Brussels, 16/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has welcomed the universal ratification of the Montreal Protocol, following ratification by Timor-Leste. This announcement was made on Wednesday 16 September by the United Nations and coincides with International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas was delighted with the news and said that it appeared to be a good sign for the conclusion of an agreement on climate change at the Copenhagen conference in December. In a press release the commissioner declared: “The progress the Protocol has achieved in protecting both the ozone layer and the global climate shows that worldwide consensus on exceptionally important environmental issues is achievable. This is a very important and encouraging message”. Speaking on behalf of the EU presidency, Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren said: “The European Union is happy to welcome Timor-Leste to the global community working for the protection of the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol's achievements in protecting the ozone layer and combating climate change have been remarkable, but there is a growing global consensus that the projected increase of HFCs is not compatible with our goal of building a low-carbon economy. The next Montreal Protocol conference in November and the Copenhagen climate conference in December are important opportunities to continue work on this issue.” (A.N./transl.rh)