Brussels, 05/01/2006 (Agence Europe) - Climate change, biodiversity, air quality and waste are the priority environmental issues on the joint working programme of the Austrian and Finnish Presidencies for their successive mandates at the head of the EU Council. These issues will have their full attention while efforts continue to integrate environmental concerns in other sector-specific EU policies (Cardiff process) and the achievement of sustainable development, placing emphasis on the methods of production and consumption. Mid-term review of the sixth action programme for the environment foreseen in 2006 will be one of the other main issues addressed. Progress in this context, however, is subject to review of the seven thematic strategies (air quality, waste prevention and recycling, sustainable use of natural resources, marine environment, urban environment, soil protection, sustainable use of pesticides). Review is already behind schedule. All strategies should be on the table mid-2006. The targets for each of these fields of action at EU and international level are:
Climate change. At internal level: revision of Directive 2003/87/EC which established, on 1 January 2005, the Community system for trading emission quotas, and the implementation of the new phase of the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP). The beginning of discussions on inclusion of aviation in the Community emissions quota trading system is on the programme, but it will depend on the date when the Commission presents its legislative proposal. At external level: emphasis will be on starting a process aimed at a global agreement on the development of a global climate regime after 2012. Climate change will also continue to be a regular part of the EU's agenda in its transatlantic dialogue and other contacts with third countries.
Biodiversity. The aim is to promote the EU target of halting the decline of biodiversity by 2010 and to prepare two international meetings: the 8th Conference of the Parties (COP8) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD and the 3rd Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (MOP3) (Brazil, spring 2006).
Air quality. At internal level: the aim is to improve the consistency and effectiveness of the regulatory framework on the basis of the Commission proposal for a directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, to amend the legislation in order to promote more ambitious emissions standards for motor vehicles and heavy vehicles (EURO V and EURO VI), and to review the directive on fuel quality. At external level: The EU will strive to maintain the positive momentum of international cooperation in protecting the ozone layer during the 18th COP to the Montreal Protocol (Basel, autumn 2006).
Water. At internal level: the main objective is to move forward on new Commission proposals on flood risk management and the priority given to controlling or prohibiting the dumping of dangerous substances into water (“priority substances, water quality”). At external level: the EU will take a proactive role in the 4th World Water Forum in spring 2006.
Environmental technologies. In close cooperation with the European Commission, the two Presidencies will seek to make progress on the implementation of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP), which will also be the subject of the Environment Ministers' informal meeting in May this year. The two Presidencies have also agreed to follow up ongoing work on linking environmental technologies with public procurement.
Global environmental governance. The EU is committed to improving global environmental governance and to playing a driving role in promoting environmental issues at global level and ensuring any follow-up required by the 9th special session of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (February 2006).
Sustainable development. The aim is to allow the March European Council to adopt the revised strategy on EU sustainable development for 2005-2010 on the basis of guiding principles set in place by the Heads of State and Government one year earlier and the guidelines recently presented by the Commission (EUROPE 9090). Preparatory work will be helped along by contributions of the various Council formations and will aim to gather the priorities and objectives of sustainable development into a clear and coherent strategy that can be communicated simply and effectively to citizens. The Austrian Presidency plans to present proposals for the ratification of the protocols to the Alpine Convention in the areas of transport and agriculture. Furthermore, the Council will actively prepare the next sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) in spring 2006 and 2007, which will focus on the strategic themes of energy for sustainable development, climate change, air pollution/atmosphere and industrial development.