Written by Marc Lütz
Dear reader,
Welcome to this month’s EU sustainability newsletter!
September placed the EU at the centre of global and regional climate debates: while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to climate neutrality at the UN General Assembly, ministers in Brussels failed to agree on a binding 2035 emissions target, exposing divisions that now shape the path to the October European Council.
With the Commission also signalling a delay to the EUDR, the EU’s sustainability agenda remains both ambitious and contested, and from this edition onward, I, Marc, will be taking the helm of these updates to guide you through the key developments.
Europe’s bold plan for sustainable growth, the “Clean Industrial Deal”, represents a major shift for EU businesses, especially in energy-intensive sectors. Don’t miss your chance to engage with the Commission to shape this deal and influence the policy direction for the next five years.
The spotlight
UNGA debates highlight EU climate target uncertainty
At the UN’s 80th General Assembly in September, António Guterres’ High-Level Climate Summit put countries on the spot to step up their Paris pledges. Ursula von der Leyen doubled down on the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal and called for global cooperation. But behind the big words, cracks showed: EU ministers could only agree on a vague pledge of a 66.25–72.5% emissions cut by 2035, far from a binding target. The deadlock exposes deeper rifts over the bloc’s 2040 goals, from governance to carbon credits to the role of tech.
The final position is now expected at the October European Council summit, where unanimity will be required. For companies, the uncertainty points to a more pragmatic EU approach: competitiveness and simplification are moving up alongside climate ambition. While firms can expect fewer administrative burdens and more regulatory predictability, this does not mean deregulation. A proposed 3% cap on international carbon credits could tighten compliance options and raise costs.
Businesses that plan for stricter rules and adapt their decarbonisation strategies will be best placed to manage risks and capture new opportunities as Europe refines its 2035 and 2040 targets, as the roadmap to simplification looks increasingly complex.
Impact analysis for your business
Our free updates keep you informed, but is that enough? With our tailored sustainability updates you’ll receive:
- Custom insights on how upcoming policy changes might impact your business;
- Strategic advice from your dedicated policy consultant on how to turn challenges into opportunities;
- Early warnings about key legislative developments.
Policy updates
EU moves ahead with Soil Monitoring Law
On 29–30 September, the Council adopted its position at first reading on the Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (Soil Monitoring Law), during the Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels. The directive establishes an EU-wide framework to monitor soil health, identify degraded soils and ensure restoration measures, aligning with climate, biodiversity and agricultural objectives. The file will now proceed to the European Parliament for its second reading before Member States transpose it into national law.
EEA report highlights Europe’s environmental crossroads
On 29 September, the European Environment Agency (EEA) published its flagship Europe’s environment 2025 report, setting out how climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are reshaping Europe’s resilience and prosperity. The report assesses the state of ecosystems, resource use and pollution, while exploring opportunities for decarbonisation, circularity and nature restoration. It argues that Europe’s long-term prosperity depends on sustainable management of resources and production systems, but also points to levers of hope, including strong EU legislation, innovation, and investment in skills and green jobs.
Parliament rejects Forest Monitoring Law
On 23 September, the European Parliament rejected the Commission’s proposal for a Forest Monitoring Law, sparking strong reactions across political groups. The EPP welcomed the outcome as protection against “bureaucracy that does not protect forests,” while the S&D Group accused conservatives and the far right of leaving Europe “blind to forest fires” and undermining climate and biodiversity targets. The ECR celebrated the rejection as a defence of subsidiarity, with Beatrice Timgren MEP calling the proposal “dead in the water” and an example of Commission overreach.
New EU rules target plastic pellet pollution
On 22 September, the Council adopted the regulation on preventing plastic pellet losses, following a provisional agreement with the European Parliament. The regulation introduces strict controls for handling, transport and storage of pellets, requiring operators above 1,500 tonnes annually to obtain third-party certification, while micro-enterprises can use simplified compliance measures. Maritime transport and non-EU carriers will also face new requirements. Parliament’s final vote is expected in October, after which the rules will enter into force, with most provisions applying two years later.
Parliament signs off Waste Framework Directive revision
On 9 September, the European Parliament adopted the revision of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) at second reading, concluding the legislative procedure. The revision introduces measures to cut food waste and requires separate collection and management of textile waste, creating new obligations and opportunities for the reuse and recycling sectors. The legislative process began with Parliament’s first reading agreement in March 2024, concluded with a final deal in March 2025, Council adoption in July 2025, and Parliament’s approval in September 2025.
Blog
EU Deforestation-free Products Regulation: impact on businesses
Brussels hits pause again: On 23 September 2025, the European Commission said it will push back the start of the EU’s Deforestation-free Products Regulation by another year, now slated for the end of December 2026.
Read more
Events
Looking to stay ahead of the curve on Brussels’ biggest sustainability and energy debates this month? Here’s your must-attend line-up of conferences and networking events – where policy meets practice!
8–9 October, 4th Europe CCUS & Hydrogen Decarbonisation Summit, Brussels
Two-day summit exploring the energy transition, with sessions on project bankability, cross-border collaboration, hydrogen industrial fuel switching, grid infrastructure, and the role of ports in Europe’s transition.
13 October, European Commission, EU-wide networking event on site-specific conservation objectives for Marine Natura 2000 sites, Brussels
An in-person networking platform for national and regional authorities to exchange experiences on developing site-specific conservation objectives (SSCOs) for marine Natura 2000 sites.
13 October, EIB, C3 Circular City Seminar Series – Advancing circular projects in cities, Brussels
The launch of a new seminar series by the EIB C3 team, bringing together circular economy experts and city/region representatives to advance urban circular projects.
14 October, Euractiv, Powering Europe’s future – B2B Circularity for industrial competitiveness, Brussels & online
Hybrid conference exploring how B2B circularity can strengthen Europe’s industrial competitiveness and sustainability.
28 October, Euractiv, Energy & Environment Policy Conference – Powering Europe’s sustainable future, Brussels
High-level conference featuring Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra and key stakeholders. Sessions include the Clean Industrial Deal, COP30, Europe’s energy competitiveness, critical raw materials, and electricity market design.
