Latest news with #JessikaRoswall

Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
African Union and European Union join hands to promote and invest in Circular Economy and Sustainable Growth
The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) officially announced the launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa (2024–2034) today. Introduced by Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, and Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, the plan is designed to advance sustainability, drive economic growth, and enhance resource efficiency across Africa over the next decade. The CEAP focuses on transitioning African economies to a circular model by reducing waste, promoting resource reuse, and encouraging recycling. As a key component of the African Union's Agenda 2063, the initiative was developed with co-financing and technical support from the European Union. The CEAP offers a strategic framework for sustainable investments aligned with the Europe-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package and international partnerships. The CEAP will focus on priority sectors including agriculture, packaging, energy, construction, manufacturing, electronics, technology, as well as the fashion and textiles industries. Following a comprehensive approach, the CEAP will: Foster Circular Economy Across Sectors: The plan seeks to promote sustainable practices in key areas such as agriculture, industry, and energy by transforming waste into resources and encouraging innovation in resource management. Improve Waste Management: CEAP will enhance waste management systems and recycling infrastructure, particularly through the application of green technologies and local innovations. Create Green Jobs: The initiative aims to generate millions of green jobs and foster sustainable entrepreneurship, particularly among young and women. Enhance Regional Cooperation: The plan will facilitate cross-border collaboration to share best practices, align policies, and create a collective impact across the continent. Build Climate Resilience: By reducing consumption and promoting sustainable production, CEAP will help mitigate climate change and support biodiversity conservation. AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati said "The launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan is a pivotal moment for Africa's sustainable development. Through this collaboration with the EU, we are setting the stage for a green, inclusive, and resilient future. This plan represents a unique opportunity for Africa to lead in the global circular economy and tackle the challenges of climate change head-on." EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall added "The CEAP is a landmark initiative that builds on the strong partnership between the EU and AU. It is an opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce environmental impact. By adopting circular economy principles, we can achieve sustainable development and build a stronger future for both Africa and Europe." The launch of CEAP reflects the joint commitment of the African Union and the European Union to tackle global environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Both unions are actively supporting its implementation by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and capacity-building resources to ensure its success across all African countries. The overarching goal, however, is for the CEAP to serve as a transformative driver of sustainable economic growth throughout the continent. To achieve this, the AU is seeking additional support from international partners, including development banks and the private sector. The CEAP was launched on the sidelines of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment, with attendance from African Ministers of Environment, representatives from Regional Economic Communities, UN Agencies, the private sector, and Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), who showcased their circular economy initiatives. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya.


Euractiv
7 days ago
- Business
- Euractiv
Green groups see EU budget bill as death knell for environment funding
While the European Commission has proposed a substantial increase in the size of the bloc's central budget from 2028, green groups have accused the EU executive of lowering the priority of environmental action and warn civil society voices could be excluded from the policy making process. As expected, the European Commission has proposed axing the LIFE Programme, the EU's only stand-alone funding mechanism for environmental action. The 2028-34 budget bill also squeezes broader funding for climate and biodiversity policy goals. But the EU executive put a positive spin on its move to streamline green funding with the massively increased €2 trillion budget. 'We will have a climate and biodiversity spending target, so mainstreaming, of 35% for the new MFF," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters on Wednesday, referring to the EU's next multiannual financial framework. "This amounts to around €700 billion.' This substantial sum of money would have to be spent in ways that are compatible with the EU goal of reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century, and reversing biodiversity loss. Nevertheless, it is lower than the combined €658 billion ring-fenced for climate and €113 billion for biodiversity in the current budget. From 2028, central budget funding for climate and environment purposes will be split in two separate pillars: the 'clean transition and industrial decarbonisation' envelope of the €410 billion European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), and some €1 trillion spread across different priorities such as economy, agriculture, rural prosperity and security. 'Our proposal for the next MFF shows that we remain strongly committed to environmental priorities," Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said. "Water, circularity, nature and bioeconomy are prominent parts of the new competitiveness fund and the national plans." Less money for nature However some fear this new approach risks decreasing overall funding for nature and biodiversity. 'The loss of LIFE as we know it in the new MFF is not simplification – it's sabotage," said Patrick ten Brink, secretary general of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), an NGO umbrella group. "The LIFE Programme exists for a reason. It delivers targeted, cost-effective results for nature, climate and public health.' Ester Asin, director of the WWF European Policy Office warned the 35% global target could become little more than a PR exercise. "By grouping all environmental spending under a single target, there is a real danger that biodiversity will be sidelined in favour of industrial priorities that may be presented as green investments," she said. Others warned the proposed budget reform could actually widen a gap in funding for nature restoration that is currently estimated to be €19 billion annually. 'We are deeply concerned by the lack of dedicated biodiversity funding, as the LIFE funding is now suggested to be merged with other programmes," said Andras Krolopp, biodiversity policy lead at The Nature Conservancy. The concerns of civil society groups were also echoed by progressive voices in the European Parliament. 'It is irresponsible and short-sighted for this proposal to end the LIFE programme and leave out funding for biodiversity,' said Green MEP Rasmus Nordqvist, one of the negotiators of the MFF in the Parliament's budget committee. The cancellation of the LIFE Programme also represents an existential threat to numerous environmental NGOs who currently share €15 million in direct grants to cover part of their operational expenses. The Commission says such support could in future be disbursed via national programmes, but it is unclear for now how the funds would be allocated, and whether campaign groups will be able to meet unspecified criteria related to competitiveness or national policy objectives. '[By] repealing LIFE, core funding for environmental NGOs could disappear, leaving civil society under-resourced to support necessary implementation, enforcement, and public engagement," the EEB warned. 'The MFF needs to enable civil society actors to participate effectively in EU-level policymaking," MEP Nordqvist said. "It is essential to safeguard the right of everyone to meaningful participation in decision-making processes and the full cycle of implementation of the EU budget." (rh, aw)
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-nissi-beach-cyprus-CYPRUSWATERS0726-14fa84d8b35a460bb91ee749d5730d90.jpg&w=3840&q=100)

Travel + Leisure
14-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Mediterranean Country Has the Cleanest Waters in the World—and It's Famous for Its Crystal-clear Turquoise Beaches
The cleanest swimming water in the world is in Cyprus, according to this year's report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) that ranks the cleanest bathing water. The report analyzes both inland and coastal swimming spots, Cyprus has ranked the best of the bunch, with 99.2 percent of its 123 tested waters rated as excellent, the highest possible score. The sites that were tested include popular beach resorts as well as quieter, less touristed bays. Cyprus also ranked No. 1 in last year's report, with 97.6 percent of its tested waters ranked excellent, marking an improvement between last year and this year. Second place this year is Bulgaria, with 94 bodies of water tested and 97.9 percent ranked excellent. Third place goes to Greece, where 1729 bodies of water were tested and 97 percent received an excellent ranking. Cyprus is an European Union country, but has been divided between its Greek-speaking south and Turkish-speaking north since 1974. The country is highly regarded for its many archaeological sites, traditional cuisine including halloumi cheese, and stunning island coastline. 'Enjoying time at the beach or swimming in lakes and rivers is for many a symbol of holidays and relaxation, as we look forward to the approaching summer,' Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. Bathing water quality at coastal sites had a higher percentage of excellent rankings than inland bathing waters. This is partially due to the fact that many of central Europe's inland bathing waters are small lakes, ponds, and rivers that have a low flow, making them susceptible to short-term pollution from heavy rain or drought in a way that coastal waters are not. While many bathing sites in Europe ranked highly, 332 sites (or 1.5 percent) remain poor quality, though this is an improvement from 2009 when 1.9 percent were ranked poorly. Often problems arise from short-term pollution, which can happen during heavy rainfall that washes waste from sewage plants into the water. Estonia, Sweden, The Netherlands, and France all had poor quality bathing water for 3 percent or more of their tested waters. Sixty-seven out of 321 sites improved from poor to at least sufficient quality in the last year.


Reuters
07-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
EU looks to 'nature credits' to fill green funding gap
BRUSSELS, July 7 (Reuters) - The European Union will develop rules for "nature credits" that pay farmers and foresters to take care of ecosystems, in an attempt to make this work more economically beneficial, the European Commission said on Monday. The EU is hunting for ways to increase funding for protecting the environment, without further straining public budgets stretched thin by other priorities like defence. The EU, which pays out huge subsidies to farmers under its Common Agricultural Policy, estimates it has a 37-billion-euro ($43 billion) annual shortfall in funding needed to protect biodiversity. The Commission will this year form an expert group - including governments, farmers, local communities and scientists - to work on developing methodologies for "nature credits", and fund a pilot project for these credits by 2027, it said. This would let companies or countries buy credits issued by farmers, foresters and other land managers protecting nature by, for example, planting trees, restoring a wetland, or switching to regenerative types of agriculture. The expert group will assess how to certify nature credits and govern a market for them, before deciding whether to fix this into EU law. "This is not about turning nature into a commodity, but about recognising and rewarding actions that restore and sustain nature," EU environment commissioner Jessika Roswall told reporters. The idea mirrors a more developed market for "carbon credits", in which projects that reduce CO2 emissions sell credits to companies seeking to support efforts to address climate change. However, the carbon credit market has been mired by recent scandals in which projects that issued credits failed to deliver the climate benefits they claimed. Brussels proposed an EU climate target for 2040 last week which would allow countries to count international carbon credits towards the EU goal for the first time. The Commission said on Monday it was aware of the "challenges and opportunities" carbon credit markets had highlighted. ($1 = 0.8519 euros)


The Guardian
02-07-2025
- Climate
- The Guardian
Political cowardice hindering Europe's climate efforts, says EU's green chief
Political cowardice is hindering European efforts to face up to the effects of the climate crisis, even as the continent is pummelled by a record-breaking heatwave, the EU's green transition chief has warned. In an interview with the Guardian, Teresa Ribera said that although the effects of the climate emergency were becoming increasingly obvious, they were still not translating into proper action. 'When you see the map of Europe, it's dreadful,' said Ribera, speaking amid a heatwave with unprecedented June temperatures from Spain and Portugal to the UK. 'We saw it in [the southern Spanish province of] Huelva, where it was 46C on Saturday. It's 36C in Brussels and 38C in the east. They are absolutely terrible temperatures that have a very serious impact on ecosystems, on the economy and on health. And I think that there hasn't yet been a real shift from the headlines about extreme meteorological phenomena to preparing people and understanding what needs to be done in the case of certain events.' Speaking alongside Jessika Roswall, the EU commissioner for environment, water resilience and a competitive circular economy, Ribera said there was still a long way to go when it came to readying infrastructures and urban environments for the realities of the emergency. A major part of the problem, she added, was that some political parties 'continue to insist, quite vehemently, that climate change does not exist', or else say that taking decisions to adapt to environmental realities is too expensive. 'Sorry, but it'll be much more expensive if we don't act,' said Ribera, the executive vice-president of the European Commission for clean, just and competitive transition and a former Spanish environment minister. 'We all know that. You can't tell people that climate change is the great existential problem of our generation, and then say, 'I'm sorry, we're not going to do anything'. That is what they are doing. And I think people see that, when it's 46C in Huelva [in June]. That is not normal.' Equally abnormal, she added, were last October's torrential rains that caused the deadly floods that killed 229 people in the eastern Spanish region of Valencia. 'These are not isolated episodes,' she said. 'But we are still in an 'anecdotal' phase – and that is very worrying. So I believe that yes, there still needs to be a coherent response.' Ribera said many politicians were reluctant to stick their necks out or demand action for fear of alienating voters – something that was unhealthy and potentially dangerous for democracy. 'I think it's a mistake to think that we have to hide the difficulties or that the problems will be solved by the market,' she said. 'We don't have to hide the difficulties, we have to understand them and manage them so that they are not so difficult. Often, political courage is needed to understand that there is a difficulty, and that instead of being small, you have to be big and find the solution shared by everyone. You need to face it with honesty.' She added that denial – or a failure to deal with the difficult issues implicit in the climate emergency – would only contribute to the existing lack of trust in the political classes. Many far-right parties in Europe and beyond treat the climate crisis as part of the culture wars. Spain's Vox party is seeking to repeal the socialist-led government's climate change and energy transition law and is pushing for greater reliance on nuclear power, while the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has described EU plans to tackle climate breakdown as a 'utopian fantasy' that would only push up energy prices. But Ribera said political consensus could be reached, pointing to the landmark €1.4bn deal struck last year between the Spanish government and the Andalucían regional authorities to protect the Doñana wetlands, which are one of Europe's most important, and most threatened, carbon sinks. Roswall, who was in Spain to visit the Doñana with Ribera, said one of the key challenges in preparing for the new climate reality was changing the way people consider, and use, water. Given the rising temperatures and droughts, she added, water needed to be seen, more than ever, as a vital and strategic resource. The commission recently published a strategy designed to restore and protect the water cycle and create 'a sustainable, resilient, smart and competitive water economy' across Europe. 'When we talk about security – me and all of us – of course it's not only guns and tanks and things, it's also the nature that is protecting us,' she said. 'It can be water, it can be borders … Investing in nature is also a security issue.' The commissioner stressed the importance of water when it came to food production, energy generation and even the digital industries, which rely on big datacentres that use significant amounts of water. She also said areas such as the Doñana played a vital role in preventing fires and mitigating the effects of the climate emergency. '[Water] is important for all of us,' she said. 'It's not only security, but it's also our economy, which is also security, so everything is linked. But … I will say that we have taken water for granted too long. We have just counted that it will be here. We have not thought about it as a resource that is finite.' As one of the most southerly countries on the fastest-warming continent, Spain is already feeling the effects of the climate emergency amid creeping desertification and record temperatures. The 46C recorded in Huelva last weekend was not far off Spain's all-time record of 47.4C, recorded in another Andalucían town, Montoro, in August 2021. Spain's state meteorological agency, Aemet, said on Tuesday that June 2025 had 'smashed records', with an average temperature of 23.6C, 0.8C above the previous hottest June in 2017. The monthly average was also 3.5C higher than the average over the period from 1991 to 2020, it said.