Environment ministers discussed at the Council in Brussels the Circular Economy and the Plastics Strategy and further potentials for Greening of the European Semester. On the 5th March in Brussels, environment ministers discussed at the Council the Circular Economy and the Plastics Strategy and further potentials for Greening of the European Semester.
The Presidency has prepared a background paper and questions to steer the ministerial exchange of views on the Circular Economy Action Plan consisting „a Communication on a European Strategy for Plastics” and „a Communication on the Implementation of the Circular Economy package: options to address the Interface between Chemicals, Product and Waste legislation”. The objective of the Communications is to curb plastic pollution and its adverse effects on human health and on environment. However, most of the Member States agreed with the aims and tools displayed, a group of Member States noted that more detailed plans and higher ambitions were expected. Summarizing the outcome of the debate the Commission also emphasized the necessity of the restriction of single-use plastic package.
Environment ministers discussed challenges to integrating environmental considerations into the European Semester process. It was underlined that better integration that also contributes to environmental compliance and governance. Ministers highlighted that a further integration of environmental sustainability with economic growth could be done by addressing green investment and infrastructure needs, and thus creating green jobs. In that context, ministers emphasized that strengthened policy coherence and the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will have a key role.
Informal Ministerial lunch discussion was held to enable eco-innovation transition towards a Circular Economy. Member States agreed that eco-innovation plays a crucial role in the implementation of the objectives of the Circular Economy and in developing a cost-efficient, environmentally friendly technologies.
The Presidency and the Commission informed ministers on the 21st European Forum on Eco-innovation for Air Quality. The participants pointed out that the technical solutions for reducing air pollutions are already available, so it is high time to concentrate on the deliverance.
French delegation supported by the Luxembourg delegation informed ministers on the latest development concerning the planned Global Pact for the Environment. The major objective of the pact is to codify the fundamental principles of environmental law in an international treaty. A group of member states cosponsors the initiative.
French, Danish, German, Netherlands and United Kingdom delegations informed the Council on the Amsterdam Declarations on combating imported deforestation. The objective of the signatory countries to promote the elimination of deforestation from agricultural supply chain by supporting private sector efforts towards the goal of achieving „deforestation-free production” of beef, palm oil, soya, cocoa, rubber etc.
The Danish, Greek and Lithuanian delegations provided information on the implementation of the Regualtion on invasive alien species, calling for a more cost-effective, prevention based approach.
The Commission informed delegations about the adoption of a general report on the outcome of the review of the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
French and the United Kingdom delegation informed ministers on the implemented measures to combat elephant poaching in the frame of the Commercial Trade in Raw Ivory.
In relation to the transport sector decarbonisation, the Commission informed ministers, in light of the ongoing negotiations, about the proposal for a Regulation setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles, adopted on the 8th of November 2017 as part of the Second Mobility package. The level of emission reductions is a central element of the proposal. A group of Member States support higher ambition. Whereas other Member States argue for realistic targets, that take into account the competitiveness of the automotive industry, the economic growth and aspects of job creation.
In the context of the international climate negotiations, the Polish minister informed about the upcoming UNFCCC COP24 climate conference that Poland would host in Katowice between 3-14 December 2018. The minister emphasized that the most important goal of COP24 remains the adoption of a full implementation package to the Paris Agreement, as well as other decisions that will strengthen the implementation of the UN Climate Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. Member States support Poland’s effort in the preparation for the COP24 conference and are ready to participate actively in the Talanoa Dialogue for the sake of success.
The Commission informed ministers about the emissions reduction in the shipping sector in the context of the developments regarding the initial GHG reduction strategy being developed under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Environment Protection Committee. The Commission emphasized that international shipping needs to urgently and fairly contribute to the objectives of the Paris Agreement. If no further action is taken swiftly, and while other sectors are reducing their emissions, the share of shipping emissions could rise to as much as 10 % of total global GHG emissions by 2050. According to the Commission, the EU should call for an absolute emission reduction objective of 70-100% by 2050 compared to 2008 level.
