The implementation of the Second EU Action Plan on a sustainable and resource-efficient circular economy will be the top environmental priority of the Portuguese EU Council Presidency, although all other priorities will also aim to give substance to the European 'Green Deal’.
Circular economy. The Presidency intends to encourage the sharing of national action plans and their results. This will stimulate reflection on secondary raw material markets, waste management of existing goods and equipment, smart production and use (raw material reduction and innovation in product design).
It will also focus on the review of the legislative framework on batteries.
Biodiversity. The Portuguese Presidency will focus on preparations for COP15, scheduled for the second half of 2021 in China, to achieve an ambitious post-2020 global framework, consistent with the commitments set out in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The preservation of marine biodiversity is particularly close to its heart.
Forests. Lisbon wishes to encourage reflection on sustainable forest sector management, the competitiveness and sustainability of the forest-based sector, bioenergy and the green economy, the importance of forests as carbon sinks, the services provided directly or indirectly by ecosystems, and the development of innovative products with high added value. The Presidency will also support the establishment of a financial framework for forests that takes account of their multifunctionality and the long period for return on investment in this sector.
Water. The Presidency wants to contribute to better implementation of EU water legislation - both the Framework Directive and the Floods Directive (see EUROPE 12625/19, 12623/15) - and to improving synergies with the EU Marine Strategy, the CAP and other sectoral policies.
It also intends to encourage “an integrated and cross-sectoral approach to transboundary water management”.
Citizen participation. The Portuguese Presidency will endeavour to reach a consensus on the proposed amendment of the Aarhus Regulation before the next meeting of the parties to the Aarhus Convention in October 2021 (see EUROPE 12625/2). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)