The EU has set ambitious targets for a clean and competitive economy. Yet while the current frameworks are comprehensive, their complexity risks slowing progress, stalling investments, and contributing to policy fatigue. A new policy paper argues that with clearer processes, a stronger data foundation, and smarter EU governance, the transition to climate neutrality can be managed far more efficiently. The paper outlines eight concrete options for making EU policymaking simpler, more predictable, and more focused on performance.

After giving a concise overview of the penalty provisions in the EU Methane Regulation (EU-MER), this paper challenges the scaremongering narrative promoted by fossil energy groups – namely, that the EU-MER exposes fossil fuel importers to "unmanageable liability" through fines of up to 20% of annual turnover. It also compares the penalty rules in adopted or draft implementing acts in Czechia, Denmark, Hungary, Italy and Romania. 

Two new case studies by Ecologic Institute analyze how Romania and Czechia are implementing the penalty provisions required under the EU Methane Emissions Regulation (EU-MER). The findings reveal notable differences: Romania's draft law contains significant shortcomings and is seriously non-compliant with core EU-MER requirements. By contrast, the Czech draft broadly aligns with EU-MER but still leaves critical gaps, including missing minimum fine levels and insufficient powers for authorities to confiscate profits or impose recurring penalties. Both case studies benchmark the national drafts against good practice from Denmark and Italy, clearly identifying areas where improvements are needed to ensure effective enforcement.

How far has Germany come in implementing its Action Programme for Natural Climate Protection (ANK)? This study, led by Ecologic Institute and commissioned by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), delivers the first comprehensive analysis of ANK implementation and impacts across key ecosystems, from peatlands to forests and coastal zones. With over 9,500 projects launched and 2.2 million ha covered, the program holds strong long-term potential for climate mitigation and biodiversity. Yet, early findings also reveal delays and structural barriers. The study offers robust data, impact modeling, and targeted recommendations to strengthen monitoring, boost effectiveness, and scale nature-based solutions in Germany and beyond.

Climate-smart farming becomes a viable and attractive option when appropriate incentive and reward mechanisms are in place. The report introduces a categorization framework of rewarding mechanisms at the European level categorizing monetary, supportive, and regulatory mechanisms while also highlighting key gaps. It maps existing tools and offers practical examples, helping farmers, advisors, policymakers, authorities and other stakeholders navigate a fast-growing and often confusing rewarding mechanism landscape.

Nature-based solutions are key to climate change adaptation. Urban green spaces and water bodies, for example, can reduce heat in cities. How can local authorities implement such measures despite limited resources? This paper explores financing options based on practical examples – from crowdfunding to green bonds – and evaluates when and how they can be used effectively. It also provides recommendations on how federal and state governments can provide support.

Myanmar is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to over 570 freshwater fish species, many of them endemic. Yet its rivers face mounting pressure from pollution, land-use change and declining water quality – challenges that threaten both ecosystems and the communities depending on inland fisheries for food security. This study co-authored by Ecologic Institute's Dr. Benjamin Kupilas offers novel insights into how tropical fish communities respond to these stresses.

Panel Discussion: Dr. Stephan Sina

How can law help address the climate crisis – and where does it reach its limits? On 26 November 2025, Dr. Stephan Sina discussed these questions with law students at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. The event was organized and moderated by the European Law Students' Association (el§a) Berlin, with lawyer Michael Liesegang (Dombert Rechtsanwälte) joining the discussion.

Panel Discussion: Hugh McDonald

At an expert event organized by the Danish EU Presidency 2025 and the European Commission, Hugh McDonald (Ecologic Institute) outlined key policy directions for making European agriculture more climate compatible. His core messages highlight why clear targets, fair incentives, and early political action are essential for transforming the agricultural sector. A session brief is available for download.

Speech: Aaron Best und Mandy Hinzmann

On 20 November 2025, Aaron Best and Mandy Hinzmann (both Ecologic Institute) presented innovative digital solutions for sustainable consumption at the Federal Ministry for the Environment in Berlin. The occasion was the annual assembly of the 'Community for Sustainable Digitalization". The solutions were developed as part of the "DigiKon" project, carried out by the Ecologic Institute together with IZT and GFA Consulting. The presentation focused on three concepts co-developed with stakeholders: a public-interest sharing platform for "Libraries of Things," a scaling hub for digital solutions in the public sector, and a chatbot for sustainable product searches.

The MoorNet Final Conference 2025 brought together experts from research, practice and public administration to take stock – three years after the adoption of Germany’s National Peatland Protection Strategy. Key topics included strengthening cooperation among peatland stakeholders, funding options, and ways to accelerate planning and permitting processes for rewetting measures. Complemented by expert presentations, an excursion and a poster session, the conference provided valuable impulses for the future of peatland protection. All presentations are available on the MoorNet website.

The 5th EU Blue Parks Community Workshop demonstrated the strong expertise driving Mission Ocean & Waters. With nearly 100 participants and contributions from 14 projects, the virtual event provided a rich platform for exchanging strategies to advance marine protection. Ecologic Institute co-organized the Community workshop and played a key role in bringing together knowledge and fostering innovation.

ZirTeNet participated in the ADD-ITC with six collaborative projects and offered a concise insight into solutions for more sustainable textiles. From exploring the recycling potential of used cotton to durability-focused product design and mono-material composites that simplify recycling, the network showcased how research is paving the way for tangible transformation in the textile industry.

The independent investment committee of the Ökovision Fund set benchmarks for rigorous sustainability standards in the investment sector for more than three decades. As Ecologic Institute’s longest-running project, it combined diverse expertise, transparent decision-making and active engagement with companies to define an investment universe rooted in ecological, social and ethical responsibility. Now, after more than 30 years, this chapter comes to a close, leaving a lasting contribution to the sustainable transformation of business and finance.

The Ecologic Institute is now an official partner of Biodiversity Bridge – a growing alliance dedicated to strengthening the role of biodiversity in business and society. Building on an inspiring initial exchange with Managing Director Dr. Tobias Raffel, the partnership brings together leading institutions from research, policy, and the private sector to accelerate knowledge transfer and foster joint action for nature.