Brussels, 04/01/2005 (Agence Europe) - As reported in yesterday's Europe, p.10, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) presented a Memorandum and Ten Green Tests to the Dutch Presidency on 21 December, looking back over the past six months and applauding it for its leadership on the Lisbon process. 'While recognising the Dutch Presidency for its hard work and efforts, the assessment of the results for the other areas was mixed or, as in the case of the Financial Perspectives, even disappointing,' notes the EEB. In a press release, Ralph Hallo, EEB President, welcomed the Dutch Presidency's 'positive initiatives to remind EU leaders that environmental action can support competitnvess'. The EEB regretted the lack of progress in phasing out environmentally damaging subsidies in the EU, which 'remains an important task for the next Presidency'. John Hontelez, EEB secretary general, comments that 'the Dutch Presidency did not show the right kind of leadership with regards to public participation' on the exception al status of GMO-related decisions. The EEB 'remains committed to achieving a strong EU chemicals policy without further delay and has asked the Presidency to seek a breakthrough on key problems of REACH.'