Filenews 26 March 2024
The EU Environment Council, held on Monday in Brussels, was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Dr Maria Panayiotou.
The main issues discussed by the Council were the European Union's 2040 climate target, the proposal for a Directive on waste and the prevention of losses of plastic granules, with a view to reducing pollution by microplastics.
Regarding 2040, the Minister said that she considers it necessary for this process to take into account the realities of the member states and be accompanied by the appropriate support, of a technical and financial nature.
She added that areas of paramount importance for the connectivity and economic stability of some member states, especially island ones, such as air transport and shipping, should be taken into account.
In her intervention, the Minister welcomed the proposal to amend the Waste Framework Directive, pointing out that it should be ensured that the targets are realistic, practicable, within the agreed timeframes, and that they are accompanied by support measures.
She added that the specific circumstances of each member state, such as climatic conditions in food storage and fluctuations in food waste generation as a result of seasonal tourism, should also be taken into account.
Regarding the discussion on the proposal for a Regulation on the prevention of losses of plastic pellets to reduce pollution by microplastics, Cyprus welcomed the new proposal stressing the need to minimize the administrative burden on competent authorities.
During a working lunch, ministers exchanged views on water resilience.
Dr. Panayiotou stressed the importance of international, regional and interdisciplinary cooperation to achieve sustainable management of water resources.
She stressed the need to ensure that Member States, especially Mediterranean ones, have the necessary financial possibilities for access to new technologies that allow independence from climatic conditions.
On the sidelines of the Summit, and in view of preparations for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, the Minister held a meeting with delegations from Poland and Denmark, during which the next steps in preparation for the Trio Presidency were discussed.
She also met with Hungarian Minister for Environmental Affairs Anikó Raisz, ahead of the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, in the second half of 2024.
