LibGuides: Environment: EU Publications

EU publications

European Environment Agency (EEA)

State of nature in the EU by European Environment Agency
Publication Date: 2020
This report describing the state of nature in the EU is based on reports from Member States under the Birds (2009/147/EC) and the Habitats (92/43/EEC) directives and on subsequent assessments at EU or EU biogeographical levels. Finally, the report provides results on progress towards Targets 1 and 3 of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy.
Air quality in Europe by European Environment Agency
Publication Date: 2020
The Air quality in Europe report series from the European Environment Agency presents annual assessments of Europe's air pollutant emissions and concentrations as well as associated impacts on health and the environment. The annual assessments are based on official data available from countries. This, the 10th edition in the series, presents an overview and analysis of air quality in Europe.
COVID-19 and Europe’s environment: impacts of a global pandemic by European Environment Agency
Publication Date: 2020
This briefing focuses on what we know about the short-term effects of COVID-19 on our environment, approximately six months after large parts of the world went into some degree of lockdown. It considers what can be learnt from these effects and how they might help shape decision-making in the future.

In addition, please see the recent publications from the EEA (RSS feed)

Additional EU publications

EIB investment report 2020/2021: building a smart and green Europe in the COVID-19 era by European Investment Bank
Publication Date: 2021
The European Union's massive efforts to rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic present a unique opportunity to transform its economy, making it more green and digital – and ultimately more competitive. The Investment Report 2020-2021 looks at the toll the pandemic took on European firms’ investment and future plans, as well as their efforts to meet the demands of climate change and the digital revolution.
The state of nature in the EU: conservation status and trends of species and habitats protected by the EU nature directives 2013-2018 by Directorate-General for Environment (European Commission)
Publication Date: 2021
The latest State of Nature report for 2013–2018 is the largest and most extensive data-gathering exercise ever undertaken on Europe’s nature. As such, it provides an invaluable insight into the impact of the conservation measures taken so far, as well as their main shortcomings.
Climate change impacts and adaptation in Europe: JRC PESETA IV final report by Joint Research Centre (European Commission)
Publication Date: 2020
The JRC PESETA IV study shows that ecosystems, people and economies in the EU will face major impacts from climate change if we do not urgently mitigate greenhouse gas emissions or adapt to climate change. The burden of climate change shows a clear north-south divide, with southern regions in Europe much more impacted, through the effects of extreme heat, water scarcity, drought, forest fires and agriculture losses.
Energy, transport and environment statistics by Eurostat
Publication Date: 2020
The multi-thematic statistical book Energy, transport and environment statistics comprises a broad set of data collected by Eurostat. It presents the EU’s main indicators for energy, transport and environment that support the design and monitoring of EU policies. The publication provides data for the European Union and its Member States, while some indicators include also data for the EFTA countries, and candidate countries and potential candidates to the EU.
ECA Journal 02/2020: Climate Change and Audit by European Court of Auditors
This ECA Journal edition looks at the many initiatives that have been taken by the EU and governments so far to mitigate climate change, and sheds light on where gaps persist in a crisis that could prove to be decisive for the future of our planet and its inhabitants.
The EU’s Emissions Trading System: free allocation of allowances needed better targeting by European Court of Auditors
Publication Date: 2020
The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is one of the main challenges of our times. Under the EU Emissions Trading System, companies need to obtain emission allowances covering their carbon emissions. Free allocation is set as a transitional method of allocating allowances in contrast to the default method (auctioning).
Natura 2000 : nature and biodiversity newsletter by Directorate-General for Environment (European Commission)
Number 49, december 2020
Special Eurobarometer 490 : Climate change by European Commission
Publication Date: 2019
The Eurobarometer Survey reveals that citizens want more to be done to protect the environment, and that they believe responsibility should be shared by big companies and industry, national governments and the EU, as well as citizens themselves. The interviewed citizens considered that the most effective ways of tackling environmental problems are ‘changing the way we consume' and ‘changing the way we produce and trade'.

Publications Office of the EU (Latest reports) - RSS feed

Summaries of EU legislation

Environment and climate change
The EU has some of the world’s highest environmental standards, developed over decades. Environment policy helps the EU economy become more environmentally friendly, protects Europe’s natural resources, and safeguards the health and wellbeing of people living in the EU.

Fact Sheets on the European Union

Environment policy
Articles 11 and 191 to 193 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The EU is competent to act in all areas of environment policy, such as air and water pollution, waste management and climate change. Its scope for action is limited by the principle of subsidiarity and the requirement for unanimity in the Council in the fields of fiscal matters, town and country planning, land use, quantitative water resource management, choice of energy sources and structure of energy supply.

European Parliament Think Tank

Policy area : Environment

RSS feed : recent briefings

Environment: EU Publications

In the Council

EU publications

European Environment Agency (EEA)

In addition, please see the recent publications from the EEA (RSS feed)

Additional EU publications

Publications Office of the EU (Latest reports) - RSS feed

Summaries of EU legislation

Fact Sheets on the European Union

European Parliament Think Tank