3 PM CET – EU to Move Forward With the Nature Restoration Law
On June 20, 2023 the EU Council reached a “general approach” agreement on the proposed Nature Restoration Law. What was approved is a text that sets out to implement restoration measures for “at least 20% of the EU’s land and 20% sea areas by 2030″ and for all ecosystems by 2050.
In particular, the text sets legally-binding targets to be achieved by countries in their efforts to protect and restore certain ecosystems. The council agreed that states will have to put in place measures to restore at least 30% of natural habitats to “good condition” by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050.
Nature is our lifeline – yet it is severely declining ↘️
The #NatureRestoration law will:
🦋 restore degraded habitats already under EU protection
🦋 recover pollinators
🦋 remove river barriers
🦋 improve forest biodiversity
🦋 increase urban green space— EU Council (@EUCouncil) June 20, 2023
The agreement was only finalized after numerous concerns about the necessary financial support. Over 80% of natural habitats are classified as in poor health, requiring a great effort from European governments.
Half of the members (44) opposed the bill, however, thanks to the proposal for more financial support from the European Commission, the law obtained a pass, “by the thinnest possible margin.”
2 PM CET – Agreement on the proposal for the European Media Freedom Act
The EU member states have reached an agreement on the Council’s position on the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).
A new European Board for Media Services will be established, composed of national media authorities. Moreover, the Council ensures “that the new law is consistent with existing EU legislation, respects national competences in this area, and strikes the right balance between the necessary harmonisation and respect for national differences.”
2 PM CET – Environmentalist Collective Disbanded in France on Charges of Eco-Terrorism
The environmentalist collective “Les Soulèvements de la Terre” (Uprisings of the Earth) was officially disbanded in France following allegations of eco-terrorism. The decision to dissolve the group came after a series of events that raised concerns about their activities and their potential impact on public safety.
Ça y est. Le gouvernement vient d'enclencher la procédure de dissolution des Soulèvements de la Terre.
Mais on ne dissout pas un Soulèvement. Tout continue. Car vous êtes, nous sommes toutes et tous, les Soulèvements de la Terre
THREAD 👇 pic.twitter.com/cPvyuy8zrX
— Les Soulèvements de la Terre (@lessoulevements) June 21, 2023
The disbandment of the collective was announced by the French minister for the Interior, Gérald Darmanin after a court ruling that deemed their activities as a threat to public order and safety. The decision to dissolve the group was seen as a necessary step since “no cause justifies the particularly numerous and violent acts to which this group calls and provokes.”
According to French reports, the group had been accused of organizing disruptive actions that targeted infrastructure and institutions, aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues. However, these actions were deemed unlawful and dangerous by authorities, leading to their dissolution.
11 AM CET – Noises Detected From the Missing Titanic Submersible
In the desperate search for the missing Titanic submersible, “underwater noises” were heard coming from the area under observation. The discovery on Tuesday led search teams to relocate their underwater robotic search operations.
However, there are still numerous logistical problems in pinpointing the exact location of the submersible, covering until now a search area roughly the size of Connecticut. According to authorities’ estimates, the people trapped in the sub have enough oxygen to last until about 10 am GMT on Thursday, June 22.
To read the full story about the submersible and how it went missing while exploring the Titanic wreckage site click here.
10 AM CET – Mastercard Launches a Global “Blueprint For Card Recycling”
Mastercard has announced a groundbreaking initiative to tackle the environmental impact of plastic credit cards. The company has launched a global plan for recycling payment cards, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Through collaboration with industry stakeholders, Mastercard plans to collect and recycle old and expired payment cards. The initiative will aim at achieving a “future where all plastic cards can be recycled easily, to make a small but meaningful dent in the plastic pollution crisis.” To start this off, Mastercard’s commitment to have all newly–produced cards completely recyclable by 2028, was presented in a press release back in April, 2023.
We are creating smart, commercially viable solutions today, so we can drive a more prosperous tomorrow. From 2028 onward, every new plastic card issued by a Mastercard partner anywhere in the world will contain recycled or sustainable materials!https://t.co/uoMklv13Ph
— Michael Miebach (he/him/his) (@MiebachMichael) April 5, 2023
According to recent data by the Nilson Report, there are around 26 billion plastic cards currently in circulation worldwide, projected to reach 28.44 billion by the end of 2027. In the fight to reduce plastic waste, Mastercard’s global plan to recycle credit cards could mark a significant milestone in the quest for sustainability within the financial sector.
9 AM CET – Is the European Media Freedom Act At Risk?
In an important step forward, representatives of EU governments are convening today, to discuss the final details of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). This groundbreaking legislation is poised to establish fundamental protections that aim to guarantee media plurality and uphold the independence of newsrooms across the European Union.
The Act, for the first time, will enshrine crucial provisions to safeguard the integrity and freedom of the press throughout the Union.
In previous meetings, according to what was reported by POLITICO, one notable aspect of the discussion revolved around France’s position asking for an exemption for “national security” reasons. Furthermore, additional exemptions particularly requested by the French interior ministry, as “some people close to the talks” mention, would include the installation of government spyware.
In an open letter addressed to the representatives in charge of negotiations, civil society, and journalists associations have voiced their concerns regarding the potential impact of the proposed Act on media freedom. The letter underscores that the latest compromise text of the EMFA draft “poses serious risks to European Union core democratic principles and fundamental rights, notably press freedoms, freedom of expression and the protection of journalists.”
The signatories urge “the Council to reconsider its current position and to build a solid position against the surveillance of journalists.”
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Featured Photo: Forest. Featured Photo Credit: barnyz.
