Late yesterday evening, during the first Environment Council Meeting presided by the Minister for Sustainable Development and Climate Change José Herrera, a general approach was reached on the review of the EU Emissions Trading System, the Department of Information said. Apart from discussing the Emissions Trading System, the environment ministers also discussed the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Greening the European Semester and the EU Environmental Implementation Review (EIR).
Emissions trading system
Following intensive negotiations, the Council agreed its negotiating position for the review of the emission trading system (ETS). The ETS is one of the main tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The review will contribute to the EU’s goal of reducing its emissions by at least 40% by 2030, as committed under the Paris Agreement on climate change.
‘‘This is important for us, for our planet and for future generations. The Paris Agreement was a landmark achievement, but we need to put words into action. A better functioning ETS will reduce emissions further. The EU is delivering on its promises, because it cares about a better future for all," Minister José Herrera said.
Sustainable development
The ministers also discussed how to put the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into practice, focusing in particular on what it means for the EU’s environmental policy. They addressed how to better involve citizens and the private sector. The key messages of this discussion will feed into the process for the preparation of Council conclusions in June.
Greening of the European Semester – Environmental Implementation Review
In the context of the European Semester process, the environment ministers exchanged views on the role that sustainable development and the environment can play in greening the 2017 annual growth survey and the role of sustainable development and environment. They also discussed the environmental implementation review, a new tool to address implementation gaps on environmental legislation and policy and the role it can play in the greening process.