Environment Council, 8 March (Hansard, 13 March 2001)

§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)

My right honourable friend the Minister for the Environment represented the UK at the Environment Council in Brussels on 8 March, accompanied by Sam Galbraith, Scottish Executive Minister for Environment, Sport and Culture. The UK, along with other member states, except Germany, who abstained, voted in favour of the common position on the proposed directive on motorcycle emissions. Council adopted three sets of conclusions.

The presidency proposed a compromise text on a directive to limit emissions from motorcycles in two stages, 2003 and 2006. In supporting the proposed text on tighter limits from 2003, providing between 60 and 70 per cent reduction in hydrocarbons and 30 to 60 per cent reduction in carbon monoxide, member states accepted my amendment to extend the deadline for "enduro" bikes to assist the small UK manufacturers in adapting to the new limits. Germany proposed binding limits for 2006 to be agreed now, in advance of the Commission's proposed limits due by the end of 2002, which will be based on a new test cycle currently under development. The UK, along with the majority of member states, agreed to accept Germany's proposed limit values for 2006 as indicative non-binding limits only and Council achieved a Common Position, with German abstention, that meets both our environmental and manufacturers' needs.

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Short Council conclusions on climate change were agreed reaffirming the EU's commitment to reaching agreement on the Kyoto Protocol at the resumed COP6. Following a presentation by the Commission of a Communication preparing for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio + 10) in 2002, Council conclusions were agreed listing strategic objectives for the summit. Council conclusions were also reached on a Communication reviewing future bathing water policy. These will guide the Commission in preparing its proposal for a revised directive.

A public policy debate was held on the Sixth Environment Action Programme, which will set out the EU's environmental priorities for the next 10 years, primarily climate change, nature and biodiversity, environment and health and sustainable management of natural resources and waste. It was clear from the debate that there was a general wish to make the programme more specific by adding some key objectives and deadlines, although since the proposal has only recently been published, there were not many concrete suggestions. Delegations also generally wish to see a short, clear programme. The negotiations on this dossier will proceed throughout the remainder of the Swedish Presidency with the aim to reach Common Position at the June Council.

A policy debate was also held on a White Paper on a future EU chemicals strategy. This proposes a new framework for risk assessment and management of both existing and new chemicals. It follows an initiative launched by the UK under its Presidency in 1998. Member states expressed broad support of the Commission objectives. The next stage will be detailed consideration of the practicalities of how these objectives can be met. The Presidency aim to complete Council conclusions in June to direct the Commission in developing proposals for an effective and workable system.

The Commission and Presidency updated Council on progress on an EU sustainable development strategy. The Commission presented its Green Paper on Integrated Product Policy, which seeks to address the environmental impact of products at all stages of their life-cycle. The Presidency gave progress reports on a number of current legislative proposals expected to reach common position at the June or October 2001 Environment Councils. The Commission reported on progress in drafting a new proposal on the traceability and labelling of GMOs. The Council also had an informal discussion on climate change at the end of the day's business.