European Environment Agency

Moldova Joins EEA Network as Cooperating Country

The European Environment Agency Management Board formally endorsed the Republic of Moldova as a cooperating country, making it the seventh cooperating country in the EEA network alongside Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo. Moldova becomes the 39th country in the Eionet family. Cooperation begins with an onboarding and diagnostic phase from 2026-2028 focused on building institutional foundations and aligning environmental data reporting with EU environmental acquis.

Low-Intensity Grazing Critical for EU Protected Habitats

The European Environment Agency published a briefing finding that one in three EU-protected habitats under the Habitats Directive depends on low-intensity grazing, requiring approximately 10-15% of EU ruminant livestock (around 7.8 million animals) to maintain these ecosystems. The EEA estimates that at least 35 million hectares of protected habitats would benefit from grazing, representing about 22% of total EU farmland. The briefing supports the EU's biodiversity strategy and Nature Restoration Regulation.

EU Cuts Greenhouse Gas Emissions 40% Since 1990, 2024 Decline

The European Union has achieved a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, with a further 3% decline recorded between 2023 and 2024. The EEA prepared and submitted the official EU greenhouse gas inventory to the UNFCCC on 15 April 2026. Key drivers of the emissions reduction include the expanded use of renewable energy, less carbon-intensive fossil fuels, improved energy efficiency, and structural economic changes.