International Programs
Europe
Explore Our Work
in Maps and Google Earth
The United States and Europe face similar environmental challenges, with many parallel economic, political and social concerns to be considered when addressing these challenges. As a result, the U.S. and Europe are natural partners in environmental protection, with common goals and complementary expertise. Working together to improve environmental protection and management, both Europe and the U.S. can achieve greater cost-savings and better environmental outcomes.
Within this broader context, EPA's relationship with our European counterparts strengthens U.S. policy, as well as our regulatory, scientific, and technical capabilities, to increase and enhance environmental protection. Consultations with European officials also can help avoid potential trade disputes which could arise from different environmental standards and regulations.
Renewal of EPA-EU ENERGY STAR Agreement
In January 2013, Administrator Lisa Jackson and European Union Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger signed the second renewal of the U.S.-EU ENERGY STAR Agreement for office equipment which was initiated in 2001. The Agreement promotes use of a common voluntary label and a consistent set of performance standards for computers, monitors, printers, copiers, multi-function devices and servers in the United States and the European Union. This common approach will increase the global supply of and demand for energy-efficient office equipment and will help manufacturers avoid the burden of complying with multiple labeling programs. The renewed Agreement will last for 5 years and will extend through 2017.
Activities with Europe currently include:
- Energy Cooperation
- Chemicals Management
- Research, Information, and Technology
- Environmental Governance
- Cooperation with EU Member States
Key Partners
To achieve these goals, EPA works:
- bilaterally with the European Union (through the European Commission,
the executive branch of the European Union, based in Brussels), - bilaterally with key EU Member States, and
- in multilateral fora such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Regional Environmental Center (REC) for Central and Eastern Europe, and various United Nations organizations.
Contacts
For additional information about EPA's work with Europe and the European Union, contact:
Anna Phillips
Office of International and Tribal Affairs (2650R)
U.S. EPA
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
Email: (phillips.anna@epa.gov)