22/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - During the Agriculture Council of Monday 18 July, the Council adopted, under point A, a common position on application within the Community institutions of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention, allowing access by citizens to information and justice on environmental issues and their participation in decision-making. The Belgian delegation voted against and the German delegation abstained. The text will be forwarded to the European Parliament with a view to analysis in second reading. The Council also adopted without debate a decision approving the agreement on conservation of wild migratory birds of Africa-Eurasia. Finally, a common position was finalised on the proposal for a directive on minimising the negative impact that batteries and accumulators have on the environment. Belgium, Ireland, Greece and Italy abstained from voting.