Brussels, 06/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - Making the Lisbon process greener and making the sustainable development strategy into a driving force for positive investments for jobs, society and the environment are the two principal requests made by the European Environment Bureau (EEB) of the Dutch Presidency of the Council. This alliance of ecological NGOs has just submitted its now traditional memorandum containing the "list of ten green tests", on the basis of which it will judge the work done by the Netherlands on environmental legislation at the end of its six months at the head of the EU.
"We expect the Dutch Presidency to kick off investment proposals combining environmental, social and economic objectives, such as housing and transport", said John Hontelez, Secretary General of EEB, in a press release.
Ralph Hallo, President and co-ordinator of the Dutch NGO Stichting Nauur en Milieu, feels that "the Dutch Presidency could make real progress in phasing out highly environmentally unfriendly EU subsidies", in line with the reform called for by the Heads of State and Government at the Spring Summit.
The EEB also expects tangible progress in the reform on the legislation on chemicals (proposed REACH regulation), because it feels it is vital for the health of all the citizens of Europe, and for the environment in Europe. "The Council of Ministers absolutely must conclude the work started, and we are confident that the Dutch government can give REACH the impulse needed to make this proposal into law", said John Hontelez.
Among the other issues requiring urgent attention, the EEB cites a clear mandate on the environment and sustainable development to be given to the new European Commission, financial perspectives 2007-2013 clearly emphasising the environment, establishing environmental criteria to guide all measures on rural development, progress in the fight against climate change, banning cadmium in batteries and accumulators, and measures to continue the policy of protecting underground waters. The EEB's memorandum can be consulted on the Internet at the following address: http://www.eeb.org.