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Commission to withdraw greenwashing proposal in new blow to Green Deal
Commission to withdraw greenwashing proposal in new blow to Green Deal

Euronews

time4 hours ago

  • Business
  • Euronews

Commission to withdraw greenwashing proposal in new blow to Green Deal

The European Commission intends to withdraw a proposal aimed at combating so-called "greenwashing" by ensuring companies' environmental claims are accurate, substantiated and independently verified, an EU executive spokesperson told reporters today. The proposal on Green Claims was initially presented in March 2023 as part of the broader European Green Deal legislative framework. This move marks the latest in a series of rollbacks of major Green Deal initiatives, after so-called "Omnibus" papers intended to simplify EU legislation effectively narrowed the scope of measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The announcement on the Green Claims Directive came ahead of a final meeting between the Polish EU Council presidency and MEPs scheduled next Monday, which was expected to give the proposal the green light ahead of formal adoption. Its withdrawal at this late stage has taken many by surprise, including the negotiators. When questioned by reporters, Commission officials declined to provide detailed reasons for the decision, saying only that more information would follow. According to parliamentary sources close to the file, chief negotiators socialist MEP Delara Burkhardt and liberal MEP Sandro Gozi still intended to proceed with the trilogue negotiations on Monday, noting that the talks were nearing a successful conclusion. 'It is unacceptable that the Commission blatantly interferes with the progress made by co-legislators on this file,' a member of the Parliament's negotiating team told Euronews, expressing frustration at what they see as a unilateral and premature move. Likewise, Poland's presidency of the EU Council 'is ready to enter constructively into the trilogue and go ahead as planned until there is a clear decision from the Commission [on the withdrawal],' a Polish spokesperson tol Euronews. It remains unclear whether the decision to withdraw the proposal has been formally adopted by the Commission's College, the weekly meeting of the 26 Commissioners and EU President Ursula von der Leyen. Beyond the immediate legislative impact, the move raises broader questions about the Commission's authority to retract its own proposals. While EU treaties do not explicitly grant this power, a 2015 ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union affirmed that the Commission may withdraw proposals as part of its right of initiative. However, the Court also made clear that this power is limited and subject to both substantive and procedural constraints. The ruling emphasised that withdrawal should only occur in justified cases, such as institutional deadlock or the proposal becoming obsolete. Neither condition appears to apply in the case of the Green Claims Directive, prompting concerns that the Commission could be overstepping its role and upsetting the institutional balance by exercising a de facto veto over the legislative process.

No, the EU is not banning CO2 in drinks
No, the EU is not banning CO2 in drinks

Euronews

time12 hours ago

  • Politics
  • Euronews

No, the EU is not banning CO2 in drinks

An alleged screenshot from the European Commission website circulating online says that the EU will ban carbon dioxide in soft drinks, beer and mineral water from 2027. It says that the Commission is doing away with CO2 in drinks to reduce around 400 million tonnes of annual emissions, as part of its "Fit for 55" programme. Anyone flouting the new rule would be subject to fines of up to €50,000 per litre, according to the supposed webpage. However, a search of the European Commission's website shows that no such statement exists, and the EU's "Fit for 55" package doesn't include any proposal to ban CO2 in drinks. "Fit for 55" is a climate and energy initiative designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to levels in 1990. It "ensures a just and socially fair transition, maintains and strengthens innovation and competitiveness of EU industry while ensuring a level playing field vis-à-vis third country economic operators, and underpins the EU's position as leading the way in the global fight against climate change," according to the European Commission. Some of its measures include CO2 emissions standards for vehicles, moving towards zero emissions from new cars and vans by 2035, as well as reforming the EU Emissions Trading System and bringing in a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to place a carbon price on imports of certain goods to prevent carbon leakage and ensure fair competition. However, there's nothing about banning carbonation in drinks and there's no credible source anywhere else that corroborates the claim. The screenshot of the alleged commission press release also doesn't fully look the part, showing that it's not real. In general, it doesn't look like any recent press releases and uses a photo of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen from 2019, rather than a current one. The photo was taken on 11 December 2019, according to AP, while von der Leyen was giving a statement in relation to the European Green Deal. Additionally, in the alleged screenshot, the Commission's logo is blurred and low-resolution, and certain elements seen in real press releases are missing, such as the language selection box and a publication date. There's also a typo in the headline: "Kommission" is supposed to be spelt with two Ss, and its official name in German is the Europäische Kommission, not the Europa Kommission. EU initiatives are often the target of misinformation campaigns, as the measures contained within are either misinterpreted or deliberately exaggerated to whip up hysteria. EuroVerify previously debunked a similar false claim that the EU is on its way to banning coffee after labelling caffeine as dangerous for human consumption. A Russian missile strike on an apartment building in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv was a sign that more pressure must be put on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday, as Moscow intensifies attacks in the war. The drone and missile attack on Kyiv early Tuesday, the deadliest assault on the capital this year, killed 28 people across the city and wounded 142 others, Kyiv Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko said. Zelenskyy, along with the head of the presidential office, Andrii Yermak, and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, visited the site of the apartment building in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district on Thursday morning, laying flowers and paying tribute to the 23 people who died there after a direct hit by a missile brought down the structure. "This attack is a reminder to the world that Russia rejects a ceasefire and chooses killing," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram, and thanked Ukraine's partners who he said are ready to pressure Russia to "feel the real cost of the war." Tuesday's attack on Kyiv was part of a sweeping barrage as Russia once again sought to overwhelm Ukrainian air defences. Russia fired more than 440 drones and 32 missiles in what Zelenskyy called one of the biggest bombardments of the war. As Russia proceeds with a summer offensive on parts of the roughly 1,000-kilometre front line, US-led peace efforts have failed to gain traction. Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively rejected an offer from US President Donald Trump for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt on Ukraine's mobilisation effort and a freeze on Western arms supplies. Meanwhile, Middle East tensions and US trade tariffs have drawn away world attention from Ukraine's pleas for more diplomatic and economic pressure to be placed on Moscow. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified long-range attacks that have struck urban residential areas. Yet on Wednesday, Putin denied that his military had struck such targets, saying that attacks were "against military industries, not residential quarters." Putin told senior news leaders of international news agencies in St. Petersburg that he was open to talks with Zelenskyy, but repeated his accusation that the Ukrainian leader had lost his legitimacy after his term expired last year. "We are ready for substantive talks on the principles of a settlement," Putin said, noting that a previous round of talks in Istanbul had led to an exchange of prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers. A new round of such exchanges took place in Ukraine's Chernihiv region on Thursday, involving the repatriation of Ukrainian prisoners of war who, according to Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (KSHPPV), were suffering from severe health issues caused by injuries and prolonged detention. The exchange was confirmed by Russia's Defence Ministry, which released a video of Russian servicemen at an exchange area in Belarus after being released in the prisoner swap. Commenting on the exchange, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram: "We are working to get our people back. Thank you to everyone who helps make these exchanges possible. Our goal is to free each and every one." Many of the exchanged Ukrainian POWs had spent over three years in captivity, with a large number captured during the defines of the now Russian-occupied city of Mariupol in 2022, according to the KSHPPV, which added that preparations for another prisoner exchange are ongoing.

Zero-Emission Construction Equipment Market to Reach USD 18.4 Billion by 2035, Says Meticulous Research®
Zero-Emission Construction Equipment Market to Reach USD 18.4 Billion by 2035, Says Meticulous Research®

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Zero-Emission Construction Equipment Market to Reach USD 18.4 Billion by 2035, Says Meticulous Research®

Market Growth Driven by Stringent Environmental Regulations, Declining Battery Costs, Government Incentives, Corporate Sustainability Goals, and Renewable Energy Integration REDDING, Calif., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global zero-emission construction equipment market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach approximately USD 18.4 billion by 2035, growing from an estimated USD 3.6 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 17.6% during the forecast period of 2025-2035, according to a new market research report titled "Zero-Emission Construction Equipment Market by Power Source (Battery Electric, Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Hybrid), Type (Excavators, Loaders, Trucks, Cranes), End User, and Region – Global Forecast and Trends to 2035", published by Meticulous Research®. The zero-emission construction equipment market is experiencing unprecedented transformation as electrification technologies and sustainable construction practices revolutionize the heavy equipment industry across global construction, mining, and infrastructure development sectors. Download FREE sample report: What's Driving 17.6% Annual Growth? Environmental Regulations and Emission Standards Governments worldwide are implementing stringent emission standards and environmental regulations driving rapid adoption of zero-emission construction equipment. The EU's Stage V emission standards and similar regulations in North America and Asia-Pacific are mandating cleaner equipment across construction sites, creating substantial market demand for electric and hydrogen-powered alternatives to traditional diesel equipment. Declining Battery Costs and Technology Advancement Rapid improvements in battery technology and declining lithium-ion costs are making electric construction equipment increasingly viable. Battery costs have decreased by over 70% in the past decade, while energy density improvements enable longer operational hours and enhanced performance capabilities that rival traditional diesel equipment. Government Incentives and Policy Support Comprehensive government incentive programs including tax credits, grants, and purchase subsidies are accelerating zero-emission equipment adoption. The U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates billions for clean construction equipment, while European Green Deal initiatives provide substantial funding for sustainable construction practices. Corporate Sustainability and Net-Zero Commitments Major construction companies are implementing aggressive sustainability targets and net-zero carbon commitments driving demand for zero-emission equipment. Corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements increasingly mandate clean equipment across project portfolios, creating sustained market demand independent of regulatory pressure. Renewable Energy Integration Opportunities Strategic integration with solar and wind energy sources creates autonomous charging ecosystems that reduce operational costs while achieving complete carbon neutrality. Construction sites increasingly feature on-site renewable generation paired with battery storage systems optimized for equipment charging requirements. Market Segmentation Reveals Technology Leadership Battery Electric Dominates Power Source Segmentation Battery electric equipment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2025, driven by proven technology maturity, established charging infrastructure compatibility, and rapid cost reductions. However, hydrogen fuel cell systems exhibit the fastest growth trajectory, offering rapid refueling capabilities and extended operational hours ideal for heavy-duty construction applications. Excavators Lead Equipment Type Adoption The excavators segment dominates market share due to high electrification adoption rates and versatile applications across diverse construction projects. However, dump trucks show the highest CAGR potential, offering significant fuel savings and growing availability of electric and hydrogen variants optimized for material transport operations. Construction Companies Drive End-User Demand Construction companies account for the largest market share, driven by sustainability mandates in commercial and infrastructure projects. Equipment rental companies represent the second-largest segment as rental providers seek sustainable equipment options. However, government and municipal bodies exhibit the highest growth rate as public sector organizations increasingly mandate zero-emission equipment in municipal projects. Request customized analysis: Regional Analysis: North America Leads Market Development North America Maintains Market Leadership North America is expected to hold the largest market share in 2025, supported by comprehensive policy frameworks, substantial government incentives, and strong corporate sustainability commitments. The United States represents the largest individual market, driven by federal infrastructure investments and state-level emission regulations mandating clean construction equipment. Europe Demonstrates Strong Adoption Europe follows as a significant market, led by Germany's stringent emission standards and advanced electrification initiatives. The European Green Deal and national sustainability programs provide substantial funding for zero-emission construction equipment adoption across infrastructure and building projects. Asia-Pacific Shows Highest Growth Potential Asia-Pacific, particularly China, Japan, and South Korea, is projected to register the highest CAGR during 2025-2035. Growth drivers include rapid urbanization, massive infrastructure investments, and significant government support for electric vehicle adoption extending to construction equipment sectors. Technology Innovation Creates Market Opportunities Autonomous Zero-Emission Equipment Development Integration of autonomous operation capabilities with zero-emission powertrains creates next-generation construction solutions offering enhanced safety, productivity, and environmental performance. AI-powered fleet management systems optimize charging schedules, route planning, and operational efficiency across multi-equipment deployments. Equipment-as-a-Service Business Models Innovative financing models including equipment-as-a-service reduce upfront investment barriers while guaranteeing performance and maintenance. These models improve accessibility for smaller construction companies while ensuring optimal equipment utilization and lifecycle management. Smart Equipment with IoT Integration Advanced telematics and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity enable real-time performance monitoring, predictive maintenance, and fleet optimization. These capabilities reduce operational costs while maximizing equipment availability and productivity across construction projects. Recent Market Developments and Strategic Initiatives Leading manufacturers are accelerating zero-emission equipment development through strategic partnerships and technology investments. Major OEMs including Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Volvo Construction Equipment are expanding electric and hydrogen equipment portfolios while developing specialized charging infrastructure solutions. Strategic partnerships between traditional equipment manufacturers and battery technology providers are accelerating innovation and reducing development timelines. These collaborations combine construction equipment expertise with advanced energy storage technologies optimized for heavy-duty applications. Market Challenges and Solutions Infrastructure Development Requirements Limited charging infrastructure for heavy construction equipment represents a significant adoption barrier. However, portable charging solutions, on-site renewable energy integration, and strategic partnerships with utility providers are addressing infrastructure limitations through innovative deployment models. Total Cost of Ownership Optimization While initial capital costs remain higher than diesel alternatives, total cost of ownership advantages including reduced fuel costs, lower maintenance requirements, and operational incentives create compelling economic value propositions for fleet operators. Growth Outlook and Investment Opportunities Carbon Credit Market Integration Emerging carbon credit markets create additional revenue streams for zero-emission equipment operators, improving economic returns while supporting sustainability objectives. These markets provide financial incentives for early adopters while scaling sustainable construction practices industry-wide. Specialized Applications and Niche Markets High-value applications including indoor construction, noise-sensitive projects, and environmentally protected areas create premium market segments with higher pricing potential and sustained demand for zero-emission solutions. Purchase complete report: Competitive Landscape Leading market players in the zero-emission construction equipment market include Caterpillar Inc., Komatsu Ltd., Volvo Construction Equipment AB, Liebherr-International AG, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., JCB Limited, Deere & Company, CNH Industrial N.V., Doosan Bobcat Inc., Hyundai Construction Equipment Co., Ltd., SANY Group Co., Ltd., XCMG Group, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Wacker Neuson SE, and Epiroc AB. Related Industry Reports: Construction Equipment Market Size, Share, & Trends [2032] Construction Waste Management Market Size ($97.2B by 2032) | Recycling, Disposal Analysis | Meticulous Research® Construction Aggregates Market Size ($784B by 2035) | Crushed Stone, Recycled Aggregates Analysis | Meticulous Research® Construction Materials Market Size, Share, Growth Report 2032 About Meticulous Research® Meticulous Research® was founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence, strategic insights, and consulting services to serve clients across 11 major industries globally. Meticulous Research® offers comprehensive market research reports, custom research, and consulting services. Our research studies help clients make informed business decisions and understand emerging business trends and opportunities. The company's expertise spans across various domains, enabling it to provide accurate insights and strategic recommendations to its clients. Contact:Mr. Khushal BombeMeticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd.1267 Willis St, Ste 200 Redding,California, 96001, +1-646-781-8004Europe: +44-203-868-8738APAC: +91 744-7780008Email: sales@ Source: Logo: View original content: SOURCE Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Government leaders face backlash after details of holiday trip emerge: 'And I'm sitting here drinking from a limp paper straw'
Government leaders face backlash after details of holiday trip emerge: 'And I'm sitting here drinking from a limp paper straw'

Yahoo

time6 days ago

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

Government leaders face backlash after details of holiday trip emerge: 'And I'm sitting here drinking from a limp paper straw'

Three EU presidents hopped on a private jet for a journey that would've taken less than three hours in a car, sparking outrage among the public. According to Politico, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola took a jet from Brussels to Luxembourg and back to celebrate Schuman Day on May 9. The same trip would've taken about two-and-a-half hours in a car. Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said the flights were "justified" and necessary "due to conflicting schedules." All three EU leaders have faced backlash over their private jet use before. Von der Leyen reportedly took 57 private flights in two years, and Costa was alleged to have used a Portuguese Air Force Falcon 50 jet for personal purposes, per Politico. On average, a private jet produces over 2,200 pounds of planet-warming emissions per hour. A standard SUV produces less than 60 pounds per hour (0.88 pounds per mile), depending on speed and distance. Based on estimates, the three presidents created more than 1,600 pounds of emissions. In a car, it would've been closer to 150 pounds. That's over 10 times more pollution for a single trip. People are not only angry about the disregard for the planet's health. The presidents' actions contradict their own goals of making transportation greener. The European Green Deal aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. If leaders continue to carelessly use private jets, that will be impossible. This was also not an international emergency. They flew because these leaders "wanted to celebrate Schuman Day together with Prime Minister Luc Frieden in Luxembourg," according to Pinho. Many people are furious about this hypocrisy and abuse of resources, feeling a mix of anger and hopelessness. "How much carbon footprint was abused???" someone wondered on Politico's Facebook post about the incident. Should the government be able to control how we heat our homes? Definitely Only if it saves money I'm not sure No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Another person highlighted the frustration of trying to live more sustainably while the upper class and world leaders waste more and more. "And I'm sitting here drinking from a limp paper straw," they wrote. "The Green Deal is definitely dead," someone else commented in disappointment. This situation is disheartening, but the Green Deal is not dead. Holding leaders accountable for planet-polluting actions and reminding them to follow their own policies is essential. Public pressure is the key to stopping people in power from abusing the planet. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

PM Tusk: Polish government confidence vote to take place on 11 June
PM Tusk: Polish government confidence vote to take place on 11 June

Euronews

time03-06-2025

  • Business
  • Euronews

PM Tusk: Polish government confidence vote to take place on 11 June

The Polish parliament is set to hold a confidence vote in his coalition government on June 11, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday. He called the vote on Monday, a day after his ally, liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, lost Sunday's presidential runoff. "We are starting the session in a new political reality," Tusk said at the start of a cabinet meeting in Warsaw. "The political reality is new, because we have a new president. But the constitution, our obligations and the expectations of citizens have not changed. In Poland, the government rules, which is a great obligation and honour." Trzaskowski's defeat at the polls to conservative Karol Nawrocki leaves Tusk politically weakened, and there are questions about whether his multi-party coalition can survive to the end of its term in late 2027. Tusk's government runs most of the day-to-day matters in Poland and exists separately from the presidency, but the president holds power to veto laws and Nawrocki's win is expected to make it difficult for Tusk to press his pro-European agenda. He came to power in late 2023 in a coalition government with a broad ideological divide and has been unable to muster enough support to fulfil specific electoral promises, such as easing abortion law. Nawrocki, who was supported by US President Donald Trump, will succeed incumbent President Andrzej Duda, whose second and final term ends on 6 August. The 42-year-old amateur boxer and political novice is supported by the conservative Law and Justice or PiS party, which governed Poland from 2015 to 2023. Party leader Jarosław Kaczyński appealed on Monday to all political forces to support the formation of a technocratic government. "Today we need a solution in the form of a technical government, which, like the president, will be non-partisan. The head of this government must be selected in talks with those who would be ready to support such a project. It would not have to be someone who has ties to us," he said. "Individual ministries would be managed by specialists in specific areas of social life." Nawrocki won 50.89% of the votes in Sunday's runoff, with Rafał Trzaskowski finishing second with 49.11%. As part of the European Green Deal, Europe hopes to become climate neutral by 2050. Sustainable transport is one of the cornerstones of Europe's green transition, alongside the shift away from fossil fuels. However, making cities less reliant on motor vehicles isn't just beneficial for the environment, it also helps protect public health. World Bicycle Day, celebrated globally on 3 June, highlights the benefits of using a bike as a sustainable means of transport. As far as eco-friendly transport goes, cycling is difficult to beat. But in order to encourage people to opt for a bycicle, it is crucial that the necesseary infrastructure, such as urban cycle route networks, is in place. The urban cyclists' association, Save Cyclists in Rome, which advocates for the safety and rights of the cycling community, regularly monitor city policies on cycling infrastructure development. Their focus includes the "Biciplan Programme," a 154-page document outlining proposed interventions, which was launched by Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. As part of the plan, several projects are already underway, including the creation of several cycle paths. However, according to Tommaso Grandi, of the Save Cyclists in Rome association, while the proposed plans look promising, "the reality on the ground is more complex." "Much has been done both in terms of cycling kilometres and the number of urban cyclists. But there are also those who try to boycott cycling, which means that development is slower than in other big cities," he said. Grandi added that cyclists often face challenges caused by other road users, particularly motorists, who do not always comply with road rules. The activist said double-parking and texting while driving are two major obstacles to cyclists in Italy and believes stricter law enforcement and increased checks are necessary for drivers. "If a citizen from Amsterdam or Copenhagen were to visit Rome, they would find themselves completely disoriented," Grandi said. Other large metropolitan cities, such as Paris, have also ramped up the development of its cycling infrastructure in recent years. "The reality is that all cities today should focus on bicycles as a means of everyday transport," Grandi continued. According to him, "a coexistence between cyclists, pedestrians and motorists needs to be created." Grandi emphasised that while many people believe a car may get them to their location more quickly, cycling may be a faster mode of transportation in a city, particularly for short to medium distances. "It is true that distances are long in Rome, but on average each trip does not exceed five-six kilometres," he said. "Among other things, the data tell us that the average speed by bicycle is much higher than by car, even taking into account the time lost looking for a parking space."

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