverty. impact of EU funding by providing more grants, The next online meeting of energy ministers technical assistance, project will take place on 14 December 2020. More development support and information will soon be available here. loans and making it possible to

combine them where this was

not possible in the past, and make access to private financing more attractive • Scale up technical assistance to prepare and implement projects and make it closer to regional and local actors • Using renovation as a lever to address energy poverty and access to healthy housing. The Commission will also launch an Affordable Housing Initiative for 100 lighthouse projects • Reducing whole life-cycle carbon emissions in buildings and foster circularity of materials • Placing an integrated, participatory and neighbourhood-based approach at the heart of the renovation wave, supporting district and community approaches, and considering buildings as part of a system For the assessment of the all aspects of the initiative please find our Renovation Wave Briefing note on the Eurocities website (available after login).

Within the European Green Deal, The European Climate Pact should The Commission opened a feedback Parliament: the European Commission recognise the leading role of cities consultation on 4 March, available on the Not applicable presented the European Climate and equip them with adequate Commission’s website. Pact. tools, ensuring a broad societal Commission: Following different consultations with engagement in the transition The European Climate Pact is to be members, EUROCITIES has issued its position DG CLIMA Unit A3 towards a climate-neutral society. a platform aimed to inform, inspire on the European Climate Pact and has This transition will be more a and foster cooperation between responded the feedback and online societal than a technical people and organisations ranging consultations in May and June 2020. transformation with cities as from national, regional and local catalysts. A broad and inclusive EUROCITIES has met with the European authorities to businesses, unions, societal movement is essential for Commission and other stakeholders at several civil society organisations, success. The European Climate occasions to discuss its position on the education organisations, consumer Pact is the opportunity to enhance European Climate Pact. groups, research and innovation new ways of working together in a organisations, as well as individual The College of Commissioners is provisionally European more integrated way, breaking citizens, including youth. scheduled to adopt the expected Climate Pact silos, fostering societal Communication on the European Climate Pact It would encourage broad participation and societal benefits. on 9 December 2020. engagement on the path towards climate-neutrality by supporting Once presented, the proposal will be sent to discussions on climate change, the European Parliament and the Council. initiatives triggering action and Both institutions may choose to formally encouraging working together. respond to the Communication. The European Parliament would respond with a motion for a Resolution, while the Council would do so through Council Conclusions.

On 16 December 2020 (9:00-11:00 CET) the Climate Pact will be officially launched during an online event. You can register for the event via this link.

National Energy and Climate Plans European cities have proven to be In 2019, EUROCITIES has run a survey among Parliament: (NECPs) are the new framework key actors in the energy transition. members to map out the energy and climate Not applicable within which EU Member States Despite an increasing involvement objectives of cities. have to plan, in an integrated and growing political weight of Commission: According to the survey, only 42% of cities manner, their climate and energy local actors in European climate were consulted on their country’s draft DG ENER Unit A1 objectives, targets, policies and and energy discussions, notably National Climate and Energy Plan (NECP) measures to the European through the Covenant of Mayors, Commission. they do not have a regular and EUROCITIES has shared results with DG ENER consistent political space which and DG CLIMA. recognises and facilitates their contribution in each member By the end of 2019 almost all member states state. submitted their NECPs. Both the deadlines for the implementation and the revision of NECPs Deepening the participation of is scheduled for 2023. National local actors in energy and climate Energy and planning and reinforcing the The European Parliament's Industry, Research Climate Plans dialogue between national and Energy (ITRE) Committee discussed the (NECPs) governments and local authorities Communication on the assessment of the will be key to meeting national and Member States' final national energy and EU-wide targets. climate plans (NECPs) with the Commission on 27 October 2020.

The aggregate assessment at EU level has identified the following.

• Member States are accelerating their energy and climate transition driven by the EU wide objective of climate neutrality. • The share of renewable energy could reach under existing and planned measures a range of 33.1-33.7% by 2030 at Union level, going well

beyond the current 2030 target of at least 32% share of renewable energy. • With regards to energy efficiency, an ambition gap for 2030 remains. Furthermore, plans dot not always detail with sufficient precision actions and measures in important dimensions such as identifying investment needs, research, innovation and competitiveness, regional cooperation, just transition and energy poverty. • Member States need to step up efforts to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. The Communication has been submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for consideration. Either or both of these institutions could then decide to formally respond to it.

Circular economy Within the European Green Deal A fully-fledged circular economy In March 2020, the European Commission Parliament: Communication, the European requires rethinking the way of published its communication for a new ENVI Committee Commission has announced the making and using products and Circular Economy Action Plan. publication of a new Circular services while exploring new ways Rapporteur: Jan New Circular The Communication has been sent to the Economy Action Plan building upon of ensuring long-term wellbeing for Huitema (RE, the Economy European Parliament and the Council. Both the first Circular Economy Action all. As major engines for economic Netherlands) Action Plan institutions have decided to formally respond Plan, launched in 2015 development, cities can drive the to the Communication. The European circular economy agenda forward Shadow rapporteurs: Parliament will respond with a motion for a Sirpa Pietikainen (EPP, Finland)/ Simona

to unlock economic, Resolution, while the Council will do so Bonafe (S&D, Italy)/ environmental, and social benefits. through Council Conclusions. Sylvia Limmer (Identity & Democracy, The new Circular Economy Action Following different consultations with Germany)/ Margrete Plan announces initiatives along members, EUROCITIES issued its policy Auken (the Greens/EFA, the entire life cycle of products, statement on the new Circular Economy Denmark)/ Joanna targeting for example their design, Action Plan in July 2020. Kopcinska (ECR, promoting circular economy In July and August 2020, EUROCITIES has met Poland)/ Mick Wallace processes, fostering sustainable the Parliament team (rapporteur and (GUE/NGL, Ireland) consumption, and aiming to shadows) in charge of the report for the ensure that the resources used are Commission: European Parliament. kept in the EU economy for as long DG ENV Unit B1 as possible. The ENVI Committee is provisionally scheduled to hold a vote on the draft Report and the tabled amendments on 7 December. According to the Work Programme of the German Presidency, the Council is expected to present Conclusions under its mandate, which will last until 31 December 2020.

The Commission proposal on the Today packaging design does not On 11 June 2020, the Commission opened a Parliament: revision of EU rules on packaging sufficiently consider the difficulties roadmap consultation which ended on 6 Not applicable and packaging waste was of treating and separating August 2020. Reducing presented as part of the REFIT packaging waste. This increases Commission: After discussions with the WG Waste Packaging initiatives to be undertaken in sorting costs for city authorities. members, Eurocities has issued a policy Waste – 2021. The new legislation needs to DG ENV. Unit B.3 Review of rules statement, that you can find on the Eurocities include requirements at the Part of the Circular Economy website. product design phase to make Action Plan, the Commission packaging ready for reuse and On 30 September 2020, the Commission announced the modernisation of recycling. opened a public consultation which will close some pieces of the waste on 6 January 2021. Eurocities responded to legislation. First one to come is the

legislation on packaging & Eurocities calls for all types of this online consultation in November 2020 packaging waste. packaging placed on the EU market and you are invited to respond to the to be reusable or recyclable by consultation as well.

2030. In addition, recycled content The proposal is expected to be presented in targets are needed for packaging: the fourth quarter of 2021. it will boost demand for secondary materials from recycled packaging and reduce the environmental impact of the production of new packaging virgin materials. Cities also encourage the Commission to extend the scope of Extended Producer Responsibility as an essential aspect of efficient waste management.

Biodiversity Within the European Green Deal, The Strategy aims to put Europe's EUROCITIES met with DG ENVI in February Parliament: the Commission announced a new biodiversity on a path to recovery 2020 ahead of the release of the ENVI Committee European Biodiversity Strategy to by 2030 with benefits for people, Communication to discuss the role of cities in Rapporteur: 2030, building on the previous the climate and the planet. It is also the biodiversity strategy. César Luena (S&D, Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 the proposal for the EU On 20 May 2020, the European Commission Spain) launched in 2010 (see Annex). contribution to the upcoming published a non-binding communication for EU Biodiversity international negotiations on the Shadow rapporteurs: Working closely with the Farm to an EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Strategy to global post-2020 biodiversity Alexander Bernhuber Fork Strategy, this strategy aims to EUROCITIES has drafted a reaction to the new 2030 framework. (EPP, Austria) put Europe's biodiversity on a path Biodiversity strategy which can be found on Soraya Rodríguez to recovery by 2030 with benefits In the post-COVID context, the the website (after login). Ramos (RE, Spain) for people, the climate and the Biodiversity Strategy aims to build The Strategy was sent to the European Marco Dreosto (ID, planet. our societies’ resilience to future Parliament and the Council for examination. Italy) threats such as climate change

The EBS is split into 3 main impacts, forest fires, food On 23 October 2020, the Council adopted its Ville Niinistö sections: insecurity or disease outbreaks, Conclusions broadly welcoming the Strategy (Greens/EFA, Finland) including by protecting wildlife and and setting out a number of Alexandr Vondra (ECR, 1. Protecting and restoring fighting illegal wildlife trade. recommendations , including for Czech Republic) nature; mainstraming biodiversity into other policies Nikolaj Villumsen 2. Enabling transformative The EU Biodiversity Strategy to and global biodiversity discussions. Note that (GUE/NGL, Denmark) change, 2030 recognises the vital role of point 15 welcomes the Strategy’s aims to bring 3. Pushing for an ambitious cities and outlines their nature back into cities. global biodiversity agenda importance in providing ecological Commission: Further details are available here corridors between larger The European Parliament is expected to come DG ENV Unit D.2 protected areas. forward with an own intiative report – outlining its position - but it is unclear as to when.

As part of the EU Biodiversity Some targets could build on The Commission opened a roadmap Parliament: Strategy to 2030, the European relevant legislation that is already consultation on this intiative from 4 ENVI Committee Commission will develop a in place such as the Birds and November 2020 until 2 December 2020, proposal for legally binding Habitats Directives, the Water Eurocities invited cities to respond directly. Rapporteur: restoration targets for Member Framework Directive and the A public consultation is expected to be opened States. Marine Strategy Framework César Luena (S&D, in Q1 of 2021, which Eurocities will respond Directive. This could apply, for Spain) EU nature to. instance, to wetlands, peatlands, restoration Shadow rapporteurs: free-flowing rivers, or to marine The propsal is expected to be adopted during targets Alexander Bernhuber ecosystems, such as seagrasses or the Fourth Quarter of 2021. the seabed. Other targets could (EPP, Austria) address ecosystems, habitats or Soraya Rodríguez species that are not covered by Ramos (RE, Spain) existing legislation (such as Marco Dreosto (ID, pollinators or soils). Italy) Ville Niinistö (Greens/EFA, Finland)

Alexandr Vondra (ECR, Czech Republic) Nikolaj Villumsen (GUE/NGL, Denmark)

Commission:

DG ENV Unit D.2

Food The Farm to Fork Strategy is at the City authorities use their policy In March 2020 EUROCITIES answered the Parliament: heart of the European Green Deal making and purchasing power to consultation of the Farm to Fork Strategy. AGRI Committee aiming to make food systems fair, reach their aim of shorter supply The European Commission released the healthy and environmentally- chains that support consumption The Rapporteur’s team communication on a Farm to Fork Strategy on friendly. of local and seasonal products by has not been appointed 20 May 2020. small producers. yet The Farm to Fork Strategy aims to On July 6 EUROCITIES organised a meeting accelerate our transition to a Through public policies and citizens Commission: with WG Food to discuss its reaction to the sustainable food system that awareness raising initiatives for Commission’s communication of the Farm to should: healthier diets, they support the DG SANTE Unit D1 Fork Strategy. Farm to Fork important role of food in climate Strategy 1. have a neutral or positive policies. environmental impact The working group is since then mainly collaborating to the advocacy actions in the 2. help to mitigate climate By working towards food waste framework of the food policy coalition. change and adapt to its prevention and reuse they impacts decrease the impact provided by WG food is planning to have another meeting 3. reverse the loss of food waste on our environment. on 16 December 2020 to discuss further policy biodiversity developments of the Farm to Fork Strategy, 4. ensure food security, By using their purchasing power for particularly in 4 sub areas: nutrition and public public canteens, they procure health, making sure that biological food with a smaller role • Food procurement everyone has access to • Food waste

sufficient, safe, nutritious, for pesticide, and better animal • Food security sustainable food conditions. • Contributing to the development of 5. preserve affordability of the sustainable food system food while generating In networks such as EUROCITIES legislation (planned for 2023) fairer economic returns, and through the Milan Urban Food fostering competitiveness Policy Pact, cities showcase their of the EU supply sector ambitions and are working and promoting fair trade. together to increase the success of Together with the EU Biodiversity their actions on many of the areas Strategy, these strategies aim for a related to food system. better balance of nature, food systems and biodiversity. This include education on healthy food, support for sustainable food production, food losses prevention and successful governance, working across departments and in cooperation with citizens.

Zero pollution (environment) Within the European Green Deal The Zero Pollution Action Plan for The first draft of the European Green Deal Parliament: Communication, the Commission Air, Water and Soil to be adopted mentioned noise as part of the zero-pollution Not Applicable has announced its intention to in 2021 will target the release of strategy whereas the final communication did adopt a Zero Pollution Action Plan nutrients, chemical pesticides, not. EUROCITIES is currently working to get Commission: Zero Pollution for air, water and soil in 2021. pharmaceuticals, hazardous noise included in the Zero pollution action Action Plan for DG ENV Unit C.3 Water, Air, Soil chemicals, urban and industrial plan again (see more below). wastewater, and other waste (and noise) With regards to air, EUROCITIES provided including litter and plastics. feedback to the Committee of the Regions’ It should also propose to more opinion of ‘The Future of EU Clean Air policy in closely align the air standards with the framework of the zero-pollution ambition’ the World Health Organization which was adopted on 2 July 2020 recommendations, strengthen

monitoring and help further local On 28 October 2020, Eurocities responded to authorities to achieve cleaner air. the roadmap consultation of the Zero Pollution Action plan, you can find our response here.

The Commission opened its public consultation on the Action Plan in November 2020 which is opened until 10 February 2021. Would you be willing to contribute to our response, please fill in the questionnaire which you can find on our website, and send us your response before 10 January 2021.

Based on the feedback received, the Commission is expected to finalise the Action Plan in early 2021. Once approved, the Commission is then expected to adopt the Action Plan in the second quarter of 2021. The Action Plan would then be communicated to the Council and European Parliament for examination. The institutions may choose to adopt a formal response to the new Action Plan, in the form of Conclusions (in case of the Council) or a motion for a resolution (in case of the Parliament).

Water Citizens, environmental In 2018, the Commission has In June 2020, the Commission has announced Parliament: Water organisations, nature, water-using undertaken a consultation on the that the Water Framework Directive will not Framework ENVI Committee sectors in the economy all need Water Framework Directive and be re-opened. Directive cleaner rivers and lakes, the Floods Directive. It has Commission:

groundwater and bathing waters, released its evaluation in DG ENV Unit C1 which is why in 2000, the Water December 2019. The main Framework Directive was adopted. conclusions were that the governance structure for The Water Framework Directive integrated water management has establishes a framework for the been set up and the deterioration protection of inland surface of water status has slowed down, waters, transitional waters, coastal reducing pollution. waters and groundwater. it prescribes steps to reach good But the implementation has been qualitative and quantitative status significantly delayed and less than of all water bodies in the EU. The half of EU’s water bodies are in legislation places clear good status (despite the 2015 responsibilities on national deadline). The implementation has authorities. Member States are been too slow, insufficient money required to: (a) identify the has been invested in water and individual river basins on their insufficient integration of territory; (b) produce and environmental objectives has been implement ‘river-basin undertaken in sectoral policies. management plans’ to prevent deterioration of surface water, protect and enhance groundwater and preserve protected areas.

The main objective of the Urban The Commission opened an online Parliament: Waste Water Treatment Directive The European Commission has consultation to respond to the roadmap. The Urban undertaken an evaluation of the ENVI Committee Wastewater (UWWTD) 91/271/EEC is to protect deadline to respond was 8 September 2020, Treatment the environment from the adverse directive and published its report in Eurocities did not respond to this consultation. Commission: Directive - effects of waste water discharges December 2019 which concluded Revision from urban areas and certain that where the UWWTD was well DG ENV, Unit C.1 implemented, has been effective in industrial sectors by setting reducing the amount of pollutants

requirements for the collection into the environment, improving The 12-week public consultation of this and treatment of urban waste water quality and helping achieve initiative will be opened in the first quarter of water. other water-related objectives, 2021. You will be invited to respond. while protecting human health. The Commission is scheduled to adopt the However, it needs to be expected proposal for a Directive during the modernised to include first quarter of 2022. contemporary challenges (micropollutants) and opportunities such as climate change and the Circular Economy.

Bathing is an extremely popular An annual assessment of European The Commission is expected to present a Parliament: and important leisure activity in bathing sites is run on how well Roadmap by the end of 2020. Following the Not applicable Europe. environmental protection publication of the Roadmap, the Commission measures are implemented. is expected to launch a public consultation. Commission: The Bathing Water Directive adopted in 2006 sets out rules for According to the latest assessment, According to the Directive, the Commission is DG ENV Unit C.2 the monitoring and classification of the minimum water quality expected to carry out the review by 2020. bathing water quality; the standards were met on 95% of However, the publication of the evaluation Bathing Water management of bathing water sites. The quality of coastal sites is could be delayed. quality; and the provision of generally better than that of inland Directive - Based on the results of the evaluation, the Review information to the public on sites. In 2019, 87.4%, of coastal Commission may decide to present a proposal bathing water quality. bathing sites were classified as of revising or amending the Directive. excellent quality compared to

79.1% of inland sites in the EU. The share of poor-quality sites has dropped since 2013. In 2019, poor bathing waters constituted 1.3% of all sites in the EU, compared to 2% in 2013.

In June 2020, the Commission has announced that an evaluation of the Bathing Water Directive would be undertaken. Based on this evaluation, it will decide if new measures should be adopted. Noise A Zero Polllution Strategy is central Noise is the second biggest Eurocities has prepared a policy paper on Parliament: to the European Green Deal’s aim environmental disease burden is noise to highlight the need for a Not applicable to protect citizens' health from Europe behind only air quality. comprehensive strategy to tackle noise environmental degradation and More than 113 million citizens are pollution. Commission: pollution. exposed to harmful noise levels, DG ENV Unit C.3 You can find the policy statement on the and there has been no significant The draft of the European Green Eurocities website. improvement in noise levels in the Zero Pollution Deal mentioned noise as part of Strategy - last decade. (see above for updates on the zero pollution the zero pollution strategy noise strategy) whereas the final communication With more than 7 out of 10 did not. Europeans living in cities and as hubs for road, rail, ports and air transport, cities play a key role in reducing exposure to noise pollution.

Annex II of the END describes the These common methods for Eurocities responded to the public Parliament: common EU methods for calculating exposure to different consultation on this revision which was Not applicable calculating exposure to different Revision to noise levels comprise a set of opened until 2 September 2020. You can find Annex II of the noise levels. Environmental formulas and coefficients to be our response here. Commission: The Commission is expected to used to calculate noise levels at the DG ENV Unit C.3 Noise Directive The updates are expected in Q1 2021. update the calculation method of façade of the buildings. The noise pollution to take account of common methods were adopted

scientific progress and national through a revision of Annex II of experience in this area. the END in 2015.

Soil The Commission presented a Soil has recently been highlighted The Commission opened its roadmap Parliament: package on soil in 2006 including a in a number of European Green consultation for a new EU soil strategy on 5 Not applicable Communication on a Thematic Deal initiatives; currently there is November 2020. This online consultation is Strategy for Soil Protection, a no comprehensive EU strategy for opened until 10 December 2020. Eurocities Commission: proposal for a Soil Directive and an soil protection. decided to not respond to this consultation impact assessment. but you are welcome to respond to the DG ENV Unit D1 The importance of soil was consultation should you see the added-value The proposal was blocked in highlighted in both the Farm to for your cities. Council, after Member States Fork Strategy and the EU objected to proposed new rules on Biodiversity Strategy to 2030. After the roadmap consultation, a 3-month the grounds that soil was not a public consultation is also expected to be In the Farm to Fork Strategy it is cross border issue, and it was opened. stated that the manufacturing, eventually withdrawn by the processing, retailing, packaging The adoption for this new initiative is The new Soil Commission in 2014. Strategy and transportation of food make a scheduled for the second quarter of 2021. However, the Commission major contribution to air, soil and recognises that healthy soils are water pollution and GHG essential to meet climate and emissions, and has a profound biodiversity goals under the impact on biodiversity. European Green Deal. The new Soil In the Biodiversity Strategy it is Strategy will update the EU Soil recognized that the degradation of Thematic Strategy. soil is having considerable environmental and economic consequences and that soil is a hugely important non-renewable resource, vital for human and economic health, as well as the

production of food and new medications.

Air The Directive on Ambient Air Poor air quality leads to more than In the spring of 2018, the Commission Parliament: Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe 400,000 premature deaths per launched the roadmap for the fitness check on Not applicable sets targets for SO2, NO2 and NOx, year in Europe - the urgency to act the Directive for Ambient Air Quality and PM10, PM2.5, Pb, benzene, and for clearer air is clear. Cities and Cleaner Air for Europe. Commission: CO. It also defines assessment urban areas, where 75% of EU’s EUROCITIES’ statement on the fitness check criteria, reference measurement population live, are where the DG ENV unit C3 methods and requires Member effects of poor air are felt the most. can be found on the website. States to inform the public over City authorities across Europe are During the Green Week of 2018, on May 24, ambient air quality. responding by taking bold there was a session on the fitness check with In 2021, the European Parliament measures to deliver better air the European Commission where Berlin and Directive on is expected to prepare an own- quality for people. Actions include London presented. Ambient Air initiative Resolution in response to ambitious low emission zones, EUROCITIES took part in the public Quality and the implementation of the cleaner public transport, Cleaner Air for consultation organised by the Commission in Europe Ambient Air Quality Directives promotion of modal shift through June 2018. (Directives 2004/107/EC and better urban infrastructure, Directive 2008/50/EC). The introduction of nature-based Following the resolution of this initiative, the expected own-initiative Resolution solutions infrastructure, while also Rapporteur for the ENVI Committee Javi López would address key issues of the engaging and communicating with (S&D, Spain) is expected to come forward with implementation of the Ambient Air citizens on good practices in this a draft Report that would address key issues Quality Directives. transition to cleaner air. concerning the implementation of Directives 2004/107/EC and Directive 2008/50/EC on 22 February 2021. MEPs will have until the 2 March 2021 to table amendments. The Committee vote is provisionally scheduled on 12 April 2021.

The Communication on a Clean Air The expected Commission Report, The Commission is expected to present the Parliament: Programme for Europe was which is required by the 2013 Report outlining the second "clean air ENVI Committee published on 18 December 2013. Clean Air Programme, would aim outlook" by the end of 2020. The document described the to provide an update on the air Commission: Once published, the Report will be sent to the Second Clean impact of air pollution on human quality situation in Europe and it European Parliament and the Council which Air Outlook health and the environment and would update the first "clean air DG ENV Unit C.3 may decide to formally respond to it in the outlined the Commission's outlook" Report, taking into following months. approach in order to improve air account developments at EU and quality at the EU level. Member State level, including new climate policies.

Air Quality – Vehicle emissions

The European Green Deal includes The increasing volume of road EUROCITIES met with the Valean Cabinet in Parliament: a target to reduce transport- traffic in urban areas leads to a February 2020, and separately with DG MOVE, Not applicable related greenhouse gas emissions wide range of problems: to discuss concerns on urban mobility in the by 90% by 2050. congestion and accidents, air SSMS. Finally, EUROCITIES held an event with Commission: pollution and noise, harm to the the Valean Cabinet in October 2020 to The Commission intends to adopt a environment and to citizens' highlight key policy recommendations. DG MOVE comprehensive strategy to meet health. Adopt a this target and ensure that the EU In addition, Eurocities circulated the Lead in Eurocities: ‘Sustainable transport sector is fit for a clean, Our members are committed to Evaluation of the Transport White Paper to Mobility Forum and Smart Mobility digital and modern economy. promoting more sustainable and the network for feedback, submitted a Strategy’ integrated urban transport response and held a phone interview to (SSMS) systems, providing citizens with supplement input. convenient and accessible public The Commission's feedback period on its transport, and protecting the Roadmap of the future EU strategy for a safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Sustainable and Smart Mobility closed on 10 The objectives for the SMSS are: August 2020. You can find our response to the roadmap consultation here. 1. increasing the uptake of zero-emission vehicles

2. making sustainable The feedback period on its public consultation alternative solutions was open until 23 September 2020. WG Noise available to the public & cooperated with the mobility forum and business responded to this initiative. You can find our 3. supporting digitalisation & response here. automation 4. improving connectivity & The College of Commissioners is provisionally access scheduled to adopt its Strategy on 9 December. Once published, the Strategy will be sent to the European Parliament and the Council for examination.

The general objective of the post- EUROCITIES supports the EUROCITIES replied to the feedback Parliament: Euro 6/VI initiative is to improve objectives of the Commission’s consultation on 3 June 2020. Not applicable the current Euro 6/VI standards on proposal to improve the current Together with WG AQCCEE and WG air pollutant emissions from cars, Euro 6/VI standards on air Commission: Sustainable Mobility Planning, Eurocities vans, lorries and buses. This is to pollutant emissions from cars, responded to the public consutlation which ensure a high level of vans, lorries and buses to improve DG GROW. Unit C.4 was opened until 9 November 2020. You can environmental and health urban air quality and protect Proposal for find the response to the questionnaire on our protection in the European Union citizens’ health. EU vehicle policy more stringent website. air pollutant and the proper functioning of the and the next iteration of standards emission internal market. should establish a clear trajectory The Clove Consortium is provisionally standards for towards zero emissions. expected to present its final report to the vehicles (Euro The specific objectives are to Advisory Group on Vehicle Emission Standards 6 & Euro 7) improve air quality, with a City authorities implement a broad (AGVES) on 24 February 2021. The adoption particular emphasis on urban range of measures to address for this initiative is planned in the fourth areas, by reducing air pollutant historic failures of diesel vehicles in quarter of 2021. emissions from road transport and achieving emission performance setting harmonised rules for standards. A new Euro standard vehicles. The operational and greater stringency is therefore objectives are to reduce the required to avoid further complexity and compliance costs infringement, protect public

of the existing Euro 6/VI vehicle health, and simplify public emission standards, to provide procurement. appropriate and up-to-date limits

for all air pollutant emissions and to ensure that new vehicles keep their air pollutant emissions under control throughout their entire lifetime and in all conditions of use.

On 13 December 2018, the General The Commission proposal is the result of the Parliament: Cities are committed to delivering Court of the EU ruled that the legal challenge launched by Brussels, Paris and clean air for citizens. We have ENVI Committee Commission was not empowered taken action with low emission Madrid at the European Court of Justice on the to amend the Euro 6 emission zones, cleaner public transport, modification of the legal limit values for NOx. Rapporteur: Esther de limits for the new real driving promotion of modal shift through Lange (EPP, The legislation establishes ‘conformity factors’ emission (RDE) tests. Therefore, better urban infrastructure, the Netherlands) to account for the differences measured in the the Court annulled the part of promotion of walking, cycling and laboratory and in real driving conditions (2.1 Regulation (EU) 2016/646 which ride-sharing, while also engaging Shadow rapporteurs: until 2020 and 1.43 thereafter) Type approval established the conformity factors. and communicating with citizens Miriam Dalli (S&D, Malta), Susana Solis rules for motor on good practices. Unfortunately, Filipe Araujo, chair of the EEF, had sent a letter vehicles with On 14 June 2019, the Commission local measures are not enough. Perez (Renew, Spain), to ENVI and TRAN committee members asking respect to presented a proposal Support from the national Bas Eickhout conformity them to adopt an ambitious position on the reintroducing the conformity governments and the EU is (Greens/EFA, factors for Real Driving Emissions legislation, recalling factors set in the Commission necessary to protect public health Netherlands), Sylvia NOX emissions EUROCITIES previous positions since 2015. Regulation declared illegal by the and ensure local air pollution Limmer (ID, Germany), General Court. meets EU legal limits. The ruling of The Chair of the EEF and Mayors and Deputy Anna Zalewska (ECR, the EU General Court, following Mayors from Brussels, Paris and Madrid, have Poland), Katerina Under the European Parliament's the actions of Paris, Brussels and signed a letter asking the member states Konecna (GUE/NGL, draft negotiating position, the Madrid to dispute the emission representatives in the Council, and the Czechia) discrepancy between laboratory limits adopted by the Commission, rapporteur and shadows in the EP to confirm and real driving emission tests and the revision of the rules of the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) tests, the phase out of conformity factors by 30 represents an opportunity to Commission:

would have to end by October reduce the ‘conformity factor’ September 2022. You can read more about DG GROW Unit C.4 2022. close to 1 as soon as possible. this on our website.

The EP ENVI Committee decided On 11 October 2020 a trilogue meeting was on 13 July 2020 that the conformity held and another trilogue meeting will be held factor would have to be expressed during the first week of December. as 1 + margin of error which will No agreement has yet been reached on the cease to apply by 30 September date for phasing out the conformity factor. 2022.

However, the conformity factor (CF) would have to be gradually lowered through annual downward revisions, based on assessments by the JRC and cease to apply by 30 September 2022.

Others Over the past decades, the EU’s The 8th EAP would guide European The 8th Environment Action Programme to Parliament: environmental policies have environmental policy until 2030. It 2030 (EAP) has been published in October ENVI Committee delivered substantial benefits, for has six objectives, very much in line 2020. Proposal for both people and the planet. with the Communication on the Rapporteur: Grace European Green Deal; reducing Environmental Ministers discussed the 8th 8th However, Europe currently faces O'Sullivan (Greens/IE) Environmental Action Programme (EAP) Environmental unprecedented environmental, GHG emissions and enhancing removals by natural and other during the Environmental Council meeting Action climate and sustainability Shadow rapporteur: Programme sinks, aiming at achieving the 2030 held on 23 October 2020. challenges. These include Demetris Papadakis and 2050 objectives; enhancing (S&D, CY) biodiversity loss, climate change, adaptive capacity and resilience; resource use and pollution. As a accelerating the transition to Commission: response to these, the European circular economy; pursuing a zero-

Commission published a proposal pollution ambition; protecting, On 5 November 2020 the Commission opened DG ENV A1 for an 8th Environment Action preserving and restoring a feedback period ending on 31 December Programme (EAP) on 14 October biodiversity; promoting 2020. Eurocities decided to not respond. 2020. environmental sustainability. The proposal follows the ordinary legislative The proposal supports the Among the enabling conditions, we procedure. The ENVI Committee has environment and climate action can mention: efficient appointed a rapporteur. Vote in committee is objectives of the European Green implementation of existing expected in May 2021 and in June in plenary. legislation, mainstreaming the six Deal. It provides an opportunity for objectives across relevant The German Presidency stated in its the EU as a whole to reiterate our strategies and initiatives, taking Programme, that it aims to start negotiations commitment to the 7th EAP’s 2050 advantage of synergies and trade- on the proposal under its mandate, and, thus, vision: ensure wellbeing for all, offs, mobilising sustainable before 31 December 2020. It will go on under while staying within the planetary investments from public and private sources, phasing out the Portuguese Presidency. boundaries. The 8th EAP proposal environmentally harmful survives, calls for active engagement of all applying the ‘do no harm principle’, The final adoption of this initiative is expected stakeholders at all levels of making full use of nature-based in the fourth quarter of 2021. governance, to ensure that EU solutions, harnessing the potential climate and environment laws are of digital and encouraging collaboration and large societal effectively implemented. It forms engagement. the EU’s basis for achieving the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

The European Commission has There are many reasons why Having received the Communication, both the Parliament: published a Hydrogen Strategy to hydrogen is a key priority to European Parliament and the Council have the ITRE Committee explore how clean hydrogen can achieve the European Green Deal opportunity to formally respond. The help reduce the EU economy’s and Europe’s clean energy Parliament could respond with a motion for a Rapporteur: Jens Geier Hydrogen carbon emissions in a cost- transition. Renewable electricity is Resolution, while the Council could respond (S&D, Germany) effective way. expected to decarbonise a large with Council Conclusions. Once finalised at the share of the EU energy technical level, the draft Council Conclusions Shadows: Angelika On 8 July 2020, the EC proposed a consumption by 2050, but not all of would be considered by COREPER for approval Niebler (EPP, strategic roadmap outlining the Germany)/ Bas

25 potential of hydrogen and setting it. Hydrogen has a strong potential before being forward to the Council for Groothuis (Renew out a vision on how to exploit the to bridge some of this gap, as a adoption. Europe, Netherlands)/ potential of hydrogen as part of the vector for renewable energy Thierry Mariani (ID, Parliament: transition to a clean energy system. storage, alongside batteries, and France)/ Damien transport, ensuring back up for The ITRE Committee discussed the draft Careme (Greens/EFA, In doing so, it addresses how to seasonal variations and connecting Report on the hydrogen Strategy on 1 France)/ Zdzislaw transform this potential into production locations to more December 2020. MEPs in the ITRE Committee Kranodebski (ECR, reality, through investments, distant demand centres. In its are able to table amendments to the draft Poland)/ Manuel regulation, market creation and strategic vision for a climate- Report until 10 December. Bompard (GUE/NGL, research and innovation. neutral EU published in November France) 2018, the share of hydrogen in Council: Commission: Europe’s energy mix is projected to grow from the current less than 2% DG ENER to 13-14% by 2050.

Date of publication: 08/12/2020

ANNEX I

Relevance for the EUROCITIES Policy / Legislation Description of the initiative State of play and actions by EUROCITIES Environment Forum

On 3 May 2011, the Commission adopted a Cities have a leading role in reaching the EU WG GAB chair met the Commission official follow-up strategy to the 2006 Biodiversity and global biodiversity goals from in May 2017 and invited them to present the Action Plan, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to integrating biodiversity into urban planning, strategy at the WG GAB meeting in Essen 2020. to assessing and reporting on the status of 2017. biodiversity on the ground, to raising In 2016, the Commission presented the EUROCITIES attended the conference awareness of the vital role nature plays in results of the fitness check of the EU Nature launching the new Action Plan. our daily lives. The EU biodiversity strategy Directives. The fitness check of the EU to 2020 has made measurable progress in Nature Legislation aimed to perform a providing protection for some of the most comprehensive policy evaluation of the valuable and vulnerable European Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, biodiversity, notably through the extension which form the basis of the EU nature EU Biodiversity of the Natura 2000 network that now covers conservation policy. strategy for 2020 18% of Europe’s land area and almost 9.5% On December 2016, the Commission of its seas. published the fitness check evaluation of the Globally, biodiversity is in strong continuous EU Birds and Habitat Directives, and decline driven by land-use change, climate concluded that, within the framework of change, unsustainable growth and habitat broader EU biodiversity policy, they remain fragmentation. It is at the city level that most highly relevant and are fit for purpose. of these challenges present themselves. We In April 2017, the Commission has adopted need rapid and coordinated action from all the Action Plan for nature, people and the stakeholders to protect and enhance economy, to improve their implementation biodiversity as an effective means of and boost their contribution towards addressing global climate, social, economic reaching the EU’s biodiversity targets for and health challenges to reverse these

2020. The Action Plan, presented in Brussels trends and ensure a positive biodiversity on 6 June 2017, focuses on two main outcome. targets:

1. Halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020. 2. By 2050, EU biodiversity and ecosystem services are protected, values and appropriately restored. The Drinking Water Directive aims to With 75% of Europeans living in urban areas, In 2018, the Commission published a improve the quality of drinking water and European cities have an important role in legislative proposal for a directive on access to it as well as provide better the drinking water provision and drinking water. The negotiations accelerated information to citizens. It applies to consumption. As city authorities, we are in 2019, and the EU institutions reached an distribution systems (with some exceptions); committed to contributing to the effective agreement in December 2019, taking into drinking water from tankers; drinking water implementation of the right for everyone to account our recommendations such as in bottles or containers as well as water used access essential services of good quality, running campaigns to increase citizens’ in the food-processing industry. including water. confidence in tap water, considering health and safety as the top priority for drinking Drinking water supply in European cities is water, and reinforcing the requirements for The Drinking Water organised in various ways by municipally materials in contact with drinking water. Directive owned water companies, in cooperation with private stakeholders, through small community-based networks, or a combination of those. City authorities need to sustainably supply large quantities of drinking water despite increasing environmental and demographic pressures. We believe that the Drinking Water Directive should primarily focus on clean and safe drinking water provision for all.

The new proposal contains provisions of importance to cities, such as obligations to ensure free access to water in public spaces, and new obligations on information to consumers