On October 6 2021 the environmental ministers discussed important issues related to climate policy during the Environmental Council in Luxembourg.
Member States adopted council conclusions determining the basis of the EU’s position in light of the preparation for the upcoming 26th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), enabling the EU to present a unified EU position on the most urging international climate policy issues.
Ministers, for the first time, held a public debate on the so-called „Fit for 55” legislative package on the EU’s updated climate change policy. A number of Member States shared their concerns about the impact on citizens of the European Commission’s proposal on the introduction of emission trading for road transport and the building sector. Subsequently, Member States discussed the Union’s energy price crisis with a view to exploring the possibilities of common action.
Ministers exchanged views on the Commission’s new EU Forest Strategy for 2030. Member States signalled that the economic function of forests were given less weight in the Strategy, as well as that the document encroaches upon national competences.
