Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

EU Cohesion Policy post 2027

Proposals for a transformative EU regional policy

Europe’s green transformation can only succeed if all regions are able to realize their full potential. Cohesion policy should continue to play a key role in this beyond 2027. Our recommendations for EU cohesion policy from 2028 onwards include a forward-looking and targeted policy approach, future-oriented investments, the promotion of natural capital, placing regions at the core, stronger partic...read more

Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

A future-oriented Cohesion Policy post 2027

The European Union is at a cross-road with the chance to set our path towards a sustainable and just future for all Europeans. Cohesion Policy aims for social, economic and territorial cohesion in the European Union and is a core EU policy to bring the European Union to its citizens, increase their quality of life, while driving simultaneously the green transition. The alignment of the Cohesion Po...read more

Economy | Consumption

GreenTech made in Germany 2025

GreenTech-Atlas for Germany

The GreenTech Atlas 2025 demonstrates that the German GreenTech industry has since long established itself as a key industry withing the national economy. The industry provides stable employment and contributes significantly to value creation. In regards to foreign trade, the German GreenTech industry holds a strong position. In terms of global innovation, Germany’s GreenTech sector has proven hig...read more

Climate | Energy, Chemicals

Advanced materials for the energy transition

Study to survey the state of knowledge and technology on the application of advanced materials in the various technologies for the production and storage of renewable energies

The report describes the state of knowledge and technology on current and future applications of advanced materials in the various technologies to support the energy transition. Based on a literature review, a systematic overview of applications of advanced materials for the generation, saving, storage and transportation of renewable energies and energy sources is presented. In addition, based on...read more

Climate | Energy

Ambitious GHG mitigation opportunities and challenges in the agriculture sector

Analysis of sustainable potentials in selected countries

Climate change is a major threat to ecosystems and livelihoods, requiring urgent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Food systems, including crop and livestock production, contribute significantly to global emissions. Monocultures and intense farming worsen biodiversity loss, pollution, and water stress. Transitioning to plant-based diets and adopting better farming practices is essential to meet th...read more

Climate | Energy, Transport

Policy incentives for the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs)

Chain-of-custody approaches, administrative requirements and their impact

Aviation contributes approximately 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. When non-CO2 effects are taken into account, its overall climate impact is even higher. To mitigate these emissions, the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is crucial. SAF, produced from sustainable feedstocks, can significantly reduce life-cycle emissions compared to fossil kerosene. Despite policies promoting SAF uptake, their...read more

Climate | Energy, Economy | Consumption

National Ordinance on Measures to Avoid Carbon Leakage in the National Fuel Emissions Trading System' (BEHG Carbon Leakage Ordinance, BECV)

Evaluation Progress Report

According to the approval under state aid law of the Carbon Leakage Ordinance of the Fuel Emission Trading Act (BECV) by the European Commission (State Aid SA.63191 (2023/N)), a comprehensive evaluation of the regulation is required by 2028. The aim of this evaluation is to examine the effectiveness of the BECV in terms of avoiding carbon leakage while maintaining competitiveness, promoting invest...read more

Climate | Energy, Chemicals, Soil | Land, Agriculture, Water

Urease- and nitrification inhibitors for climate and environmental protection: opportunity or risk?

Urease and nitrification inhibitors are used in agriculture to reduce ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions and the leaching of nitrate. However, the risks of inhibitors for human health and the environment have not yet been sufficiently investigated. Also, the specific effectiveness of different urease and nitrification inhibitors has not yet been sufficiently clarified. These uncertainties have so...read more