16/11/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 13 November, the 16 Environment Ministers of the German Länder approved an initiative by the Land of Schleswig-Holstein according to which the European Union should aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels). Supporting the position of the European Parliament (see EUROPE 12577/12), the Ministers are putting pressure on the German Federal Government, which advocates a reduction of at least 55% (the European Commission’s proposal - see EUROPE 12561/5) while Germany currently holds the Presidency of the EU Council. “The Federal Government must support the European Parliament and work towards the 60% target within the framework of the EU Council Presidency”, said Schleswig-Holstein’s Environment Minister Jan Philipp Albrecht. The EU’s climate objective for 2030 will be at the heart of the European Council on 10 and 11 December (see EUROPE 12582/2). (DG)