Evaluation and monitoring is a crucial part of the German energy transition (Energiewende), especially for the National Climate Initiative, which supports climate-friendly behavior among businesses, consumers, and local authorities. In this book chapter, the authors provide an insight into the the National Climate Initiative, its evaluation approach and lessons learnt for following programmes.

Christiane Gerstetter and Max Grünig, Senior Fellows at the Ecologic Institute, have prepared a submission for the EU Commission's online consultation on investment protection in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The submission is available for download.

This collection of country reports assesses climate and energy policies in all 28 Members States of the European Union (EU). The reports support the DG CLIMA of the European Commission in its contributions to the European Semester. Focusing on the period between February 2013 and November 2013, the reports provide insight into national policy developments and progress towards the achievement of the EU’s climate and energy targets. The reports are available for download.

The input paper for the expert workshop held from 11 to 12 June 2014, in Berlin synthesizes findings from the review of indicator calculation methodologies and expert interviews. The present report is part of an ongoing project of UBA Germany to further develop material use indicators. The report is reviewing current state of the art with respect to the methodologies for calculating more comprehensive indicators than those currently in use. The input paper is available for download.

At the 5th World Congress of Environmental and Resource Economists, held in Istanbul 2014, the Ecologic Institue organised a policy session to discuss the perspectives of EU Climate Policy for 2030 and beyond. The session featured four distinguished panelists: Andreas Barkmann (European Environment Agency), Aldo Ravazzi (Italian Ministry of the Environment), Paul Ekins (University College London) and Andrew Błachowicz, moderated by Benjamin Görlach of the Ecologic Institute.

What shape will the future governance framework of European climate and energy policy take? The proposal submitted by the European Commission at the beginning of this year raises more questions than it answers in this regard. Dr. Camilla Bausch and Christine Lucha of the Ecologic Institute invited experts to a workshop to discuss what impact the new EU Governance has on the electricity sector and how to design the requested regional cooperation.

This study, launched in October 2012, seeks to identify performing EPR schemes for different waste streams (e.g. ELV, WEEE, Batteries, Packaging, Paper, Used Oil) and prepare detailed case studies, in order to identify common characteristics across schemes, which could serve as a guide for improving the effectiveness of such schemes. The study should allow the Commission to formulate new proposals to ensure an optimal use of EPR schemes. The study is available for download.

Chapman, Sophie; Martijn Wilder; Alfred Gichu et al. 2014: Creating an Enabling Legal Framework for REDD+ Investments in Kenya. Baker & McKenzie, Cambridge Centre for Climate Change Mitigation Research, Cambridge.

Yeang, Donal et al. 2014: Carbon Rights and Benefit Sharing in Cambodia (Policy Brief). Fauna & Flora International / 4CMR.

Based on a comprehensive analysis of the existing regulatory framework and its gaps, the authors of Ecologic Institute identify general options and specific recommended actions for the effective governance of geoengineering. A key consideration is that the recommendations can be implemented in practice.

(2014). ELEEP Policy Recommendations for Energy and Climate Change. Brussels/Rotterdam Conference and Study Tour 14-17 May 2014. ELEEP Policy Brief. Ecologic Institute US, Atlantic Council, ELEEP.

An important part of the work for the "European Union Action to Fight Environmental Crime" (EFFACE) project, coordinated by Ecologic Institute, is the analysis of the costs and impacts of environmental crime. The work includes the collection and analysis of data and information on the extent and the impacts of environmental crime and attempts to estimate the economic costs of the different types of environmental crime. The report "Understanding the Damages of Environmental Crime" is available for download.

Max Gruenig spoke on 26 June 2014 at a joint meeting of the Farmers and Consumers and Environment Group of the European Economic and Social Committee on the legal Implications of the EU-US Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) for the Acquis Communautaire and ENVI relevant sectors. His slides are available for download.

The MILESECURE 2050 Energy Day in Brussels presented major findings from the research project. Members of the consortium, Giancarlo Cotella (POLITO) and Gabriele Quinti (LSC), presented position papers on energy security trends in Europe and sociological drivers in energy transitions. Ecologic Institute contributed key research to these reports. The presentations launched a discussion among policy makers, researchers, and other experts to consider new energy perspectives in policy making and long-term planning.