EU Council draws conclusions from its 8^th Environmental Action Programme mid-term review

The European Union’s environment ministers, meeting in Luxembourg on Monday 17 June, approved conclusions on the 8^th Environmental Action Programme (EAP) mid-term review. 

The eighth EAP aims to accelerate the green transition in a fair and inclusive way, with the long-term objective that, by 2050 at the latest, “people live well, within the planetary boundaries”. The programme defines a framework for action up to 2030, with systematic objectives.

The priorities defined when the eighth EAP was adopted in 2022 were reviewed on Monday 17 June: climate change mitigation, risk preparedness and climate resilience, the circular economy and sustainable resource management, zero pollution for a toxic-free environment, and the protection, conservation and restoration of nature and biodiversity. 

In its conclusions, the EU Council stresses the “crucial” importance of implementing the European Green Deal in achieving the green transition. Progress towards the objectives is acknowledged, but judged insufficient.

In particular, the EU Council “stresses” that “the Commission has not fully delivered on the Chemicals Strategy, notably the revision of the REACH regulation” (see EUROPE 13368/29). As far as the circular economy is concerned, the “EU initiatives” are seen as positive, but insufficient in the face of “high consumption footprints” and “unsustainability”. 

The EU Council also stresses the importance of “impact assessments of transition policies on the living conditions of people, especially those living in or at risk of poverty”.

 The Member States have made it clear that, as well as being fair, the transition must also be socially acceptable. The conclusions drawn will guide the Commission in adjusting the measures deployed to achieve the 2030 targets.

The EU Council has asked the Commission to present a legislative proposal to add an annex to the 8^th EAP that takes account of its conclusions. This annex should include a list of actions for the post-2025 period.

For further information: https://aeur.eu/f/cpz (Original version in French by Florent Servia)