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EU to strengthen controls on water pollutants

Fifteen new chemicals would be added to an EU list of priority substances regulated by the water framework directive under a legislative proposal put forward by the European Commission on Tuesday. Existing rules would also be strengthened.

News

Germany's air quality worsened last year

Ambient concentrations of particulate matter (PM10) in German cities in 2011 were in many cases higher than in previous years, according to preliminary air quality data published by federal environment agency UBA on Monday.

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Natura 2000 must get proper funding – EEB

The next EU budget for 2014-20 must allocate sufficient funds to address major shortcomings in the implementation of the Natura 2000 network of protected sites, according to a report by environmental group EEB published on Thursday.

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No need for shale gas directive, commission told

There are no major gaps in EU environmental law when it comes to regulating the current level of shale gas activity, according to a consultancy report conducted for the European Commission's energy department. The findings were published on Friday.

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Refrigerant pollutant needs monitoring – study

Atmospheric levels of the pollutant trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) could increase ten-fold in some parts of Europe as new rules on car air conditioning systems enter force, according to researchers. They recommend TFA levels are monitored.

News

Greece and Cyprus warned over landfill rules

The European Commission is sending Greece and Cyprus final warnings over their failure to comply with EU landfill rules. Environment-related infringement proceedings were also announced against six other member states on Thursday.

Comment

Is EU water policy fit for purpose?

The water policy's Fitness Check conducted by the European Commission will assess the effectiveness of existing laws and identify possible gaps or inconsistencies that need to be dealt with as part of next year's Blueprint to safeguard EU waters.

Earlier pollution & nature articles
The Danish government presents the programme of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union ‘Europe at work'

Denmark took over the presidency of the EU on 1 January.

Read ENDS article on its provisional agenda of meetings

See also its website and full programme of work officially presented on 6 January