21/12/2022 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 21 December, Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States to the EU (Coreper) were informed of the content of the provisional agreement reached on 9 December between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the proposed 2020 regulation on batteries and battery waste. Emblematic of the circular economy, it aims to improve the sustainability of all batteries sold in the EU from design to end-of-life and to foster a European battery market (see EUROPE 13081/5). Sustainability requirements for carbon footprint, recycled content, performance and durability will be phased in from 2024. A more comprehensive extended producer responsibility regulatory framework will begin to apply in mid-2025, with higher collection targets introduced over time. This agreement is expected to be approved in January. (AN)