Reduce, reuse, recycle and waste not, want not. Two common phrases, but we need to make sure these principles are incorporated into European policy. A truly ambitious circular economy can help make sure we get the maximum value from the resources we use, eliminating waste, and making the economy work within environmental limits, rather than […]
Sustainable consumption and production
Walking the Circle – the 4 guiding pillars for a Circular Economy
This paper outlines four key areas that QCEA, along with 11 other NGOs, believes that European Union institutions should work on to ensure a comprehensive European circular economy. The EU must focus on efficient material management, the reduction of toxic substances, energy efficiency and economic incentives. Working ambitiously across all these areas. in conjunction with […]
Around Europe 362 April – May 2015
In this issue of Around Europe, George Thurley discusses the development of a new EU circular economy proposal , and whether it will be more ambitious than the previous legislation. Tim Harman examines US attempts to rewrite international law to justify its actions, particularly its use of armed drones, and what the EU is doing, […]
Around Europe 358 August – September 2014
In this issue of Around Europe, Chris Diskin discusses free trade agreements and whether they may bring the social changes we would like to see. Andrew Lane highlights the Global Peace Index and the opportunity to hold our governments to account, and Alexandra Bosbeer describes some of the current European Commission consultations and how you […]
Consultation response on corporate social responsibility
The European Commission has held a consultation on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Through responding to the questionnnaire, QCEA promotes its viewpoint that corporations should fundamentlaly change how they view themselves and their role in society. CSR is currently seen as an optional extra for companies to engage in, which might increase the profits to shareholders. […]
A Sunset Clause to Protect European Citizens’ Future Well-being
This briefing paper by Chris Diskin outlines the risks in the curernt EU negotiations with the US on free trade and advocates for the inclusion of a sunset clause: an article in the final text which provides a specific date when the deal would expire and would need to be re-negotiated and re-ratified. Click here […]
TTIP Consultation – call for submissions and model answers
Have you heard about TTIP yet? TTIP, or the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, is a Free Trade Agreement currently being negotiated between the European Union (EU) and the United States of America. This vast deal, while having potential benefits, could have serious and long-term consequences for the well-being of European citizens as well as […]
QCEA submission to EU consultation on fracking
Consultation response on fracking (alternative fossil fuels, or shale gas) in Europe In February 2011, citing needs for jobs, growth and European competitiveness, the European Council called for an examination of the environmental effects of hydrofracking. Hydrofracking is a method of harvesting gas held in impermeable rocks or coal. To release the gas from the […]
Consultation Response: Ensuring Sustainable Development Globally
The Directorate General for Environment of the European Commission held a public consultation on Ensuring Sustainable Development Globally. The consultation aimed to gather views on how the European Union should follow up on the commitments that it has made to sustainable development. Questions related to issues such as the Green Economy and sustainable consumption and production. QCEA […]
Around Europe 347 – November 2012
November’s edition of our monthly newsletter: Programme Assistant Bethany Squire explains how QCEA communicates with the wider world, explaining our social media and web presence as well as how to subscribe to our newsletter and publications. Alexandra Bosbeer asks if we are ‘cutting ourselves off from Mother Earth’, and Chris Venables highlights the need for […]