Europe

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,...

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

This explainer outlines what the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework is and why it matters; where negotiations stand ahead of the 2028–2034 MFF; and how Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026 can shape the outcomes for climate action, environmental protection and social fairness.

The European Commission has launched a Call for Evidence on the Communication on Better Regulation, inviting industry and business stakeholders to share practical input on how EU law-making can be improved. This document contains EJNI’s response to this Call for Evidence. EJNI is part of a coalition of over 50 non-governmental and civil society organisations calling for the protection of...

This study for the UK Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) was delivered by experts from Miller Research, Environmental Justice Network Ireland, and the Institute for European Environmental Policy. It reviewed historical and current regulations, assessed nutrient management policies, and explored future scenarios. A “Divergence Register” was developed to track and categorize differences across key domains. https://www.theoep.org.uk/commissioned-research/review-divergence-environmental-regulation-northern-ireland-relating-nutrient