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Environmental information systems
The past few years have tested us in ways not many of us could have predicted. The pandemic and its health and economic impacts were followed by war on the European continent. Now, hardly a week passes without another major shock, such as shifts in global alliances or possible trade wars, fuelling further instability and uncertainty in political systems and economies worldwide.
These developments dominate the headlines and require Europe to adjust its policies and priorities to ensure a more resilient society and economy, already under pressure from what is often called ‘the triple planetary crisis’ of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Environmental challenges
Our latest 8th Environmental Action Programme monitoring report presents a stark picture. While Europe has made significant progress —greenhouse gas emissions are declining, the share of renewable energy is growing, and circular economy principles are gaining ground — major challenges remain, including pollution.
The Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook Report shows that while air and water quality have improved in many regions, pollution levels still exceed safe thresholds, harming both human health and ecosystems. Chemical pollution, in particular, poses long-term risks, due to persistent substances that accumulate in our environment.
Water security is another pressing concern. Increasing droughts and declining groundwater levels threaten agriculture and industry and put limits to people’s daily water use in many parts of Europe.
EEA Executive Director
Building societal resilience
Our environmental data are not abstract numbers. They are felt through more frequent extreme weather events, rising food prices and increasing health risks. They highlight social inequalities, hitting vulnerable communities the hardest.
I have witnessed first-hand how countries are tackling these challenges. For example, Slovenia, a country that endured devastating floods in 2023, is stepping up as a regional leader in climate adaptation. During my recent visit to Slovenia’s Environmental Agency, ARSO, I saw how an integrated approach to hydrology, meteorology, and early warning systems can strengthen both national and regional resilience.
Resilience is not just about adapting to climate change or strengthening economic systems. Resilience is about people. It is about ensuring that workers in carbon-intensive industries have access to new opportunities, that vulnerable communities are not left behind, and that future generations inherit a continent and a planet that is liveable, prosperous and fair.
A resilient society anticipates these challenges and builds its response on knowledge and preparedness. In Warsaw, I attended high-level European meetings, where discussions on simplification, fighting disinformation, and the environment-security nexus have also reinforced the need for clear, reliable data and knowledge in policymaking.
Competitive and clean
The European Union has recognised the need to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape. Several key policy initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience. The Clean Industrial Deal aims to accelerate the green transition of European industries, ensuring that climate neutrality aligns with economic strength. Overall, the Competitiveness Compass underlines the importance of maintaining Europe’s global economic position, while navigating the green and digital transitions.
These initiatives reaffirm that sustainability and economic growth are not at odds — sustainability is a prerequisite for long-term economic success. Investing in clean technologies, nature restoration, and pollution reduction not only safeguards ecosystems but also drives innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Simplification, not deregulation
Amidst these policy shifts, regulatory simplification is gaining traction. The Simplification Agenda and Omnibus package aim to reduce administrative burdens, making regulatory processes more efficient. Here, the EEA can also play a role, contributing to more streamlined data flows and other reporting requirements. However, simplification must not be mistaken for deregulation. Strong environmental standards are not barriers to competitiveness; they are safeguards that ensure sustainable business opportunities and growth.
Recent decades have shown that robust environmental policies drive innovation and protect societies from future shocks. Reducing regulatory requirements should focus on improving efficiency and effectiveness, not weakening level of protection. This is where science- and evidence-informed policymaking is indispensable.
Our environmental data are not just abstract numbers. They are felt through more frequent extreme weather events, rising food prices and increasing health risks.
Facts matter
We are living in an era where misinformation spreads faster than ever before, undermining trust in science and institutions. Disinformation campaigns target democracy, climate policy, and public health, casting doubt on scientific consensus and threatening the progress we have made through evidence-informed policymaking. In this landscape, the role of impartial, science-based institutions like the European Environment Agency is more vital than ever.
Many across Europe feel the weight of global instability. In such times of uncertainty, our role at the Agency is clear: to provide the sound knowledge needed for sound decisions.
Europe must be guided not by short-term pressures or disinformation but by science-based evidence, fairness, and a vision for a sustainable future.
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