The new US shift on monetary and climate policy has created a rare opening for Europe. With strong green finance rules and the European Central Bank integrating climate risks, the EU can position the euro as the world’s leading green currency. This Böll EU Brief outlines how ‘green internationalisation’ could boost Europe’s strategic power.
The European Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 MFF opens a chance to raise ambition on climate, social, economic and security goals. This framing paper outlines key budget needs, priority areas and governance reforms to equip the EU with a stronger, more effective long-term financial framework.
The next MFF proposes centralised National and Regional Partnership Plans, shifting power to national governments and the European Commission. While promising coherence, this risks weaker regional involvement and oversight. Effective governance will depend on strong Member State accountability and safeguarding inclusive, transparent delivery.
The 2028–2034 MFF proposal acknowledges social pressures but risks diluting the EU’s social dimension. Social spending is consolidated in new National and Regional Partnership Plans Plans without a dedicated European Social Fund line, while guarantees are weakened. Major challenges include limited funding, weaker local roles and competing budget objectives.
The European Commission’s new MFF proposal introduces five new own resources to fund Next Generation EU debt and modernise EU revenues. This paper assesses the package and argues for a balanced basket of genuine new resources to support EU goals, reduce net-position politics and close major funding gaps.
The MFF proposal sidelines climate and the environment, inflates green spending claims, and weakens safeguards through flexibilisation and programme mergers. This paper assesses the spending target, the Do No Significant Harm principle, and climate and environmental provisions in the proposal’s two largest programmes.
Europe’s electricity grid planning was designed for a slower, fossil-based energy system. Today, rapid renewable deployment, rising electricity demand and the emergence of hydrogen call for a new institutional framework. This factsheet outlines how forward-looking, coordinated planning can help achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It recommends that Member States develop spatial energy plans, that stronger unbundling rules prevent conflicts of interest, and that an Independent EU Energy System Planner be created to improve cross-border coordination and efficiency.
Heat pumps can reduce emissions, cut fossil fuel use and lower energy bills – but they remain unaffordable for many Europeans. High upfront costs and complex installations slow adoption, leaving low-income households behind. Could social leasing and on-bill financing make clean heating accessible to all?
As Europe electrifies heating, transport, and industry, its electricity grids are facing an unprecedented transformation. Meeting the growing and increasingly complex demand will require hundreds of billions in new investments – costs that risk falling heavily on consumers. This brief examines how better network tariff design can balance fairness and efficiency, reward flexibility, and make Europe’s energy transition more just and affordable for everyone.
Europe’s homes and buildings sit at the intersection of social wellbeing, climate resilience, and energy security. Yet inefficiency and rising costs are undermining their role as safe, affordable spaces. This brief explores how the upcoming European Affordable Housing Plan and European Citizens Energy Package can unlock the potential of citizen-driven renovation to build resilient, renewable-powered living environments for all.
The energy transition can help people save money through solar panels, energy-efficient homes and electric transport. But not everyone can afford these new technologies. The EU has rules and support to make the transition fair for everyone. Our infographic shows how people can benefit and protect themselves from rising fossil fuel prices.
The English edition of the Water Atlas, published by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, presents the complexity and urgency of global water issues in a visually compelling, accessible format. It provides facts, trends, case studies, and political context to inform public discourse and shape policy. From the unequal distribution of water and industrial pollution to climate-linked water insecurity and geopolitical tensions, the Atlas aims to sharpen understanding and support action toward more sustainable and equitable water governance.
Across Europe, cities are grappling with an intensifying housing crisis that affects a wide spectrum of urban residents, from the most vulnerable to essential workers and middle-income earners. Increasing numbers of residents face eviction, leading to higher rates of homelessness in urban centres. This handbook by Eurocities presents a wide range of practical approaches in 10 European cities addressing key housing challenges, highlighting strategies that combine affordability, social inclusion, and sustainability.
Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bonn, Ghent, Gotheburg, Lyon Metropole, Milan, Rome, Vienna, Vilnius
Argentina is pushing hard to be labelled “low risk” under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) – despite alarming deforestation in the Chaco forest and scant involvement of local communities. A new analysis by REDAF warns that the current monitoring system, driven by powerful agribusiness interests, could underestimate forest loss, overrate compliance in soy and beef production, and mask human rights abuses.
The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2025 reviews global nuclear trends, covering reactor operation, construction and decommissioning, with a focus on major nuclear countries and Taiwan’s completed phaseout. It analyses newbuild programmes, Small Modular Reactors, nuclear–renewables compatibility, and Russia’s nuclear interdependencies. Dedicated chapters assess Fukushima’s ongoing challenges and the status of 218 closed reactors.
The EU aims to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and cut emissions 55 % by 2030. But it still hasn’t set the 2035 and 2040 targets required by the Paris Agreement and its own Climate Law. This publication answers 10 key questions and offers five proposals for a “net-zero package” to strengthen and build on the current Fit-for-55 measures.
The Brazilian Amazon Atlas can serve as a gateway to knowledge of the region and as an instrument for learning about the complex relationships that make up this immense territory. From this, we hope that it can foster debates and dialogues, as well as inspire solutions to the different challenges, in order to encourage a sustainable and self-determined future for the Amazon and its peoples.
The Clean Industrial Deal is the new masterplan to make EU industries competitive with clean energy in view of becoming the first climate-neutral continent. However, the decision on the EU’s 2040 climate target is still pending. There are also concerns that the simplification of key legislation from the European Green Deal will just water down its level of ambition. Meanwhile, industry and agriculture need more tailored support and investment security for their transition. Will the existing and the planned EU laws be effective for reaching our climate goals? Which policy tools will work well? And where will we need to sharpen them?
What will happen with key European Green Deal files in the 2024-2029 legislative term? We take a closer look at the Land Use Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation.
What will happen with key European Green Deal files in the 2024-2029 legislative term? We take a closer look at the Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive (IED 2.0).
What will happen with key European Green Deal files in the 2024-2029 legislative term? We take a closer look at the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
What will happen with key European Green Deal files in the 2024-2029 legislative term? We take a closer look at the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
What will happen with key European Green Deal files in the 2024-2029 legislative term? We take a closer look at Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plans (CSPs).
What will happen with key European Green Deal files in the 2024-2029 legislative term? We take a closer look at the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
The Clean Industrial Deal is the new masterplan to make EU industries competitive with clean energy in view of becoming the first climate-neutral continent. However, the decision on the EU’s 2040 climate target is still pending. There are also concerns that the simplification of key legislation from the European Green Deal will just water down its level of ambition. Meanwhile, industry and agriculture need more tailored support and investment security for their transition. Will the existing and the planned EU laws be effective for reaching our climate goals? Which policy tools will work well? And where will we need to sharpen them?
What will happen with key European Green Deal key files in the new EU legislative cycle? We take a closer look at legislation on CO₂ emission performance standards for cars.
What will happen with key European Green Deal key files in the new EU legislative cycle? We take a closer look at the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
What will happen with key European Green Deal key files in the new EU legislative cycle? We take a closer look at the EU Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2) covering fuels used in buildings and road transport.
The new EU Böll Brief “Trading partners? Europe's options against Trump’s tariffs“ analyses the potential consequences of rising US tariffs on European trade and explores strategic responses available to the EU, highlighting the economic risks of a tariff war for each individual EU Member State and outlining alternative strategies for the EU to safeguard its economic interests.
This study shows that Europe’s clean tech industry is a bright spot for a continent fretting about its declining competitiveness. It proposes a strategy for the EU to revamp its industrial policies, ensuring the EU does not cede clean tech leadership to China as Trump’s America backtracks from decarbonisation goals.
The 2024 re-election of Donald Trump as US president, and the realignment of US security strategy that is expected to follow fundamentally changes Europe’s security outlook. The EU cannot become Europe’s security provider, but it can, through its defence industrial policy, support the funding and organization of the rearmament effort.
The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2024 (WNISR2024) assesses on 513 pages the status and trends of the international nuclear industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear power plant data, including information on operation, production, fleet age, and construction. The WNISR discusses the status of newbuild programs in existing as well as in potential newcomer nuclear countries.
Policy coherence can ensure simplification without compromising environmental and social standards. An Omnibus Simplification Package should be used as an opportunity to transform the EU’s legislative framework into an enabling toolbox for businesses transitioning toward competitive sustainability.
The Europe Sustainable Development Report 2025 provides an independent quantitative assessment of the progress of the European Union, its member states and partner countries towards the Sustainable Development Goals. This sixth edition identifies SDG priorities in a context where the new EU leadership, including the European Commission, Parliament and Council of the EU, has recently been established for 2024-2029 mandate.
For more than half a century, the European Union's agricultural policy has focussed primarily on increasing agricultural productivity and the cost-effective production of food. This policy paper provides recommendations for action that are largely possible without amending the EU treaties.
As the European Green Deal enters its delivery phase, a fair, participatory energy transition is vital. This report explores tools to ensure that EU policies balance environmental sustainability with social equity, fostering resilience and inclusion.
The Soil Atlas 2024 not only highlights the consequences of the global loss of fertile soil, but also shows the potential of sustainable and fair land use for climate protection and biodiversity.
Europe has set out on the path to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and all countries must identify how to deliver this objective. While various technology options are available, the need for vast amounts of cheap renewable energy is certain. The shallow, windy northern seas have long been recognised as a key opportunity to deliver renewable electricity at scale and recent reductions in the costs of offshore wind have led countries to set ambitious targets for deployment.
The EU faces critical decisions on energy infrastructure planning and deployment to meet its climate goals, aiming for a 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. A 100% renewable energy system, eliminating fossil fuels and nuclear energy is seen as the most viable solution. However, current EU energy infrastructure policy and planning are insufficient, risking lock-in to outdated technologies.
In order to advance the European energy transition and distribute the costs and benefits more fairly, the EU must find better steering instruments. This policy paper provides recommendations for the necessary acceleration of the European energy transition.
Critical raw materials and rare earths are of great economic importance for the European Union. This publication reflects the raw materials situation in four neighboring European countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Georgia, and Armenia.
The European Union faces the enormous challenge of having to achieve the necessary climate targets it has set itself, while at the same time increasing industrial competitiveness and ensuring public services of general interest. A sustainable European financial architecture based on three pillars is needed to finance these green-social investments at EU level. It is presented in this policy paper.
The fourth edition of the European Green Deal Barometer, the annual survey by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), gathers sustainability experts’ views on the progress of the European Green Deal’s implementation. The 2024 EU elections are considered by sustainability experts to negatively impact the European Green Deal implementation. However, these experts believe the agenda will be maintained by the new European Commission.
Core services, including energy, food, water, housing and healthcare, are essential for a decent standard of living. The economic dynamics of these services in Europe, however, vary greatly, particularly in the extent of commercialisation. Essential healthcare stands out as a service delivered largely outside of the market; by contrast, food and energy are commercialised in most
European countries. The commercialised status of energy in Europe can have an impact on living standards, particularly when accompanied by inadequate regulation.
The climate crisis and energy price explosion have made it clear: the EU cannot afford its dependency on fossil fuels anymore. How to deal with these enormous challenges? Our 100% Renewable Action Plan for the European Commission 2024-2029 describes what needs to happen to harvest the benefits of renewables.
It is very clear that if the EU wants to make a fair contribution to the effort to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, it will need to follow the recommendation of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and aim for achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2040 rather than by 2050. This means the new EU 2040 target should become a net-zero target. It makes sense for the EU to set a very ambitious 2035 target of around 95% net GHG emission reductions at the same time.
The Europe Sustainable Development Report 2023/24 (5th edition) provides an independent quantitative assessment of the progress by the European Union, its member states and partner countries towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This study shows that climate change requires central bank intervention and that – in anticipation of climate risks – the ECB can and should double down on its pledges to green central bank activities. Against this background, the report identifies numerous concrete policy options, from enhancing green tilting approaches in asset purchasing programmes to offering favourable refinancing terms to banks engaged in green lending.
The project CAP Strategic Plans co-organised by ARC2020 with the Good Food Good Farming network is now completing its fourth year since its launch in 2020. 2023 can be seen as the end of a policy reform cycle and beginning of a new one for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2023 (WNISR2023) provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear power plant data, including information on age, operation, production, and construction of reactors. It also includes a special focus chapter assessing Nuclear Economics and Finance.
A edição portuguesa do Atlas Europeu da Mobilidade 2021 da Fundação Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, em cooperação com a European Green Foundation, analisa os principais factos e números sobre transportes e mobilidade na Europa, contribuindo para os esforços em prol de uma mobilidade sustentável e justa. Os seus capítulos são dedicados a diferentes dimensões e áreas políticas relacionadas com os transportes e a mobilidade: caminhos-de-ferro, ciclismo, digitalização, clima, Covid-19 e muito mais.
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and Environmental Action Germany (Deutsche Umwelthilfe) have convened a group of over 20 experts from academia, industry, civil society and policy makers to discuss and identify several important policy gaps in the EU’s approach to renewable energy, which should be addressed to ensure that the EU’s new climate and industry agenda becomes as effective and globally equitable as it can be.
The European Commission has proposed a reform in the electricity market design. Both the technical implementation of the reform and the notion that marginal pricing is to blame are contested, and have significant implications with regard to investments in renewable energy sources (RES). This factsheet summarizes the key changes proposed in the reform, whilst focusing on their effects regarding the integration of RES into the European energy system and the flexibility potential required to achieve this integration.
To meet the EU climate targets, policymakers need to support both the rapid deployment and manufacturing of cleantech, while also strengthening the EU’s research and innovation ecosystem. Next to this, they need to consider a range of questions. How will their policy response deliver quality jobs for citizens? How will it bolster the EU’s resilience vis-à-vis Russia or China? And finally, how will it support the EU’s economic competitiveness in an era when large economies have entered a cleantech race? This factsheet reviews existing EU funding initiatives to accomplish this endeavour.
The Peatland Atlas 2023 highlights the consequences of the destruction of these unique habitats, but also the potential of wet peatlands for mitigating climate change.
In several countries in the EU, as well as in the Brussels corridors of the European Union institutions, a vehement debate is currently taking place regarding the demand for more nuclear power. Only five years ago, this attention hardly existed. This study looks at the sudden surge in attention for nuclear energy and tries to understand the role of different actors on the side of the nuclear lobby. It investigates the case of the Netherlands, which turned from a de facto nuclear phase-out country to one where expansion of nuclear energy is currently under preparation, as well as the European Union, where a large minority of Member States have brought nuclear back to the table in many climate-related legislative debates.
This collection of brief essays shows the diverse views on the European Single Market, whilst unveiling green visions for the next 30 years. What unifies these different takes — ranging from environmental and consumer standards, Brexit, lobbying and more — is the understanding that the European Single Market remains a cornerstone of European Integration.
As part of the “European Green Deal”, the European Commission committed to introducing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in late 2019. It tabled the legislative proposal in summer 2021. The measure is controversial, and many questions remain. What is the right timeframe for its implementation? How to use the generated revenues? What about climate justice considerations?
The Europe Sustainable Development Report 2022 is the fourth edition of our independent quantitative report on the progress of the European Union, its member states and partner countries towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's report is a special edition in support of the upcoming EU Voluntary Review and the next United Nations' Heads of State Summit on the SDGs. To that end, this year's edition also presents 10 contributions from scientists and practitioners on ways to strengthen the EU's SDG leadership at home and internationally.
As we write this in March of 2022, our review of the year 2021 is overshadowed by Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Because of this, not only foreign policy, but also domestic politics have now entered a new era.
The Pesticide Atlas raises awareness, provides comprehensive information and fosters nuanced debate around agrochemicals used for pest control. It sheds light on different aspects from scientific research, including the impact of pesticides on soils, waters, biodiversity and health, and highlights alternative models with a more stringent implementation of integrated pest management where synthetic substances are only a last resort option.
The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2022 (WNISR2022) assesses the status and trends of the international nuclear industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear power plant data, including information on operation, production, construction, and decommissioning. It assesses the status of new-build programs in existing as well as in potential newcomer nuclear countries. The report also compares the development of nuclear power and renewable energy globally.
The EU must put an end to unabated fossil gas use by 2050 at the latest to comply with its climate neutrality objective. To stay within the Paris Agreement target of 1.5°C, the use of unabated fossil gas would have to end significantly earlier – by 2035. This report outlines the implications of this challenge for the management of the energy transition in a way that rapidly phases out Russian gas imports, protects security of supply and energy-poor consumers as well as the climate.
This publication aims at contributing to the emergence of a transformative economic thinking, integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions, after the wreckage of neoliberal economic thought that clearly has reached its date of expiry. It is the product of a collaboration of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, the ZOE Institute for Future-Fit Economies, and Finanzwende Recherche.
Current discussions about growing food on fallow land are missing the point: the price-reduction effect would be very low. This publication argues that it would be better to provide financial aid to the most vulnerable countries in the Global South.
Ukraine was among the first EU neighbours to announce their readiness to contribute to the European Green Deal and a high-level EU-Ukraine dialogue on this topic has already commenced. However, what are the contours of Ukraine’s engagement with the EGD and how will it move forward?
The analytical commentaries of this issue discuss the prospects for a just green transition in the Western Balkan countries and their particular contexts of structural injustices in the societies and transition legacies. The fundamental economic and technological changes for a decarbonisation of the widely coal dependent economies in the region need to be accompanied not only by another attitude to nature and biodiversity but also by a new set of social relationships and innovations in governance and civic participation.
Este documento es un complemento a la versión en español del “Atlas Europeo de la Movilidad 2021” de la Fundación Heinrich Böll y la Fundación Verde Europea, en cooperación con la Fundación Transición Verde y la Fundació Nous Horitzons.
El transporte y la movilidad sostenibles son fundamentales para hacer frente a la crisis climática y alcanzar los objetivos del Pacto Verde Europeo. Sin embargo, el transporte hoy representa casi el 30 por ciento de las emisiones de CO₂ dentro de la Unión Europea. ¿Cómo puede la UE reducir sus emisiones de transporte y movilidad al mismo tiempo que conecta a los ciudadanos, crea empleos verdes y lidera la innovación en el sector?
Il trasporto e la mobilità sostenibili sono fondamentali per affrontare la crisi climatica e raggiungere gli obiettivi del Green Deal europeo. Tuttavia, i trasporti oggi rappresentano quasi il 30% delle emissioni di CO₂ all'interno dell'Unione europea. In che modo l'UE può ridurre le emissioni dei trasporti e della mobilità mettendo in contatto i cittadini, creando posti di lavoro verdi e guidando l'innovazione nel settore?
The report covers a range of important aspects of Europe’s agri-food and rural policy, and includes some brand new content, while also bringing together the ARC2020's work during 2021. It includes an overview, an analysis of the initial European Commission recommendations, analyses of aspects of CAP in Germany (Green Architecture), Bulgaria (High Nature Value) Poland, Italy, precision farming, and finally CAP and EU relations to third countries.
The Europe Sustainable Development Report 2021 is the third edition of our independent quantitative report on the progress of the European Union and European countries towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report was prepared by teams of independent experts at the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).
On the basis of experience from working closely together with communities living near mining sites, the authors have identified various ways how to implement environmental due diligence on the ground. This can be useful both in drafting legislation and considering its practical implementation.
A continuing insistence on nuclear will be detrimental to our ability to power a Just Transition: while the jobs it creates are few and primarily for the highly skilled, its enormous costs will likely result in austerity policies.
The notion of geoengineering includes a wide array of technologies that seek to intervene in and alter earth systems on a large scale – a “technofix” to climate change. There are many reasons to be wary of these technologies. They do not address the underlying causes of climate change themselves, anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, thereby delaying the implementation of a transition away from fossil fuels. Moreover, as they are very pricy, they redirect funding and investments away from real climate solutions.
The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2021 (WNISR2021) assesses the status and trends of the international nuclear industry, and contains several focus chapters, including a first assessment of Nuclear Power and Climate Change Resilience. A special Fukushima Status Report – 10 Years After provides an overview of ongoing onsite/offsite challenges, health impacts, judicial decisions, and cost estimates of the disaster. Chernobyl – 35 Years After the Disaster Began looks at advances in the cleanup and remaining challenges. For the first time, WNISR dedicates a chapter to the problem of Nuclear Power and Criminal Energy.
There is hardly any other food that pollutes our environment and the climate as badly as meat. However, no government in the world currently has a concept of how meat consumption and production can be significantly reduced. But if the sector continues to grow as it has up to now, almost 360 million tons of meat will be produced and consumed worldwide in 2030. With ecological effects that are hard to imagine.
The findings of this joint policy brief challenge the flawed underlying assumptions of the original EU Joint Research Centre (JRC)’s assessment, published in April 2021, which concluded that nuclear energy is detrimental neither to people nor to the environment. These concern chiefly four aspects: the role of nuclear energy for power generation in the EU27; nuclear waste management; the risk assessment of nuclear technologies; and nuclear proliferation.
This report maps the gender gaps and opportunities in the EU’s flagship European Green Deal. It explores how, though gender issues affect environmental policies and vice-versa, they are not integrated into the European Green Deal, and provides recommendations on how to move from gender-blind to gender-transformative environmental policies. These include intersectional and gender equal environmental objectives, moving towards a feminist economy of well-being and care and ensuring the use of gender mainstreaming methodologies in environmental policies.
The debate in France today on choosing the electricity mix is set against the backdrop of an ageing production infrastructure that is earmarked for replacement. So, what electricity mix is the answer? And does the country need to build new nuclear reactors in order to have decarbonised electricity?
Nuclear energy has been brought back into the European energy debate due to populist power. Currently, a complex debate is taking place within the EU about whether nuclear power should be part of the Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities. To determine whether nuclear energy can, or even should, play a role in future energy policy, it must fulfil basic criteria of sustainability.
Sustainable transport and mobility are key to tackle the climate crisis and to achieve the targets of the European Green Deal. However, transport today accounts for nearly 30 percent of the CO₂ emissions within the European Union. How can the EU reduce its transport and mobility emissions while connecting citizens, creating green jobs and leading the innovation in the sector?
Transport amounts for more than 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. Mobility is a key element of the interconnected European Union and its neighbours. Rail is and has been the way to connect Europe sustainably, by night trains and high-speed connections. The sustainable showcase projects have been chosen in order to raise the interest in ‘special’ new mobility projects.
