Brussels © Getty Images - querbeet
Four key issues are on the informal meeting of Environment ministers’ agenda which is taking place on 15 and 16 January 2024 in Brussels.
Adaptation & resilience
From heat waves to floods and forest fires, Europe is already experiencing severe changes resulting from climate change, which are affecting our ecosystems, people and economy.
The speed at which the climate is changing and the predicted increase in the severity, length and frequency of climate-related impacts require stronger commitments to be made and actions to be taken at all levels of governance and across all policy sectors.
Member states will discuss how to increase societal and economic resilience in the face of climate change and will identify areas in which further action can be taken in the years to come in order to boost the preparedness of the EU.
Climate ambition and policy - missing links
The EU Green Deal has become our holistic framework for all policy domains aiming to transform the EU into a climate-neutral, environmentally sustainable, non-toxic, and fully circular society and economy by 2050. The transition towards a climate-neutral economy and a society that lives within the limits of the planet will require a whole-of-society approach. Different pathways are possible in order to reach this objective, but all sectors will need to transition in order to enable the Union to reach its climate objectives.
This lunchtime session will enable member states to exchange views and share insights into how the Green Deal should further be strengthened during the next legislative cycle in order to advance the EU’s climate policy in the most cost-effective manner. Ministers will also discuss enabling conditions facilitating the discussion on the EU climate target for 2040.
A just transition
The green transition is leading to profound economic and social transformations. This is providing us with opportunities in terms of sustainable economic development, employment and enhanced health protection. At the same time, we face substantial challenges in terms of reskilling, financing and social protection, , amongst other things.
In continuing the work initiated under the Spanish presidency, the Belgian presidency now intends to ensure that the challenges of a Just Transition remain high on the political agenda. That is why the Belgian presidency has asked the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to draft an opinion on the steps that the EU should take to establish a Just Transition Policy Framework (JTPF). This exploratory opinion will play a central role in the discussion of the informal meeting of Environment Ministers.
Circular economy
The EU Green Deal has set an ambitious strategic objective to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, by means of a more resource-efficient, resilient and competitive economy, and for no-one and no place to be left behind. Accelerating the transition to a circular economy is one of its key pillars.
Despite the large number of EU policy initiatives in recent years, the increase in circularity in the European economy is slow, standing at 11.5% in 2022 and stagnating over the last 5 years.
In this context and based on findings from the upcoming ‘Global Resources Outlook’ and ‘State and Outlook Report on Circular Economy’ reports, Ministers will discuss during this work session how the circular economy can contribute to climate neutrality, the restoration of biodiversity and zero pollution. They will also explore how the EU governance framework can accelerate and strengthen the transition towards a circular economy and the sustainable use of resources.
