The Environment Council on 25 June 2026 revealed deep divisions among member states on the future of the LIFE programme, with a majority of delegations pushing for a standalone budget line while the Netherlands and Denmark backed simplification without earmarking. Commissioner Jessika Roswall defended the Commission's proposal to integrate LIFE into the broader Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), arguing it would be simpler and more flexible. However, Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Bulgaria, Portugal, France, Belgium, Hungary, Lithuania, Greece, and Italy warned that integration would reduce visibility and access for environmental projects. The debate also exposed a split on REACH modernisation: the Commission ruled out a full revision, promising instead comitology and enforcement upgrades. Czechia, Latvia, Italy, Germany, Finland, and others welcomed this pragmatic approach, while Luxembourg, Portugal, Malta, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria regretted the missed opportunity for a comprehensive update. On packaging waste, Czechia, Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, and others flagged legal uncertainty ahead of application deadlines; Roswall pledged FAQs and rapid implementation measures. On biodiversity, most delegations framed nature as economic infrastructure, but Luxembourg cautioned against market distortions. Roswall promoted nature credits, while Portugal, Belgium, and Malta insisted on safeguards. On ultra-fast fashion, Germany, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and others called for EU action; Roswall listed upcoming measures including ecodesign rules and removal of the €150 duty-free threshold. On the plastics treaty, France pushed for full life-cycle coverage, while Germany and the Netherlands urged flexibility to secure broad support. Ireland outlined Presidency priorities on competitiveness, climate, and circular economy. Next steps include continued work on implementation acts, the Circular Economy Act, and preparations for COP31 and COP17.
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