Goal 13: 1. EU Programmes likely to be relevant for libraries (a selection)

2030 climate & energy framework

The 2030 climate and energy framework includes EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period from 2021 to 2030.

Key targets for 2030:

• At least 40% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels)
• At least 32% share for renewable energy
• At least 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency

 

The framework was adopted by the European Council in October 2014. The targets for renewables and energy efficiency were revised upwards in 2018.

https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2030_en

Environment Action Programme

The European Union has put in place a broad range of environmental legislation. As a result, air, water and soil pollution has significantly been reduced. Chemicals legislation has been modernised and the use of many toxic or hazardous substances has been restricted. Today, EU citizens enjoy some of the best water quality in the world and over 18% of EU's territory has been designated as protected areas for nature.

However, many challenges persist and these must be tackled together in a structured way.

The 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP) will be guiding European environment policy until 2020. In order to give more long-term direction it sets out a vision: "In 2050, we live well, within the planet’s ecological limits. Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed sustainably, and biodiversity is protected, valued and restored in ways that enhance our society’s resilience. Our low-carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use, setting the pace for a safe and sustainable global society." It identifies three key objectives:

• to protect, conserve and enhance the Union’s natural capital
• to turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green, and competitive low-carbon economy
• to safeguard the Union's citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and wellbeing

 

https://ec.europa.eu/environment/action-programme/

Final Circular Economy package

On 4 March 2019, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive report on the implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan. The report presents the main achievements under the Action Plan and sketches out future challenges to shaping our economy and paving the way towards a climate-neutral, circular economy where pressure on natural and freshwater resources as well as ecosystems is minimised. In 2015, the European Commission adopted an ambitious Circular Economy Action Plan, which includes measures that will helpstimulate Europe's transition towards a circular economy, boost global competitiveness, foster sustainable economic growth and generate new jobs.

The EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy establishes a concrete and ambitious programme of action, with measures covering the whole cycle: from production and consumption to waste management and the market for secondary raw materials and a revised legislative proposal on waste. Key elements of the revised waste proposal include:

• A common EU target for recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2035;
• A common EU target for recycling 70% of packaging waste by 2030

 

https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm

Climate change, disaster risk reduction and desertification – International cooperation and development

Climate change is happening now; it already affects communities around the globe. Unless it is tackled, it could undermine the world's efforts for development.

The EU is a strong international supporter of sustainable development. To address climate change challenges in this context, it backs a wide variety of activities dealing with issues such as adaptation, mitigation, disaster risk reduction and desertification.

https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sectors/environment/climate-change-disaster-risk-reduction-and-desertification_en

Emergency support in the EU

In urgent and exceptional circumstances, such as the sudden influx of refugees in Europe, the European Union can fund emergency humanitarian support for people in need within the EU territory. The emergency support within the European Union, adopted in March 2016, aims to preserve life, prevent and alleviate human suffering and maintain human dignity.

https://ec.europa.eu/echo/what-we-do/humanitarian-aid/emergency-support-within-eu_en

 

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