European Green Deal: Commission adopts new pollutant action plan

Jun 9, 2021 Benn-Ibler Rechtsanwälte

On 12 May 2021, the European Commission adopted its new EU action plan towards zero pollution for air, water and soil with the vision that, by 2050, pollution will be reduced to levels no longer harmful to human health or natural ecosystems.

Frans Timmermans, Commissioner for Climate Action, sees in the action plan a new working method for the European Union, characterized in particular by the utilization of green technologies, the chance for new business opportunities and efforts for rebuilding a cleaner, fairer and more sustainable European economy.

In order the reach the 2050 vision, the action plan sets key targets to reduce pollution by 2030:

• 55% reduction in the number of premature deaths caused by air pollution
• 50% less plastic waste in seas, as well as 30% less microplastics
• ·50% reduction in the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture
• 50% reduction in residual waste
• 30% reduction in chronic disturbances caused by transport noise

The new Action Plan also provides for a number of flagship initiatives and actions. Considerable examples include:

The air quality standards are to be aligned more closely to those of the World Health Organization, and the quality of water is to be reviewed as well. In addition, a review of EU waste laws is to take place in order to adapt them to the principles of a clean and circular economy. Zero pollution goals of regions across the EU will be promoted with the implementation of a “Scoreboard” that makes green performance transparent. The reduction of the EU's external environmental footprint will be addressed through restrictions on the export of products and waste to third countries. Living labs will be set up for green digital and smart zero-pollutant solutions, EU zero-pollutant knowledge centers will be unified and the creation of a zero-pollutant platform for stakeholders is planned.

These targets and measures are intended to make air, water and soil largely pollution-free by 2050.

European Commission – Press release (12 May 2021)