The members of the European Parliament’s environment committee welcomed the priorities and the work programme of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU on the environment, set out for them by Maltese Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change Jose Herrera (see EUROPE 11698).
The focus placed on climate, the circular economy and sustainable development is much to their liking. Nonetheless, many expressed the wish that the Presidency do more than continue the process and inject some drive into the Council of the EU in order to make swift progress on the decisive issues for implementation of the Paris climate agreement. All the more important in light of the concerns raised at the possible disengagement by US President Donald Trump.
The MEPs, who have already voted on the reform of the ETS for the period from 2021 to 2030 and who are make preparations on the legislative proposals contained in the summer package (effort-sharing in non-ETS sectors and draft LULUCF regulation), would like to see the Council quickly overcome its differences of opinion and make progress.
Herrera, who will chair the Environment Council, is well aware of expectations. “We are delighted that the Paris Agreement has come into effect and that Europe was a driver. The process remains fragile, however. We need to ensure that the EU remains at the forefront. We will push on the ETS and non-ETS related issues so that the EU achieves its targets. What is needed is a robust system that works well and encourages innovation in low-carbon technologies and the competitiveness of European industry”, he said in his opening remarks. The ETS, he said too, needs to be simplified and discussions continued in Council on the various options “to come smoothly to a general approach” at the Environment Council on 19 June.
To the MEPs who highlighted the urgency of this matter, on which the European Parliament will vote in plenary session in mid-February, Herrera replied that the Presidency was working in close cooperation with the member states to “find solutions as quickly as possible” to the difficulties identified at the Environment Council in December 2016. With regard to including maritime transport in the ETS, he said that “the Council will continue to work on the basis of the IMO agreement”. And he told those who asked whether he supported the inclusion of inter-continental flights in the ETS in view of the unsatisfactory ICAO agreement, Herrera indicated that we would first have to assess the Commission proposal on what to do about the derogation granted to inter-continental flights. This proposal is expected in a fortnight’ time.
With President Trump, “who does not want to do anything for the environment or on implementing the Paris Agreement”, the LULUCF legislation will be the most important issue in this regard in future, some MEPs suggested, stressing the importance of forestry and afforestation in the EU.
In the face of questions from worried MEPs on the future US policy, Herrera sought to be reassuring. “Even if it is difficult to foresee change, the EU will be prepared to act in potentially changeable geopolitical circumstances. The EU must be prepared on this issue”, he declared.
On the other hand, he felt that “assessment of the environmental impact of Brexit is still premature” since “the House of Commons will have to vote to trigger Article 50”. The European Parliament is already concerned over the impact assessment, the UK MEPs underlined.
Among the many other topics raised, the intention of the Maltese Presidency to make progress on Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards was welcomed by MEPs. “The Presidency is willing to consider the various options. Many points, such as putting indicators in place and compulsory measures for vehicles, have already been decided by the co-legislators. There is general agreement on the substance. We are ready to get the issue moving again with a view to reaching first reading agreement as quickly as possible”, he stated. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)