Brussels, 14/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - Thinking differently about environment policy to bring a more global and more effective response to global threats on the future of the planet, that is the ambition driving the Finnish Presidency of the EU Council. It was also the central theme from the country, champion of the environment and economic performance at the informal meeting of environment ministers in Turku, Finland, on 14-16 July. Jan Erik Enestam, the Finnish minister who chaired the meeting wanted to initiate reflection on the theme of “one planet, one environment” in the hope that the informal Council in Turku would prepare the ground for a new generation of environmental policies for Europe (see EUROPE 9194 of 18 May). The protection of the Baltic Sea was a related issue submitted to ministers. Some 230 participants were expected at this ministerial meeting to which representatives of, among others, EFTA and the EEA, and the new EU candidate countries were invited. Stavros Dimas, the environment commissioner, represented the Commission. Jacqueline McGlade, head of the European Environment Agency, Bob Watson World Bank scientific expert, and Elliot Diringer Director of International Strategies of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change also took part in the meeting, the detailed programme for which is as follows.
A new generation of European environmental policy: ministers were invited to debate the means of granting greater attention in future to sustainable use of natural resources in a more and more globalised world to avoid the eutrophication of our waters and the loss of biodiversity and so as not to lose control over climate change. The aim, said Mr Enestam in the letter of invitation to his colleagues, was to consider strategies to accelerate transition towards an eco-efficient society and examine new initiatives in drawing up environmental policies at European level. A reflection document from the Presidency, entitled “Going global on eco-efficiency - Finland's initiative for a new generation of environmental policy in the EU” guided the debate around three main themes: use of resources and the protection of ecosystems, an environment policy for the planet, and better environment policies.
Mr Dimas was expected to use the debate to unveil to ministers the main thrust of the Commission's proposal for the mid-term review of the sixth action programme for the environment expected at the end of July. The report from the European Environment Agency on the state of the environment, and the scientific assessment of the UN “Millennium Ecosystem Assessment” programme were also debated. At lunch, ministers listened to Elliot Diringer speak about efforts to be taken to intensify the fight against climate change after 2012.
The preliminary reflection phase on the future direction of EU environmental policy, assisted by expert contributions, is expected to lead to the adoption of the Council's formal conclusions at its December meeting.
The state of the environment in the Baltic Sea: ahead of the Conference on the Baltic Sea (in Helsinki on 13-15 November), ministers were due hear a presentation by Professor Erik Bonsdorff, an expert in the subject, on today's environmental problems and remedies to be considered for tomorrow. A visit to an exhibition on the Baltic Sea and a cruise on the Archipelago Sea completed the ministers' information.