It was adopted in Brussels on September 17, 2020, and is part of a series of European legislative proposals aimed at achieving climate neutrality for the European continent by 2050 through a proposed modification of the current emissions trajectory. It is considered that a balanced, realistic, and prudent trajectory towards climate neutrality by 2050 requires a 55% emissions reduction target by 2030. In this regard, the Climate Target Plan for 2030 sets out this overall goal of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and outlines a set of necessary actions across all sectors of the economy. It also involves a revision of key legislative instruments to meet this ambitious objective, including the EU's contribution to the Paris Agreement.
The Action Plan Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water, and Soil
It was adopted by the European Commission on May 12, 2021. Europe's vision for zero pollution by 2050 entails reducing pollution of air, water, and soil to levels that are not harmful to human health and natural ecosystems, respecting the limits of our planet, and creating an environment free of toxic substances. The main objective of this action plan is to provide a reference point for integrating pollution prevention into all relevant EU policies.
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 on the establishment of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) aims to contribute to the integration of climate actions and achieve a general target of at least 30% of the Union budget expenditures to support the attainment of climate objectives. This regulation replaces Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014.
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) should contribute 60% of its overall financial envelope to the achievement of climate objectives, based, among others, on the following coefficients: (i) 100% for expenditures related to railway infrastructure, charging infrastructure, sustainable alternative fuels, clean urban transport, electric power transportation, electric energy storage, smart grids, CO2 transport, and renewable energy; (ii) 40% for inland waterways and multimodal transport, as well as natural gas infrastructure, provided it enables increased use of biomethane or renewable hydrogen.
The European Climate Law
It was officially published on July 9, 2021 and came into effect on July 29, 2021. The document legislates the basic principles of the European Green Deal related to achieving a climate-neutral society and economy by 2050 (Articles 1 and 2). The law established a Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change to provide independent and transparent scientific advice, and each Member State is invited to establish a national climate advisory body (Article 3). The law also includes the intermediate target for greenhouse gas emissions reduction for 2030 (reducing emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels) (Article 4). Efforts are being made to include the target for 2040 within six months of the first global assessment provided for in Article 14 of the Paris Agreement. In this regard, the European Union, together with all Member States, must adopt necessary measures at the European and national levels to achieve Europe's climate neutrality objective.
Article 5 of the European Climate Law is dedicated to adaptation to climate change, emphasizing the need to increase the Union's and Member States' capacity to adapt and reduce vulnerability to climate change. In this regard, European and national adaptation policies must be coherent, mutually supportive, provide co-benefits for sectoral policies, and work towards better and consistent integration of climate change adaptation across all policy areas, including relevant socio-economic and environmental policies and actions.
The European Climate Pact
It was adopted in December 2020 and represents a Europe-wide initiative aimed at encouraging individuals, communities, and organizations to engage in climate-related actions and build a greener Europe. The initiatives within the European Climate Pact aim to facilitate connections and knowledge exchange, promote climate-related learning, as well as develop and implement solutions that contribute to climate change adaptation.
The European Green Deal
It was adopted by the European Commission on December 11, 2019 and represents Europe's tool to address complex environmental and climate-related issues through a growth strategy focused on a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and decoupling economic growth from resource use. The European Green Deal is also the European Commission's strategy for implementing the United Nations' 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, thus placing sustainable development at the heart of European policies.
The Just Transition Fund
Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 establishes the Just Transition Fund. The European Green Deal and the European Green Deal Investment Plan propose the establishment of a Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) to address the social, economic, and environmental challenges of achieving the Union's climate objective for 2030 and achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050.
The new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change (2021)
It was adopted by the European Commission on February 24, 2021, against the backdrop of climate change impacts being felt in Europe and worldwide, with an increase in the frequency of extreme weather and climate events, as well as the recording of the warmest decade on record. Additionally, it was developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has generated crises within the Union and beyond.
The main objective of the strategy is to create a resilient Union to prevent maladaptation to the effects of climate change and to develop the capacity to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. It aims to build a climate-neutral Union by 2050, safeguarding the well-being and health of its citizens.
The strategy is based on three operational pillars: smarter adaptation, systemic adaptation, and faster adaptation. In addition to these pillars, there are objectives related to intensifying international actions for global adaptation to climate change, with the European Union aiming to assume a leadership role in this field.
The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)
Regulation (EU) 2021/241 establishes the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The regulation sets out the objectives of the facility, its funding, the forms of financing provided by the Union under it, and the rules for providing such funding. The RRF aims to support EU Member States in their economic recovery and enhance their resilience in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides financial assistance for investments and reforms that contribute to green and digital transitions, as well as other key policy areas.
Specific European legislation at the sector level of RO-ADAPT
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Agenda for a Sustainable and Competitive European Tourism
Global trends and priorities are shifting: now more than ever, the major challenge for the tourism sector is to remain competitive while also being sustainable, recognizing that long-term competitiveness depends on sustainability. Particularly, climate change is currently a critical aspect that also requires the tourism industry to reduce its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, and destinations to adapt to the demand and types of tourism they offer.
Cohesion Policy 2021-2027
The European Commission (EC) published, at the end of 2018, the legislative package on post-2020 cohesion policy, complementing the general proposals regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027.
The EU cohesion policy contributes to strengthening economic, social, and territorial cohesion within the European Union. Its goal is to address imbalances between countries and regions. It provides the policy priorities of the European Union, particularly the green and digital transition.
The main objectives of the Cohesion Policy for the period 2021-2027 are specifically focused on supporting public investments to achieve the goals of ecological and digital transition.
Comone Agriculture Policy
The European model of agriculture is based on a competitive, market-oriented sector that also fulfills other public functions, such as environmental protection, providing affordable housing for rural populations, and integrating agriculture with the environment and forestry. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has shifted its focus from direct subsidies to agriculture (Pillar I of the CAP) towards the integrated development of rural economies and environmental protection (Pillar II of the CAP).
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is among the first common policies adopted by the European Union - at that time, the European Economic Community. Its genesis was a reaction to the food issues that followed World War II.
The institutions involved in the development and management of Common Agricultural Policy measures are: the Council of the European Union for Agriculture and Fisheries, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. The legislative power lies with the Council, while the Parliament has an advisory role. In the Council, decisions are made by qualified majority. In exercising its advisory prerogatives, the Parliament is assisted by the AGRI Committee, a standing body. The European Commission has two major responsibilities, namely legislative initiative and implementation of the CAP. The Commission is supported by Committees, which are of three types: Committees for the management of common market organizations (one for each common market organization), Regulatory Committees (with an advisory role in the development of horizontal legislation), and Advisory Committees (composed of representatives of interest groups). Food safety falls within the remit of the European Food Safety Authority, an independent organization established in January 2002, with an advisory role to the Commission.
EU Communication - Europe, the world's number one tourist destination - a new policy framework for tourism in Europe
The EU Communication - Europe, the world's number one tourist destination - a new policy framework for tourism in Europe was adopted in June 2010. This communication established a new strategy and action plan for tourism in the EU.
The EU policy aims to maintain Europe's position as a leading destination while maximizing the industry's contribution to growth and employment. It also promotes cooperation among EU countries, particularly through the exchange of best practices. The EU's role in tourism is one of support and coordination to complement the actions of the member states.
EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism
The European Parliament's resolution of 25 March 2021 on the development of an EU strategy for sustainable tourism (2020/2038(INI)) highlights that 27 million people are employed directly or indirectly in the tourism sector, accounting for 11.2% of total employment in the EU. Tourism contributed 10.3% to the European Union's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019.
The data presented by the Transport Committee to support the adoption of an EU strategy for sustainable tourism also indicate that the tourism and transport sectors have been among the most affected by COVID-19. At least 6 million jobs, including those of seasonal workers and individuals in vulnerable situations, are at risk in the EU. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, leading to job losses and economic challenges.
Furthermore, travel restrictions implemented in response to the pandemic continue to heavily impact global and European tourism. The most recent data indicates a 70% decrease in the number of international tourist arrivals in 2020. These restrictions have resulted in a significant decline in tourism activity, causing disruptions to the industry and economic consequences.
Eurocities’ strategic framework 2020-2030
Eurocities este a major network of large European cities that work together to ensure a good quality of life for all. Eurocities includes over 200 cities from 38 countries, representing 130 million people.
European Cultural Heritage Strategy for the 21st Century
The ministers of the signatory states of the European Cultural Convention met in April 2015, adopting the Namur Declaration to promote a common and unifying approach to the management of cultural heritage.
In February 2017, the Deputy Ministers adopted Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)1 to Member States on the European Cultural Heritage Strategy for the 21st Century, which was officially launched in Limassol, Cyprus, in April 2017.
European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage
During the Göteborg Leaders' Summit in November 2017, heads of state and government reaffirmed their commitment to a Union that preserves its cultural heritage and promotes cultural diversity. In December 2017, the European Council emphasized that the European Year of Cultural Heritage represented a crucial opportunity to raise awareness among citizens about the social and economic importance of culture and heritage.
The announcement of the European Framework for Action in May 2018 led to a widespread mobilization of stakeholders.
The Call to Action from Berlin in June 2018, developed by Europa Nostra, the German Cultural Heritage Committee, and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, calls for the establishment of an ambitious European Action Plan for Cultural Heritage as a sustainable legacy of the European Year of Cultural Heritage. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach and integration with all European policy agendas and priorities. According to their perspective, the action plan should align with the Council of Europe's Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (the Faro Convention) and the European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century.
The Berlin Call also emphasizes the need for a strong external dimension within the action plan, in line with the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Berlin Call was signed by Ministers of Culture, Members of the European Parliament, and numerous stakeholders, including organizations and individuals.
For a new integrated EU tourism policy: Europe - 27 countries, one destination
Europe needs a renewed and more comprehensive approach to tourism. The EU Commission should make a new communication to the European Parliament and Council proposing an integrated tourism policy for Europe as a whole. This communication will consist of an updated strategy for 2010 and an action plan for the next 10 years.
Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities
The Leipzig Charter for Sustainable European Cities was adopted by the EU Council in 2007 and has played a significant role in introducing the concept of integrated urban development at the EU level. It has had a strong influence on the development of EU initiatives such as the Urban Agenda.
The principles of the Leipzig Charter refer to simultaneously considering the various aspects of urban policy - spatially and across sectors, as well as over time. It encourages the involvement of the general public in policy development and also focuses on disadvantaged neighborhoods in cities, prioritizing physical and social cohesion.