Politics

The European Union working towards litter-free coastal communities

Published

4 months ago

February 23, 2025

the-european-union-working-towards-litter-free-coastal-communities

The growing amount of litter reaching our oceans is one of the most significant forms of marine pollution, posing threats to both marine ecosystems and human health.

As litter enters the marine environment from land and rivers, and gets to the sea basins of different countries, it turns into a transboundary issue. Therefore, to be addressed effectively, it requires a transnational action involving policy makers and local authorities, researchers, the industry, Non-Governmental Organisations, and civil society.

Being aware of the challenges of marine litter, in the last 15 years several EU funding programmes have addressed marine litter under different perspectives. The outcome is a wide range of EU research projects and associated results.

This important legacy has led to new knowledge and guidance in the form of scientific publications and technical reports, online information products, interfaces and apps for data management, monitoring and modelling tools, protocols and technologies, case studies and awareness materials.

EU projects joining forces on marine litter

The Task Force on Healthy ocean and resilient coasts (Pillar IV) of the Atlantic Action Plan of the European Commission, and the Interreg Atlantic Area project Free LitterAT have launched a collaborative framework to address this issue.

The objective is to engage key EU projects that had delivered or plan to deliver tangible outcomes to help coastal communities and stakeholders to prevent and/or reduce marine litter for litter-free coastal communities.

The full list of projects that joined the initiative can be found at the end of the news.

Marine litter-free toolkit

As a first product of this collaborative initiative, they developed a Free Litter Toolkit to facilitate the access to key projects and associated resources, while also fostering networking and result clustering activities.

The toolkit includes references to selected projects and associated resources that are expected to become solutions to achieve litter-free coastal communities.

To produce the toolkit, European project repositories, databases and related literature were consulted. Selected projects were also approached to join the initiative and to support the identification of their results.

The resources selected cover tangible results such as guidelines and methodologies, good practices, manuals, procedures, prototype technology, lifecycle studies, ready-to-work tools and technologies, software, apps, training and communication materials. It also includes scientific publications in the following thematic areas:

Waste management and recycling
Prevention of litter entrance from sources (e.g. rivers)
Applicable detection, monitoring and modelling approaches
Marine litter removal and collection (abandoned, lost or other discarded fishing gear, Fishing for Litter schemes, coast and beach clean-up)
Awareness raising

The Toolkit does not assume to be comprehensive in terms of capturing the huge universe of projects dealing with marine litter. However, it showcases a significant sample of key projects that can contribute to litter-free coastal communities with their outcomes.

Although the action is promoted in the framework of the Atlantic Action Plan, the scope of the collaboration is not limited to this geographical area. It has the vocation to be applicable to other sea basins too.

Free Litter Toolkit

Future actions

A wide dissemination plan for the toolkit will be implemented with the involvement of the participating EU projects and the support of the Atlantic Action Plan Pillar IV taskforce. The key goal is to reach as many potential end users involved in promoting litter free communities as possible.

The organisation of joint actions (workshops, pilot actions, training activities), and the possibility of clustering the results of the projects will be explored.

Background – PILLAR IV of the Atlantic Action Plan

The Atlantic Maritime Strategy, adopted by the European Commission in 2011, was created in response to calls from stakeholders for a more ambitious, open and effective cooperation in the Atlantic Ocean Area. The first Atlantic Action Plan (2013-2020) was updated by the Action Plan 2.0, released in 2020, and aims to unlock the potential of the blue economy in the Atlantic Area while preserving marine ecosystems and contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The implementation of the Atlantic Action Plan is supported by the Sea Basins Assistance Mechanism funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.

The Action Plan has the ambition to achieve seven goals under the four thematic pillars listed below through concrete actions mobilising all relevant Atlantic stakeholders.

Pillar I: Ports as gateways and hubs for the blue economy
Pillar II: Blue skills of the future and ocean literacy
Pillar III: Marine renewable energy
Pillar IV: Healthy ocean and resilient coasts

These pillars are interconnected and trans-regional by nature. They address key challenges and aim to foster sustainable blue growth and contribute to greater territorial cooperation in the EU Atlantic area. In practical terms, each Pillar is supported by a task force of representatives of the four Atlantic countries. Each taskforce is chaired by a Pillar Coordinator with every country being responsible for one pillar and nominating its coordinator.

The Pillar IV addresses the context of vulnerability of the European Atlantic Ocean and its coastal areas, which are exposed to several human activities.

The Pillar focuses on two specific goals (fig I): Goal 6 “Stronger coastal resilience” and Goal 7 “The fight against marine pollution”, the latter one including a set of concrete actions, most of them addressed to tackle marine litter.

Further information can be found in the Pillar IV infographic.

Projects involved in the toolkit

AQUA-LIT – ‘Preventing measures for averting the discarding of litter in the marine environment from the aquaculture industry’

https://aqua-lit.eu/

CAPonLITTER – ‘Capitalising good coastal practices and improving policies to prevent marine litter’

https://www.interregeurope.eu/caponlitter/

CIRCNETS – ‘Blue Circular Nets’

https://www.interreg-npa.eu/projects/circnets/home/

CleanAtlantic – ‘Tackling Marine Litter in the Atlantic Area’

http://www.cleanatlantic.eu

CRoCuS – ‘Cleaner Rivers – Cleaner Seas’

http://earthforever.org/en/p22.html

EUROqCHARM – ‘EUROpean quality Controlled Harmonization Assuring Reproducible Monitoring and assessment of plastic pollution’

https://www.euroqcharm.eu/en/

Free LitterAT – ‘Advancing towards litter-free Atlantic coastal communities by preventing and reducing macro and micro litter’

http://www.freelitterat.eu

GoJelly – ‘GoJelly – A gelatinous solution to plastic pollution’

https://gojelly.eu/

INdIGO – ‘Innovative fishing Gear for Ocean’

https://indigo-interregproject.eu/

INSPIRE – ‘Innovative Solutions for Plastic Free European Rivers’

https://inspire-europe.org/

INTEMARES Artes Perdidos – ‘INTEMARES – Lost Fishing Gear’

www.artesperdidos.es

INTEMARES Caladeros Limpios – ‘INTEMARES – Clean Fishing Grounds’

https://www.miteco.gob.es/eu/costas/temas/proteccion-medio-marino/basuras-marinas/basura-acciones.html

LIFE LEMA – ‘Intelligent marine litter removal and management for local authorities’

https://www.azti.es/proyectos/life-lema/

MAELSTROM – ‘Smart technology for Marine Litter Sustainable Removal and Management’

https://www.maelstrom-h2020.eu/

MARELITT Baltic – ‘Reducing the impact of marine litter in the form of Derelict Fishing Gear (DFG) on the Baltic Sea environment’

https://www.marelittbaltic.eu/

Mo.Ri.net – ‘Monitoring, census, removal and recycling of ghost nets: fishermen as key players in the safeguard of the sea’

https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/en/projects/sea/mo-ri-net-project

NETTAG – ‘NetTag – Preventing marine litter from fisheries’

https://nettag.ciimar.up.pt/

NETTAG+ – ‘Preventing, avoiding and mitigating environmental impacts of fishing gears and associated marine litter’

https://nettagplus.eu/

Oceanwise – ‘Wise reduction of EPS marine litter in the North-East Atlantic Ocean’

https://www.oceanwise-project.eu/

Plastic Pirates – ‘Upscaling the Plastic Pirates citizen science initiative across Europe’

https://www.plastic-pirates.eu/en

REMEDIES – ‘Co-creating strong uptake of REMEDIES for the future of our oceans through deploying plastic litter valorisation and prevention pathways’

https://remedies-for-ocean.eu/

SEACLEAR – ‘SEarch, identificAtion and Collection of marine Litter with Autonomous Robots’

https://seaclear-project.eu/

SEACLEAR 2.0 – ‘Scalable full-cycle marine litter remediation in the Mediterranean: Robotic and Participatory solutions’

https://www.seaclear2.eu/

SEARCULAR – ‘Circular solutions for fishing gears’

https://searcular.eu/

TREASURE – ‘Targeting the reduction of plastic outflow into the Sorth sea’

https://www.interregnorthsea.eu/treasure

Author

Lucinda Dommelen

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President Costa to travel to Kananaskis, Canada for the G7 summit on 15-17 June 2025

Published

13 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Bshilliday

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EU member states agree to extend temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine

Published

13 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Petar Gramatikov

Brussels, June 13, 2024 — In a rare display of unity amid Europe’s often-divided migration debates, EU member states today agreed to extend temporary protection for millions of Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. The decision, backed unanimously by the Council of the European Union, will prolong emergency protections until 4 March 2027 , offering stability and safety to over four million people who have fled Ukraine since February 2022.

The extension comes as Russian airstrikes continue to target civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, forcing more families to flee and preventing those already abroad from returning home safely.

“This is a clear signal that Europe remains united in its solidarity with Ukraine,” said Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Council this semester. “While Russia continues to terrorize Ukrainian civilians, the EU continues to offer shelter, safety, and dignity.”

Since March 2022, the EU has provided protection under the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) — an emergency mechanism activated for the first time in the bloc’s history. Designed to respond swiftly to mass displacement crises, the directive allows Ukrainian refugees to access housing, work permits, healthcare, education, and social assistance without undergoing lengthy asylum procedures.

Originally set to expire on 4 March 2026, the directive will now remain in force for another year. Crucially, the terms of protection — including eligibility criteria and the rights afforded to beneficiaries — remain unchanged.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Durable Solution

Beyond the immediate extension, EU countries are also beginning coordinated discussions on what comes next. Member states are examining a Council recommendation aimed at preparing for a phased transition out of temporary protection once conditions in Ukraine allow for safe returns.

“The war won’t last forever, and we must be ready for the day when peace returns,” Siemoniak added. “That includes thinking about how to manage a dignified return process and ensuring that those who wish to stay can regularize their status in line with EU law.”

The proposed strategy outlines plans for:

Transitioning beneficiaries to longer-term residence permits or other legal statuses;
Supporting voluntary returns to Ukraine;
Providing accurate information to refugees about their options;
Coordinating reintegration efforts within Ukraine and host communities across the EU.

The European Commission retains the authority to propose an earlier suspension of the directive should the security situation in Ukraine significantly improve.

What Is Temporary Protection?

Adopted in 2001 after conflicts in the Western Balkans, the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive serves as a rapid-response framework for large-scale displacement. It bypasses individual asylum procedures and grants collective protection to all eligible persons fleeing a specific crisis — in this case, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Under the directive, beneficiaries enjoy essential rights across the EU:

Legal residence;
Access to employment and housing;
Medical care;
Social benefits;
School enrollment for children.

However, implementation varies by country, with some member states offering additional support while others operate closer to the minimum standards.

A Necessary Measure, Not a Permanent Fix

While the extension brings relief to refugees and humanitarian organizations alike, it underscores the protracted nature of the conflict. Millions of Ukrainians — many of them women and children — remain unable to return home due to continued bombardments, lack of infrastructure, and active fighting in key regions.

“This is not a permanent solution,” stressed one EU official involved in the negotiations. “But in the current circumstances, it’s the only humane option.”

The formal adoption of the extension is expected at an upcoming Council session in the coming weeks.

As the war enters its third year, today’s decision reaffirms the EU’s commitment to stand by the Ukrainian people — not just in words, but in action. For now, temporary protection remains a vital lifeline, shielding millions from the worst consequences of a war they did not ask for.

The Council reaches a political agreement about extending the temporary protection for more than 4 million Ukrainians who fled from Russia’s war of aggression.

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Petar Gramatikov

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Schengen: Council approves declaration to commemorate 40th anniversary and renew its commitment for the common travel area

Published

13 hours ago

June 14, 2025

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Brussels, June 13, 2025 — On the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement, the Council of the European Union has formally adopted a new Schengen Declaration , reaffirming its unwavering commitment to preserving and strengthening Europe’s groundbreaking zone of free movement. The declaration underscores the importance of Schengen not only as an economic and social cornerstone but also as a symbol of European unity, resilience, and shared values.

The commemoration comes at a time when the Schengen area — now the world’s largest free movement zone — faces complex challenges ranging from migration pressures to evolving security threats. With over 450 million citizens benefiting from borderless travel, and more than two million people commuting daily across internal borders, the EU continues to rely on Schengen as a vital mechanism for fostering integration, trade, and cooperation.

A Pledge for Unity and Security

Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration, Tomasz Siemoniak , who currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council, emphasized the enduring significance of Schengen in today’s uncertain geopolitical climate:

“We have come together on the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement to highlight our common commitment to Europe’s security, building resilience and readiness for today’s challenges,” said Siemoniak.

“Guided by our shared values, we pledge to continue investing in the common area without internal borders, ensuring strong management of our external borders, a more effective fight against illegal migration and a high level of internal security.”

Seven Pillars to Strengthen Schengen

In response to mounting pressures, the Council outlined seven key commitments aimed at reinforcing the integrity and effectiveness of the Schengen area:

Upholding Core Values : Promoting respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights within a unified space of freedom, security, and justice.
Preserving Free Movement : Ensuring that internal border controls remain a last resort while enhancing external border management, addressing secondary movements, and combating cross-border crime and terrorism.
Enhancing Law Enforcement Cooperation : Deepening inter-agency collaboration and leveraging advanced IT systems to bolster security and facilitate seamless mobility.
Humanely Managing Migration Flows : Preventing unauthorized entry and facilitating dignified returns for those without legal status.
Strengthening External Relations : Improving visa policy, border control, and international cooperation with third countries on return and readmission processes.
Building Mutual Trust : Encouraging joint responses to Schengen-related challenges among member states.
Investing in the Future : Allocating sufficient resources and embracing innovation to ensure Schengen remains technologically and operationally robust.

A Legacy of Integration

Signed on June 14, 1985 , by five founding countries — Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands — the Schengen Agreement laid the foundation for what would become one of the most tangible achievements of European integration. Initially a bold experiment, it evolved into a transformative reality with the Schengen Convention of 1990 , which came into force in 1995, abolishing internal border checks between participating nations.

Today, the Schengen Area encompasses 29 countries , including all EU members except Cyprus and Ireland, as well as four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Economic and Social Impact

Beyond its symbolic value, Schengen plays a critical role in Europe’s economy. Intra-EU trade reached a record €4.1 trillion in 2024 , facilitated by frictionless movement of goods and labor. Moreover, Schengen makes the EU the world’s top tourist destination , attracting nearly 40% of global international travelers annually.

As the EU looks ahead, the renewed Schengen Declaration serves as both a tribute to past achievements and a blueprint for future resilience. By combining historical legacy with modern adaptability, the bloc aims to safeguard one of its most cherished freedoms — the right to move freely across a continent once divided, now united.

The Council approves a declaration to mark the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement.

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