?? A HOWL FOR HELP

A spectre is haunting Europe—the spectre of deregulation. Increasingly, in this new mandate, the relentless push for "competitiveness" has become a common mantra in policy discussions, frequently used to justify deregulation.?

But, behind the smokescreen of simplification, a clear reality emerges. A prioritisation of corporate profits over public welfare and environmental sustainability. Dismantling laws that protect consumers, workers, and the environment will catalyse a self-destructive race to the bottom. And this harmful trend may have already claimed its first victim: the European wolf, whose survival is threatened by policies that prioritise economic interests over conservation.?

???LITTLE RED RIDING WOLF?

A HOWL FOR HELP – Wolf Awareness Week , celebrated this week, aims to highlight the vital role wolves play in ecosystems and to combat the disinformation that puts the species at peril. This year's event takes on a more urgent tone, with the survival of Europe's wolves at a critical crossroads. On 25 September, most EU Member States supported the European Commission's proposal to weaken wolf protection under the Bern Convention. ??

IN THE LINE OF FIRE –?This legal backsliding will make it easier to persecute and kill wolves across the continent and disrupt important ecosystems. And for what? There is no evidence to support the claim that reducing wolf populations prevents attacks on livestock. Moreover, there are tried and tested solutions such as livestock guardian dogs or fenc es . The fact that lowering wolf protection is not supported by the scientific community or most European citizens, makes this a democratic issue too...?

A SHEEP IN URSULA′S CLOTHING – This modification of the wolf status, aligns with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's personal agenda and signals the direction she may take in a potential second term . Despite VDL’s initial commitment to the EU Green Deal, her recent shift toward prioritising industrial competitiveness and deregulation threatens to undo years of environmental progress. Simplifying laws must not mean sacrificing wildlife. ??

DANGEROUS PRECENDENT –?We are at a crucial moment where the future of Europe's wolves hangs in the balance. If the Standing Committee approves the downgrade in December, it could trigger a historic rollback of Europe's nature laws. This isn't just about wolves - European biodiversity is at stake. Are we really prepared to hand over our natural heritage in the name of bureaucratic 'simplification'? ?

???BIODIVERSITY TAKES CENTRE STAGE?

NATURE IN FREE FALL –?A recent report has raised alarm over the increasingly dire state of the planet's wildlife. As the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution intensify, animal populations are plummeting at a startling rate. The report revealed that global wildlife populations have declined by 70% over the past 50 years, with a direct link to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation.?

ITS ALSO ABOUT THE ECONOMY, STUPID – Protecting biodiversity is an existential issue, but it can also bring opportunities for public and private actors. This new report found that, 50 % of the global GDP directly depends on biodiversity and it comes up with several recommendations to implement sustainable resource management practices and support nature-based solutions. This way, both businesses and public players can contribute to biodiversity conservation as well as economic and societal prosperity. ?

SAFETY NET – To reverse biodiversity loss there is only one way forward. Global efforts need to be made to implement existing legislation and to further develop a solid legal framework that ensures the conservation and recuperation of biodiversity. The agreements reached at Biodiversity COP 15?aimed at the effective conservation and management of at least 30% of the earth’s land and oceans by 2030, were a step in the right direction, but they are not enough . With ecosystems at breaking point, time is running out.?

As you read this editorial, the UN Biodiversity Conference,?COP16 , is taking place in Cali, Colombia, offering the EU a critical opportunity to #RestoreNature and ramp up efforts to protect biodiversity. What we need are stronger laws, not diluted policies. Otherwise, the EU faces the risk of global humiliation in the realm of conservation. ?

???PRIORITY: WATER POLLUTANTS??

AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS MATTER?–?This week marks two years since the EU Commission presented its proposal to update EU water pollution standards! This concerns the lists of harmful chemical substances that EU countries must monitor and control in both surface waters (rivers, lakes, coastal waters) and groundwater (which accounts for two thirds of EU drinking water ). These lists are still very limited, leaving harmful pollutants like several PFAS, glyphosate and pharmaceuticals unregulated at heavy cost to the health of aquatic ecosystems. ??

CHOP CHOP EP –?The EU Parliament and the EU Council have both adopted their positions on the Commission’s proposal, but negotiations to agree on the final text are pending a 'go-ahead ' vote in the Parliament's Environmental Committee. The European Environment Agency has made it clear that Europe’s waters are in a state of emergency. This vote can’t happen too soon. And with an overwhelming majority of Europeans already demanding more EU regulation against water pollution , this update should be the bare minimum!?

?CHEMICALS:?TICKING?TIMEBOMB

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE –?The European Ombudsman has found the Commission guilty of maladministration for consistently missing legal deadlines on decisions regarding dangerous chemicals. The delays mean that highly hazardous substances continue to be used without sufficient controls, posing risks to public health, recycling efforts, and the environment. On average, the Commission takes 14.5 months to decide on banning chemicals (nearly five times the legal limit!).?

NEED FOR SPEED –?The EEB, which helped trigger the Ombudsman’s inquiry, first raised concerns in our Need for Speed report. In addition to highlighting these delays, we revealed that it while it takes no more a few weeks to authorise little-known chemicals to go on the market, it can take up to ten years to fully understand their hazards and yet another decade to ban or restrict those considered dangerous.?

IN THE HOUR OF NEED?–?The new Commission should take heed of the Ombudsman’s findings and put an end to a culture of inaction. Every day of inaction prolongs exposure to toxic substances for people and ecosystems. In the last four years of paralysis, countless people have fallen ill or died prematurely as a result, and millions of babies have been born ‘pre-contaminated’ by unregulated chemicals. Action to prevent chemical pollution, our health, and the environment can’t come soon enough.?

CLEAR AS DAY – The influence of the chemical lobby is increasingly evident in?von der Leyen's policy guidelines, as promising REACH reforms have been redirected into a Chemicals Industry Package aimed at "simplification" to ease the burden on businesses.?

MAKE IT MAKE SENSE –?It?makes no sense to sacrifice the health of our children, families, friends or environment for the sake of "simplification."?Unless it means faster and more effective chemical controls—clearer timelines, streamlined hazard identification, and a preventative approach that addresses chemical pollution before it becomes a crisis ... or to get us out of one!?

IN OTHER NEWS?

SEE YOU THERE??The EEB is hosting the opening of its exhibition, Rethinking European Homes, on 4 November at 18:00 in Brussels. Running from 4–8 November, the exhibition brings together social, environmental, and industry leaders to explore practical, forward-thinking solutions for Europe’s pressing challenges, from rising homelessness and the affordability crisis to reducing energy dependence and achieving climate goals. You can register here !?

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Work with us.?The work continues, and we often seek new colleagues to join our team.?Could you be one of them? Check out our current vacancies on our website . Are you our new?(Senior) Policy Officer for Post-Growth Transformations ??

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Join the future.?The European Pact for the Future ignites hope and courage, paving the way for new opportunities and ensuring the well-being of all. Our accompanying Action Plan provides all the details to get us there. Explore the Pact and Action Plan today, and if you haven’t already, sign up to be part of the movement shaping Europe’s future.

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Don't stay?delulu, deal with the pollulu!?We’ve just hit the 50k follower milestone on LinkedIn ! This year, we’ve also grown our digital community by joining Instagram and TikTok , one of our latest videos going crazy viral . Stay connected and follow us for the latest green updates and our work across the EU and beyond. Don’t miss out!?

By:?Roi Gomez . Special thanks to the EEB's editorial team:?Alberto Vela ,?Annick Hus ,?Ben Snelson , and?Ruby Silk . Editor: Christian Skrivervik