European Union

La journaliste climatique Graihagh Jackson se lance dans une quête pour trouver un régime alimentaire sain pour son enfant et qui aide à lutter contre le changement climatique. Mais son fils va-t-il vraiment la suivre ?

1. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have been gaining prominence across the Rio Conventions primarily as a means of addressing climate change with co-benefits for nature and humans. However, they have also faced significant criticism for enabling greenwashing, encouraging market-driven approaches and not addressing the root causes of environmental degradation. Some critics argue that NbS divert attention from urgent transformative actions such as decarbonisation and systemic economic reforms.

2. We present the case for a broader framework, centred around the concept of Integrated Nature-Climate Action (INCA), which extends beyond NbS to drive the structural changes essential for tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification, while delivering positive outcomes such as supporting livelihoods, addressing inequities and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. We provide examples of INCAs with significant, tractable benefits for people and nature, including the removal of environmentally harmful subsidies, land rights recognition and circular economic transitions.

3. We argue that the wide range of actors mobilised by INCAs would increase the finance available to fill the deficit for climate and biodiversity action. While tracking the impact of these actions could be challenging, existing United Nations (UN) initiatives could provide models for ensuring the integrity of INCA. A clear definition and set of standards must also be agreed upon to avoid the pitfalls that plague NbS. Careful oversight from stakeholders and rightsholders is vital to ensure legitimacy and that the uptake of INCA does not favour one outcome over others.

4. Policy implications: Moving beyond NbS to pursue an inclusive INCA concept can help address the systemic drivers of the global polycrisis. With synergies between the Rio Conventions expected to be a key focus of the upcoming Conference of the Parties for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), there is a clear policy window to broaden the scope of interventions relevant to all three conventions and engage a more diverse array of actors to support enhanced coordination. This is essential for transitioning towards a regenerative economic system that works for people and the planet.

Committee and political group meetings

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The Italian technocrat re-emerged as the EU’s saviour once again this week. But is he a false prophet?

Opinion on the draft general of the European Union for the financial year 2026 - all sections
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Michael Gahler

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

At least 23 people were killed early Thursday morning in a massive Russian air attack on Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 629 drones, hypersonic and ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles were used. The EU delegation office and other institutions in the city centre were also badly hit. Europe's press reflects on the message behind the attack.

US President Trump is once again upping the economic pressure on the EU, threatening countries that tax US digital companies with retaliatory measures in the form of "significant additional tariffs" and restrictions on the export of cutting-edge technology and semiconductors if the 'discriminatory measures' are not stopped. Is Europe facing another clash with the US after the hard-won agreement on tariffs?

In the dispute over massive budget cuts, French Prime Minister François Bayrou has called a confidence vote for 8 September. He made the announcement after conferring with French President Emmanuel Macron. If the vote fails, it will mean the end of Bayrou's minority government. Europe's press is alarmed.

In Poland, a major controversy has broken out over social benefits for Ukrainian refugees. Polish President Karol Nawrocki has lodged an objection to the government's Ukraine aid law, which is intended to guarantee benefits such as child benefit and social assistance until March 2026. Commentators see symptoms of a declining willingness to help, as well as risks for Poland and Europe as a whole.