EU sends 'clear message' on climate change
Sharon Dijksma, Dutch Environment Minister - Photo EU Council
(LUXEMBOURG) - EU ministers sent out a 'clear message' Monday of commitment to ratifying the Paris agreement on climate change and working for effective implementation of the deal as soon as possible.
The ministers meeting in Luxembourg adopted a statement on ratification of the global legally-binding agreement on climate change, adopted in Paris in December 2015, will enter into force after ratification by 55 countries representing at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Environment Council also held a policy debate on review of one of EU's main tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change: the emissions trading system (ETS).
They took stock of discussions on new rules and limits for air pollutants, the so-called NEC directive, with the Dutch presidency informing ministers of the state of play of negotiations with the European Parliament.
An action plan for a circular economy was adopted. The plan aims to reduce waste and keep the value of products, materials and resources in the economy for as long as possible. The conclusions support this aim and demonstrate commitment to this transition towards a more sustainable model, for instance by cutting resource use, boosting recycling and better managing waste.
Finally, ministers adopted conclusions supporting an EU action plan against wildlife trafficking. A statement expressed deep concern about the increase in illegal wildlife trafficking and its detrimental effect on biodiversity and sustainable development. The conclusions call on all actors to step up efforts to combat this crime.
Council statement on the ratification of the Paris Agreement
Timeline - A new global climate change agreement
Council conclusions on the EU action plan for the circular economy