29/01/24 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 29 January, the EU Council approved two interinstitutional agreements concluded in June (see EUROPE 13201/18) and October 2023 (see EUROPE 13265/7) aimed at reducing emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and fluorinated gases. The European Parliament had already given its approval on 17 January (see EUROPE 13329/19, 13329/18). For fluorinated gases, the regulation provides for the elimination of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050, with a gradual reduction in EU consumption quotas from 2024 to 2049, restrictions on products containing fluorinated gases and deadlines for their elimination in certain sectors. For ODS, the regulation requires recovery and recycling during renovation work, particularly for insulating foams, and provides exemptions for their use in certain industries, laboratories and fire protection. (NP)