Brussels - The last formal Environment Council under the Czech Presidency will be held on 25 June in Luxembourg. Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas will represent the European Commission. Under the points on the agenda without discussion (the A points) EU environment ministers will approve conclusions on the White Paper on Adapting to Climate Change. Among others, under the items for discussion the Council is expected to reach a political agreement on revised legislation on industrial emissions and adopt conclusions on bio-waste. The Presidency will present a progress report on soil and an exchange of views will also be held on the EU's position on a post-2012 climate agreement.

Industrial emissions

The Council is due to reach a political agreement on the Commission's proposal for a directive on industrial emissions. The proposal, which merges seven directives, including the directive on integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC), into one and streamlines certain provisions was presented by the Commission in December 2007 (see IP/07/1985 and MEMO/07/623). It seeks to tackle the shortcomings of current legislation on industrial emissions and ensure the effective implementation of best available techniques. The proposal tightens minimum emission limits in certain industrial sectors, introduces standards for environmental inspections, and renders the review of permits more effective.

The proposal is expected to bring significant environmental and health benefits while improving enforcement. It will also reduce competition distortions between companies and lessen the administrative burden faced by business under the existing regime.

Before reaching an agreement the ministers will discuss a number of outstanding issues. Especially important in these discussions will be the provisions on minimum emission requirements for large combustion plants and the use of best available techniques.

Bio-waste

Council will also adopt conclusions on bio-waste. The Commission presented a discussion paper in December 2008 (see IP/08/1879) which explores options and opportunities in bio-waste management in the European Union and assesses the need for legislation. Bio-waste in the form of biodegradable garden, kitchen and food waste accounts for around one third of municipal waste and has potential major impacts on the environment. When disposed of in landfill sites, it emits methane – a powerful greenhouse gas which is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide and a major contributor to climate change.

Waste management in the EU is governed by a substantial body of regulation, but legislation in the area of bio-waste could be strengthened. Divergent views are being heard in Council between those pushing for additional legislation and those against further EU legislation in this area. It is uncertain whether the conclusions will call for a legislative proposal.

Soil

The Presidency will present a progress report on soil. The report will cover the proposed soil directive presented by the Commission in September 2006 (see IP/06/1241). The aim of the proposed directive is to ensure that Europe’s soils remain healthy and capable of supporting human activity and ecosystems. As soil degradation accelerates across the EU the negative effects on health and ecosystems is increasingly being felt. To reverse this trend the Commission’s strategy sets a common EU framework for action to preserve, protect and restore soil while leaving Member States with the flexibility to implement it in a way which fits local situations best. However, a blocking minority of Member States – Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Austria – have kept the Council from reaching a political agreement on soil.

A lack of agreement on soil is preventing the Union from securing the sustainability of its environment in the face of considerable challenges such as climate change, world population growth and food production. Not having a common EU approach to soil also undermines the EU's position in international discussions on soil degradation.

Quelle: EU commission

Zurück