In the Environmental Council ministers discussed the revision of the EU emissions trading system (ETS) for the phase 4 of the system (2021-2030). Member States stressed the importance of a stable and predictable ETS system after 2020. Some highlighted that implementing the emissions reduction target should not endanger the competitiveness of EU industry. Ministers expect further intense debate among others on the methodology of free allocation, carbon leakage list or the financial mechanisms such as the Modernisation Fund and Innovation Fund. Member States are divided on the level of ambition. Some argue that possibility for revising the 2030 emissions reduction target should be provided, whilst others believe that the October 2014 European Council Conclusions gave strategic guidance and revision of ambition is not opportune.
Ministers adopted the statement on ratification of the Paris Agreement calling on Member States and the EU to start taking the necessary steps to finalise their ratification procedures as soon as possible. In this regard the Commission presented the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the EU of the Paris Agreement. Miguel Arias Cañete, Commissioner for climate action and energy and the Luxemburgish minister appreciated that Hungary was the first among all EU Member States to finalize its ratification process.
The Council statement on the ratification of the Paris Agreement can be read here:
The Ministers adopted conclusions on the Commission communication „Closing the loop - an EU action plan for the Circular Economy”. Ministers welcomed the Action Plan and called for its swift implementation. They pointed to the importance of traceability that could be ensured by regular progress reports by the Commission. It was agreed that the move towards a circular economy requires long-lasting, easily serviceable products and a holistic approach the entire global value chain. To do this it is essential to ensure proper consumer information, in addition to promoting sustainable consumption models. Several Member States stressed further reducing marine plastic waste and the the presence of harmful substances in products to achieve a non-toxic environment. The ministers agreed that the transition from a linear economy to a cyclic economy is a common European interest, towards which the reduction of waste and the application of the waste hierarchy are key prerequisites. Several delegations stressed the importance of the development of the market for secondary raw materials, which should be helped by adequate legislative steps.
As to the state of play on the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants and amending Directive 2003/35/EC, the Presidency explained that during previous negotiations with the European Parliament, the outlines of an agreement on the main issues have not yet developed, and so it is trying to take advantage of the remaining time during its Presidency to form a compromise. Minister Dijksma emphasised the importance of improving air quality and achieving progress and asked for the flexibility of Member States. Delegations supported the Presidency's efforts to achieve a first reading agreement, the majority was of the opinion that more flexibility is needed from the pert of the European Parliament and the Commission, stressing that the negotiating mandate of the Council is an appropriate basis for further negotiations.
In connection with the Council conclusions on the EU Action Plan against illegal trade in wild fauna and flora the Member States agreed on the timeliness and justified nature of the measures contained in the Action Plan. They found these particularly necessary in terms of prevention, to ensure more effective implementation and cooperation, as well as both effective action at EU level and strengthening global partnership.
Among the any other business agenda points, the Commission presented its draft acts on the proposals for determining scientific criteria for endocrine-disrupting properties, in accordance with the biocides and pesticides regulations.
The Commission also introduced its plans for the Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) to support the achievement of the objectives of existing environmental policies and legislation. It is designed as a biennial process based on country-specific reports that should help in highlighting the main themes or common problem areas in Member State implementation.
In connection with the fight against the fungus infection affecting salamanders and newts indigenous to the EU Member States agreed on the urgency of action.
