EU environment ministers reconfirm commitment to Paris Agreement

European Union (EU) environment ministers here on Friday agreed on the need to keep alive the momentum from December's global climate change event in Paris and to focus now on the implementation of commitments, including those laid down in national pledges.

The ministers discussed the follow-up to the Paris Agreement on climate change and its implications for EU climate policy.

"A timely implementation of the EU 2030 climate and energy framework was seen as an important sign of the EU's commitment to the objectives of the Paris Agreement," concluded the ministers.

The ministers also emphasized the relevance of swift ratification of the agreement.

"In Paris, 195 countries adopted the historic climate agreement, a true turning point to limit the temperature increase and to prevent risks posed by climate change. Now member states will make it a reality by taking concrete actions at the EU and national level," said Sharon Dijksma, the Dutch minister for the environment and current president of the Environment Council.

The ministers also held a debate on the EU action plan for the circular economy, part of a package which also includes four legislative proposals on waste.

The aim of the package is to stimulate Europe's transition towards a circular economy, more sustainable and competitive than the current model. It introduces measures to cut resource use, reduce waste, and boost recycling. Endit