Brussels, 16/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - In 2006, the European Commission is to present new initiatives for stepping up the fight against climate change, pursue action to stimulate both environmental protection and economic growth, step up the fight against declining biodiversity and ensure that Member States respect Community environmental law scrupulously and within the time set. These are the priorities of the European Commission in the field of the environment, as presented on Thursday by Stavros Dimas, Environment Commissioner, who set out the lessons drawn from scrutiny of the environment policy in 2005 just published by the Commission.
The review highlights that: 1) EU policy, like the global policy for combating global warming, has moved forward (launch of the Community emissions trading system which, in 2005, gave rise to an exchange of 260 million permits for the value of around EUR 5 billion, and launch of the second phase of the European programme on climate change as agreed at the international conference in Montreal in December 2005; 2) these moves forward have allowed the foundations to be laid for the future EU environmental policy through four first thematic strategies (atmospheric pollution, marine environment, waste management and sustainable use of natural resources); and 3) the protection of the environment and economic growth which, far from being at opposite ends of the spectrum, can go hand in hand.
In a press release, Commissioner Dimas states: “I am determined to maintain the strong momentum created in 2005, which was a landmark year for climate change with the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol exactly a year ago (EUROPE 9132), the take-off of EU emissions trading and the launch of global talks on future action. It was also a breakthrough year for a new wave of environmental policies that will bring both environmental and economic gains. While building on these achievements, this year we must also increase efforts to tackle the deterioration of ecosystems, as shown by the continuing decline in biological diversity, which threatens to undermine the very basis on which our economies depend. I am glad that we have the tool of EPR (European Policy Review), which allows us to take stock and adjust priorities”.
For each of the priorities, the timeframe should be:
Climate change: The results of the 2nd European programme for climate change (EPCC II) will probably result in new European-wide measures, and the Commission will publish a Green Paper on adaptation to climate change, including recommendations of cost-effective practice in developing adaptation policies.
Biodiversity: The Commission will publish a roadmap to be complied with to allow the EU to attain its goal which is to check the decline in biodiversity by 2010. The Green Week, to be organised by the Commission end May/early June will devote part of its programme to the concrete solutions for safeguarding biodiversity. The pan-European network of protected natural sites, Natura 2000, will be completed in 25 Member States and extended to the marine environment.
Eco-innovation and better regulation: The implementation of the action plan in favour of eco-technologies, launched in 2004 as a direct contribution to achieving the Lisbon goals, will continue. The Commission will report on Member States' National Roadmaps for ETAP to the informal Environment Council to be held in May. A European panel on environmental technologies will be set in place to help mobilise key players, increase public visibility and define the next steps for action under ETAP. Furthermore, work aimed at defining details of the new Competitiveness and Action Programme for 2007-2013 will continue. Environment policy will continue to play its part in the drive for better regulation, not least through the two thematic strategies on the environment due to be presented within the next few months, on soil protection and sustainable use of pesticides. Simplifying legislation where possible will remain a key part of wider policy reviews, for instance on industrial emissions.
Implementation of legislation: The Commission intends to intensify cooperation with Member States to help them overcome the difficulties that they encounter, while reserving itself the right to continue using its infringement powers where necessary. It will also present a compliance assistance programme to help small and medium-sized enterprises overcome implementation difficulties. (The Environment Policy Review may be consulted on-line at: http: //www;europa.eu.int/comm/environment/lisbon.htm ).