Brussels, 09/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - Thursday's Environment Council was prolonged with a strategic discussion on climate change lasting two hours, in informal restricted session, with a view to resumption of international negotiations in Bonn (COP 6, of 16)27 July). There was no indication of the precise content of these talks, that the Council wished to keep secret so as not to disclose the Union's negotiating strategy before the talks, in the knowledge that the United States has not disclosed its position (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.6). "I am determined to launch a process in preparation for the Bonn conference, a process involving all Member States to discuss essential matters, strategic issues and the various options we have to guarantee that COP 6 is a success, while preserving the integrity of the Kyoto Protocol", said President Larsson during an informal interview with the press. "We are willing to respond to a whole range of proposals that may be made by Washington", he added, stressing that, over the next four months, it will be necessary to hold consultation with Jan Pronk, Netherlands Minister and President of the COP6, ensure the best possible coordination between the Fifteen, make the best political use of the colossal expertise available to the Union to allow it to safeguard its role as leader, and establish contacts with the different parties (mainly the United States, Russia, Latin America and Japan). "I shall go to Washington as soon as the name of the US negotiator is known", he announced. Two upcoming international meetings (the meeting of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development on 21 April in New York, and the signing at the end of May of the Convention on persistent organic pollutants) will also provide an opportunity for contacts. We give below an overview of the results of the session.
Sixth environmental action programme (2001-2010): At the close of a highly critical public debate (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.7), the Council entrusted Member State representatives with the task of pursuing work with a view to reaching a political agreement in June.
Integration of environmental concerns in other sector-specific policies and sustainable development strategy. The Council was informed by the Presidency of: a) progress made in the integration strategies developed by the various Council formations (transport, energy, industry, agriculture, internal market, Ecofin, development, fisheries, general affairs) with a view to the Gothenburg summit; b) preparations with a view to the adoption of a strategy for sustainable development at this summit. It noted that the Commission will present a proposal end March. The integration of the environment aspect should serve as a pillar for this strategy, that will aim to reconcile ecology, social progress and economic development.
World summit on sustainable development. The Council adopted conclusions that identify five strategic objectives for Union preparations for the summit: a) greater equity at global level and an effective partnership for sustainable development; b) better integration of policies and increased consistency in international cooperation; c) the ratification and the effective implementation of conventions and protocols adopted since the UN Convention for the environment and development; d) the adoption of environmental and development objectives in order to strengthen the political commitment; e) more effective follow-up at regional, national and international levels. The Council stresses that the preparatory
work for this summit, the future Union strategy for sustainable development, the development and the implementation of sector-specific strategies for environmental integration in every field, and the sixth environmental action programme should be complementary.
Quality of bathing waters. The Council adopted conclusions that welcome the Commission's intention to revise the directive, invited it to present proposals as soon as it has carried out a cost/return analysis and as soon as reliable scientific data are available. It insists on how appropriate it is to: a) clarify the links between this future directive and other texts (framework directive on water, directive on residual urban water, …) and to take into account in the cost/profit analysis the impact on the local economy; b) define in greater detail certain concepts such as "bathing waters" and "bathing areas"); c) harmonise water quality monitoring methods to allow for comparison between Member States.
Future strategy for chemical products: the Council heard Margot Wallstrom present it the Commission's White Paper of 13 February. Broad agreement was reached on the principles, especially the precautionary principle and that of and substitution. The Commission's attention was drawn to the need to: a) envisage a system of sanctions should industry not comply with its obligations of registering and assessing the risks of its products (United Kingdom, Belgium, Austria, Finland, notably); b) avoid the new policy leading to an increase in tests on animals (United Kingdom); c) cover all hazardous substances, including persistent bio-accumulable substances. The Council will proceed with an in-depth examination of the White Paper in June, in view of adopting conclusions.
Genetically modified organisms: Ms. Wallstrom announced that she would be presenting proposals in March on the labeling and traceability of genetically modified organisms and derived products.
Integrated product policy: the Council was briefed on the contents of the Commission's Green Paper.
Emissions by motorbikes: the Council reached a political agreement, through a qualified majority, on the directive that will render emission limits stricter for new two and three-wheeled motorbikes from 2003 (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.8). A second stage is planned for 2006, but the setting of the new limits will be dependent on a new cycle of trials being perfected. The Commission will submit a new daft directive to Parliament and the Council, by 31 December 2002 at the latest. Germany, which wants these limits that will be compulsory in 2006 to be set now already, motivated its abstention in a declaration to the minutes of the session, to which Denmark, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands rallied around. Indicative limits were defined for recourse to tax incentives. The formal adoption of the Council's "common position" will come, without debate, at a later session.