8th Environment Action Programme (8th EAP)

Decision (EU) 2022/591 establishes the 8th General Union Environment Action Programme (EAP), setting the EU’s environmental agenda until 2030 and a long-term vision for 2050. It builds on the European Green Deal and aims to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral, sustainable, non-toxic, resource-efficient, and circular economy. The programme outlines six priority objectives: (1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions, (2) strengthening climate resilience and adaptation, (3) transitioning to a non-toxic circular economy, (4) preventing and controlling pollution, (5) protecting and restoring biodiversity, and (6) reducing environmental pressures from production and consumption.

The decision introduces a monitoring framework and governance mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability. It emphasizes the need for full implementation and enforcement of EU environmental legislation, integration of environmental concerns into all policy areas, and the inclusion of social equity and gender perspectives. The 8th EAP supports the EU’s commitments under the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and multilateral environmental agreements. It calls for coordinated action by Member States, regional authorities, and stakeholders to achieve its goals and ensure a just and inclusive green transition.

Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:
The 8th EAP is highly relevant to the circular bioeconomy, as it promotes the transition to a non-toxic, resource-efficient circular economy. It supports sustainable bio-waste management, regenerative growth, and the valorisation of biological resources. By encouraging sound waste treatment and reducing environmental pressures from production and consumption, the decision aligns with EU strategies for bio-waste recovery, nutrient recycling, and bio-based innovation. It provides a policy framework for integrating bio-waste into circular economy pathways.

 EU

Full title: Consolidated text: Decision (EU) 2022/591 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 April 2022 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030

Publication date: 2022

Instrument type: Decision

Binding for EU MS: Yes

Keywords: environment action programme, EAP, circular economy, bio-waste, sustainability, climate neutrality, biodiversity, pollution prevention, resource efficiency, green transition