30/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - Montreal Protocol - Commission is authorised to negotiate. The EU Council has given the European Commission a mandate to negotiate on behalf of the European Union regarding amendments and adjustments to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. Negotiations will take place at the 25th meeting of the parties to the Protocol and at the 26th meeting of the parties to the Protocol/Tenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention (Bangkok, Thailand, 24-28 June). The main amendment aims to regulate hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs (greenhouse gases) to limit the proliferation of these substances by gradually reducing their production and consumption. Approval of the negotiation directives was given on Wednesday 29 May without debate, on the sidelines of the Competitiveness Council. (AN/transl.jl)