Luxembourg: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, emphasized the importance of the EU Environment Council meeting in Luxembourg, marking the culmination of the Cyprus Presidency's six-month tenure in the environmental sector. She expressed her anticipation for a fruitful discussion to conclude the Presidency's environmental initiatives on a progressive note.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Panayiotou noted that this session is the final Environment Council under the Cyprus Presidency. Over the past months, the Cyprus Presidency has been driven by the motto of an "autonomous Union, open to the world," and Panayiotou expressed pride in the accomplishments achieved during this period.
Highlighting specific achievements, Panayiotou mentioned that under the Cyprus Presidency, the Council reached agreements on crucial environmental initiatives such as the Market Stability Reserve for ETS2 and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Significant progress was also made on the environmental omnibus and proposals concerning CO2 standards for vehicles. The implementation of the water resilience strategy and securing a Council conclusion on the bioeconomy strategy were also notable accomplishments.
Discussing the agenda for Thursday's meeting, Panayiotou outlined the Council's focus on advancing CO2 standards for vehicles and emphasizing the importance of a nature-based economy for competitiveness. The Council aims to exchange views on the chemicals legislative framework, enhance the water resilience strategy, and reinforce Europe's leadership for the upcoming COP31.
Panayiotou reiterated the guiding philosophy of the Cyprus Presidency, which balances green transition with competitiveness. She stressed that the efforts of the Presidency were geared towards aligning environmental protection with economic resilience, ensuring progress towards climate neutrality amidst global challenges.
In her concluding remarks, the Minister expressed hope for a constructive dialogue that would signify the successful conclusion of the Cyprus Presidency's environmental work.