EU environment and climate policy analysis

05 May 2026, 13:02 by Jonathan Miles · Open Access Government

Open Access Government dissects the latest thoughts around European Union (EU) environment and climate policy, including comments on the EU Blue Deal and COP30

In December 2025, the first European Union (EU) Water Resilience Forum was co-organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions. This event brought together individuals working on water-related challenges across Europe to share solutions and ideas to protect water resources for communities, families and future generations. The Forum has launched the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform to convert these ideas into action.

During the opening of the Forum, Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, emphasised the urgency of the situation. “Water is no longer an infinite resource, and we are determined to protect it. We must recognise the true value of water and its role for a resilient and strategic independence. This Forum provides a space to share solutions, explore opportunities and act with hope, creativity and urgency”.

The EU Blue Deal

For the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the Forum was an opportunity to reaffirm its long-standing call for stronger EU action through the EU Blue Deal, which serves as the Committee’s cross-sectoral water strategy. This initiative has elevated water issues to the EU agenda and directly contributed to the establishment of Commissioner Roswall’s dedicated water portfolio.

Initially launched in 2023, the EU Blue Deal Declaration is updated to include ten new concrete actions derived from the main recommendations of seven opinions adopted by the EESC since the first edition. This brings the total to 31 measures aimed at creating a cross-sectoral, comprehensive water strategy. A key proposal is the EU Water Test, which calls for a systematic assessment of how new EU laws affect water resources, pollution, and efficiency.

EESC President Séamus Boland emphasised that the Blue Deal encompasses more than just policy. “Our Blue Deal puts people and communities at the centre of EU water policy. Water scarcity and pollution affect us all, but the burden falls hardest on those who have the least’, he said. “Fair access to water is a matter of justice. Europe’s water future is ultimately about protecting people, livelihoods and future generations.” (1)

In the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment (DG-ENV), Commissioner Roswall is responsible for protecting the natural environment and promoting a circular economy. Its leadership and organisation also includes Director-General, Eric Mamer. Roswall’s responsibilities include leading the development of the European Water Resilience Strategy to enhance water security across Europe. This also involves facilitating public and private investments in technology and cross-border water infrastructure, and strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in water management. (2,3)

An update on Europe’s circular economy

The circular economy offers a significant opportunity for the plastics sector. According to the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, circular solutions could reduce climate-related emissions by 45%, decarbonise energy use, and improve the trade balance by €18 billion annually by 2050.

However, plastic recycling faces challenges such as fragmented markets, high energy costs, and competition from third countries, leading to reduced capacity and financial losses for EU recyclers. This threatens industrial competitiveness and circularity targets.

In response, the European Commission announced measures in December 2025 to enhance the circular economy and strengthen plastic recycling. This includes immediate pilot actions to support circularity in the plastics sector and encourages broader investment and innovation. By 2026, the Commission plans to propose a Circular Economy Act to improve the Single Market for recycled materials.

“Europe’s competitiveness and resilience depend on how efficiently we use our resources. With today’s measures, we are taking concrete steps to help the struggling plastics recycling sector in Europe and towards building a genuine Single Market for circular materials. This is about creating new opportunities for European industry, speeding up the transition to circularity, reducing our dependencies and ensuring our economy is fit for the future,” Commissioner Roswall said. (4)

EU climate policy overview

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) spearheads the European Commission’s efforts to combat climate change and transform the EU into a climate-neutral and resilient society. It develops and implements policies and legislation to help the EU achieve its 2030 climate targets and reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This approach promotes clean growth for the EU economy, integrates with its industrial strategy, and ensures a socially equitable transition for everyone.

Leading this initiative are the European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, and Director-General Kurt Vandenberghe, among others. (5)

Commissioner Hoekstra is responsible for ensuring that the EU meets its climate commitments in a manner that is fair, fosters economic growth, and supports industry. His role also includes strengthening climate diplomacy by collaborating with global partners. He oversees the implementation of the climate and energy framework for 2030, proposes the inclusion of the 90% emission reduction target for 2040 in the European Climate Law, and prepares a climate policy framework for the period beyond 2030, among other responsibilities. (6)

Post-COP30 thoughts

It’s interesting to note that, while COP30 maintained the UN climate governance framework, negotiators once again failed to agree on a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. This issue concerns scientists and civil society, who argue it contributes to the world’s further deviation from the established course. The EESC, which has long advocated for a decisive shift away from fossil energy and deeper emissions cuts, sees this as a serious issue. EESC President Séamus Boland emphasised the importance of resilience in the face of climate fatigue.

“We reflected on the COP’s outcomes and the broader issues shaping future climate discussions. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the negativity that often surrounds the climate debate, but we must not allow this. I urge you and those around you to hold on to optimism, commitment, energy and hope. Without them, we risk losing a battle we cannot afford to lose.”

In his post-COP debriefing, EU chief negotiator Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra described COP30 as “an important step forward.” However, he acknowledged that it did not close the emissions gap or fulfil the pledge to transition away from fossil fuels. He reported on advancements in adaptation funding for vulnerable nations, the reaffirmation of 2024s outcomes in Dubai, and the establishment of a coalition to develop a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. However, he emphasised that the world “urgently needs faster climate action.”

From the European Commission’s DG CLIMA perspective, COP30 yielded limited but meaningful progress. The EU presented enhanced climate targets for 2035 and 2040, reinforcing its leadership role in global climate efforts. The conference made significant progress in adaptation initiatives by agreeing to triple global adaptation finance by 2035 and adopting the first global indicators to monitor progress. The strong focus on human rights, Indigenous peoples, and a just transition aligned closely with EU efforts.

Despite efforts, COP30 once again failed to establish a global plan to phase out fossil fuels, a primary goal for the EU. The final agreement is generally viewed as lacking the necessary urgency. However, the summit did reaffirm the viability of multilateral climate cooperation. Moving forward, the EU will concentrate on implementation and ongoing diplomatic initiatives to elevate global ambition in advance of COP31. (7)

Closing remarks on EU environment and climate policy

We have analysed water policy by reviewing the EU Blue Deal and exploring how the circular economy presents significant opportunities for the plastics sector. Additionally, we have discussed the European Commission’s initiatives to combat climate change, along with insights from the EESC and DG CLIMA following COP30.

We want to express our heartfelt wishes to all the individuals and organisations dedicated to promoting and enhancing environmental and climate policies within and outside the EU. Their efforts play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for our planet, and we admire their commitment to this important cause.