Cultivation of genetically modified organisms
The Environment Council today reached a political agreement on a draft directive amending the current legislation (directive 2001/18/EC) as regards the possibility for member states to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their territory.
"After more than 4 years of difficult negotiations, today we have reached a political agreement in the Environment Council on the opt out proposal on the cultivation of GMOs. For the first time, member states will have a solid legal tool to prohibit the cultivation of GMOs in their territory. This is the first, very important step, in our continuous effort for the further improvement and effective regulation of the GMO authorisation system in the EU," said the president of the Council, Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Yannis Maniatis.
The aim of the proposal is to provide a sound legal basis in the related EU legal framework in order to allow member states to restrict or prohibit the cultivation, in all or part of their territory, of GMOs that have been authorised or are under authorisation at EU level.
See press release.
2030 framework for climate and energy
The Council held a public policy debate on a Commission communication for a 2030 framework for climate and energy policy. The aim of the debate was to help define elements for the final package.
"Today we have had a discussion to define certain elements of the 2030 framework, such as the sectoral and the investment challenges. I am confident that our input will indeed serve the purpose of contributing to the overall process with a view to a final decision by the European Council in October," said minister Maniatis.
The presidency will report on the outcome of the ministerial discussion to the President of the European Council with a view to the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2014, which will take stock of progress towards final agreement by October 2014.
Clean air programme for Europe
Ministers held a first public policy debate on two legislative proposals (directives on medium-size combustion plants and on national emission ceilings), which are part of the Clear Air Programme for Europe. The aim of the programme is to further reduce the impacts of harmful emissions from industry, transport, energy plants and agriculture on human health and the environment.
Convention on Biological Diversity
The Council adopted conclusions on Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The conclusions are adopted with a view to preparing for the three CBD related international meetings to be held in Pyeongchang (Republic of Korea) in September - October 2014.
