Environmental Democracy

This is a submission by Environmental Justice Network Ireland, a Belfast based network organisation dedicated to environmental justice in Ireland, Northern Ireland and at EU level. This attached submission highlights that the proposals in the Environmental Simplification Omnibus represent a substantial regression in the standard of environmental protection available under the current legislative framework and do not substantially improve the...

As Ireland prepares for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this issue takes on additional significance. Ireland has consistently emphasised the importance of a just transition, social fairness and a commitment to meaningful public and civil society participation at EU level. Timely and credible delivery of Ireland’s own Social Climate Plan will be essential to underpin...

REScoop.eu, CEE Bankwatch, and Environmental Justice Network Ireland have produced this briefing, endorsed by 25 CSOs, analysing the public engagement processes of the National and Regional Partnership Plans in 17 Member States. Our key findings: ·       Of the 17 EU Member States included in this research, only 5 have established a multi-stakeholder working group to develop their national and regional partnership plans. ·      ...

In this submission, EJNI highlights how recent changes to planning law in Ireland (the Planning Act 2024) and the further proposals in the Civil Reform Bill 2025, fundamentally reshape the nature of public body accountability in Ireland. They critically undermine the foundation of transboundary environmental cooperation on the island of Ireland by creating massive differences in the laws of both...

The Commission’s proposals for the 2028–2034 MFF and the introduction of National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) represent a significant shift in EU funding governance with risks to regional participation. At the same time, the proposed phase-out of the Just Transition Fund, optional territorial transition plans, and limited social safeguards may weaken the EU’s capacity to deliver a fair transition....

This briefing provides an introduction to the EU’s proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) and what they could mean for Ireland. It aims to build awareness and support early engagement by Irish civil society in shaping how EU funding will be planned and delivered after 2028. NRPPs are a proposed new approach under the EU’s long-term budget (2028–2034), bringing...

The negotiations on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework will shape how the European Union responds to the defining challenges of the next decade. Decisions taken in this budget cycle will determine whether Europe can accelerate the clean transition, reduce regional and social inequalities, and translate political commitments into delivery on the ground. The Irish Presidency can help promote an EU...

The EU’s Governance Regulation sets out the rules for planning, reporting and monitoring on the Energy Union and Climate Action. It supports strategic medium- and long-term energy and climate planning and provides a framework for Member States to report on their progress towards meeting the 2030 and long-term energy and climate objectives and targets to the Commission and the United...

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In its December 2024 Proposal, the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) recommended 2031–2040 five-year carbon budgets (CB3, 160 MtCO2e, and CB4, 120 MtCO2e). To further inform Ireland’s carbon budget process, this report evaluates the underpinning scenario shortlist data and consistently applies the CCAC 2021 Paris Test methodology to data warming outcomes. Full Document see HERE

Air pollution impacts human health, delicate habitats, and water quality.  Addressing air pollution has strong co-benefits with effective climate action, biodiversity protection, and ensuring societal well-being. A robust Clean Air Strategy (CAS) for Ireland is essential to ensuring that the human right to a clean and healthy environment is upheld. It is also vital to ensuring Ireland’s compliance with national,...