The 2030 Agenda -comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals that address environmental, social and economic dimensions of development- was adopted by the UN in September 2015. The document also deals with water issues, a traditionally important policy for Hungary. Hungarian head of delegation, Minister Sándor Fazekas recalled that water policy was already amongst the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency in 2011. The topic was also discussed recently at the Budapest Water Summit 2016 and the Minister informed the Council on the outcomes of the meeting,
“Protecting water-related ecosystems and ensuring sustainable agricultural operation are fundamental requirements during the implementation of water management goals. The final conclusions help to define those directions, which ensure, that water resources can be preserved for future generations. ”- emphasised Sándor Fazekas.
Another essential element of the overarching Sustainable Development Agenda is environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes. With an active role of the Hungarian delegation, the Council adopted conclusions on the sound management of chemicals. The conclusions describe the context of international and internal EU processes while also providing guidance with respect to the related tasks.
Waste management and in the broader context, circular economy is one of the priorities of the upcoming Maltese Presidency - stated José Herrera, Maltese Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change at the bilateral meeting with Minister Fazekas. “While we welcome the overall goals of the circular economy package, Member States’ diverging specificities and economic capabilities should also be taken into account” - underlined the Hungarian Minister.
Sándor Fazekas commended László Sólymos, Minister for Environment of Slovakia, on the successful work during the Slovak Presidency. At their bilateral meeting, Ministers discussed current issues of the two countries’ relations, as well as opportunities for joint advocacy during negotiations on the circular economy package.
