European Union: Environment

The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation has banned the destruction of unsold apparel and footwear from July 2026, forcing retailers to pivot from recycling and disposal to donation, resale and reuse strategies. With mandatory public reporting on unsold stock disposal and stricter policing of environmental marketing claims now in force, consumer-facing businesses across Ireland and the EU face a fundamental shift in how they manage inventory, report waste, and communicate sustainability creden

The European Commission has proposed significant amendments to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive, introducing new requirements for free allocation of allowances conditional on EU-based decarbonisation investments and gradually extending the system to cover municipal waste incineration from 2031.

EU-Kommissionen har fremsat et omfattende forslag til ændring af CO₂-kvotedirektivet, der introducerer væsentlige ændringer for affaldsforbrændingssektoren.

Ireland faces a critical decision about nuclear energy: not whether to build a reactor today, but whether to preserve the option for the 2040s. With Small Modular Reactors emerging as the only viable nuclear technology for Ireland's small grid, and neighbouring countries already deep into their nuclear programmes, what groundwork must Ireland complete now to keep this low-carbon baseload option genuinely available?

A small pod of Iberian orcas has been interacting with vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar and Gulf of Cadiz since 2020, causing significant damage to some yachts and even sinking six vessels. What are the legal obligations for yacht owners navigating these waters, and how can they protect themselves both during encounters and in terms of insurance coverage?

The European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) became applicable across all Member States in August 2026, introducing new compliance obligations for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. The European Commission's updated FAQ provides crucial guidance on role classification, conformity requirements, and enforcement approaches, yet significant questions remain regarding operational implementation and the allocation of responsibilities throughout the value chain.

Spain advances its climate objectives for the transport sector through new regulations that transpose recent EU directives. The Royal Decree 611/2026 establishes ambitious targets for cleaner fuel usage and greenhouse gas emission reductions spanning from 2027 to 2040. These measures represent a significant step toward decarbonization and alignment with European environmental commitments.

250 à 300 entreprises en France sont si essentielles que leur identité est classée secrète. On les appelle les Opérateurs d'Importance Vitale (OIV). Aujourd'hui, une simple ligne de code peut provoquer une pollution...

The Planning and Development (Costs of Part 9 Judicial Review Proceedings) Regulations 2026, which came into operation on 18 May 2026, introduce a fixed statutory schedule of costs caps governing the legal costs recoverable by a successful applicant in planning judicial review proceedings taken under the Planning and Development Act 2024.

EU:s gränsjusteringsmekanism för koldioxid (CBAM) utvidgas från 2028 till att omfatta omkring 180 ytterligare bearbetade produkter med betydande innehåll av stål eller aluminium. Företag som importerar maskiner, fordonsdelar, hushållsapparater och andra metallintensiva produkter behöver redan nu kartlägga vilka varuflöden som kan komma att omfattas och förbereda sig för de nya kraven på rapportering av inbäddade utsläpp och köp

Spain advances its climate objectives for the transport sector through new regulations that transpose recent EU directives. The Royal Decree 611/2026 establishes ambitious targets for cleaner fuel usage and greenhouse gas emission reductions spanning from 2027 to 2040. These measures represent a significant step toward decarbonization and alignment with European environmental commitments.

This Q3 2026 edition highlights key legal and regulatory developments shaping Ireland's sustainability landscape, covering energy, infrastructure, and sustainable finance. The newsletter features insights from Climate Finance Week 2026 and explores legislative priorities for Europe's energy future during Ireland's EU Presidency.