European Union: Environmental Law

The European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation fundamentally transforms packaging compliance across the EU by replacing the existing directive with a uniform, directly applicable framework.

The European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation fundamentally transforms packaging compliance across the EU by replacing the existing directive with a uniform...

For years, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosures of companies (broadly referring to a company’s environmental impact, social practices and internal governance structure), were largely driven by reputational incentives and sustainable financing, showcasing a “green” or “responsible” corporate branding.

On 11 May 2026, the new draft Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism (EChP-T), in the form of a Joint Ministerial Decision (ΚΥΑ), has been placed on public consultation until 25 May 2026.

Ireland is implementing a new Building Energy Rating (BER) system from 24 May 2026, introducing zero emissions building categories and simplified certification scales.

Finland's land use planning system is undergoing a major overhaul with the proposed Land Use Act, introducing significant changes to regional plan authority, planning processes, and renewable energy project requirements. The reform aims to streamline administrative procedures while imposing new distance requirements for wind turbines and planning obligations for solar power plants that will fundamentally reshape how developers approach renewable energy projects.

Ireland's new Building Energy Rating (BER) Regulations introduce a zero-emission building classification and simplified rating scale, fundamentally changing how building energy performance is measured and reported.

The European Commission’s Grids Package has been welcomed by many in industry as a catalyst for accelerated grid delivery and reform.

Environmental clauses are transforming commercial leases into tools for environmental management, driven by ESG requirements and sustainable finance constraints. As green leases become increasingly standard in Luxembourg's real estate market, landlords and tenants must navigate new obligations around energy performance, reporting requirements, and cost-sharing arrangements. The legal drafting of these clauses requires precision to balance environmental goals with practical implementation and preserve asset