As the UK faces its fourth heatwave of the summer this week, new analysis from European Movement UK warns the country is less prepared for climate and environmental risks after losing membership of the European Environment Agency (EEA) and access to its Environmental Information and Observation Network (Eionet).
These institutions form the backbone of Europe’s environmental early warning systems, pooling data from 32 countries and the European Commission. They provide real-time monitoring on air and water quality, biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, and the health impacts of pollution - intelligence that helps governments anticipate and plan for events such as heatwaves, flooding, and wildfires.
Since leaving the EEA and Eionet, the UK no longer participates in their coordinated dataflows or has access to the privileged channels members use to share detailed, timely information. It has also lost its seat in shaping EU-wide monitoring and reporting standards. This has left gaps in the UK’s environmental intelligence and made it harder to anticipate emerging risks.
Sir Nick Harvey, CEO of European Movement UK, said:
“Environmental threats don’t stop at our borders. Losing access to the EEA and Eionet means we’ve cut ourselves off from the best environmental data in Europe, making it harder to prepare for climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. We should be inside these networks, sharing expertise and helping shape solutions.
“Outside of the EU, it is perfectly feasible to be a member - other non-EU countries such as Norway and Iceland already are.”
The report calls for the UK to negotiate re-entry to the EEA and Eionet, restoring direct access to shared environmental intelligence and ensuring UK expertise is once again at the heart of Europe’s climate and environmental planning.
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