MEMO/07/69
Brussels, 20 February 2007
Environment: Commissioner Dimas welcomes
Council results on climate change and pesticides
European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas
welcomed the results of today's meeting of the Environment Council, in
particular its conclusions on climate change and sustainable use of pesticides
and its contribution to preparations for the Spring European Council. The
Commission also took note of the Council's views on two issues concerning
genetically modified organisms.
Climate change
The Council adopted an important set of conclusions that underline the urgent
need for a global and comprehensive agreement to reduce worldwide greenhouse gas
emissions after 2012, when the Kyoto Protocol's emission targets expire, with
the aim of limiting global warming to no more than 2°C above the
pre-industrial level. Negotiations to develop this agreement need to be launched
at the annual UN climate conference at the end of this year and completed by
2009.
The conclusions set out the key elements the EU considers the new agreement
should contain. In particular developed countries should continue to take the
lead by committing to reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases in
the order of 30% by 2020 compared with 1990 levels, with a view to a collective
cut of 60-80% from 1990 levels by 2050. Until a global agreement is concluded,
and without prejudice to its position in the negotiations, the EU makes a firm
independent commitment to reduce its emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels
by 2020. The conclusions also note the need for developing countries to reduce
the emission intensity of their economic development, given their increasing
share of global emissions, and emphasise the need for a global agreement to
include concrete policies and actions to halt and reverse deforestation within
two to three decades.
Commissioner Dimas said: "The Council's position is an affirmation of the
EU's leadership and determination to prevent climate change from reaching
dangerous levels. But we can only succeed if the international community moves
urgently to strike a comprehensive agreement to reduce global emissions after
2012. The EU has demonstrated its seriousness by committing to an emissions cut
of at least 20% even before negotiations start. We now look to other developed
countries to show responsibility and follow our example."
Commissioner Dimas also welcomed the Council's useful debates on including
aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and reducing CO2
emissions from new cars.
Preparation of Spring European Council
The Council conclusions providing input to the Spring European Council on 8-9
March respond in particular to the Commission's annual progress report on the
Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs, and to the communications on energy and
climate change at the heart of the 10 January energy and climate package. The
conclusions underline the important contribution of eco-innovation to the Lisbon
Strategy and set the goal of making Europe the front-runner in eco-innovation
and the most energy and resource efficient area of the world.
Pesticides Thematic Strategy
The Commission welcomes the Council conclusions which clearly support the
Thematic Strategy on the sustainable use of pesticides. However, it regrets that
the invitation to Member States to apply normal VAT rates to pesticides was not
addressed by the Council.
Discussions on the proposal for a Framework Directive on the sustainable use
of pesticides and on the proposal for a Regulation on the placing of plant
protection products on the market, amending the directive of 1991 on the same
issue, are now handled by the Agricultural Council although they are clearly
related to environmental issues.
Commissioner Dimas said: "I would strongly recommend that progress made on
both proposals should be presented in both Council formations, Environment and
Agriculture, in June. This will allow us to ensure consistency between the
legislative proposals of the Thematic Strategy and existing environmental
legislation, in particular regarding water, waste, birds and habitat".
Commissioner Dimas also welcomed the useful public debate on the thematic
strategy and on the proposed directive on the protection of soils.
GMOs
The Environment Council voted on two proposals from the Commission concerning
genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
One proposal required the lifting of a ban imposed by Hungary on MON810 GM
maize. The Council voted against this Commission proposal. The Commission will
reflect on all the legal and scientific aspects of this decision in order to
decide on the best way forward.
The Council did not find the required majority for or against a separate
proposal to authorise placing a genetically modified carnation on the market for
import and retailing. EU legislation requires that the Commission take the final
decision in cases where the Council fails to reach a qualified majority either
for or against Commission proposals in the area of GMOs. This case will
therefore go back to the Commission.
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