Biodiversity, circular economy, fight against microplastics, blue economy are the responsibility of the Commissioner-designate for Environment and Oceans, Virginijus Sinkevičius, 28 years old, who, in writing, states that "I am truly committed to make the European Green Deal a reality".
In reading his written answers to MEPs, health, quality of life and wellbeing for all will be his guiding principles. His ecological spirit and his experience as Minister of Economy and Innovation will serve his mission and make him a young asset in Ursula von der Leyen's Commission.
"I will put forward a new Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, looking at everything from Natura2000, deforestation, land degradation, protected species and habitats and sustainable seas and oceans. I will also lead on delivering on our common ‘zero-pollution’ ambition, which will require a wide-ranging approach looking at air and water quality, hazardous chemicals, pollutants’ emissions, pesticides and endocrine disruptors", says the youngest member of the future team.
The fight against water pollution, for example, will focus on nutrients, microplastics and medicines.
This will be done on the basis of sound science because "well designed, policies based on a sound understanding of science and environmental, economic and social impacts will be easier to implement".
Reducing dependence on pesticides is, in his opinion, a necessity. "Our ‘zero-pollution' ambition will not be successful if we do not tackle the use of pesticides", he warns.
Determined to "act firmly against intentionally added microplastics", he will identify plastic applications that could be replaced by biodegradable applications and establish a clear regulatory framework.
For the new action plan on the circular economy to be developed, it is in line with this, announcing its intention to "explore options for tackling other resource-intensive sectors such as food or information and communication technologies, in addition to textiles and construction".
On the legislative measures he is said ready to propose to ensure that EU imports do not contribute to deforestation, he did not come forward, announcing "the continuation of the measures provided for in the new framework for action". (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)