Greenpeace EU: forestshttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/All forests related news from the Greenpeace EU uniten-eu(c) 2020, GreenpeaceFri, 21 Feb 2020 15:55:53 Z5about us/agriculture/climate change/forests/nuclear/oceans/other issues/toxicsa629e640-ac6e-4612-8d41-eb55be4a039bhttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/EU-Parliament-halt-deforestation/EU Parliament demands urgent action to meet 2020 goal to halt deforestationBrussels – The European Parliament has demanded swift action from the European Commission to cut Europe’s footprint on the world’s forests and its associated impact on climate change, species loss and human rights violations.<p dir="ltr"><span>Despite commitments by world leaders to tackle </span><a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement"><span>climate change</span></a><span> and </span><a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/"><span>end deforestation by 2020</span></a><span>, and an EU pledge to deliver an action plan in the EU’s 2013 </span><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/action-programme/"><span>7th Environmental Action Plan</span></a><span>, the Commission has so far failed to table any concrete measures.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Parliament highlighted the impact of the production and trade in agricultural and animal products, and the role of the financial sector as major drivers of deforestation.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Greenpeace EU forest policy director Sébastien Risso </strong><span>said: </span><em>“The Parliament is clear: there’s no excuse for the Commission’s deafening silence on Europe’s response to global deforestation. Deforestation contributes massively to climate change, as well as species loss and human rights abuses, and the EU is clearly part of the problem. Juncker’s team only has a handful of months before next year’s European elections to pull its head out of the sand and table the action plan the Commission has so far failed to deliver.”</em></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Parliament called for a </span><span>“meaningful”</span><span> action plan that includes </span><span>“regulatory measures to ensure that no supply chains or financial transactions linked to the EU cause deforestation, forest degradation, or human rights violations”</span><span>, and urged </span><span>“enhanced financial and technical assistance”</span><span> to developing countries, </span><span>“with the specific aim of protecting, maintaining and restoring forests, and enhancing the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities”</span><span>.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The Parliament also:</span></p><p></p><ul><p></p><li dir="ltr"><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Called for enhanced action to combat forest crime, in particular illegal logging and the associated timber trade, and pressed the Commission and European governments to fully enforce the EU timber regulation, including through effective checks and dissuasive sanctions;</span></p><p></p></li><p></p><li dir="ltr"><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Called on the Commission to include binding provisions in all EU trade and investment agreements, &nbsp;enforceable through monitoring and sanctions mechanisms, to halt illegal logging, deforestation, forest degradation, land grabbing and other human rights violations; </span></p><p></p></li><p></p><li dir="ltr"><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Stressed that the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) should be aligned with the EU’s international commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and called on the EU to ensure that CAP subsidies are granted only </span><span>“for sustainable and deforestation-free foodstuffs”</span><span>, reducing </span><span>“imports of protein feed crops and livestock”</span><span>;</span></p><p></p></li><p></p><li dir="ltr"><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Called on the EU, European governments and partner countries to ensure the effective protection of the rights of </span><span>indigenous peoples and </span><span>forest-dependent communities and indigenous peoples against human rights violations <span id="docs-internal-guid-f6f3737e-7fff-0fc6-8f8d-f2f235eebabd"><span>driven by agricultural expansion, logging and other activities</span></span>.</span></p><p></p></li><p></p></ul><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>In March 2017, the Commission released a </span><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/Commission-study-action-deforestation/"><span>study on the policy options</span></a><span> to step up EU action to combat deforestation and forest degradation, although the Commission is yet to announce how it intends to follow up and what action, if any, will be taken.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span><strong>Contacts</strong>:</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span><strong>Sébastien Risso</strong> – Greenpeace EU forest policy director:</span><span> +32 (0)496 127009, </span><a href="mailto:sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org"><span>sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>:</span><span> +32 (0)2 274 1911, </span><a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org"><span>pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</span></a></p><p></p><p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: </span><span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</span></p>Tue, 11 Sep 2018 12:30:00 Zagricultureclimate changeforestsmbreddy17db7137-0758-457e-8b1b-1f6cfd668534http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/investigation-EU-imports-Amazon-timber-fraud-Brazil/Greenpeace investigation: EU imports of Amazon timber tainted by widespread fraud in BrazilBrussels/Manaus, Brazil– A Greenpeace investigation has exposed widespread fraud in the Brazilian forestry sector, which may have allowed massive quantities of illegal timber to reach the EU. Under the EU timber regulation, importers are obliged to take action to prevent illegal timber from entering the supply chain [1].<p></p><p></p><p>Much of this wood comes from Pará state in the Brazilian Amazon, which is one of the largest producers and exporters of tropical timber in Brazil, and where experts estimate that more than three-quarters of all logging is illegal [2]. The investigation by Greenpeace Brazil, <strong><em><a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/international/publication/15432/imaginary-trees-real-destruction/">Imaginary trees, real destruction</a></em></strong>, reveals a system that allows the laundering of illegally harvested timber with legal paperwork.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU forest policy director </strong><strong>Sébastien Risso </strong>said:<em>“</em><em>Logging in the Brazilian Amazon is out of control. </em><em>It’s practically impossible to guarantee that timber from the region comes from legal operations. National authorities in the EU should review the evidence and take urgent action to stop the sale of timber that does not meet the standards required by EU law. The European Commission should see that enforcement at national level is swift and effective”.</em></p><p></p><p>Loggers particularly target ipe trees, whose high value [3] makes it profitable to penetrate deep into the Amazon rainforest, causing major environmental damage and an intensification of violence against local communities [4].</p><p></p><p>The Greenpeace investigation exposes fraudulent forest inventories. Inventories are required in the Brazilian licensing process for forest management plans. The documents frequently overestimate the volumes of valuable trees, misidentify undesirable trees as commercially valuable species, or simply list non-occurring specimens [5]. Once forest management plans are approved, state agencies issue credits for the harvesting of this non-existent timber. These credits can then be used to cook the books of sawmills that process illegally logged trees from forests on indigenous lands, protected areas or public lands. Once laundered in this manner, illegal timber becomes indistinguishable from timber that has been harvested legally [6].</p><p></p><p>The investigation found that 11 EU countries imported 9,775m³ of ipe timber from forest management plans with indications of fraud between March 2016 and September 2017. France imported the largest amount (3,002m³), followed by Portugal (1,862m³), Belgium (1,754m³) and the Netherlands (1,549m³).</p><p></p><p>Despite several earlier Greenpeace investigations exposing deficiencies in Brazil’s control system and the inadequacy of official documentation as a guarantee of the legal origin of Brazilian Amazon timber, [6] &nbsp;many operators in Europe continue to import ipe wood from the region. It is unclear what kind of measures they are taking to mitigate the risks of illegality inherent in the timber. Companies in Europe should stop buying timber from the Brazilian Amazon unless they can provide credible independent evidence that the timber is legal, beyond the simple presentation of official documents.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p>[1] The EU timber regulation bans illegal timber in the EU. It obliges companies to conduct due diligence to ensure there is no more than a negligible risk that timber has been illegally harvested.</p><p></p><p>[2] Imazon (2013), Forest Management Transparency Report - State of Pará (2011 to 2012): <a href="http://imazon.org.br/publicacoes/forest-management-transparency-report-state-of-para-2011-to-2012/?lang=en">http://imazon.org.br/publicacoes/forest-management-transparency-report-state-of-para-2011-to-2012/?lang=en</a></p><p></p><p>[3] Once processed into flooring or decking, ipe timber can fetch up to €2,000 per cubic meter at export ports.</p><p></p><p>[4] Greenpeace Brazil’s report, <em><a href="https://www.greenpeace.org.br/hubfs/Greenpeace_BloodStainedTimber_2017.pdf">Blood-stained timber: rural violence and the theft of Amazon timber</a></em>, shows how illegal logging in the Amazon is one of the main engines of violence in the region.</p><p></p><p>[5] The investigation is based on an analysis of 586 logging authorisations (derived from forest management plans) issued by the Department of the Environment of Pará state between 2013 and 2017, and field research conducted in the southwest of the state. The density of ipe trees was compared to scientific papers and to forestry inventories used in concessions in Pará state. The investigation showed that 77 per cent of those inventories registered volumes of ipe trees above the levels identified by recent research. In some cases, this ‘super filling’ of trees led to inventories with ten times more trees than what science says is likely.</p><p></p><p>[6] See visual on page 6 of the Greenpeace investigation.</p><p></p><p>[7] See Greenpeace Brazil reports: <em>The Amazon’s Silent Crisis</em> (May 2014), <em>The Amazon’s Silent Crisis: Night Terrors</em> (October 2014), <em>The Amazon’s Silent Crisis: Licence to Launder</em> (June 2015) and <em>The Amazon’s Silent Crisis: Partners in Crime</em> (November 2015).</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Sébastien Risso – Greenpeace EU forest policy director:</strong> +32 (0)496 127009, <a href="mailto:sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org">sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk:</strong> +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></strong></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Tue, 20 Mar 2018 12:34:00 Zforestsmbreddy8a6f1616-ee50-4f4a-bbe7-eed788ee21fdhttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2018/Commission-study-action-deforestation/Commission study makes pressing case for EU action on deforestationBrussels – A long awaited European Commission study, released late on Friday, lays out policy options for the EU to tackle the impact on global deforestation caused by the trade in crop and animal products like beef, soy and palm oil. [1] The study also points out the EU’s high level of meat consumption, its dependence on imported animal feed, and the inadequacy of controls on finance and investments flows as drivers of deforestation.<p></p><p></p><p>The EU’s failure to act to reduce its forest footprint is jeopardising chances of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, warned Greenpeace. Although the Commission<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2018/NGO-statement-on-deforestation/">had promised to take a decision</a> on a deforestation action plan, it has yet to announce how it intends to follow up on this study and what action, if any, will be taken.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU forest policy director Sébastien Risso</strong> said: <em>“Europe has ignored its role in global deforestation for long enough. The EU must act swiftly to ensure that the food we eat, the energy we use and the banks we save in are no longer destroying forests, fuelling climate change and trampling on indigenous peoples’ rights. It’s time for the Commission to break its silence and come forward with strong rules and policies to curb the EU’s forest footprint and support global efforts to halt deforestation.”</em></p><p></p><p>European governments and the European Parliament<a href="http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32013D1386">have repeatedly called</a> on the Commission to develop an action plan on deforestation and to deliver on the goal of ending deforestation by 2020. [2] On 5 March, again, at the last Environment Council, five EU countries called on the Commission to <em>“propose an ambitious strategy to combat imported deforestation”</em>. [3]</p><p></p><p>The Commission study released today recognises that <em>“the EU is clearly part of the problem of global deforestation”</em>, but can be part of the solution. It sets out a series of policy measures that could form the basis of an EU action plan on deforestation. In particular, these include:</p><p></p><ul><p></p><li>new legislative measures to ensure sustainable and deforestation-free agricultural supply chains, and oblige financial institutions to take action to eliminate the risk of deforestation resulting from financial investments;</li><p></p><li>initiatives to encourage lower consumption of meat and dedicated actions to reduce imports of feed, such as soy, for the EU livestock sector by increasing vegetable protein production in Europe;</li><p></p><li>a complete phase-out of crop-based biofuels by 2030 under the renewable energy directive;</li><p></p><li>financial and technical assistance to help countries whose forests are at risk to meet their international commitments on forest protection, including by supporting sustainable agricultural production and supply chains, strengthening forest protection, securing the rights of indigenous and forest communities, and improving forest and land use planning, governance and law enforcement.</li><p></p></ul><p></p><p>Agricultural expansion is responsible for 80 per cent of global deforestation, with devastating effects on the planet’s climate and biodiversity. Deforestation is also associated with violence and human rights abuses. Almost 40 percent of the land used to satisfy<a href="http://www.foeeurope.org/true-cost-consumption-land-footprint-report">EU consumption</a> is situated outside Europe.</p><p></p><p>Forests are essential for life on the planet. They guard against the worst effects of climate change byabsorbing and storing massive amounts of carbon dioxide, are home to a vast diversity of plants, animals and insects, and provide shelter and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people.</p><p></p><p>The Commission also released a study on the environmental impact of palm oil consumption and on existing sustainability standards. [4] In 2017, the EU imported over 3,410,000 tonnes of palm oil from Indonesia and over 1,781,000 tonnes from Malaysia. The oil palm and wood fibre sector is the biggest driver of deforestation in <a href="http://www.wri.org/blog/2017/07/drivers-deforestation-indonesia-inside-and-outside-concessions-areas">Indonesia</a> and <a href="https://www.cifor.org/library/6227/rapid-conversions-and-avoided-deforestation-examining-four-decades-of-industrial-plantation-expansion-in-borneo/">Malaysia</a>. In Indonesia alone around 24 million hectares of rainforest was destroyed between 1990 and 2015 – an area almost the size of the UK.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p>[1] Commission study <em>on the feasibility of options to step up EU action to combat deforestation and forest degradation</em> <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/pdf/feasibility_study_deforestation_kh0418199enn_main_report.pdf">http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/pdf/feasibility_study_deforestation_kh0418199enn_main_report.pdf</a></p><p></p><p>[2] World leaders recognised the crucial<a href="http://newsroom.unfccc.int/nature-s-role/forests-as-key-climate-solution">role of forests</a> in climate change mitigation in the 2015 Paris climate agreement and<a href="http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/">pledged to halt deforestation by 2020</a>. In 2013, European governments and the European Parliament asked the Commission to develop policy proposals and consider the development of an action plan on deforestation and forest degradation in the context of the 7th EU environment action programme. Several European governments (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Norway) have reiterated their call for action in the<a href="https://www.euandgvc.nl/documents/publications/2015/december/7/declarations">Amsterdam Declaration</a>. Members of the European Parliament also called for an EU action plan, including concrete regulatory measures to ensure that no supply chains and financial transactions linked to the EU result in deforestation and forest degradation, most recently, in the<a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P8-TA-2017-0098+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN">Parliament’s resolution</a> on palm oil and deforestation.</p><p></p><p>[3] Note from the French, Danish, German, Netherlands and United Kingdom delegations on <em>“combating imported deforestation”</em>, discussed at the Environment Council on 5 March 2018. <a href="http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6528-2018-INIT/en/pdf">http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6528-2018-INIT/en/pdf</a></p><p></p><p>[4] Commission study on the environmental impact of palm oil consumption and on existing sustainability standards <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/pdf/palm_oil_study_kh0218208enn_new.pdf">http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/pdf/palm_oil_study_kh0218208enn_new.pdf</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU forest policy director Sébastien Risso:</strong> +32 (0)496 127009, <a href="mailto:sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org">sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk:</strong> +32 (0)2 274 1911, pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>This press comment is also available on:<a href="http://www.greenpeace.eu/">www.greenpeace.eu</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Mon, 19 Mar 2018 10:00:00 Zagricultureforestsmbreddye923de4e-e1a6-41a4-b708-e5cd30ff5b60http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2018/NGO-statement-on-deforestation/NGO statement on deforestationAll eyes on the European Commission, as crucial EU decision on deforestation due “in a matter of weeks”<p></p><p></p><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2018/20180207-NGO-statement-on-deforestation.pdf" target="_blank">20180207-NGO-statement-on-deforestation</a><br/><p>In the coming weeks, the European Commission is set to make a momentous decision about the fate of the world’s forests.</p><p></p><p>The decision rests on whether the EU will develop an Action Plan on deforestation and degradation, as envisaged by the Council and Parliament in 2013 in the context of the <a href="http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32013D1386">7th EU Environment Action Programme</a>.<a title="" name="_ftnref1" href="#_ftn1"></a></p><p></p><p>Failure to act would mean the EU will be unable to deliver on <a href="http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/">its international commitments to halt deforestation by 2020</a>, to protect our climate and biodiversity, and to guarantee that human rights including the rights of indigenous peoples are respected.<a title="" name="_ftnref2" href="#_ftn2"></a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/pdf/1.%20Report%20analysis%20of%20impact.pdf">Research commissioned</a> by the EC in 2013 was influential in grasping the extent of the EU’s consumption in <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/deforestation.htm">driving deforestation</a> in producer countries.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/pdf/ToR%20-%20Feasibility%20Study%20Deforestation%20final_dec15.pdf">A feasibility study</a> on policy options to step up EU action against deforestation<a title="" name="_ftnref5" href="#_ftn5"></a> is due to be made public very shortly by the Commission, along with a decision on the next steps. We expect the feasibility study to conclude that meaningful action is feasible and necessary.</p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.forestpeoples.org/sites/default/files/documents/deforestation-4.pdf">Many NGOs</a>,<a title="" name="_ftnref6" href="#_ftn6"></a> and <a href="https://www.euandgvc.nl/documents/publications/2015/december/7/declarations">EU Member States</a>,<a title="" name="_ftnref7" href="#_ftn7"></a><sup><a title="" name="_ftnref8" href="#_ftn8"></a></sup> have asked the Commission for an Action Plan on deforestation and forest degradation. Members of the European Parliament have <a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P8-TA-2017-0098+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN">made the same plea</a>, most recently in a Parliament resolution on palm oil and the deforestation of rainforests.<a title="" name="_ftnref9" href="#_ftn9"></a></p><p></p><p>In November 2017, <a href="http://www.palmoilandfood.eu/sites/default/files/17.%20Helene%20Perier%20EPOC%20EU%20Work%20on%20deforestation.pdf">the Commission stated</a> it was still reflecting on what action to take.<a title="" name="_ftnref10" href="#_ftn10"></a></p><p></p><p>On 10 January 2018, First Vice President of the Commission, Frans Timmermans, and Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, informed NGOs that <em>“the Commission </em><em>will be making a decision on a possible EU initiative on deforestation in the coming weeks</em><em>”. </em></p><p></p><p>The Vice Presidents further stated that “<em>as part of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and of the Paris agreement, addressing the environmental and social challenges of deforestation and forest degradation is more than ever an important matter for the European Union and in particular for the European Commission</em>”.</p><p></p><p>The importance of the EU showing leadership to end deforestation and forest degradation cannot be overstated. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 8.8 million hectares of natural forest were lost each year between 2010 and 2015, a total area roughly equivalent to Sweden. Forest destruction is a major environmental problem, accelerating biodiversity loss and climate change, and often associated with human rights violations against indigenous peoples and local communities.</p><p></p><p>Given the gravity of the situation, NGOs call on the Commission to commit to developing a formal action plan, including legislative measures, as soon as possible within the course of the coming months.</p><p></p><p>Europe’s environmental legacy and the future of globally significant forests are both at stake. &nbsp;All eyes on the Commission!</p><p></p><p><em>Greenpeace European Unit, WWF EU, FERN, Client Earth, Environmental Investigation Agency, Forest Peoples Programme, Conservation International, Global Witness, Wildlife Conservation Society</em></p>Wed, 07 Feb 2018 09:22:00 Zforestsjhyland6baf4e81-90be-4008-a420-ec091ea20bc6http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2017/Open-letter-to-Juncker-and-Timmermans-requesting-active-intervention-in-support-of-civil-society-and-democracy-in-Europe/Open letter to Juncker and Timmermans requesting active intervention in support of civil society and democracy in EuropeLeading civil society organisations in Europe have written to Commission President Juncker and Vice-President Timmermans to request your active intervention in In view of the situation in Hungary. <p></p><p> The Hungarian government’s recent moves to stigmatise civil society organisations and by the possible forced closure of the Central European University. These developments will have severe negative implications for Hungarian society, social and human rights and the environment. They are unprecedented in the EU and constitute a serious blow to European<br />values, including freedom of academic exchange.</p><p></p><p>In keeping with the values of the European Union, the seven organisations urge the Commission to ensure that all Members States defend the role of civil society in promoting open and accountable societies.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170411_letter%20to%20COM%20on%20situation%20inHungary_FINAL%20with%20logos.pdf">Read the full letter</a></p>Tue, 11 Apr 2017 13:51:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslullmanna2b658c0-22d8-4594-8ffb-aa5c339d7869http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2017/Open-letter-on-the-independence-and-transparency-of-ECHAs-Risk-Assessment-Committee/Open letter on the independence and transparency of ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee20 health and environmental organisations wrote to the Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency, Mr. Geert Dancet, to express concerns regarding conflicts of interest and transparency at the agency.<p><em>This page was updated on 14 March to include a second letter from ECHA to Greenpeace dated 10 March.</em></p><p></p><p>According to ECHA's own standards, the chairman and two members of the Risk Assessment Agency appear to breach the agency’s own conflict of interest rules. The organisations also criticise ECHA’s practice of basing assessments on unpublished industry studies. <br /><br />ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee is <a href="https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/22932537/rac_40_agenda_en.pdf/81de9087-84fd-aca7-9662-bebef1da1d29">meeting on 8 and 15</a> March to discuss the health and environmental impacts caused by the use of glyphosate.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170306_Open_Letter_ECHA_CoI_Concerns.pdf">NGO letter to ECHA</a> (March 6)</p><p></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7M6sIHEjPjtbmdod3AxV18xUUU/view">ECHA's response</a> (March 7)</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170308_response_to_ECHA_about_conflicts_of_interest.pdf">Letter expressing Greenpeace's heightened concerns</a> (March 8)</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170310%20ECHA%20reply%20to%20Greenpeace%20on%20conflicts%20of%20interest%20glyphosate.pdf">Second ECHA letter</a> (10 March)</p>Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:18:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslullmann3f90ac09-53c6-4c82-a2c0-4e1b85d2512bhttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Leaked-TiSA-texts-reveal-threats-to-climate-/Leaked TiSA texts reveal threats to climate Amsterdam/Geneva – Greenpeace Netherlands has released unpublished texts from the TiSA (Trade in Services Agreement) negotiations and conducted an in-depth analysis of the energy chapter, which indicates serious threats to international climate policies.<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/TiSA_report_EN_sept16_09w.pdf" target="_blank">TiSA_report_EN_sept16_09w</a><br/><p></p><p>Widely unnoticed by the public, the TiSA trade deal could be finalised by the end of this year. Negotiated in secret, some of the leaked TiSA documents are subject to a five-year ban on publication after signing of the deal.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />You can find more information about the leaked documents <a title="here" href="http://www.tisa-leaks.org" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />&nbsp;<br />Check out our analysis of the energy annex:</p>Tue, 20 Sep 2016 07:32:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasimeed7dbfc-fb94-4ba3-9a22-11e70c9895e4http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Civil-society-calls-for-a-new-Europe-for-people-and-planet/Civil society calls for a new Europe for people and planet177 European and national civil society organisations and trade unions signed this common statement, ahead of the EU27 Summit in Bratislava on 16 September 2016.<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/CSO%20statement%20-%20final%2012092016.pdf" target="_blank">CSO statement - final 12092016</a><br/><p></p><p>"Too many people across Europe are dissatisfied and disillusioned with the European Union and feel remote from its institutions and policies. But there are groups of committed politicians, trade unions, community groups and non-governmental organisations across Europe who are ready to take action and work for a renewed Europe. Together, we can shape a Europe that is inclusive, open, just, sustainable, and that works for people of all ages, social backgrounds and nations."[...]</p>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 14:00:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesabout uslcolasim68b787ba-bcba-41e4-b1fc-0008cdc60d1chttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/CSO-letter---Future-of-Europe/CSO letter - Future of EuropeThis is a common statement signed by 177 European and national civil society organisations and trade unions, ahead of the EU27 Summit in Bratislava on 16 September 2016.<p></p><p></p><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/CSO%20statement%20-%20final%2012092016.pdf" target="_blank">CSO statement - final 12092016</a><br/><p>[...] "Too many people across Europe are dissatisfied and disillusioned with the European Union and feel remote from its institutions and policies. But there are groups of committed politicians, trade unions, community groups and non-governmental organisations across Europe who are ready to take action and work for a renewed Europe. Together, we can shape a Europe that is inclusive, open, just, sustainable, and that works for people of all ages, social backgrounds and nations."[...]</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; display: inline !important; float: none;">&nbsp;</span></p>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 08:58:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasimc27ccafd-59ab-44f2-984f-7143b9f1af3fhttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Bratislava-summit-Europe-at-a-crossroads/Bratislava summit: Europe at a crossroadsLetter to EU leaders by environmental organisations ahead of special summit in Bratislava.<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/file/Bratislava_summit_Green10_priorities.pdf" target="_blank">Bratislava_summit_Green10_priorities</a><br/><p></p><p>The EU is at a crossroads. It can either continue on the current path of deregulation and ‘less Europe’ – a path which has clearly failed to convince citizens both in the UK and across the Union – or it can embark on something new, answering to the needs and aspirations of European citizens. On this new path, instead of focussing on promoting globalisation, the EU would direct its efforts towards managing its impacts on our planet and ensuring that all its citizens can live a good life, well within the planetary boundaries.[...]</p><p></p><p><strong><strong>To read the full letter click on the link below</strong><span>:</span></strong></p>Tue, 30 Aug 2016 08:54:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesabout usjhyland28fca469-315f-4fd5-90cf-ce9255cc6defhttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/209-pesticides-used-in-the-EU-could-endanger-humans-or-environment/209 pesticides used in the EU could endanger humans or environment27 July 2016 – Greenpeace Germany today published an updated version of The EU Pesticide Blacklist [1]. This catalogue, developed by an independent expert, classifies all pesticides authorised in the European Union according to their potential dangers for human health and the environment.<p><strong>Christiane Huxdorff, ecological farming campaigner at Greenpeace Germany</strong>, said: <em>“We have to get the most dangerous pesticides for people and the environment off our plates and out of our fields. One toxic chemical can’t just be replaced with another, as has happened with bee-killing neonicotinoids. The blacklist shows that the most toxic synthetic pesticides need to be phased out and replaced with safe, ecological methods.”</em><br /> &nbsp;<br /> The report reviews the 520 active chemical ingredients allowed in the EU and evaluates them according to their potential danger. The blacklist itself contains the 209 most toxic pesticides, identified by their dangers to the environment or human health [2].<br /> <br /> - 111 pesticides qualify for direct inclusion as they satisfy one or more criteria deemed dangerous for human health – such as glyphosate, which was classified by World Health Organisation cancer experts as a probable carcinogen.<br /> - 62 pesticides are included for meeting criteria dangerous to the environment – such as neonicotinoid imidacloprid, which is known to be toxic to bees and beneficial insects.<br /> - An additional 36 pesticides are listed because of their high overall score, combining different categories – such as the fungicide captan, which has carcinogenic and immunotoxic properties, and is known to be toxic to fish and beneficial organisms.<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors:</strong><br /> <strong>[1]</strong> Neumeister, Lars (2016) The EU Pesticide Blacklist, Greenpeace Germany e.V.<br /> <strong>[2]</strong> Criteria evaluated in the scoring system: acute toxicity (short term toxicity user); carcinogenicity; mutagenicity; reproductive and developmental toxicity; operator toxicity (Acceptable Operator Exposure Level) and/or chronic toxicity (long term toxicity, expressed as ADI); immunetoxicity; acute toxicity (short term toxicity consumer expressed as ARfD); neurotoxicity; corrosive properties; explosive properties; endocrine effects on human health and environment; aquatic toxicity (algae); aquatic toxicity (invertebrate, fish); toxicity to birds (predator, parasitoid); toxicity to honey bees; toxicity to earth worm (indicator for soil dwelling organisms); bioaccumulation; persistence; leaching potential; volatility<br /> <br /> For additional information on ecological farming, see: Tirado, Reyes (2015) <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/publications/Campaign-reports/Agriculture/Food-and-Farming-Vision/">“Ecological Farming - The seven principles of a food system that has people at its heart”</a>, Greenpeace International<br /> <br /><a href="https://www.greenpeace.de/sites/www.greenpeace.de/files/publications/20160727_schwarze_liste_pestizide_greenpeace_final.pdf"> Please find the full report here</a>.<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://gp.url/eu-blacklist"><br /></a></p>Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:53:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesjhyland244486fa-9846-4b34-ad91-b6dc48dcd8c8http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Europe-must-reconnect-with-its-people-and-values/Europe must reconnect with its people and valuesBrussels - Solidarity, sustainability and peace are the answers to today’s challenges, said Greenpeace as EU leaders meet in Brussels today to discuss the aftermath of the UK referendum.<p><strong>Greenpeace EU deputy director Saskia Richartz </strong>said: <em>“The values of peace, democracy, solidarity and sustainability are what bring people together. </em><em>Millions across this continent are already striving to build fairer and sustainable communities. They harness the power of the sun and wind to produce clean energy, they grow and consume local food, and open their houses and wallets to those in need. At its best, the EU nurtures these efforts and secures the well-being and rights of its citizens.”</em></p><p></p><p><em>“The Europe of austerity, deregulation, corporate greed, and closed borders has failed people and planet. It has widened the gap between rich and poor, and eroded our ability to face up to the global challenges of climate change, ecosystem collapse, and war. Whatever the political path forward after the UK's referendum, it’s time for EU leaders to think beyond the common market and build a better society that meets the needs of people and the environment.”</em></p><p></p><p><strong>Note</strong>: Letter to EU leaders by environmental organisations, <em><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/Green10_EU_PostBrexit.pdf">State of the European Union after Brexit - time for a new direction</a></em>, 27 June 2016.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contact</strong>: <strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong> - +32 (0)2 274 1911, pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs:<a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU"> <strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Tue, 28 Jun 2016 09:36:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesabout uslcolasimd7a6361b-4a83-4b33-a527-0e6d72298de6http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/State-of-the-European-Union-after-Brexit-time-for-a-new-direction/State of the European Union after Brexit: time for a new directionLetter to EU leaders by environmental organisations.<p></p><a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/Green10_EU_PostBrexit.pdf" target="_blank">Green10_EU_PostBrexit</a><br/><p>[...] "In the coming days, weeks and months, a debate will take place on the most important question facing the EU: how do we live up to these values and ensure that the policies, structures and institutions that were created to uphold them can do so effectively in the face of fear, alienation and misinformation?"</p><p></p><p>"As ten of the leading environmental networks active at European level, with a collective membership of over 20 million citizens, of whom a significant number live in the UK, we will certainly need to become better in making the case for the values and benefits EU policies have brought for its citizens’ health and wellbeing. This includes cleaner air, water and beaches, thriving wildlife, safer substances and green energy, to name but a few. These benefits should be communicated loud and clear and all the time, not only in the face of an imminent UK departure from the Union." [...]</p><p></p><p><strong>To read the full letter click on the link below</strong>:</p>Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:30:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesabout uslcolasimbdcd557b-29b1-4f5e-bccb-1148f975dfe8http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Stepping-up-EU-action-to-protect-forests-is-not-optional-but-the-only-way-forward/Stepping up EU action to protect forests is not optional but the only way forwardIllegal logging and related trade remain persistent global problems despite the positive impacts of EU actions undertaken since 2004. A recent independent evaluation assesses the progress of EU action in tackling illegal logging since the launch of the EU action plan on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), more than ten years ago. <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/FLEGT%20report%20analysis%20FINAL%20160527%20-%20GPEU%20site.pdf" target="_blank">FLEGT report analysis FINAL 160527 - GPEU site</a><br/><p></p><p>Greenpeace welcomes the findings of the evaluators, who urge the EU to continue high level political commitment to FLEGT, to sustain its fight against illegal logging and to undertake more far-reaching actions, in particular to stop deforestation and forest conversion for agriculture.</p><p></p><p><strong>Sébastien Risso, Greenpeace EU forest policy director</strong>, said: “<em>Fighting forest crimes </em><em>requires persistent action, resources and political determination. </em><em>Europe must shift gear to end illegal logging and close all entry points for illegal timber to its own internal market.</em></p><p></p><p><em>Aside from banishing illegal logging, Europe must fulfil its commitment to protect forests and put in place legislation to eliminate deforestation from its supply chains and investments, tackling for instance the massive impact of palm oil and soy production on the world’s forests</em><em>. There really is no excuse for the continued merciless plundering of forest resources and related dramatic impact on the environment and local communities</em>”.</p><p></p><p>In some countries, almost 90 per cent of timber production is estimated to be illegal according to <a href="https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/files/chathamhouse/field/field_document/20150715IllegalLoggingHoare.pdf">recent research</a>. Shiploads of illegal timber routinely reach the international market, and may end up in the hands of European consumers, according to a <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/Press-Centre-Hub/Publications/La-Socamba/">new Greenpeace investigation</a>.</p><p></p><p>In addition, large volumes of agricultural products linked to deforestation are sold on the EU market each day as food, animal feed and cosmetics. Moreover, European banks and financial institutions often finance business operations, like the conversion of forest for palm oil or pulpwood plantations, contributing to forest loss.</p><p></p><p>Last year, European leaders committed to halt deforestation and forest degradation by 2020 and to protect and restore forests as a contribution towards limiting global warming to 1.5°Celsius, in the context of the UN sustainable development goals and Paris climate agreement. The EU will only be able to honour these commitments if it secures FLEGT implementation and ensures that the EU’s supply chains and investments are not linked to deforestation and forest degradation. &nbsp;</p><p></p><p><strong>Next steps and FLEGT review take away</strong></p><p></p><p>European agriculture ministers are expected to discuss the FLEGT evaluation at the June 2016 agriculture council. The Dutch Council Presidency has already stated that it <em>“</em><a href="http://english.eu2016.nl/documents/publications/2015/12/14/state-of-the-european-union-presidency-edition">will strive for a more effective, coherent approach that will also strengthen efforts to halt deforestation”</a><em>.</em></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace, together with eight other organisations recently presented its call for action, including recommendations, in a <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/briefingnote_deforestation_designed.pdf">briefing note</a>. Many of these are mirrored in the FLEGT evaluation report, which emphasises that the EU must:</p><p></p><ul><p></p><li>ensure the effective and uniform enforcement of the EU law banning illegal timber;</li><p></p><li>step up international dialogue and diplomacy with other major timber consumer countries, notably China, for them to adopt comparable legislation;</li><p></p><li>include timber coming from illegal forest conversion within existing FLEGT Voluntary Partnership agreements, and address the issue of conflict timber as this was not adequately dealt with so far;</li><p></p><li>pursue with more determination the “higher objectives” of sustainable development, notably environmental sustainability, poverty eradication, and human and labour &nbsp;rights, in the implementation of the FLEGT action plan, including by giving due attention to obligations deriving from international law and agreements;</li><p></p><li>combat global deforestation more effectively by taking more far-reaching actions involving all sectors impacting on land use.</li><p></p></ul><p></p><p>In addition, Greenpeace urges the EU to keep the improvement of forest governance at the forefront of EU action in the coming years. Effective forest governance is essential to ensure the long term sustainability of action to combat illegal logging and deforestation. The EU should urgently address <strong><em>“</em></strong><strong><em>fundamental land-use and governance challenges</em></strong><strong><em>, including corruption, which is preventing progress in FLEGT/VPA action in several partner countries”</em></strong>,in line withthe evaluators’ assessment. It should also heed the report’s warning thatsome of the forest governance challenges facing countries affected by illegal logging <strong><em>“turn out to be deeply rooted and require sustained action over a long timeframe”.</em></strong></p><p></p><p>The evaluation report replicates a number of generic recommendations, such as simplifying compliance procedures and increasing private sector involvement, which play the tune of the industry, but which risk to undermine the integrity and effectiveness of FLEGT systems, and give corporations undue influence over public policy and issues of forest governance.</p><p></p><p>The evaluation falls short of adequate recommendations on finance and investment. The report's authors acknowledge that NGO investigations have been the only effective action, other than banks ‘self-regulation’, to address the impact of finance on forests. However, despite noting that <strong><em>“so far, legally binding constraints on them [banks] have not been included in the EU framework”</em></strong><em>, </em>the authors shy away from proposing a concrete regulatory response. Instead, they merely suggest creating a joint platform with actors from private sector and civil society to monitor investments.</p><p></p><p>Yet, legislation to shift investment away from forest damaging activities is urgently needed. Self-regulation and <em>other half-hearted solutions have been ineffective</em>.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>Sébastien Risso</strong>, Greenpeace EU forest policy director, <a href="mailto:sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org">sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org</a>, T. +32 (0)2 274 19 01. EU transparency register number 9832909575-41.</p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Fri, 27 May 2016 09:33:00 Zforestslcolasimde0be93a-7a75-47d0-a516-b126e2035af5http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Complaint-to-the-European-Commission-concerning-alleged-breach-of-Union-law/Complaint to the European Commission concerning alleged breach of Union lawSeven Polish and international NGOs lodged a complaint with the European Commission as Polish minister breaches EU law and approves logging in Białowieża Forest<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/Complaint%20to%20European%20Commission%20-Poland%20forest.pdf" target="_blank">Complaint to European Commission -Poland forest</a><br/><p></p><p></p><p>The NGOs called on the Commission to investigate an illegal plan to log Poland’s Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO heritage forest. The decision by Polish environment minister Jan Szyszko breached Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. This could result in the Polish government being taken to the European Court of Justice.</p>Tue, 19 Apr 2016 12:00:00 Zforestslcolasim72127222-87d6-4151-831b-a98e275258d6http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Tackling-illegal-logging-deforestation-and-forest-degradation/Tackling illegal logging, deforestation and forest degradationThis briefing is the contribution of a group of non-governmental<p></p>organisations to the policy debate related to the evaluation of the<p></p>European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT)<p></p>Action Plan, the review of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), and the EU’s<p></p>commitment to halt deforestation and restore degraded forests by 2020.<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/briefingnote_deforestation_designed.pdf" target="_blank">briefingnote_deforestation_designed</a><br/><p></p><p>The FLEGT Action Plan was established in 2003 as an innovative first attempt by the EU to curb illegal logging and related trade, promote sustainable forest management, and address some of the underlying causes of deforestation and forest degradation. [...] Nonetheless, illegal logging remains a persistent problem across the world. In some countries, 90% of all logging activities are illegal.</p>Wed, 30 Mar 2016 08:00:00 Zforestslcolasimf3be1a30-c942-459e-9437-56988f194e64http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/NGOs-call-for-EU-to-perform-Fitness-Check-of-CAP/NGOs call for a Fitness Check of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/NGOs%20letter%20-%20CAP%20Fitness%20Check%20_final_version.pdf" target="_blank">NGOs letter - CAP Fitness Check _final_version</a><br/><p><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/image/2016/agriculture%20for%20CAP.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="166" /></p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>107 NGOs are calling on European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to initiate an in-depth review of food production and consumption in Europe by conducting a Fitness Check of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>Find the full letter below.</p>Wed, 23 Mar 2016 14:32:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslbottoni0fd1ef86-a8ec-4e8a-a60e-16dbf2e87e0fhttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/CETA-fake-new-approach-on-investment-protection-/CETA: fake new approach on investment protection Brussels – Today, the European Commission and Canadian government agreed to include a new approach on investment protection and investment dispute settlement in the EU-Canada comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA).<p></p><p>Commenting on the new investment protection and dispute settlement mechanism, <strong>Greenpeace TTIP campaigner Susan Jehoram Cohen</strong> said: "<em>The investment protection court included in the trade deal between the EU and Canada is discriminatory, giving privileges to big business with no strings attached. Only foreign investors can go to court, while local businesses are excluded. Multinationals can sue states, but not the other way around, and exorbitant compensation claims could cost taxpayers dear.</em>"</p><p></p><p><br /><strong>Contact:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a title="pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org" href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p>Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:00:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasimc7969667-bff5-4860-bfef-0602031c9335http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Greenpeace-blockade-against-EU-US-trade-talks-lifted/Greenpeace blockade against EU-US trade talks liftedBrussels – The Greenpeace blockade on EU-US trade talks has been lifted after Belgian police secured a side entrance for negotiators.<p><strong>CORRECTED: Photos and video of today’s protest available </strong><a href="http://photo.greenpeace.org/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;ALID=27MZIFJ6IWA_2"><strong>here</strong></a><strong> (updated link).</strong></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is determined to continue to take peaceful action against TTIP to defend democracy, people and the environment.</p><p></p><p>Concern about TTIP is growing and involves a wide spectrum of society, including NGOs, the <a href="http://epha.org/spip.php?article6456">health sector</a> and businesses. Greenpeace is giving a voice to the <a href="https://stop-ttip.org">millions of Europeans</a> who have signed petitions and taken to the streets in defence of EU standards on food safety, toxic chemicals, healthcare and workers’ rights.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information on the protest, click <a href="https://p3-admin.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Greenpeace-activists-block-secret-TTIP-talks/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For a Q&amp;A on TTIP, click <a href="https://p3-admin.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/TTIP-Q-and-A-unpacking-EU-US-trade-talks/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contact</strong>: <strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong> - +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a><br /> <br /> Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to&nbsp;change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and&nbsp;to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments,&nbsp;the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:20:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasim7244d974-74aa-4b4c-a376-fd52ecd9b02dhttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/EU-US-talks-delayed-as-Greenpeace-continues-protest/EU-US talks delayed as Greenpeace continues protestBrussels – For the past hours thirty Greenpeace activists from seven countries have blocked the entrances to the Brussels building where EU and US negotiators were due to hold secret talks for a trade deal that would give multinational corporations unprecedented power.<p><strong>CORRECTED: Photos and video of today’s protest available </strong><a href="http://photo.greenpeace.org/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;ALID=27MZIFJ6IWA_2"><strong>here</strong></a><strong> (updated link).</strong></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As a result, the talks have been delayed. In the past hour one side entrance has been opened, and some negotiators have been able to enter the building escorted by police.</p><p></p><p>However, the activists are still in place and the protest continues.</p><p></p><p>The activists used wooden and metal barriers to block the entrances, while climbers unfurled a banner depicting a ‘dead-end’ road sign that read: “TTIP: dead end trade deal”.</p><p></p><p>The protesters warned that TTIP – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement – is a threat for democracy, environmental protection, healthcare standards, and working conditions.</p><p></p><p>Negotiators were today due to start a five-day long round of talks on controversial plans to allow foreign investors to challenge rules and laws that protect people and nature, including on food, chemical pollution and energy. The scheme favoured by the Commission – known as <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/From-ISDS-to-ICS-A-leopard-cant-change-its-spots/">Investor Court System</a> (ICS) – would give a new court jurisdiction over democratic states to defend the interests of multinational corporations.</p><p></p><p>Concern about TTIP is growing and involves a wide spectrum of society, including NGOs, the <a href="http://epha.org/spip.php?article6456">health sector</a> and businesses [1]. Greenpeace is giving a voice to the <a href="https://stop-ttip.org">millions of Europeans</a> who have signed petitions and taken to the streets in defence of EU standards on food safety, toxic chemicals, healthcare and workers’ rights.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information on the protest, click <a href="https://p3-admin.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Greenpeace-activists-block-secret-TTIP-talks/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For a Q&amp;A on TTIP, click <a href="https://p3-admin.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/TTIP-Q-and-A-unpacking-EU-US-trade-talks/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[1]</strong> For Germany see <a href="http://www.euractiv.com/section/trade-society/interview/smes-want-a-ttip-rethink/">here</a>. For the UK see <a href="http://www.smeinsider.com/2015/02/12/the-secret-business-plan-that-could-spell-the-end-for-smes/">here</a>. For Austria see <a href="http://www.kmu-gegen-ttip.at/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contact</strong>: <strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong> - +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a><br /> <br /> Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to&nbsp;change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and&nbsp;to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments,&nbsp;the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 10:50:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasimc03951c4-7b94-409f-8aa4-87b2230f530bhttp://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Greenpeace-activists-block-secret-TTIP-talks/Greenpeace activists block secret TTIP talksBrussels – Greenpeace activists have blocked EU and US negotiators from holding secret talks in Brussels for a trade deal that would give multinational corporations unprecedented power.<p><strong>Photos and video will be available later this morning <a title="here" href="http://photo.greenpeace.org/collection/27MZIFJ6IWA_2" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></p><p></p><p></p><p>The protesters warned that TTIP – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement – is a threat for democracy, environmental protection, health standards and working conditions. Greenpeace calls for an immediate end to TTIP negotiations.</p><p></p><p>Thirty activists from seven countries [1] chained themselves at the entrances of a conference centre where the meeting was due to take place. Some activists climbed the front of the building to deploy a large banner depicting a ‘dead-end’ road sign that read: “TTIP: dead end trade deal”.</p><p></p><p>In the two-and-a-half years since TTIP talks began, negotiators have revealed very little about the negotiations, while continuing to threaten environmental, health and labour standards. There is no reason to believe that this round of talks will be any different.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace TTIP campaigner Susan Jehoram Cohen </strong>said: <em>“This trade deal is not about trade. It’s about the transfer of power from people to big business. What the Commission calls barriers to trade are in fact the safeguards that keep toxic pesticides out of our food or dangerous pollutants out of the air we breathe. The negotiators who were supposed to meet in secret today want to weaken these safeguards to maximise corporate profits, whatever the costs for society and the environment. It’s our responsibility to expose them and give a voice to the millions who oppose this trade deal.”</em></p><p></p><p>Negotiators from the European Commission and the US trade department were due to begin a five day-long round of talks on controversial plans to allow foreign investors to challenge rules and laws that protect people and nature, including on food, chemical pollution and energy. The scheme favoured by the Commission – known as <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/From-ISDS-to-ICS-A-leopard-cant-change-its-spots/">Investment Court System</a> (ICS) – would give a new quasi-court jurisdiction over democratic states to defend the interests of investors [2]. ICS would:</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; set up a privileged judicial system by allowing multinational corporations to bypass national courts;</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; allow ICS judges, who are not permanently assigned to the court, to also act as lawyers for corporate clients, raising serious conflict of interest concerns;</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; allow preferential treatment for foreign companies over national or local businesses;</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; flout democratic principles and the right for governments to adopt and enforce laws;</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; have a ‘chilling effect’ on public authorities by discouraging them from adopting or enforcing standards in the public interest, for fear of being challenged.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU legal counsel Andrea Carta</strong> added: <em>“The Commission’s plan for a special court to protect corporate profits is a threat for democracy and the rule of law. It discriminates against local businesses and threatens the right of governments to adopt laws that are in the public interest. Multinational corporations are not above the law. The same rules should apply to them as to everyone else.”</em></p><p></p><p>The aim of TTIP is to remove so-called barriers to trade between the EU and the US, and to protect foreign investments above all else. With tariffs on transatlantic trade already <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/united-states/">very low</a>, the focus of negotiations is on removing ‘non-tariff’ barriers from laws and regulations in almost every sector of the economy, from farming to textiles, and IT to banking. Concern about TTIP is growing and involves a wide spectrum of society, including NGOs, the <a href="http://epha.org/spip.php?article6456">health sector</a> and businesses [3]. <a href="https://stop-ttip.org">Millions</a> have signed petitions and taken to the streets in defence of EU standards on food safety, toxic chemicals, healthcare and workers’ rights.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; English, German, French, and Dutch spokespeople are available on the ground.</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For a Q&amp;A on TTIP, click <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/201602%20comprehensive%20QandA%20TTIP%20FINAL.pdf">here</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[1]</strong> The activists are from: Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Poland.</p><p></p><p><strong>[2]</strong> The <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/From-ISDS-to-ICS-A-leopard-cant-change-its-spots/">Investment Court System</a> also fails to address the European Parliament’s request to <em>“</em><a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P8-TA-2015-0252+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN"><em>replace the ISDS system</em></a><em> with a new system […] subject to democratic principles and scrutiny”</em>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[3]</strong> For Germany see <a href="http://www.euractiv.com/section/trade-society/interview/smes-want-a-ttip-rethink/">here</a>. For the UK see <a href="http://www.smeinsider.com/2015/02/12/the-secret-business-plan-that-could-spell-the-end-for-smes/">here</a>. For Austria see <a href="http://www.kmu-gegen-ttip.at/">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><strong>Contact</strong>: <strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong> - +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a><br /> <br /> Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to&nbsp;change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and&nbsp;to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments,&nbsp;the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 06:42:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasim2ca5f531-b41f-40ff-b822-223fd7a7ff05http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Commission-slams-weak-implementation-of-forest-protection-law/Commission slams weak implementation of EU law against illegal loggingIn a review of legislation to combat illegal logging, the European Commission has said EU countries must significantly step up efforts to keep illegal timber off the EU market [1].<p><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/image/2016/GP0STPBVL_Low_res_with_credit_line.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="155" />The Commission’s assessment of the EU timber regulation (EUTR) said EU countries should <em>“significantly step up their implementation and enforcement efforts”</em>. It blamed them for failing to allocate sufficient human and financial resources and for uneven sanction regimes across EU member states and<em> “a lack of uniform understanding and application of the regulation”</em>.</p><p></p><p>It added that private sector companies had <em>“not consistently implemented the [due diligence] requirements” </em>and that compliance remains <em>“uneven and insufficient”</em>. Finally, the Commission also said that it may consider expanding the scope of the EUTR to include timber products such as printed paper, wooden seats, coffins and musical instruments, which are not currently covered.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU forest policy director Sébastien Risso </strong>said: <em>“Illegal logging and the trade in illegal timber have severe environmental and social impacts. They also feed corruption and organised crime. It beggars belief that after decades of debate, and despite a strong law that could prevent it, the proceeds of these crimes are still sold in Europe. European ministers must reaffirm their commitment to protect forests and enforce existing EU laws banning illegal timber trade from European markets.”</em></p><p></p><p>Investigations by Greenpeace over the past two years have shown that weak enforcement of the EUTR and non-compliance by European companies, as well as delays in implementation by EU countries, are undermining the effectiveness of the law. This is seriously slowing down Europe’s fight against illegal logging and its associated trade [2].</p><p></p><p>The EU should lead the global fight against deforestation, said Greenpeace. It should vigorously enforce the EUTR, strengthening and implementing measures foreseen in the 2003 EU action plan to fight illegal logging, and adopting new far reaching measures to protect forests and eliminate deforestation from agriculture supply chains [3].</p><p></p><p>The Dutch Presidency of the EU is also likely to hold a discussion on EU action to tackle illegal logging at the agriculture Council on 10 May [4]. It said it <em>“will strive for a more effective, coherent approach that will also strengthen efforts to halt deforestation”</em> [5].</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>[1] </strong><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/pdf/eutr_implementation_report.pdf">http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/pdf/eutr_implementation_report.pdf</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[2]</strong> Greenpeace (February 2016), <em>Europe failing to use legal armoury against illegal logging</em>: <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Europe-failing-to-use-legal-armoury-against-illegal-logging/">http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Europe-failing-to-use-legal-armoury-against-illegal-logging</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[3]</strong> Alongside the assessment of the EUTR, the European Commission is undertaking a <a href="http://www.euflegt.efi.int/eu-flegt-evaluation">review</a> of the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan. European environment commissioner <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/commission/2014-2019/vella/announcements/high-level-event-organised-wwf-european-policy-office-review-eu-timber-regulation-brussels_en">Karmenu Vella</a> recently announced that the Commission would also look into <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/pdf/ToR%20-%20Feasibility%20Study%20Deforestation%20final_dec15.pdf">policy options</a> to address deforestation in 2016. In a <a href="http://www.euandgvc.nl/documents/publications/2015/december/7/declarations">joint-statement</a> made during the Paris Climate Conference, France, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK stressed the need to eliminate deforestation from agriculture supply chains and urged the Commission to release a roadmap for EU action.</p><p></p><p><strong>[4]</strong> The draft Council agenda was published on the website of the Danish Parliament: <a href="http://www.ft.dk/samling/20151/almdel/euu/bilag/234/1585667.pdf">http://www.ft.dk/samling/20151/almdel/euu/bilag/234/1585667.pdf</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[5] </strong><a href="http://english.eu2016.nl/documents/publications/2015/12/14/state-of-the-european-union-presidency-edition">http://english.eu2016.nl/documents/publications/2015/12/14/state-of-the-european-union-presidency-edition</a>.</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Sébastien Risso </strong>– Greenpeace EU forests policy director: +32 (0)496 127 009, <a href="mailto:sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org">sebastien.risso@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org" target="_blank">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></p>Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:35:00 Zforestslbottoni