To reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union (‘EU’) enacted a comprehensive package of measures. Among them, of particular relevance is the Renewable Energy Directive (‘RED II’) which lays down the legal framework for the deployment of renewable energy sources or ‘renewable energy’ across all sectors of the EU’s economy [1]. This article provides an overview of the Directive’s main provisions and its recently proposed amendment in the context of the ‘Fit for 55 Package’ proposal.

Companies buy certificates that they have to surrender for their imported emissions for certain goods. Left-over certificates can be resold to the Member States, but not traded, and can only be held onto for a limited time. During a transitional period, companies will only have to report, but not surrender, certificates for their imported emissions CBAM is a complex system and several points of discussion remain

The land use sector encompasses the management of natural environment and built infrastructures The land use regulation forms the legal framework around carbon emission and carbon capture of the land use sector All emissions of the land use sector need to be compensated by carbon removal from natural environments

Out of all international organisations, the EU is considered to have some of the most extensive climate protection laws, and it is regarded as a regional and global leader in environmental protection. Nonetheless, the process of EU decision-making can be notoriously overwhelming for citizens to engage with the process, or to appreciate it. It takes place at multiple levels, and involves several bodies and representatives from twenty-seven countries. In short, the EU is often regarded as complex precisely because of its inclusivity, its long history of evolving bureaucracy and flexibility, as well as its commitment to reach agreement among all stakeholders. To properly understand how policy-making works, it is necessary to first understand the role which is played by each of the EU institutions.

Adopted in July 2021, the EU forest strategy is the European Union’s plan to improve the quantity and quality of forests in its Member States. It is part of the “Fit for 55” package, the EU’s overall plan to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The forest strategy aims to strengthen forest protection, restore biodiversity and carbon pits, and increase the resilience of natural habitats. Not only that, but it is also an ambitious plan to create jobs and improve health conditions, although it does have drawbacks.

As part of the European Union's (EU) Green Deal legislation, a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been proposed that should work hand-in-hand with the EU Emissions Trade Scheme (ETS) Some individuals suggest the ETS already covers what the CBAM promises; for example, it is based on the purchase of certificates by importers and will be based on the weekly price of EU ETS allowances CBAMs have been trialled or are in the planning stage in different regions of the world such as California, Canada and Japan.

Its Emissions Trading System is central to the EU’s efforts in reducing power and industrial emissions. In the cap-and-trade system, an overall amount of yearly emissions allowances is defined which can be traded among participants. Reforms have over the years improved the performance of the EU-ETS and a further tightening of its terms has recently been proposed.

There were many disagreements about EU climate policies in the ‘90s but two programmes were created that were instrumental to today's climate policies. SAVE was created to promote energy efficiency through streamlining standards and making information readily available to consumers. ALTENER was launched to develop a better understanding around renewable energy sources and bridge the gap between research and their practical application.

In 1974 the World Environmental Day was created with the idea that “the Governments of the world would undertake worldwide activities reaffirming their concern for the preservation and enhancement of the human environment, to deepen environmental awareness”.

What is the Fit for 55 package? The package can be divided into three categories: energy, transport and emission reductions. It is up to the member states and the European parliament to find an agreement on the proposals.