General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030.

The Decision (EU) 2022/591 sets out the Union’s environmental agenda for the period up to 31 December 2030 as well as a long-term vision for 2050 (the ‘8th Environment Action programme’). The 8th EAP aims to accelerate the green transition to a climate-neutral, sustainable, non-toxic, resource-efficient, renewable energy-based, resilient and competitive circular economy in a just, equitable and inclusive way, and to protect, restore and improve the state of the environment by, inter alia, halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
The priority objectives of the 8th EAP are: (I) reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Union’s climate and environment objectives, (II) strengthening resilience and adaptation and reducing the vulnerability of the environment, society and all sectors of the economy to weather- and climate- related disasters, (III) accelerating the transition to a non-toxic circular economy aiming at regenerative growth, sustainable use of resources and sound waste management, (IV) preventing and controlling pollution to achieve a toxic-free environment, including for air, water and soil, as well as in relation to light and noise pollution, and protecting the health and well- being of people, animals and ecosystems from environment-related risks and negative impacts, (V) protecting, preserving and restoring marine and terrestrial biodiversity and the biodiversity of inland waters inside and outside protected areas, reversing biodiversity loss and improving the state of ecosystems and their functions and the services they provide, and (VI) reducing key environmental and climate pressures related to the Union’s production and consumption, in particular in the areas of energy, industry, buildings and infrastructure, mobility, tourism, international trade and the food system. A monitoring framework will be established to measure the progress of the Union and its Member States towards the attainment of the priority objectives of the 8th EAP.
In order to achieve these priority objectives, the Commission, Member States, regional and local authorities and stakeholders shall ensure effective, swift and full implementation of Union legislation and strategies on the environment and the climate; strengthen the enforcement of and compliance with Union environmental law; strengthen the integrated approach to policy development and implementation; measure social, economic and environmental progress through monitoring frameworks and processes at Union level; minimize the social inequalities resulting from climate- and environmental-related impacts and policies; incorporate gender perspective throughout climate and environmental policies; strengthen environmentally positive incentives; mainstream biodiversity action in the Union’s policies; ensure effective climate and biodiversity funding; promote the sound management of chemicals at international level; address land degradation and ensure the protection and sustainable use of soil; transform the Union’s food system, so that, protect and restore biodiversity within and outside the Union and ensure a high level of animal welfare; recognize the interconnections between human health, animal health and the environment through integration of the One Health approach in policy making; lead towards the recognition of a right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment at the international level; make full use of ecosystem approaches and green infrastructure; mobilize resources and ensure sufficient sustainable investments from public and private sources; strengthen the environmental knowledge base, including indigenous and local knowledge, and its uptake, including through research, innovation, fostering green skills, training and retraining; increase the potential of digital and data technologies to support environment policy; reduce the Union’s production and consumption footprints; raise environmental awareness at all levels; support civil society, public authorities, citizens and communities, social partners and the private sector in identifying climate and environmental risks; promote cooperation in the development and implementation of strategies, policies or legislation related to the 8th EAP and ensure the full participation of regional and local authorities in urban and rural areas; and provide access to information linked to the implementation of the 8th EAP.