Environment still a top concern for EU citizens

On Thursday, MEPs adopted the 2023 annual report on the activities of the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions, with 260 votes in favour, 194 against, and 110 abstentions. The main issues raised by citizens in 2023 related to the environment (21.5% of all petitions received), the internal market (13.4%), fundamental rights (13.4%), and personal matters (12.4%). Environment Environmental issues topped the list of concerns raised by petitioners in 2023, as was the case the previous year. The wide range of issues addressed by PETI committee MEPs included protection of wildlife and forests, chemical pollution in the air and groundwater, and the social consequences of climate change for vulnerable groups. MEPs acknowledge the importance of responding to citizens’ environmental concerns, while also stressing the need to take into account the different economic realities and capacities of each member state. Internal market Petitions concerning the internal market saw the biggest increase compared with 2022. MEPs tackled growing concerns over the future of the Schengen area and the reintroduction of border checks between some member states. In June 2023, the Committee presented a short motion calling on the Council to approve the accession Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area, which was ultimately implemented in January 2025. MEPs underline the importance of granting Schengen access to countries that meet the necessary criteria, while maintaining the possibility for...