IEEP facilitates and contributes to dialogues between the EU and global partners on environmental and climate challenges with a view to support the implementation of the 2030 SDGs, especially through more sustainable and streamlined EU policies. Our multidisciplinary expertise and independence make us a knowledgeable and trustworthy coordinator of such debates.

While EU policies can – and indeed should – promote environmentally and socially sustainable practice and avoid precipitating damage beyond its borders, the Union can also learn from other countries’ and regions’ experiences and approaches to addressing environmental challenges.

IEEP has a long track record of work with EU partner countries across the globe, supporting networks, relationship building and sharing of knowledge and best practice between institutions and stakeholders. We exchange best practice strategic initiatives, environmental data and address governance issues in regions including EU Neighbourhood Countries, the Outermost Regions, Africa, Central Asia and South East Asia, Latin America and the Island States. We regularly assist public and private institutions in assessing the benefits of enhanced environmental protection, capacity assessment, compliance and enforcement. We also work with other think tanks and NGOs to support their engagement in international, EU and national policy discussions. In addition, we host visits by international delegations, to encourage learning and mutual exchange of ideas, information and best practice between countries.

Highlights

A cup of Trade-and-Environment Agreement - TEA?

This blog by IDDRI, a member of IEEP's Think Sustainable Europe network, evaluates the EU’s current approach to greening its trade policy and considers the use of Trade-and-Environment Agreements (TEAs) as a way forward for more sustainable trade.

Environmental credentials of EU trade policy

This report conducts a comparative analysis of eleven EU free trade agreements and assesses EU’s trade policy with regard to environmental integration in free trade agreements and their underpinning processes.

Green Deal diplomacy needs to be in focus in 2021

A window of opportunity. That is a good description of the coming months of global environmental policy, with the US re-joining the Paris Agreement and with the postponed climate and biodiversity Conferences of Parties (COPs) on the agenda.

EU trade and environment in the post-COVID era

A recent online event moderated by IEEP’s Marianne Kettunen and hosted by the EU office of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Foundation discussed the role of trade policy in the EU Green Deal in the post-COVID-19 context. The event provided insights from experts from the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Climate Foundation.

Nature and the green economy – IEEP contributing to China’s eco-civilisation drive

IEEP’s Patrick ten Brink presented on Nature and its Role in the Transition to a Green Economy at the TEEB Multi-stakeholder International Workshop held on 21-22 January in Beijing, China. The talk contributed to current discussions in China on how decision-makers can better consider the multiple values of nature and ecosystems, with a focus on protected areas.