European environment ministers consider it irrefutable that environmental policy is a driving force for employment and economic growth in Europe, especially when it relates to green public procurement and economic greening measures.
This was reaffirmed by ministers in Brussels, on Monday 5 March, during discussion on greening the European Semester, the budgetary exercise based on the annual growth survey 2018. The latter contains references to the circular economy and to how important it is for productivity to have investment that strengthens environmental sustainability. This met with the great approval of the Environment Council.
Ministers also said that better implementation of environmental legislation is a key factor in greening the European Semester.
The circular economy was also central to discussion with the 2018 annual growth survey placing special emphasis on investment, waste and recycling, environmental taxation, water management and air pollution, said European Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella, who addressed the press after the session.
“I hope that we will also succeed in integrating the environment better in the national reform programmes. The environmental implementation review (EIR) is instrumental in delivering this”, he said. This question is close to the heart of the Bulgarian Council presidency as it is the tool intended to help the EU28 remedy implementation failings (see EUROPE 11973).
Ministers also discussed the way sustainable development and climate change challenges might be reflected in the next EU multiannual financial framework post-2020.
Some underlined the need for more transparent communication of investment risks and opportunities, with a view to promoting more environmentally friendly private investment. Several delegations advocated sustainability as a part of financial governance, while others called for adequate resources to be allocated to measures based on realistic environmental objectives.
Jochen Flasbarth, the German secretary of state for the environment, told the press: “Germany and 13 countries are calling for the next budget to devote at least 20% of resources to climate actions and for the remaining 80% to be climate friendly”. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)