Vulcan Consulting | Vulcan View: The latest EU developments 4 – 8 December

Will COP28 achieve a commitment to phase-out fossil fuels?

The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is currently taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It will bring together parties worldwide to refocus the global climate agenda as the deadline for climate targets for 2030 get closer. This year’s conference includes the first global stock take of the Paris Agreement that will assess how successful its implementation has been so far. Based on the results, the participating parties will create a new course of action to ensure the world dramatically reduces emissions and increases the globe’s renewable power capacity to reach the Paris Agreement’s climate targets on time. Keep reading.

EU reaches agreement on upgraded eco-design rules

This week the European Union took significant steps towards advancing sustainability with an agreement reached by the Parliament and Council to modify the EU’s eco-design framework. The updated regulations aim to promote the development of sturdier, more repairable, and recyclable products while curbing resource consumption and reducing waste. The agreement responds to concerns about premature product obsolescence, where items become non-functional or less efficient due to various factors such as design flaws or a scarcity of spare parts. Keep reading.

Ireland:

McEntee survives no confidence vote as immigration issue comes to fore

Earlier this week, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee survived a Sinn Féin led vote of no-confidence in the aftermath of the stabbing of young children and a carer in Dublin city centre and the ensuing street riots. On Tuesday evening, following a sometimes-heated Dáil debate, the coalition secured a solid majority of 83 votes to 63. This was the third no confidence motion tabled against the government since 2022, all of which have been defeated with relative ease, thanks, in particular, to the consistent backing of a cohort of Independent TDs. Keep reading.

Compliments of Vulcan Consulting – A Member of the EACCNY