Brussels, 19/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - During the Agriculture Council on Tuesday 17 May, several ministers, particularly the Polish delegation, expressed concern about the negative impact of the ammonia emission reduction targets contained in the text negotiated on the revision of ceiling for reducing national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants (see EUROPE 11543).
The Polish Minister highlighted the difficult situation facing farmers and expressed concern about the new "concessions" that farmers would have to make in order to reduce ammonia emissions. According to the Polish Minister, requirements could have a negative impact on the agricultural sector (more controls and bureaucracy). Poland believes that the work on this directive should not be finished before the end of the Dutch Presidency of the Council, despite this being the clear aim of the EU institutions. Poland has asked for an impact analysis on the effects of the NEC directive on the agricultural sector.
The Slovenian Minister said that the ammonia emissions reduction targets should be realistic and take into account the geographical situation of the different countries. Romania said that it agreed with Poland's concerns and criticised the risk it presented to very expensive investments in the agricultural sector.
Austria remains very concerned about the emission reduction targets contained in December's general approach. Denmark highlighted the importance of equal burden sharing between the member states, which were not the case with ammonia (-24% by 2024 in Denmark). Greece also shares Poland's concerns and said that the text did not sufficiently take into account the country's extensive farming. Croatia also called for a study to be carried out on the effects of the directive on the agricultural sector. The Lithuanian Minister supported Polish demands and said that including methane in the text was provoking concern in his country. Portugal does not want the discussions on the directive to be adjourned but did show concern about the ammonia emission reduction targets. Italy also supported Poland. Belgium and Sweden, however, believe that the dossier should be finished as soon as possible. The Commission pointed out that trilogues were currently being carried out in an effort to reach an agreement on a balanced text. It concluded that agriculture had to meet the targets in question. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)