18/01/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 18 January, the Member States’ ambassadors to the EU (Coreper) validated the political agreement reached in December 2022 between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the proposed regulation on batteries and waste batteries (see EUROPE 13081/5). The result of inter-institutional negotiations, this future regulation, which is emblematic of the circular economy, aims to improve the sustainability of all batteries sold in the EU from their design to their end of life and to promote a European market for batteries. Sustainability requirements for carbon footprint, recycled content, performance and durability will be phased in from 2024. A more comprehensive regulatory framework on extended producer responsibility will start to apply in mid-2025, with higher collection targets introduced over time. See the text: https://aeur.eu/f/4ye (AN)