EUs Latest Climate and Environmental Compliance Developments What You Need to Know
Date : 2025-04-11
Published in ESG
Key Highlights
* The EU remains committed to sustainability, environmental protection, and climate action through robust legislation and policies.
* The Fit for 55 package enforces stricter air quality standards, accelerates renewable energy adoption, and strengthens climate adaptation under the European Green Deal.
* Over 3,000 national policies within the EU support climate action and global sustainability goals.
* By 2030, net greenhouse gas emissions are set to fall 43%, with potential reductions of up to 49% based on further policy measures.
* The Fit for 55 package enforces stricter air quality standards, accelerates renewable energy adoption, and strengthens climate adaptation under the European Green Deal.
* Over 3,000 national policies within the EU support climate action and global sustainability goals.
* By 2030, net greenhouse gas emissions are set to fall 43%, with potential reductions of up to 49% based on further policy measures.
Revised EU Chemical Classification and Labelling Rules
The Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation has been revised to enhance protection for EU workers, consumers, and the environment from hazardous substances. Effective from 10 December 2024, the regulation aims to create a safer, more sustainable chemical industry while reinforcing internal market standards.
The updated regulation introduces clearer labelling requirements, including digital and fold-out options, and new rules for classifying complex substances. Improve consumer safety, hazardous chemicals must now be clearly marked in online stores. Additionally, poison centres will receive comprehensive data to aid in medical emergencies.
Companies must comply with new advertising rules by May 2026, while label formatting requirements for new products will take effect from November 2026.
UKs Climate and Nature Bill Dropped Whats Next?
The UK government dropped the Climate and Nature Bill in January 2025, a move designed to prevent Labour MPs from influencing the House of Commons debate while prompting a reassessment of international climate agreements.
Originally proposed by Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage, the bill aimed to set legally enforceable climate targets and impose stricter duties on ministers. The bill also sought to align the UKs policies with the UN Paris Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework. While the bill has been withdrawn, the government has signalled its commitment to introducing new environmental legislation. Labour MPs will now be included in discussions on shaping future climate and biodiversity policies.
Germanys Financial Regulator Pushes Back on EU Sustainability Reporting Germanys financial authorities are advocating for changes to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), arguing that current obligations place a disproportionate burden on smaller businesses. The directive, which came into effect for large public-interest companies in 2024, requires extensive reporting on environmental impact, human rights and sustainability risks.
Germany is pushing for:
Reduced reporting obligations for smaller enterprises.
Elimination of sector-specific reporting to minimise bureaucracy.
These proposed changes would benefit 13,000 German SMEs. The firms will be required to comply with CSRD regulations starting 2026.
PFAS Regulation: Balancing Sustainability and Patient Care
The European Council has adopted Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to drive sustainability in the EUs packaging sector. By 2030, all packaging must be recyclable, with specific targets for incorporating recycled materials.
The regulation mandates that single-use plastic beverage bottles must contain at least 65% recycled content by 2040. Additionally, 10% of beverage containers must be reusable by 2030, increasing to 40% by 2040. Exceptions apply to wines, spirits, and milk.
Further, takeaway operators must offer reusable containers at no extra cost, and retailers will need to dedicate 10% of store space to refill stations by 2030. Single use plastic packaging will also be banned in hotels, bars, and restaurants.
This regulation aims to strike a balance between sustainability goals and industry needs, particularly in healthcare, where PFAS containing materials are essential for medical safety and performance.
