Geopolitical tensions, volatile energy markets and the focus on strategic autonomy have pushed industrial competitiveness to the top of the political agenda. European climate policy therefore requires close coordination between emissions reduction, investment security and competitiveness. In a background paper, Ariadne researchers summarise how governance, financing, industrial transformation, the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and energy infrastructure need to simultaneously ensure decarbonisation, economic resilience and public support.
ECNO’s 2026 State of EU Progress to Climate Neutrality report provides a comprehensive assessment of whether the European Union is moving quickly enough to meet its climate goals. Drawing on a broad set of indicators and policy analysis, the report evaluates progress across the economy and identifies where stronger implementation could reduce exposure to fossil fuel dependence, supply-chain vulnerabilities, affordability challenges and climate-related risks.
The paper assesses four policy options for integrating Article 6 credits into the EU ETS through a central intermediary rather than allowing companies to purchase credits directly. It argues that this indirect approach would provide greater oversight of credit quality and supply, helping to preserve the EU ETS's role in driving domestic emissions reductions while offering limited flexibility where appropriate.
The white paper brings together evidence and recommendations from seven EU-funded projects, including RESTORE4Cs. The paper highlights the urgent need to accelerate wetland conservation and restoration across Europe, as degraded wetlands continue to drive biodiversity loss, weaken water resilience, and turn ecosystems that can store carbon into sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
This report examines the penalty provisions contained in the revised Draft Emergency Ordinance (DEO) proposed by the Romanian government in April 2026 to implement the EU Methane Emissions Regulation (EUMR).
This paper argues that there is no plausible basis for the introduction of a “grace period” in respect of infringements of Article 27 of the EU Methane Emissions Regulation (EUMR), as proposed in a recently leaked draft European Commission Recommendation.
This study develops a proposal for a comprehensive revision of the German Federal Soil Protection Act (Bundes-Bodenschutzgesetz, BBodSchG) and presents a fully drafted legislative text.
MEER:STARK provides practical recommendations and an integrated framework for strengthening the resilience of the North Sea and Baltic Sea to climate-related impacts. The project demonstrates that effective marine conservation and climate adaptation should be addressed jointly rather than as separate policy domains. By linking ecological restoration, adaptive governance, nature-based solutions, and participatory management approaches, the project offers a foundation for developing more coherent and resilient marine policies in the future.
As the European Union considers to reform its Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) by integrating permanent carbon dioxide removals (CDR), this report examines safeguards to support the gradual scale-up of permanent removals whilst keeping their quantity under control to manage risks and ensure incentives for reducing emissions remain
Prescribing decisions are currently guided primarily by therapeutic efficacy, patient safety and cost-effectiveness. A recent feasibility study explores how environmental information could also become part of routine pharmaceutical decision-making in the future. At the centre of the proposed concept is a German Environmental Pharmaceutical Index (EPI), designed to provide standardised environmental information on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and make it readily accessible for healthcare professionals.
In light of the agreed expansion of European emissions trading (inter alia the gradual inclusion of maritime transport and the introduction of the EU ETS 2), the study contains an analysis of the current sanctions regime in emissions trading. The fundamental amendment to the TEHG brought about by the TEHG EU Alignment Act 2024 has already been taken into account. Proposals for a more effective sanctions regime are put forward, relating both the enforcement of existing regulations and reforms of these regulations. The study focuses on administrative offence law.
This report identifies and characterises systemic environmental risks, explores how they interact across societal systems, and analyses governance approaches that can respond to them. It introduces risk constellations as a practical way to discuss complex risk interactions. This approach allows experts and policymakers to map drivers, magnifiers and impacts at a manageable scale while still keeping sight of the wider system in which risks unfold.
This publication documents informational and educational materials for the fields of medicine, pharmacy, and health communication. The project aimed to reduce the release of pharmaceutical substances into the environment and to strengthen the integration of environmental knowledge into education, teaching, and professional practice. The project produced openly accessible materials for universities and continuing education programmes, pharmacies, and the general public. In addition, an online platform was established to consolidate scientific background information, infographics, and teaching resources.
The transition to a clean and competitive industrial base is crucial to strengthening Europe’s resilience and strategic economic independence. The Clean Industrial Transition Monitor by ECNO assesses real-world progress using more than 50 indicators and provides a comprehensive and nuanced picture of both progress and remaining gaps.
The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) has published the report “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the Agri-food Sector – Recommendations for a Coherent EU Policy”. The report calls on the EU to better integrate climate mitigation and adaptation across the entire value chain. Its aim is to safeguard food security, strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and align the agri-food system with the EU’s climate goals.