Brussels, 07/01/2005 (Agence Europe) - Boosting environmental work as part of the Lisbon Process is a priority area in the Luxembourg Presidency of the council of the EU. To achieve this, it is planning to set out a clear overview of strategies to combat climate change and the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.
Another environmental priority is establishing an 'ambitious and fair' emissions reduction system for post-2012 (the second period of the Kyoto Protocol). By ambitious and fair, the Luxembourg Presidency means it should include commitments to make combined and differentiated reductions according to the capacity and responsibilities of the countries in question.
The Luxembourg Presidency will attempt to reach agreement with the European Parliament over the amendment to the Bathing Water Directive and legislation covering sulphur content of marine fuel. Protection of groundwater against pollution, the future of the LIFE environment fund beyond 2007 (LIFE +) and the INSPIRE initiative (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Union) will also be priority legislation during the Luxembourg Presidency's six months at the helm of the EU.