Biodiversity restoration and the circular economy as key elements of the green transition and the ‘European Green Deal’ are real priorities for Sweden as head of the EU Environment Council. Romina Pourmokhtari, the young Swedish Liberal Minister for Climate and the Environment, assured us on Tuesday 24 January that she was truly committed to this ecological transition, in the interest of the environment and businesses, when she presented the work programme for the six-month period to the members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, which we have already described in detail in our article (see EUROPE 13093/7). It was an opportunity for her to try to reassure left-wing MEPs who are worried about her government’s intentions.
“The alarming decline in biodiversity must be reversed. Our societies are highly dependent on biodiversity in many respects, including for our food security. This political reality proves once again the need for the green transition”, she said.
Concerning the proposal for a regulation on nature restoration, on which the Swedish Presidency expects an EU Council position in June, she said that after fruitful initial discussions, the right balance should be found to combine both restoration needs and the various conditions of the Member States (see EUROPE 13088/1). It is also important, she said, to follow up on the global framework for biodiversity, as “we must not lose the momentum” of Montreal.
To Peter Liese (EPP, German), who urged her “not to rush”, as the EPP group was calling for far-reaching changes to the proposed regulation so as not to compromise food safety (see EUROPE 13098/3), she replied that there was consensus in the EU Council on the objectives of the regulation.
On pollution, “a major concern of citizens”, she said it was “important to demonstrate how the green transition will result in a better quality of life”. In this context, the Swedish Presidency will seek to obtain a negotiating mandate from the EU Council on the new Industrial Emissions Directive. “However, we are aware of the difficult situation of the European industry, with very high energy prices. We intend to support the ‘Zero Pollution’ ambition while taking into account the administrative burden and costs for our industries”, she said. Jutta Paulus (Greens/EFA, German), expressed concern, urging her not to forget the environmental and health costs to society.
The circular economy is another priority. “The transition to the circular economy is part of the green transition”, Pourmokhtari said, pointing out that “the extraction and processing of raw materials contribute to 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions, drive biodiversity loss and put pressure on water bodies”.
Hence the Swedish Presidency’s aim to reach an EU Council position on the Waste Shipment Regulation, to start negotiations between the Member States on the Packaging Reuse and Waste Prevention Directive and to make as much progress as possible in reaching an EU Council position on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the minister hopes.
Aurelia Beigneux (ID, French) called on her to ensure that the circular economy allows the relocation of industry in Europe and to denounce free trade agreements.
In response to left-wing MEPs such as Tiemo Wölken (S&D, German) and Jutta Paulus doubting whether the minister’s commitments coincide with those of the coalition government involving the far-right (Swedish Democrats), the minister clarified that environmental policy is not part of the government agreement, “but that does not prevent us from finding alternative majorities in Parliament”.
She also refuted the idea that the Swedish Ministry of the Environment is subservient to another ministry. “We have grouped together several sectors: energy, food and the environment. And the environment is the biggest part of this new super-ministry. It’s for more efficiency, not for lower ambitions”, she explained. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)