Brussels, 26/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - If there has not been any substantial progress in toning down the fundamental differences between the Union and the USA on the appropriate means of fighting against climate change, meetings did, nonetheless, take place between Margot Wallström and US political decision-makers, civil society and the private sector in Washington (see EUROPE 20 April page 8), which according to the Commissioner for the Environment have provided Trans-Atlantic co-operation with a new dimension on environmental issues. Progress to be achieved over the next few months involve the deepening of bi-lateral co-operation in three different fields that have been identified as priorities: climate change, sustainable development, links between health and the environment, which will decisive for ensuring the success of the World Summit on sustainable development (Johannesburg 26 August-4 September). Here are the main results:
Climate change - first high level group meeting EU/USA which took place on Tuesday confirmed the difference of approach between the EU and their support for the Kyoto Protocol as a multi-lateral instrument for guaranteeing a reduction in gas emissions and the greenhouse effect, and the USA for economic reasons have turned their back on non-binding national measures to slow the increase in emissions. Nevertheless, the two sides considered that they would be able to co-operate in science and research, monitoring and controlling gas emissions and the greenhouse effect, as well as in market orientated incentives.
Johannesburg Summit - the two parties have agree to urgently intensify preparations and to co-operate in the establishment of crucial partnerships for implementing political objectives that will be affirmed at the Summit. These partnerships could target access to drinking water and energy, as well as the increased use of renewable energy sources.
Environment and health - the Union and the USA agree that this theme should be included in the agenda at the Johannesburg Summit and beyond, for strengthening bi-lateral co-operation between the European Commission and the American Environmental Protection Agency in this field where the USA are at a state-of -the-art position.