Comment: EU Soil Strategy treads carefully

2021.12.09: Now it is here – the long-awaited proposal for an EU soil strategy. It treads carefully though, since the Commission’s last trial in 2006 to get a soil directive in place failed. So, this proposal mainly suggests long term objectives for soils and only has few hard core legally binding actions.

Comment: EU Soil Strategy treads carefully

Baltic Breakfast: Harmful chemicals – which use is essential?

2021.10.28: According to the EU chemicals strategy, launched last year, the use of the most harmful chemicals should be avoided for non-essential societal use. Other substances of concern should be minimised and substituted in products, if possible. At Baltic Breakfast in October, scientists dug into the concept of essential use and how it can be interpreted, and gave examples of successful substitution.

Baltic Breakfast: Harmful chemicals – which use is essential?

New study: Climate change can impair the sea's ability to bind contaminants

2021.10.11: Climate change will probably mean increased precipitation and more rainfall. This, in turn, may may lead to a deterioration in the Baltic Sea's ability to bind contaminant such as PCBs and PAHs, according to a new study. The biggest change is likely to take place in the coastal zone.

New study: Climate change can impair the sea's ability to bind contaminants

Comment: Important that Sustainable Products Initiative include transparency on chemicals

2021.06.09: Important that Commission’s Sustainable Products Initiative include transparency on chemicals in consumer products. Full transparency is needed on chemicals in consumer products if we are to achieve Sustainable Products and enable a Circular Economy without cycling of hazardous substances that pose risks to humans and the environment.

Comment: Important that Sustainable Products Initiative include transparency on chemicals

Comment: A limited revision of REACH is needed to increase transparency and improve chemical safety

2021.05.31: The European Commission suggests a revision of the EU REACH regulation to improve the present legislation. REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, and it entered into force on 1 June 2007. It was adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.

Comment: A limited revision of REACH is needed to increase transparency and improve chemical safety

Comment: On the EU Commission Zero Pollution Action Plan

2021.05.17: The Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre welcomes the EU Commission Zero Pollution Action Plan, ZPAP, which was launched today. We support the aim of the plan to increase efforts to combat negative effects on the environmental and human health from pollution of air, water and soil. We agree with the statement that the economic case for acting on pollution is clear and the benefits for society far outweigh the costs, just as the costs of inaction hugely outweigh the costs of action.

Comment: On the EU Commission Zero Pollution Action Plan

New study: Greater consideration for contaminants is needed in marine monitoring programs

2021.04.13: A new scientific study from Stockholm University shows that environmental contaminants have a greater impact on the Baltic Sea's bottom community than previously known. According to the researchers, consideration must be given to hazardous substances when using small crustaceans and other sediment-dwelling animals to assess how affected different sea areas are by eutrophication and oxygen deficiency.

New study: Greater consideration for contaminants is needed in marine monitoring programs

Baltic Breakfast: Micropollutants in wastewater – a problem of unknown magnitude

2021.03.19: Micropollutants is a term for a wide range of chemicals present in water bodies as a result of human activities. Urban wastewater treatment plants function as collection points for these pollutants, and in the Chempact project researchers from several countries around the Baltic Sea have studied how the effluents from these plants are analyzed and what chemicals they contain. The results from the project, and related research, were presented at a recent Baltic Breakfast.

Baltic Breakfast: Micropollutants in wastewater – a problem of unknown magnitude

Comment: Monitoring needs to be addressed in new Zero Pollution Action Plan

2021.02.11: The Baltic Sea Centre welcomes the new EU Zero Pollution Action Plan. To fulfil its visions, monitoring of hazardous substances needs to be improved.

Comment: Monitoring needs to be addressed in new Zero Pollution Action Plan

Comment: A Blue Year for the Baltic

2021.01.22: 2020 – was it only bad? The pandemic tended to overshadow everything else, but let us forget about the terrible corona virus for a minute and consider if 2020 brought any positive news for the Baltic Sea and what we can expect of 2021.

Comment: A Blue Year for the Baltic

Comment: "Ambitious objectives but lack substantial tools"

2020.12.21: The EU Commission proposal for the 8th Environment Action Programme until 2030 has ambitious objectives but lack substantial tools.

Comment: "Ambitious objectives but lack substantial tools"

Baltic Breakfast: Concept developed at Stockholm University incorporated in new EU strategy

2020.12.09: “A unique document”. Scientists at Stockholm University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology praised the new EU chemicals strategy at the last Baltic Breakfast webinar and were especially delighted to find their own recommendations included in the document. However, some important linkages were also pointed out as missing.

Baltic Breakfast: Concept developed at Stockholm University incorporated in new EU strategy

Comment: EU Soil Strategy treads carefully

2021.12.09: Now it is here – the long-awaited proposal for an EU soil strategy. It treads carefully though, since the Commission’s last trial in 2006 to get a soil directive in place failed. So, this proposal mainly suggests long term objectives for soils and only has few hard core legally binding actions.

Comment: EU Soil Strategy treads carefully

Scientists at Stockholm University comment on the new EU Chemicals Strategy

2020.10.15: Clear and strong on many important issues. But with raised concern about what the coming process will mean for ensuring a true non-toxic environment. These are some of the conclusions when six chemical scientists from Stockholm University comment the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

Scientists at Stockholm University comment on the new EU Chemicals Strategy

Baltic Breakfast: Input ceilings replace reduction targets in new Baltic Sea Action Plan

2020.10.14: The Baltic Sea Action Plan is up for revision and researchers at Stockholm University have made important contributions to the scientific basis for the updated plan. At the last Baltic Breakfast, Bo Gustafsson and Emma Undeman presented parts of their work on eutrophication and hazardous substances.

Baltic Breakfast: Input ceilings replace reduction targets in new Baltic Sea Action Plan

Comment: A new sewage sludge directive should focus more on the marine environment

2020.09.09: The debate on new rules for how sewage sludge should be used should take greater account of how the sea and fresh water are affected, the Baltic Sea Centre writes in its response to the European Commission's consultation on a roadmap for a possible revision of the sludge directive.

Comment: A new sewage sludge directive should focus more on the marine environment

Comment: A revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive needs to address the chemical flow in modern society

2020.09.08: When the Commission revises the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, UWWTD, the directive needs to be seen as part of the solution to decrease the chemical load of micropollutants in our fresh and marine waters, writes the Baltic Sea Centre in its reply to the European Commission’s consultation on the roadmap for a revision of the UWWTD.

Comment: A revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive needs to address the chemical flow in modern society

New review of sources and pathways for hazardous substances in the Baltic Sea

2020.08.20: The Baltic Sea countries are cooperating to limit discharges of hazardous substances into the sea. Many measures implemented over time have reduced the levels of certain pollutants in the Baltic Sea, but in several cases the levels are still exceeding toxicity thresholds defining a healthy sea.

New review of sources and pathways for hazardous substances in the Baltic Sea

Comment: Reply to the roadmap for the Farm to Fork Strategy

2020.03.13: Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre welcomes the initiative and agrees that the transition to more sustainable food systems need to accelerate. Given an increasing population, increasing incomes and the resulting increases in environmental pressures, we need an accelerating eco-efficiency in our production and consumption of food. Eco-efficiency should be the overarching objective of the strategy.

Comment: Reply to the roadmap for the Farm to Fork Strategy

Promising action plan for circular economy

2020.03.11: Today the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan. Advocacy and Analysis Officer Hanna Sjölund explains why this matters.

Promising action plan for circular economy

Researchers: Bottom trawling threatens seafloor integrity

2020.03.03: Bottom trawling has considerable effects on benthic life, but can also lead to a release of nutrients and hazardous chemicals from the sediments. These effects are important to consider when evaluating the effects of fishing on the Baltic Sea environment, say researchers at Stockholm University.

Researchers: Bottom trawling threatens seafloor integrity

Climate change will increase the pressure on the Baltic Sea

2019.12.04: Climate is high on the agenda again. The UN COP25 Climate Change Conference in Madrid, just started. Recently the European parliament approved a resolution declaring a climate and environmental emergency in Europe and globally. Climate change will increase the pressure on the Baltic Sea. Now it is time to start filling the goals with action for our seas.

Climate change will increase the pressure on the Baltic Sea

This is what the Baltic Sea can expect from the new Commission

2019.12.02: "The expectations on commissioner Sinkevičius are high".

This is what the Baltic Sea can expect from the new Commission

Comment: An important decision and a step forward

2019.10.15: Fisheries and agriculture ministers around the Baltic Sea may have made an important decision at the Council meeting this week.

Comment: An important decision and a step forward

New changes welcome but insufficient

2019.05.27: REACH is by many considered to be the best chemicals legislation in the world. But the high demands on the producers and importers are ineffective if the data they submit to the European Chemicals Agency isn’t being examined. In a new policy brief, researchers at Stockholm University requires greater transparency and better control within REACH.

New changes welcome but insufficient

Ban on single-use plastics favors Baltic Sea

2019.03.29: There will be a ban on straws, plastic cutlery, cotton bud sticks, and several other single-use plastics across the EU by 2021.

Ban on single-use plastics favors Baltic Sea

ECHA promises improved control of new chemicals

2019.03.13: Following last year's criticism, the European Chemicals Agency, ECHA, will improve the agency’s control of information on new chemicals submitted by the industry.

ECHA promises improved control of new chemicals

ECHA proposes new ban on microplastics

2019.01.30: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) propose a ban on intentionally added microplastic to a range of products. Researcher Marie Löf at the Baltic Sea Center welcomes the proposal.

ECHA proposes new ban on microplastics

Parliament and Council agree on new single-use plastics directive

2018.12.20: The recent Parliament and Council agreement on the single-use plastics directive is an important step forward towards reducing marine plastic litter, says Hanna Sjölund, policy officer at Baltic Sea Centre.

Parliament and Council agree on new single-use plastics directive

Comment: Innovation principle vs precautionary principle?

2018.12.12: It has come to the attention of the Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre that there is a risk that the Treaty-based precautionary principle may be weakened by the newly introduced concept called the innovation principle.

Comment: Innovation principle vs precautionary principle?

Guest column: Commissioner Karmenu Vella - We cannot turn our backs on the oceans

2018.10.29: EU countries have to make sure that the agreed EU policies are duly carried out at home, writes Mr Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in a guest column for the Baltic Eye web magasine.

Guest column: Commissioner Karmenu Vella - We cannot turn our backs on the oceans

Parliament approve single-use plastics proposal – an important step forward for the Baltic Sea

2018.10.22: The European Parliament has voted in favor of introducing new and extensive measures to reduce the plastic littering. Researcher Damien Bolinius believe the measures can make a big difference for the Baltic Sea – if they come into effect.

Parliament approve single-use plastics proposal – an important step forward for the Baltic Sea

BLOG: Risk before hazard – a potential risk?

2018.10.22: A more risk-oriented chemicals legislation in Europe could potentially constitute a real… risk. And that would be hazardous.

BLOG: Risk before hazard – a potential risk?

Olle Torpman: The Baltic Sea problem – an ethical problem

2018.10.02: The Baltic Sea’s environmental problem can be solved, but, if the region’s actors are to be able to agree on practical solutions, we must start to bring more ethics into the debate, writes the philosopher Olle Torpman.

Olle Torpman: The Baltic Sea problem – an ethical problem

Baltic Eye’s work is analysed in a new international study

2018.09.14: "Responding to today's environmental challenges requires science to be integrated into politics and practice," says researcher Chris Cvitanovic, author of a new study on Baltic Eye's work to bridge the gap between science and policy.

Baltic Eye’s work is analysed in a new international study

Save the Baltic Sea for real!

2018.09.12: Text: Dämien Bolinius

Save the Baltic Sea for real!

Correct application of new criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals is essential

2018.05.30: The European Union’s scientific criteria for identification of EDCs comes into force in the near future. According to Christina Rudén, Professor of Regulatory Ecotoxicology and Toxicology, relevant tests and successful risk management are, among others, essential if these new criteria are to be utilised to protect citizens and the environment.

Correct application of new criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals is essential

Major shortcomings in the EU regulation for chemicals in goods

2018.03.15: Shampoo and other body care products sold in the EU have listings that show which chemicals they contain. But for the majority of all goods in our everyday lives, such as furniture, clothes and mobile phones, such information is missing.

Major shortcomings in the EU regulation for chemicals in goods

The Plastics Strategy - a good tool for reducing marine litter

2018.03.01: Shortly after the European Commission's Plastics Strategy was presented, the Baltic Sea Centre sent a letter to all EU ministers of environment around the Baltic Sea. Policy Officer Hanna Sjölund explains why.

The Plastics Strategy - a good tool for reducing marine litter

Comment: Consultation reply. Pharmaceuticals in the Environment

2018.02.23: The Baltic Sea Centre last week answered the European Commission's consultation on pharmaceuticals in the environment. It presents 30 policy options, covering all stages of pharmaceutical substances’ lifecycle, for which they ask for input.

Comment: Consultation reply. Pharmaceuticals in the Environment

Sweden bans “rinse-off” microplastics in cosmetics

2018.02.06: Soap, toothpaste and other body care products that are directly rinsed off and contain microplastics are now banned in Sweden. The Swedish government adopted the ban on Thursday. Marie Löf from the Baltic Sea Centre describes this as a positive decision for the environment and hopes that the ban will soon be extended to cover non-rinse off products.

Sweden bans “rinse-off” microplastics in cosmetics

MEP Christofer Fjellner: "Instead of banning the use of plastic, we need to ensure that it does not end up in the sea"

2018.02.06: The new European Strategy for Plastics provides high potential for Sweden and Europe to steer developments in the right direction. However, the problem with plastic waste in our seas is not a question of prohibiting use of plastics but making sure they do not end up in the sea, according to Swedish MEP Christofer Fjellner.

MEP Christofer Fjellner: "Instead of banning the use of plastic, we need to ensure that it does not end up in the sea"

Comment: Baltic Eye on the Plastics Strategy

2018.01.17: Today the European Commission’s Plastic Strategy was presented, a much awaited strategy foregone by intense discussions, numerous consultations and conferences.

Comment: Baltic Eye on the Plastics Strategy

Comment: UK bans microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products

2018.01.12: Text: Hanna Sjölund.

Comment: UK bans microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products

MEP Jytte Guteland: “My goal is to push for better legislation”

2018.01.08: The EU Commission's legislative proposal regarding the use of endocrine disruptors in pesticides was at risk of losing its teeth. It was therefore gratifying that the Parliament agreed to demand a more comprehensive legislation, writes Member of the European Parliament Jytte Guteland.

MEP Jytte Guteland: “My goal is to push for better legislation”

The plastics strategy – a starting point for more sustainable use of plastics?

2017.11.03: Address the sources of microplastics, reconsider the use of sewage sludge on land, and take into account the hazardous chemicals in plastics. Researchers at the Baltic Sea Centre provide clear advice in an open consultation on the EU plastics strategy.

The plastics strategy – a starting point for more sustainable use of plastics?

Comment: Consultation reply: Evaluation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive

2017.10.27: Text: Hanna Sjölund.

Comment: Consultation reply: Evaluation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive

Comment: Consultation reply: Releases of microplastics in the environment

2017.10.16: Text: Hanna Sjölund.

Comment: Consultation reply: Releases of microplastics in the environment

Pharmaceuticals can be stopped in advanced waste water treatment plants

2017.10.13: As the use of drugs increases, it becomes increasingly important to improve sewage treatment with new technologies.

Pharmaceuticals can be stopped in advanced waste water treatment plants

BLOG: Corporate environmental stewardship: a pathway to pollution management?

2017.08.27: What is it and what can it deliver?

BLOG: Corporate environmental stewardship: a pathway to pollution management?

Comment: Approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment

2017.05.30: End of pipe solutions in combination with source control is the focus in Baltic Sea Center's reply to the European commission's consultations on the strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment.

Comment: Approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment

BLOG: Ytterby elements: field trip

2017.05.10: I couldn't pass up the chance to visit a site of scientific importance. After all, Nobel laureates in chemistry make this trip.

BLOG: Ytterby elements: field trip

Effects of microplastics on marine life

2017.05.08: The Baltic Eye policy brief policy on microplastics collects new research showing that microplastics can damage marine animals – even in concentrations found in the environment.

Effects of microplastics on marine life

BLOG: Ytterby elements: periodic table history

2017.05.07: Stories behind the discovery of elements are fascinating.

BLOG: Ytterby elements: periodic table history

Harmful effects of endocrine disruptors are underestimated

2017.04.26: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can cause a number of adverse effects in marine animals. And according to a new scientific report, the risks are likely to be underestimated.

Harmful effects of endocrine disruptors are underestimated

Advanced wastewater treatment can halve chemical discharges from sewage

2017.03.20: Upgrading the largest wastewater treatment plants around the Baltic Sea with better technologies can significantly reduce emissions of pharmaceuticals and other substances of concern, according to Baltic Eye’s new policy brief – which is released on World Water Day.

Advanced wastewater treatment can halve chemical discharges from sewage

Advanced wastewater treatment - a way to follow the precautionary principle?

2016.12.02: Advanced wastewater treatment can significantly reduce the emissions of both known and unknown substances to the aquatic environment, writes Baltic Eye researcher Emma Undeman in a debate article in EurActiv Opinion.

Advanced wastewater treatment - a way to follow the precautionary principle?

 

15 leading scientists: New criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals will not protect us

2016.11.16: In an open letter today to the President of the European Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, and the EU Commissioner Mr Vytenis Andriukaitis, 15 renowned scientists argue that the redrafted criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals must be reformulated, again.

15 leading scientists: New criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals will not protect us

 

The Story of the Baltic Sea 2.0

2016.11.09: Over the years, the human perception of the ocean has changed. Our present-day tale of the Baltic Sea must weave together society, people and the sea, says researcher Susanna Lidström.

The Story of the Baltic Sea 2.0

 

The government wants to ban micro plastics in personal care products

2016.07.14: The Swedish Government is investigating the possibility of introducing a Swedish ban on micro plastics in personal care products and cosmetics.

The government wants to ban micro plastics in personal care products

 

Thirteen researchers: "The government should ban micro plastics"

2016.07.14: In an article recently published in the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, thirteen researchers from four Universities urge the Swedish Government to follow the recommendations of the Swedish Chemicals Agency to introduce a Swedish ban on personal care products containing micro plastics.

Thirteen researchers: "The government should ban micro plastics"

EU Ministers demand proposal to ban microplastics

2016.07.13: The EU environmental ministers calls on the European Commission to put forward a proposal for a ban on microplastics in cosmetics. The pressure now increases for the Commission to actually deal with the growing demand for a ban.

EU Ministers demand proposal to ban microplastics