Belgium — 2008-03-04 — The Environment Ministers of all 27 EU Member States have given a new push to the EU strategy on climate change by supporting ambitious overall emission targets and limits for specific industry sectors. Meeting in Brussels on 3 March, they agreed to support the climate change package proposed by the European Commission in January to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, and by 30% as part of a global post-Kyoto Protocol agreement. They also back a 20% EU-wide energy savings target by 2020, and long-term objectives going beyond that date.

Meeting in Brussels on 3 March, the Environment Ministers Council also agreed to support the December 2007 Commission proposal to limit CO2 emissions from new passenger cars sold in the EU to 120 g/km by 2012, thereby rejecting any extension of the deadline. More specifically, they welcome the integrated approach where 130 g/km would come from improved vehicle motor technology and complementary measures, including energy-efficient air conditioning, would contribute the remaining 10 g/km.

By backing both proposals, the ministers seek to speed up the legislative process and reach a final agreement with the European Parliament before year-end to adopt the climate change package in spring 2009. A quick agreement is necessary to encourage other world regions, including Asia and North America, to follow the EU lead during crucial international climate talks next year.

Other conclusions

The environment ministers also concluded the following:
Eco-Innovations: The ministers urge all EU Member States and the European Commission to ensure a better coordination between growth and sustainability strategies paying special attention to energy-efficient technologies. They acknowledge eco-innovations as one of the fastest growing markets, and recognize environmental legislation as a key driver to support their uptake.

Top-Runner approach: EU countries have to support R&D and a wide-spread introduction of efficient technologies in different sectors, in particular in the construction, food & drink, and transport industry. Moreover, the ministers urge industry players and policy makers to define performance requirements for certain technologies in comparison to the “top runners” - the most efficient models available on the market. The top-runner scheme is already applied successfully in Japan.

Next steps
The EU Environment Ministers’ conclusions will now be forwarded to the EU Heads of States to provide political guidance for their approval at a meeting on 13-14 March. The European Parliament will discuss this issue in parallel to give its input.

More information:
Environment Council - Conclusions, 3 March 2008 (166 KB)
Environment Council - Press Release, 3 March 2008 (285 KB)
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