Informal meeting of the ministers for the environment

The first work session, in the presence of representatives from civil society and industry, examined the driving role that the EU should play in reaching a global agreement on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Africa - specially invited to express its position during this European debate and represented by Algeria and the Congo - expressed its desire to work with the European Union. The European ministers also acknowledged that they must succeed at Community level on the energy-climate package to be a real force in international negotiations. Jean-Louis Borloo recalled the need for the EU to lead the way with an objective of reducing its emissions by 30 % by 2020 in the event of an international agreement, which should be ambitious and global; he also touched on the need for the EU to find the specific means to encourage its partners to participate in the fight against climate change. To achieve this goal, the decision must be taken to earmark a part of the revenue generated by the carbon market to third countries to support their sustainable development.

In a second work session, the ministers met with members of the European parliament for in-depth discussions on the issues concerning the implementation of the energy-climate package. The ministers acknowledged that to move forward efficiently in the negotiations and obtain a definitive agreement on the package before the Conference of the Parties in Copenhagen at the end of 2009, the discussion framework should correspond with the Commission’s proposal. Amendments to the Commission’s proposals were evoked with regard to flexibility in order to favour the reduction of emissions where they are cheapest. The ministers collectively acknowledged that they must contribute to the joint effort, but that – in

view of the exceptional degree of the efforts required in terms of investments and modernisation – it will be indispensable to set up a strong system of solidarity between the Member States. Lastly, the means of transitioning towards a low-carbon economy for energy-intensive sectors exposed to international competition should rapidly be determined, while preserving the environmental integrity of the energy-climate package.

This informal meeting also examined GMOs and set up a working group for further analysis of the issues. The group’s work should be concluded by the Council of environment ministers on 4 and 5 December next and will form the basis for discussions on interim guidelines in the next environment council.

At Jean-Louis Borloo’s invitation, the informal meeting of the ministers for the environment ended with a joint lunch with the European energy ministers, and was attended by Dr Rajendra K. Pachauri, Nobel Prize winner and chairman of the IPCC, who gave a speech on the urgent need to take action and unite to fight against climate change.

 

Informal meetings of the ministers responsible for environment and energy, 3-5 July, Paris (Announcement)

• Updated: 10.12.2008

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