EEA Press room overview

Is there a protected area near you? Find out on UN Biodiversity Day

Arthur Girling — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:45:00 +0200

Protected areas cover more than one fifth of the land in the 39 countries working with the European Environment Agency (EEA). On International Biodiversity Day, the EEA encourages Europeans to find out more about their closest nature reserve or national park using a new interactive map.

Europe’s bathing waters continue to improve

Arthur Girling — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:55:00 +0200

Ninety-four per cent of bathing sites in the European Union meet minimum standards for water quality, according to the European Environment Agency's annual report on bathing water quality in Europe. Water quality is excellent at 78 % of sites and almost 2 % more sites meet the minimum requirements compared to last year's report.

Green fiscal reform can create jobs and stimulate innovation across the EU

Arthur Girling — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:35:00 +0200

Increasing some tax rates and removing subsidies on environmentally harmful products and services can boost economic growth if the revenue generated is then used to relieve the tax burden on employment and investment.

Neonicotinoid pesticides are a huge risk – so ban is welcome, says EEA

Arthur Girling — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:35:00 +0200

The European Commission has decided to ban three neonicotinoid insecticides. These chemicals can harm honeybees, according to a large body of scientific evidence, so the European Environment Agency (EEA) commends the precautionary decision to ban them.

Consumers buying more efficient cars in Europe

Arthur Girling — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0200

The average car sold in the EU in 2012 was 9 % more fuel-efficient than the average three years before, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Improved technology and an increase in the share of diesel cars are the main reasons behind the fall in average CO2 emissions.