Brussels, 22/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - In the opinion of the EU27, Europe's integrated climate and energy policy, endorsed by the European Council in March, and the outcome of the G8 Heiligendamm summit, held on 6-8 June under German presidency, provide “an encouraging basis” for December's opening of international negotiations on a global scheme to combat climate change after 2012, when the Kyoto Protocol expires. EU heads of state and government meeting in Brussels highlighted this point, putting their wishes down in writing, in the hope that the EU and the international community will capitalise on this progress to the maximum.
In the draft conclusions, due to be adopted at the end of the meeting, European leaders recall their conclusions of March and give a positive assessment of the G8, finding reason to be satisfied in the specific reference to a reduction of at least 50% in the greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the desire for the negotiation process under the aegis of the United Nations, and the will to conclude an overall agreement on the post-2012 period by 2009.
Therefore, the European Council urges all parties to play an active and constructive role in the urgent and worldwide preparation of a response to the challenge posed by climate change, based on joint, but differentiated, responsibility and taking account of their respective capabilities. In launching this call, heads of state and government have in mind the opening of the 13th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change in Bali, 3-14 December 2007, which will see the official launch of negotiations.
In terms of its share of the collective effort, the EU will have to decide on the level of its ambitions. The Council, then, highlights the importance of rapid and effective implementation of all the parts of the overall energy action plan, approved in March, in order to take forward the energy policy for Europe.
To give substance to the EU's long-term commitments on intensifying the fight against climate change, the European Council says it will await with interest the Commission proposal revising the Community greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme to make it work better and widen its scope, following the recommendations of the EU Council.
Heads of state and government call on the Commission to consider the inclusion of land use, re-allocation of land and forestry in this system, and note the EU's intention to extend the system to aviation, without affecting the sector's competitiveness.
The European Council also stresses the importance of maritime economic activities carried out in an environmentally sustainable way. It welcomes the wide-ranging debate on the future maritime policy being conducted in Europe (and especially the conference held in Bremen in May 2007), and calls on the Commission to draw up a European action plan to be presented in October.
Deeming that it is becoming increasingly apparent that climate change will have considerable consequences on international security issues, the European Council invites High Representative for the CFSP Javier Solana and the European Commission to cooperate closely on this important issue, and to submit a joint report at the 2008 Spring summit.
Pursuing the Heiligendamm process with emerging countries
Hailing the areas for dialogue with emerging economies, the European Council welcomes the new form of dialogue set up by the G8, with South Africa, Brazil, China, India and Mexico in particular, to discuss climate change. EU heads of state and government consider that the “Heiligendamm process” should continue in order to increase dialogue and encourage cooperation with these countries in a wide range of areas, such as innovation and intellectual property, investment conditions (without dodging the issue of responsible behaviour from companies), energy efficiency and development cooperation. (an)