In Luxembourg on 4 October, European Environment Ministers will hold another policy debate on the future long-term climate strategy of the EU, focusing on the incentives needed to ensure a cost-effective, fair and socially balanced transition to a carbon-neutral, competitive European economy that respects the individual characteristics of Member States.
The aim is to advance the discussions that have so far taken place in the various EU Council formations and to respond to the request from June’s European Council, which failed to agree on a carbon neutrality target for 2050 (see EUROPE 12282/5).
During the Finnish Presidency, ministers will be invited to answer the following questions:
- what are the main conditions, incentives and enabling framework that need to be prepared at EU level and be operational in the near-to-medium term and long term in order to achieve climate neutrality in the EU?
- what EU-level measures and actions, including sectoral ones, should be enhanced to decisively and swiftly contribute to climate neutrality in the EU by 2050?
In a note prepared for this meeting of the Environment Council, the Finnish Presidency summarises the progress made in the discussions on the communication 'A Clean Planet for all - A strategic long-term vision for a climate-neutral economy’ (see EUROPE 12201/11) at the following councils: Ecofin (see EUROPE 12273/10), Employment and Social Affairs (see EUROPE 12292/26), Transport (see EUROPE 12332/1), Agriculture (see EUROPE 12334/5) and Energy (see EUROPE 12334/2). The matter will also be discussed at the Competitiveness Council on 26-27 September.
The note stresses in particular that both the technical work and ministerial discussions completed so far have led to a better understanding of the EU-level tools needed to put in place an ambitious long-term strategy to a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate-neutral economy.
The note states that the importance of R&D and innovation and the need for massive public and private investment have been highlighted; that new innovative technologies will be required in industry, energy and transport, as well as a long-term research and innovation strategy to help make low-carbon solutions economically viable.
According to the Presidency, many Member States believe that the EU should complement their efforts through policy coordination and financial instruments and that the best use should be made of existing policies and instruments, including Horizon Europe, InvestEU, and the Innovation Fund of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
COP 25 and circular economy also on agenda. The Environment Council is also expected to agree conclusions on: - the EU’s position ahead of the COP 25 climate change conference (in Santiago, Chile, 2-13 December); - the circular economy; - the 8th Environmental Action Programme for the period post-2020 (see EUROPE 12282/5). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)