The 2025 European Maritime Environmental Report highlights sustainable transport progress, but challenges persist
The second edition of the European Maritime Environmental Report was published today. It offers an overview of the environmental impact of the European maritime sector within the EU and evaluates practices that can make this sector more sustainable. The report indicates progress towards greater sustainability, but stresses the need for increased efforts to meet the EUs 2030 climate and environmental goals and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The report calls for ongoing action and intensified innovation in the sector. Key tools for achieving sustainable maritime transport in Europe include the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which encourages the use of low-carbon fuels, and the extension of the EU Emission Trading System to maritime transport, setting a carbon price for greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Global coordination, under the aegis of the International Maritime Organization, will also be crucial for advancing towards a more sustainable future in maritime transport.
Maritime transport plays a vital role in maintaining trade, economic growth, connectivity, and accessibility, while contributing to energy security and job creation. However, the sectors growing demand comes with additional environmental implications, including contributing 3 to 4% of the EUs CO₂ emissions and harming marine ecosystems due to oil spills, wastewater discharges, and marine noise. Although estimates suggest marine litter from fishing and shipping has halved in the last decade, challenges remain, particularly regarding plastic pellet losses.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, welcomes the report: «The new environmental report on European maritime transport is a valuable guide for the future, ensuring it remains sustainable, competitive, and resilient. This report is also a call to action. By working together, we can ensure maritime transport continues to play a vital role in our global economy while minimizing its environmental impact and preserving our oceans for future generations.»
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, added: «We need a source to sea approach, as marine activities are closely linked to terrestrial ones. Now is the time to make transformations in the maritime and water sectors to make Europe resilient against water challenges.»
The report is jointly prepared by the European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Environment Agency, with support from the Commission. More information is available in the joint press release.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel: +32 2 295 75 01; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 25 04)
Commission clears acquisition of Rehau Automotive by Atlas
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of substantially all of the Rehau automotive business entities (Rehau Automotive) by Atlas FRM LLC (Atlas) of the US.
The transaction relates primarily to the automotive sector.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11797.
(For more information : Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears the acquisition of joint control of Rolls-Royce SMR by Rolls-Royce and CEZ
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Rolls-Royce SMR Limited (Rolls-Royce SMR) by Rolls-Royce Plc (Rolls-Royce), both of the UK, and CEZ Holdings B.V. (CEZ) of the Netherlands.
The transaction relates primarily to the research, development, and deployment of small modular nuclear reactor designs.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns due to its limited impact on the European Economic Area, and given the companies limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11809.
(For more information : Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
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