
EU agrees on new rules to curb plastic pellet pollution
The EU is cracking down on microplastic pollution. New rules target plastic pellets, a major hidden threat to the bloc’s environment.
The EU is cracking down on microplastic pollution. New rules target plastic pellets, a major hidden threat to the bloc’s environment.
Water is everywhere, and most of the time, Europeans don’t really ponder this essential part of their lives much. But climate change, agriculture, pollution and overuse are putting a strain on water systems on the continent – be it freshwater, oceans or even wastewater.
European Union countries have agreed tougher rules on the management of waste water from companies that pollute water as a by-product of their production. The agreement was followed by mixed reactions from, among others, German interest groups and associations.
In their last plenary session in Strasbourg before the EU elections, MEPs approved a provisional agreement reached in February to tighten rules on air pollution. According to the European Environment Agency, poor air quality is a major health risk.
European Council President Charles Michel wants to intensify the bloc’s relationship with Central Asia. The new Bulgarian government is about to start work. Albania and Hungary strengthen their cooperation. Germany escapes a fine as the European Commission ends water pollution proceedings.