U2 used to sing: “I can’t live with or without you”. US and European automakers are asking themselves a similar question: whether they can live with or without access to Chinese rare earths, as they are caught in between the
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EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Rules: EU Commission Unveils Major Overhaul
Introduction
The European Commission has unveiled a proposal to overhaul the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), aiming to simplify the regime. The changes, published on 20 November and accompanied by a detailed Q&A and press release, form part of
Latest Updates on Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS)
European Union
Universal PFAS Restriction. The minutes of ECHA’s 68th SEAC meeting (15–19 September 2025) outline that SEAC experts reached provisional conclusions for the lubricants and energy sectors, covering regulatory alternatives, substitution options, socio-economic impacts, potential sector-specific derogations and associated
Batteries and Substances of Concern – Open Call for Evidence
The Battery Regulation ((EU) 2023/1542) (Regulation) entered into force on 17 August 2023, superseding the Battery Directive (2006/66/EC). The Regulation establishes a harmonised framework designed to strengthen the internal market, promote the circular economy and mitigate environmental and social impacts
Towards a second EUDR implementation delay and a confirmed new coalition at EU Parliament
The last attempt of the European Commission to simplify the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) comes closer to becoming a reality today, although not quite as was initially planned. The European Parliament adopted today its position on the proposal, endorsing a
Forthcoming EU Measures on Greening Corporate Fleets and the 2035 CO₂ Standards Revision
As part of the automotive competitiveness package expected to be published on 10 December 2025, the European Commission is finalising two major initiatives with direct implications for vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, fleet operators and mobility providers: the Greening Corporate Fleets proposal
Latest Updates on Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS)
European Union
- ECHA updates stakeholders on SEAC consultation for PFAS restriction – On 30 October 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) held a webinar outlining the upcoming consultation on the expected draft Opinion of the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC)
EU Pushes for a Ban on Single-Use Plastics in Tobacco Products at WHO Level
The Council takes position on the ban of single-use plastics in tobacco products in its Draft positions for the 11th Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
The COP11 will take place
European Parliament Rejects Omnibus I Mandate Ahead of Plenary Vote
The European Parliament has rejected the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) mandate to enter trilogue negotiations on the Omnibus I Simplification Package, which seeks to revise the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The
EUDR Update – What the Latest EU Proposal Means for Business Compliance
On 21 October 2025, the European Commission officially published a Proposal to amend the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as part of its broader simplification efforts. While the core timeline remains unchanged for most businesses, the proposal introduces targeted adjustments that